↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ー 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈 ー 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭

◉

"I'm all done." Sierra's gentle tone has Kaden averting his attention away from his phone. "We have everything we need for the weekend, Hope's just choosing which one of her toys to bring. It's a harder decision than we imagined it to be."

He hums and takes her hand to sit her on one knee. "I'd say you're free to join us but I can tell it'd be no use." She smiles like an angel, his hair tickling her fingertips.

"Sorry, you know what I'm like."

"I know. You're not a people person, I get it. I'll most likely never meet your parents, you'll most likely never meet mine. At least we're equal." His skin is soft under her fingers, full of life and beautifully tanned from the sun. "Promise me you'll be careful while we're away. I know careful isn't your thing but, for us?"

Nodding, he leans in for a gentle kiss. A patter of footsteps sounds as Hope rushes down the stairs and skips over, a stuffed bear tucked under one arm.

"Mommy."

"Ready to go?" Sierra stands to get her handbag from the table.

"Come here baby." Kaden smiles when she runs into his open arms. "Be good. Look after your mom." He kisses the top of her head. Sierra exhales when Grayson kicks the door shut behind him, pausing to look at the trio.

"Seriously?" she scolds. He pulls the bloodstained shirt over his head and scrunches it up before Hope can see.

"Better?"

She scoffs. "Hope come say bye to your annoying uncle." She's already on her way over, arms extending above her head to signal for him to lift her up. Once she's sat comfortably on his hip, Sierra frowns at her sparkly backpack and removes the knife poking out of it with a glare.

"Are you for real?"

"What? I wanted her to have something in case she needed it."

"She's three."

When he continues to stare, she shoves it against his chest and opens the door once his fingers wrap around it.

"Maybe when you're older," he whispers and carries her to the car. Kaden rests his hands on the car door once Sierra clips her seatbelt in.

"I'll text where I can, I know you worry." She grins playfully. "Stony on the outside but like a marshmallow on the inside."

"For you," he groans and leans in for another kiss. Hope giggles behind her as Grayson steps back to shut the door.

"Ready to go see grandma and grandad?" Sierra is met with an eager nod and starts the car. "Wave goodbye."

They eagerly wave as they pull out of the driveway. Once the gate begins to slide shut behind them, the brothers return indoors to stare at the unusually empty house.

"It's too quiet." Kaden pulls a face. It doesn't feel right. It's not the same without them.

Grayson inhales. "I love it." He sighs contentedly, patting his shoulder and strolling off with a grin.