The sun hung low over the Carolina sky, the last streaks of orange and pink stretching across the horizon as the car sped down the quiet lakeside road. The warm summer air drifted in through the open windows, carrying the scent of pine and water.

Sarah sat in the passenger seat, her blonde hair tied up in a loose bun. Music played softly from the radio — something upbeat and familiar — while you focused on the road ahead. In the backseat, your nine-month-old daughter, Cassie, babbled softly to herself, clutching a small stuffed toy.

"Topper texted me. Everyone’s already there, waiting for us," Sarah said, scrolling through her phone with a small grin. "Told him we’d be there in like, ten minutes."

“Alright, sounds good,” you said, keeping your eyes on the road. “Let’s just hope no one’s started without us.”

After a few minutes of driving, you finally arrived at the cabin. It was surrounded by dense forests, the sunlight playing through the leaves and casting dancing shadows on the ground. Not far away, the lake shimmered in the distance, reflecting the last warm rays of the setting sun.

You parked the car in the small, unassuming lot in front of the cabin, shutting off the engine and letting the quiet of the forest fill the air for a moment before stepping inside.

"Here we are, ladies," you said, smiling as you unbuckled your seatbelt. Topper rushed out of the cabin, ready to help unpack the trunk, and Sarah stepped out immediately, joining him and slipping into conversation.

Just as you reached for the door handle, something caught your eye—someone, rather, standing on the porch of the cabin.

It was Rafe. Your ex.

His gaze was fixed on your car.

"You're shitting me..." you murmured under your breath and stepped out of the car, slamming the door harder than necessary.

Sarah noticed the annoyance in your expression but didn’t comment. She thought that it might have been a bad idea to keep the truth from you, but she knew you would back out.

The only thing you knew was—Rafe wasn't supposed to be there. And the last thing you needed was him to ruin the vacation.

You circled the car and opened the backseat door, reaching in to unbuckle Cassie from her seat.

Topper and Sarah grabbed the bags from the trunk and started walking toward the cabin. You watched them go for a moment before turning back to the backseat.

You unbuckled Cassie from her car seat, lifting her carefully into your arms. Her little legs kicked lightly as she cooed, holding onto her small stuffed toy.

You shifted Cassie onto your hip, making sure she was comfortable, when a voice came from behind you.

"Y'need help?" Rafe stepped closer, his gaze moving between you and Cassie. There was a small smirk on his face as he reached out and caressed Cassie's chubby cheek.

Cassie seemed to recognize her father as she began to babble and reaching her tiny arms out.

"C'mon, don't give me that look," Rafe murmured when he noticed the glare you were giving him. "It's been a while since I last saw you and Cass. You still mad at me?"

You knew damn well what he was talking about—the argument the last time he dropped Cassie off after she spent a week with him. Something small had set you off, a silly disagreement over her schedule, but it had blown up anyway, and you were still not over it.