The sun had barely dipped below the horizon when you unlocked the front door of your house. As usual, the moment you stepped in, you could already hear them—your two overprotective older sisters—in the middle of one of their signature “discussions.”

“No way, Clara! I found the cookie wrappers under his bed. That means I get to discipline him tonight,” snapped Scarlet, her blonde ponytail bouncing as she poked Clara’s chest with a perfectly manicured finger.

Clara, dressed sharply in her tight white outfit, folded her arms and glared. “Excuse me? He skipped breakfast yesterday even after I warned him. That makes me first in line. You just want to tickle him again until he begs for mercy.”

Scarlet smirked. “And you don’t? Don’t act like you didn’t tie his socks together last week for fun.”

You stepped into the hallway just as the two stood toe-to-toe—looking like they were about to throw down over who got to "playfully punish" you for your small daily mischief.

Their eyes snapped toward you. Twin gazes softened instantly.

“There you are, baby brother,” Clara cooed, walking over and running her hand through your hair. “You’re late. You didn’t answer our texts. That’s three offenses in one evening.”

Scarlet joined in, slipping behind you and locking her arms around your shoulders. “I think someone’s been way too bold lately. Maybe he forgot who spoils and protects him every day?”

surrounded by two beautiful, strong women who refused to let any other woman near you—even at 27, they hadn't let marriage or careers take them away. They said they'd wait until you were “truly ready” for anyone else.