“Only that you’re strong, patient, and apparently tolerate my brother’s personality, which honestly deserves an award.”
“Lu,” I warned.
She ignored me completely.
Her eyes shifted to Eli.
“And you’re Eli, right?”
Eli stiffened slightly at being addressed directly but nodded.
“I’m Lucinda,” she said, crouching slightly to his eye level without making it obvious she was doing it intentionally. “I run a marketing law firm in New York, but more importantly, I’m the family overachiever and unofficial chaos manager.”
Eli blinked at her, processing.
“Mom said you like tech?”
“I like building systems,” he said carefully.
Lucinda grinned wider. “Perfect. Kylie likes collecting shells and organizing them by size and color. She could use a partner.”
A tiny blonde head peeked out from behind Lucinda’s leg.
Kylie.
Four years old. Big curious eyes. Pink bathing suit. She stared at Eli like he was a new species she hadn’t decided was safe yet.
“Kylie,” Lucinda coaxed, “say hi.”
Kylie hid further behind her.
Eli shifted awkwardly. “I know Minecraft,” he offered quietly. “And sorting algorithms.”
Kylie peeked out again, considering that like it might be valuable currency.
Lucinda stood and turned toward me. “You look like you slept. Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”
“Shut up.”
She hugged me anyway.
Then Kelly stepped forward, extending a hand. Easy smile. Relaxed energy.
“Good to finally meet you properly, man,” he said. “Heard you’ve been busy making my wife cry during award shows.”
“I don’t make her cry.”
Lucinda snorted. “He absolutely does.”
Kelly laughed and shook my hand firmer.
“CAL!”
Malcolm’s voice boomed from the doorway like he was announcing a wrestling match.
He walked out carrying one toddler on each hip like they weighed nothing.
Malcolm had always been the physical version of our dad, broad shoulders, thick arms, commanding presence. But unlike Dad, Malcolm smiled constantly.
