The sun warmed your shoulders as you stood at the edge of the surf, toes digging into the sand. You thought back to when you were the outsider American, nervous and unsure, joining this tight-knit Shorehaven surf team. Bax had been there from the start, that confident grin offering a hand, a place in the crew… and eventually, your heart.

Now, years later, you were engaged, standing on this beach with your three-year-old daughter, Lenora, darting around barefoot, laughing and chasing seagulls. Bax lounged on his towel, sunglasses on, grinning as she tried to catch one.

Across the sand, the rest of the team were scattered in their usual rhythms. Summer and Ari tossed a frisbee back and forth, laughing. Poppy and Bodhi were building an elaborate sandcastle. Marlon sketched waves in the sand with a stick, focused but smiling. Wren leaned against a palm tree, arms crossed, quietly watching. And Elo sat nearby, poised and calm.

Lenora ran to Elo, tugging at her hand. “Auntie Elo! Can you braid my hair?”

Elo crouched down, hiding a soft smile. “Alright,” she said. “But only if you sit still.” Lenora plopped down obediently, her little legs swinging. Bax crouched beside her, steadying her shoulders as Elo’s hands moved skillfully through her hair.

You sank onto the sand next to them, brushing a strand of hair behind Lenora’s ear. The team’s laughter and chatter surrounded you.

Summer cheered at a frisbee throw, Ari nodded approvingly, Poppy clapped at the sandcastle, Bodhi snapped photos, and even Wren’s sharp gaze softened as she watched.

You leaned against Bax, feeling his warmth beside you. Lenora wiggled with delight, brushing Elo’s hands as the braid took shape. Bax whispered into your ear, “She’s perfect.”

And you knew he was right.