The Unspoken Promise

Parent Discussions.

The Bellington House:
A week had passed since the family getaway, and while everyone had returned to their routines, the memories of the trip still lingered—especially in the minds of Evangeline and Nathaniel. They were sitting together in their cozy living room, sipping tea as the afternoon light streamed through the windows.

Evangeline set down her cup thoughtfully. "Nathaniel, have you thought much about Jace's upcoming birthday?" she asked, glancing over at him. "It's a big one, after all. Twenty-one."

Nathaniel chuckled, shaking his head. "It feels like yesterday he was just a kid, running around in the yard," he said with a wistful smile. "But yes, I've been thinking about it. He's nearly twenty-one now... which means it's time to think seriously about the family tradition."

Evangeline nodded, her eyes thoughtful. In their family, there was an unspoken expectation that each member would marry young, a tradition that stretched back generations. It wasn't an obligation, but it was certainly something both of them valued.

"He's at that age," she mused. "In our family, twenty-one is usually when we start talking about... settling down. Finding someone."

Nathaniel sighed, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. It's a tradition that's served us well, kept the family close. And Jace is a good young man; he deserves someone who will truly bring out the best in him."

Evangeline smiled softly, swirling her tea as she thought back on the trip. "Speaking of which... you don't think he's serious about Vivienne, do you? I mean, they're close, and they seemed to be having fun together, but that's all it is, right?"

Nathaniel chuckled. "I noticed a little spark between them, but they're young. They've known each other their whole lives; it's natural they'd be close. But serious? No, I don't think so."

"Exactly," Evangeline agreed. "They're family friends,they're basically like brothers, they flirt, they have fun, but it doesn't feel like anything serious. I doubt he's thinking about her in any real long-term way. At least, I hope not."

Nathaniel smiled reassuringly. "No need to worry. They'll stay friends, maybe flirt a bit, but when it's time, Jace will find someone suitable. Someone who fits the tradition."

Evangeline nodded, a quiet sense of relief settling in. "Exactly. He'll find someone he can build a future with. We just have to be there to guide him."

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The Sinclair House:
Meanwhile, across town at Vivienne's house, Cassandra and Sebastian were having a similar conversation. They were sitting in their sunlit kitchen, Cassandra flipping through a photo album filled with family pictures as they reminisced about their daughter's childhood.

"She's growing up fast, isn't she?" Cassandra said with a soft smile. "I can hardly believe she's almost twenty-one. And with that comes... well, certain expectations."

Sebastian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes. Twenty-one is a big age for us too. The tradition, the idea of starting a family—these are things that matter to our family. And I know Vivienne understands that."

Cassandra sighed, running her fingers over the edge of the photo album. "She does. She's always respected the family traditions. But... do you think she's ready? She's still so young, so full of life. And honestly," she paused, glancing at him with a faint smile, "she's still figuring things out."

"True," Sebastian agreed. "But she's mature, Cassandra. And when the time comes, she'll know what's expected. She's smart, grounded. She'll find someone who fits her life, someone who understands her."

Cassandra bit her lip, hesitating before speaking. "Do you think she's serious about Jace? They seemed... close on that trip. Closer than they've ever been."

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. "I think they were just enjoying each other's company. They've grown up together, after all; it's only natural they'd be close. But serious? I don't think so. They're young—they probably haven't even thought about what any of it means."

Cassandra laughed softly, nodding in agreement. "You're probably right. I noticed the way they were around each other, and it was sweet... but they're practically family. I doubt they're thinking long-term."

Sebastian placed a reassuring hand on hers. "Exactly. They'll go back to being friends, and when the time's right, Vivienne will find someone who's perfect for her. Someone we can trust."

"Someone who understands the family values, our traditions," Cassandra added thoughtfully. "It's important."

They both shared a quiet smile, content in the thought that Vivienne would follow in the family's footsteps when the time came, just as Jace would. For now, they were simply happy their children were enjoying their youth, confident that when the time was right, each would find a partner who would fit seamlessly into the family tradition.