Drew Starkey Imagines

Sun-Kissed Memories

The sun had barely risen over the North Carolina coast, casting golden rays across the shoreline as waves rolled in with a soothing, rhythmic hush. The sky was painted in hues of pink and lavender, promising a perfect beach day. You were already awake, tangled up in crisp white sheets, basking in the quiet before the chaos. But it didn't last long.

A loud giggle broke through the silence, followed by the sound of little feet thumping down the hallway. The bedroom door creaked open.

"Mommy! It's beach day!" Peyton yelled, launching himself onto the bed with all the energy only a four-year-old could possess at 7 a.m.

You groaned softly, laughing as he buried his face in your side, giggling uncontrollably. A moment later, the bed dipped again. This time, two chubby hands clutched your arm as your two-year-old daughter, Adelyn—better known as Addy-Kate—climbed up with determination and a proud "I did it!"

Behind them, Rafe leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, wearing a sleepy grin and just a pair of grey sweatpants. His hair was messy, the golden strands tousled perfectly. Magnolia, their golden retriever, padded up behind him, tail wagging furiously as if she too knew what day it was.

"Looks like someone spilled the beans," he chuckled, walking over to press a kiss to your forehead. "You sleep okay?"

"Mmm, yeah," you replied, shifting to give him a kiss. "But I guess there's no going back to sleep now."

"Definitely not," he said, grabbing Peyton and flipping him onto his back, tickling him until his squeals echoed through the room. Addy-Kate clapped her hands together as she let out a few giggles.

The morning quickly became a blur of packing beach toys, snacks, sunscreen, and enough towels to supply a small army. Rafe secured the umbrellas and chairs in the trunk while you double-checked that Peyton's floaties and Addy-Kate's sunhat were packed. Magnolia hopped into the back of the SUV, tail wagging nonstop.

As they pulled up to the beach, the sun was high enough to warm the sand, but the breeze off the ocean kept the air pleasant. Peyton practically exploded out of his booster seat, chasing Magnolia onto the sand as if they were in a race. Addy-Kate tugged at your hand, her tiny sandals leaving dainty prints in the sand.

"Hold on, baby, let's get your sunscreen on first," you said, kneeling to rub lotion onto her chubby cheeks and nose. She squirmed in protest.

"No, Mama! Doggy!" She said pointing at Magnolia wanting to run with the puppy.

Rafe came to the rescue, distracting her with a seashell he'd found. "Look, Addy-Kate. This one's pink. Like your swimsuit."

She gasped, all previous annoyance forgotten. You looked at him with gratitude, your heart swelling. He gave you a wink. Teamwork.

Once the beach camp was set up—umbrellas in the sand, towels laid out, snacks stashed in the cooler—it was time for the fun to begin.

Peyton insisted on building the "biggest sandcastle in the world." Rafe knelt beside him, helping sculpt towers and dig moats while Magnolia flopped beside them, happily gnawing on a stick. Addy-Kate toddled around them, occasionally helping by plopping wet clumps of sand onto the castle, whether it needed them or not.

You sat back and watched for a moment, taking it all in—the joy on Peyton's face as he explained his "dragon trap," the way Rafe nodded seriously as if it were real, the soft squeals of Addy-Kate as she patted Magnolia's head and told her she was the "pretty."

Then came the water.

Peyton sprinted to the shore, his floaties securely in place. "Daddy, watch me!" he yelled, running straight into the waves.

Rafe jogged after him, ready to catch him if needed. You followed more slowly, holding Addy-Kate's hand. Her little toes curled when the cold water splashed over her feet.

"It's cold, Mama!" she shrieked, trying to run back to the dry sand, but giggling all the way.

Rafe lifted her up easily and swung her in wide, slow circles, dipping her toes into the water each time. She squealed in delight.

You waded in up to your knees, the cool water rushing over your feet as you watched your family, heart overflowing. Peyton was jumping over waves with reckless glee, and Rafe was holding Addy-Kate in one arm while splashing Peyton with the other. You laughed and joined them, splashing Rafe who turned with mock betrayal.

"Oh, it's on," he said with a grin, and then he was after you.

You shrieked, trying to run but the water dragged at your legs. Rafe caught you from behind, wrapping his arms around your waist and lifting you off your feet. You screamed and laughed as he spun you around, then kissed your neck before setting you down.

"Best day ever," you said, breathless.

"It always is with you," he replied, brushing a strand of wet hair from your cheek.

Later, after hours of swimming, sandcastle building, and playing ball with Magnolia, the kids were finally tuckered out. Peyton dozed under the umbrella with a towel wrapped around him and a juice box still in his hand. Addy-Kate was curled up in your lap, her fingers tangled in your swimsuit strap, her eyes heavy.

Rafe sat beside you, his long legs stretched out in the sand, watching the horizon. He reached over and took your hand, brushing his thumb across your wedding ring.

"We're really doing this, huh?" he said softly.

You turned to him, resting your head on his shoulder. "Yeah. We are."

"You, me, two perfect kids, and a dog who thinks she's human," he joked.

"She might be smarter than us," you teased.

He smiled and kissed the top of your head. "You make it all possible, you know. This life. I never thought I'd get something this good."

Your heart ached with love. You remembered the early days, how Rafe had fought his demons, how he had chosen to be better—for you, for your family. And now, watching him be a father, watching him grow into this role, was the most beautiful thing you'd ever witnessed.

The sun began to dip, casting golden light across the water. You roused Peyton gently while Rafe lifted Addy-Kate into his arms. Magnolia barked once and trotted ahead toward the car, her job as beach guardian complete.

As you walked back up the dunes, you glanced over at your husband—sun-kissed skin, sand in his hair, your daughter in his arms—and smiled.

This was your dream.

And it was just the beginning.