The Unspoken Promise

Family Hike.

After everyone had eaten, the parents suggested a hike to explore the surrounding hills, and soon the two families were bundled up and headed out together, walking along a wide trail that wound its way through a forest.

The air was crisp, filled with the earthy smell of fallen leaves, and everyone's laughter seemed to bounce off the trees. Vivienne walked a little ahead with Jace beside her, a faint mist of breath escaping their lips as they talked quietly, just out of earshot from everyone else. Jace couldn't seem to help himself; he kept his arm slung around her shoulders, pulling her close whenever she shivered, leaning in just enough that their shoulders brushed.

Sophia nudged Lydia, nodding toward them with a smirk. "They're getting pretty cozy up there," she whispered, her tone playful.

Lydia rolled her eyes, though a grin tugged at her lips. "Like they're fooling anyone. They might as well hold up a sign that says 'Look at us!'"

Up ahead, Jace leaned closer to Vivienne, murmuring something in her ear that made her laugh, a warm sound that echoed through the trees. He laughed along, his hand finding her waist with a gentle, familiar ease, keeping her close as they walked along the winding trail. They slowed now and then, forcing the rest of the family to catch up, only to pull ahead again as they got lost in their own little world.

Behind them, Sebastian chuckled, watching the way Jace was almost glued to Vivienne's side. He shared an amused glance with Cassandra, who shrugged, her eyes twinkling.

"They've always been that way, haven't they?" Cassandra murmured, smiling as she watched Vivienne lean into Jace with an ease that seemed almost natural.

Evangeline, Jace's mother, chimed in from beside them, a fond smile on her face. "Oh, absolutely. We all knew this would happen. It's like watching a romance novel unfolding."

The parents laughed quietly among themselves, amused but not the least bit surprised by the closeness between Jace and Vivienne. They exchanged knowing looks, letting the two have their space while enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Sophia and Lydia were practically buzzing with the thrill of it all, though they tried to keep their giggles down. They slowed their pace, pretending to stop and examine a leaf, while glancing at each other with smirks.

"They're so obvious," Lydia whispered, barely stifling a laugh.

"Completely," Sophia agreed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I mean, they're practically holding hands at this point."

Just then, Serena, Jace's youngest sister, came bounding up to them, her cheeks flushed from the brisk air. She caught the sly looks between Sophia and Lydia and narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "What's so funny?" she asked, her gaze darting between them.

Sophia quickly composed herself, exchanging a brief look with Lydia. "Oh, nothing, Serena," she said, forcing a casual tone. "We were just talking about... um, the leaves. They're so pretty this time of year, right? Summer is nearly over."

Lydia nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Just leaves. They're, uh... really red."

Serena looked at them like she didn't quite believe it, squinting her eyes. "You're being weird," she declared, folding her arms. "You two are definitely up to something."

Sophia waved her off with a grin. "Come on, Serena, we're not up to anything," she insisted, sharing a playful look with Lydia. "But hey, maybe if you ask nicely, Jace and Viv will give you some hiking tips."

Serena raised an eyebrow, casting a suspicious look toward her brother and Vivienne up ahead. "Hiking tips?" she repeated, clearly unconvinced.

Before Sophia could respond, Jace glanced back, catching the group lagging behind. He slowed down and called out, "You guys coming? Or are we leaving you behind?"

Vivienne laughed, shaking her head at Jace. "Maybe they're just tired of us always being in front," she teased, nudging him playfully.

Sophia leaned in toward Lydia, whispering, "Or maybe we're tired of being third wheels."

Lydia snorted, hiding her laughter behind her hand. "They'd be tired if we were like that too," she whispered back, as they both stifled their giggles.

The hike continued with everyone chatting and joking, but Jace's attention was almost entirely focused on Vivienne. He would lightly touch her shoulder or brush a flower off her top, finding every excuse to stay close. And whenever Vivienne made a comment, Jace laughed a little too enthusiastically, hanging onto every word. The parents continued to exchange amused glances, fully aware of the budding romance but letting it unfold naturally.

Eventually, as the trail looped back around, they reached the end of their hike and started making their way back toward the cars. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, amber glow across the landscape as everyone stretched and prepared for the drive to a nearby museum.

As they approached the parking lot, Evangeline called out, "All right, everyone! Let's get packed up. We'll split into two cars again. Jace, you're with us."

Jace gave Vivienne a lingering look, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Guess I'll see you in a bit," he murmured, his hand brushing against hers for a brief second before he turned to head to his family's car.

Vivienne felt a flutter in her stomach as she nodded, giving him a quick smile. "Yeah... see you soon."

Lydia, catching the entire exchange, raised an eyebrow and muttered to Sophia, "If that isn't the look of two people desperately trying to keep a secret, I don't know what is."

Sophia smirked. "They're hopeless."

Serena, who had heard enough of their muttered comments, folded her arms and sighed dramatically. "Will you two just tell me what's going on?"

Sophia shrugged innocently. "Oh, nothing, Serena," she said, glancing at Lydia. "Just, you know... leaves. And nature."

With that, they each climbed into their respective cars, Serena casting one last skeptical look at her brother before giving up and slipping into the backseat. As both families buckled up, they began the short drive to the museum, and though Vivienne and Jace were separated, the unspoken promise of their next quiet moment together hung in the air, as sweet and exciting as ever.