"Anyway, I'll bathe and get changed too. You too, son." A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Osiris’ lips, giving his son the baked pie. "Anyway, put that on the table.” He turned his back but stepped back when he remembered he had to say something. “Take a shower, boys. I know you played ball again. We'll eat after." Osiris' fatherly concern was paired with a knowing smile, a nod to their shared activities and the usual post-game routine."Luca, lend your friend some clothes," he added with a wink, his voice taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "Your mama will complain if we boys stink."Their laughter resonated throughout the hallway, an infectious sound that encapsulated the camaraderie between them. The father and son exchanged a knowing look, a bond strengthened by shared memories and playful jests. With a final chuckle, they each went their separate ways—Osiris ascending the stairs to their bedroom and Ronnie following Luca toward his.As Osiris entered their bedroom, the fa
Luca's cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement playing across his features. "Come on, Ronnie, you didn't have to share that story!"Ronnie shrugged, a mischievous grin on his face. "Hey, you said I should tell your mom more about you!""Well, I didn't expect you to spill all my embarrassing secrets!" Luca retorted, playfully nudging Ronnie's shoulder.As the laughter subsided, Summer's gaze lingered on her son, affection and amusement evident in her eyes. "Oh, Luca, you've always known how to keep life interesting."Osiris joined in, his deep laughter rumbling through the room. "Indeed, our boy has a flair for the dramatic!"The atmosphere was light and jovial, the shared laughter drawing them closer as a family. Summer's heart swelled with warmth as she basked in the joyous camaraderie that enveloped them. The bond they shared was evident in these moments of shared laughter and teasing, a testament to the enduring connections that wove them together.As the dinner co
They swam side by side, their strokes synchronized as they traversed the length of the pool. Osiris's presence beside her was a comfort, the connection between them tangible even in the quiet of the night. As they reached the opposite end, they turned and faced each other, the water lapping at their bodies.Osiris's gaze held a mixture of playfulness and tenderness as he inched closer. "You know, sometimes all we need is a moment like this," he mused, his fingers brushing a damp strand of hair from Summer's face.She met his gaze, her heart swelling with affection. "You're right," she agreed, her voice soft but resolute.With a gentle grace, Osiris closed the remaining distance between them, his lips finding hers in a tender kiss. The water around them seemed to hold its breath, the world melting away as they shared that intimate moment.As their lips parted, Osiris's hand found its way to the small of her back, drawing her closer. "Let's make the most of this," he whispered, his voic
Ronnie followed suit, a yawn escaping him as he joined Luca at the kitchen. "You're in charge of the coffee," he quipped, a teasing smile playing on his lips.Luca shot him a mock glare, but there was warmth in his eyes. "Fine, but you owe me for this," he retorted, reaching for the coffee maker and getting it ready.The hum of the coffee maker filled the air as they worked side by side, a comfortable silence settling between them. Their actions were synchronized, each knowing the routine as they prepared the morning brew. It was in these quiet moments that their friendship felt most genuine, a camaraderie built on shared experiences, inside jokes, and the simple understanding they had for each other.As the coffee finally brewed, Ronnie poured two cups and handed one to Luca, the warmth of the mug seeping through his hands. "Thanks," he said, a grateful smile curving his lips.Luca nodded, taking a sip of his coffee and relishing in the familiar taste. "No problem," he replied, his t
Luca exchanged a puzzled glance with Ronnie before shaking his head. "What's up, Mom?"Summer's smile widened, and she leaned forward, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. "Your birthday, darling!"Luca blinked in surprise, a mixture of astonishment and delight crossing his features. "Oh, yeah! I totally forgot about that.""Forgot your own birthday?" Ronnie teased, a playful grin on his face."Hey, it happens!" Luca shot back with a laugh.Osiris interjected with a warm chuckle. "Well, your mother and I have been planning something special for your big day."Luca's curiosity was piqued. "Really? Like what?"Summer exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Osiris before turning her attention back to Luca. "We were thinking of celebrating it somewhere different this year. Any ideas, sweetheart?"Luca's mind raced, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Hmm, somewhere different, huh?" A mischievous glint entered his eyes as he looked at Ronnie. "How about that new gaming lounge that opened downtown?"
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with vibrant shades of orange and pink, the group's attention turned to a different kind of challenge—creating sand castles. With buckets, shovels, and their imaginations as their tools, they set to work sculpting intricate sand structures. Towers, moats, and bridges took shape under their hands, each sand castle a testament to their creativity and teamwork.As the twilight progressed, the mood shifted from friendly competition to playful antics. Some of the friends engaged in lighthearted wrestling matches on the sand, rolling and tumbling as they laughed and grappled with one another. The sand-covered antics brought forth peals of laughter and carefree moments, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and creating memories.As the dusk drew to a close, the group found themselves sprawled on the sand, tired but content. They gazed up at the star-studded sky, the soft sounds of the waves providing a soothing backdrop. The glow of the bonfire illumi
The room seemed to spin as the truth sank in, each word echoing like a resounding truth that had been buried for far too long. Summer's embrace loosened as she pulled away, her eyes filled with anger and betrayal. With a series of rapid, stinging slaps, she unleashed her pent-up frustration on Legacy's face. "How dare you! You kidnapped my son! Why did you do this to me, Legacy?" she cried, her voice filled with hurt and anger.Legacy winced at the blows, his face marked by the physical manifestation of Summer's fury. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his pain mirroring the chaos that had erupted within the room. "What do you expect me to do? Huh? Summer, tell me! What do you expect me to do?" he choked out, his voice trembling. "He's the only one I can have. You have this man, you have his son. Me? I can never have you back. And then you'll take away my son?""I am his mother! I have the right!" Summer's voice was filled with a mixture of desperation and determination, her eyes l
"Sorry for calling this late," Legacy's voice floated up the stairs, tinged with an awkwardness that Cameron had rarely heard. "Is this Cameron, I mean, Ronnie's teacher?" Legacy's voice stumbled over the words, a testament to the unfamiliarity of the situation. "He can't go to school tomorrow, can you tell me what to do? I'm planning to transfer him to a new school."Cameron's heart skipped a beat, his pulse quickening in response to his father's words. The phone call was unexpected, a glimpse into the depths of Legacy's intentions. He listened in silence, his back pressing against the door as if to steady himself against the revelation that unfolded.The weight of those words settled heavily on Cameron's shoulders. His father's plans to transfer him to a new school were like a thunderclap in the night, shattering the fragile semblance of stability he had managed to cling to. The realization hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him gasping for breath as he struggled to comprehend the i