Elodie's POV
As we step off the gangplank together, Sicily and Ayla approach nervously, the younger woman fidgeting slightly as she looks at us.
‘Would . . . could we . . . sorry . . . I mean . . . would you mind if we . . . join you?’ she asks hesitantly as Ayla looks up at us shyly.
‘Yes!’ Callie squeals excitedly before Lena, or I can answer, moving over to Ayla and slipping her hand through the other little girl’s arm, linking them together. ‘I was hoping you would sit with us! I wanted to build a sandcastle, and I need your help.’
Sicily glances at Lena and I, apprehensively as if she thinks I might argue with my daughter and say that they can’t come with us. Her shoulders visibly relax as I nod warmly, ‘of course, the more the merrier.’
The three of us fall into step as we start
