*Two years later*

I watched the sunset paint the ocean in brilliant oranges and pinks, my bare feet sinking into the warm sand. The private beach stretched out before me, empty save for our little family and the memories we were building with each passing day.

"Mom! Look!" Alex called, standing waist-deep in the gentle waves, his hair slicked back and dripping. "I caught another one!"

He held up a small translucent crab, pride radiating from his face. At ten years old, my son had grown taller, his features more defined—a perfect miniature version of his father with my stubborn determination.

"That's the fourth one!" I called back, shielding my...