Cupcakes, Cuddles & Curls

Chapter 26

"Cass, love, are you ready to go?" Harry calls from the kitchen, his voice mingling with the soft clatter of items in his bag, his fingers grazing over sunscreen, snacks, and the map of the coastline, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks of their adventure.

"Sharkie! Sharkie!" Cassie squeals, her tiny feet pounding the hallway as she bursts from her room, her hair bouncing like sunlight glimmering on waves.

Louis chuckles, shaking his head at her uncontainable enthusiasm. "Yes, love, we're going to see the sharkies." He kneels to meet her bright eyes, grasping her small hands to steady her excited wiggles. "Do you remember the rules of the boat?" he asks, the seriousness contrasting with her bubbling energy.

They're about to embark on a thrilling boat trip, a promise of adventure amidst the ocean's vastness. Initially hesitant, Louis had found reassurance in Harry's thoughtful suggestions, crafting rules that would keep Cassie safe while she chased her dreams of seeing real life sharks.

"Yes, Dadee, me do!" Cassie nods vigorously, her expression a mixture of pride and anticipation.

"Can you please tell me them? This way I know you know them," Louis prompts, his tone encouraging, a tactic he mastered early on to gauge her understanding.

"Stay within awms rweach of Dadee or Papa. No take off my life jacket, not get into the watew! No rwunning awound da boat or hangin ober da edge. When I want to see sharkies, Dadee or Papa will pick me up and hold me so I can see ober da edge." Cassie counts each rule on her fingers, her concentration fierce and adorable.

Louis beams with pride, marveling at her comprehension at just four years old. "Good girl!" he praises, his heart swelling.

"Okay, love, take our hands. We're going to the cab now," Harry says, his eyes soft with affection as he reaches out.

"Yay!" Cassie cheers, her voice a joyful melody as she grabs both their hands, ready to leap into the ultimate adventure waiting just beyond their doorstep.

As they pile into the car, the tropical sun bathes everything in a golden hue, casting a warm glow over Cassie's eager face. The drive to the marina is a journey through paradise, with lush, swaying palm trees lining the narrow roads. Brightly colored hibiscus flowers bloom wildly, their vibrant petals a feast for the eyes, while the soft ocean breeze carries the sweet scent of salt and flowers.

Harry and Louis share playful banter, their laughter mingling with the soft sounds of the island—the distant rhythm of waves crashing against the shore and the occasional call of a tropical bird flitting overhead. Cassie, her eyes wide with excitement, leans forward in her seat, pointing out every vivid sight: the glittering turquoise water peeking through the trees, and the occasional glimpse of the coral reefs just beneath the surface.

As they near the marina, the world seems to transform. The air thickens with the briny tang of the sea, carrying whispers of adventure on the soft ocean breeze. Cassie's excitement is palpable; her tiny fingers tap against the car window in a rhythmic beat as her wide eyes dart from boat to boat. The sails—vivid splashes of white, cobalt blue, and crimson—flutter like playful flags, their colors reflecting the golden sunlight that dances across the rippling water.

When the cab rolls to a stop, Cassie practically bursts out, her sandal clad feet landing in the soft, sun-warmed sand with a delighted squeal. She dashes forward, only to halt abruptly at the edge where the dock begins, her laughter spilling out like bells chiming in the breeze. The sun bathes the marina in its warm glow, painting everything in hues of amber and gold. Around them, the marina is alive with motion and sound—fishermen checking their nets, the rhythmic creak of boats rocking against the docks, and the occasional call of a seabird overhead. The tantalizing aroma of grilled fish mingles with the salty air, teasing their senses with promises of fresh, delicious meals to come.