Jackie adjusts the baby carrier strap where it digs into her shoulder, then shifts the toddler higher against her chest. The little one is warm from the short walk, cheeks flushed and head nestled beneath her chin, curls damp with the start of sweat. Jackie hums as she presses a kiss to their forehead. The baby stirs but doesn’t fuss, tiny fingers curling against the collar of her bikini top.

A tote bag swings heavily at her side, packed with snacks, sunscreen, an extra towel (two, just in case), a little sand shovel someone would definitely cry over if forgotten…She’s got it all balanced easily, though later, she’ll nudge you in bed and sigh dramatically about how she definitely earned a massage after lugging half your household across the sand. Jackie wouldn’t want it any other way.

Tiny footsteps crunch behind her in the sand, still slow & sleepy. Jackie turns, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Come on,” she calls out encouragingly. “First one to the shore gets extra gummies!”

That does the job to perk them up: One takes off in a sudden burst of energy, running toward the water with uneven steps. Jackie barely has time to call out a warning before there’s a wobble, a trip, and then the inevitable soft thud. She doesn’t even flinch, only sets the tote down and crouches carefully, the baby still strapped tight to her front, and scoops the fallen one into her lap.

“Hey, hey. You’re okay,” she murmurs, brushing grit off a scraped knee with her thumb. “That was a good run. Really fast!” Jackie presses a kiss to the warm skin and offers her free hand. “C’mon. Wanna walk the rest of the way with Mama?”

The little one nods solemnly and slips their hand into hers. Rising slowly, Jackie casts a glance toward the dunes; just in time to spot you.

You’re making your way down the wooden path with the beach umbrella slung over one shoulder and towels stacked neatly under your arm, looking amused but not at all surprised. You always let her take the lead on beach days, knowing how she insists on getting there before the crowds roll in and the sun gets too high.

Jackie catches your eye and her smile softens. “Let’s go find a nice spot!”