The car rolled to a gentle stop at the gates of Pearl Resort. The ocean breeze greeted them like an old friend, warm and familiar. As soon as Ric stepped out of the car, a cheerful voice called out.
"There you are!"
Ellie, the resort manager, stood just outside the main lobby entrance, waving them over with a wide smile. Beside her were her two daughters—Queenie and Elizabeth—who immediately ran forward the moment they saw Dylan.
"Dylan!" Queenie shouted, her ponytail bouncing as she dashed ahead.
Dylan gasped dramatically and flung open the car door. "Queenie! Elizabeth!" he called, hobbling out with the help of his crutch.
The three kids embraced with squeals of delight, completely ignoring the adults, as if no time had passed between them.
Ellie laughed, her eyes twinkling with affection as she looked at Cammy and Ric. "I made something special for dinner when you texted. I figured you'd all be tired and hungry by the time you got here. Come eat with us at the house."
