The last day of the vacation arrived with the same golden light and salt breeze as all the days before it, but something in the air had changed. The children sensed it. They were louder at breakfast, more determined to squeeze every possible moment from the beach. Lily announced that she and Leo would build their greatest sandcastle yet. Kyle declared that his would be even greater. The competition that had been simmering all week was about to reach its climax.
By mid-morning, the beach had become a construction site.
The twins' skin had darkened a shade despite the sun cream Arianne diligently reapplied every two hours. Lily's arms were brown against her white floral swimsuit. Leo's face had a golden glow that made his dark eyes seem even darker. Kyle had developed a patch of freckles across his nose that Julian said came from his mother's side.
