Ethan turned at the sound of his name, barely having time to react before a small blur of excitement launched into his arms.

    "Jules!" He laughed, catching his youngest sister mid-air as she wrapped her little arms around his neck.

    He lifted her effortlessly, holding her securely as she pouted at him.

    "You weren''t here yesterday!" Julia huffed, poking his chest accusingly. "And even this morning, I didn''t see you! I looked everywhere!"

    Ethan gave her a guilty smile, adjusting his hold so she sat comfortably in his arms. "I know, I know. I''ve been busy with work stuff. But hey, I''m here now."

    He smoothed down her hair. "And I missed you too, you know?"

    Julia sniffed dramatically. "Really?"

    "Really," he assured her with a grin.

    She squinted at him, then, seemingly satisfied, rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay. But you have to stay longer today!"

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    "We''ll see," he teased, making her whine in protest.

    As he held her, he glanced around. "Where''s everyone else? Mom? Claire? Even Dad?"

    Julia swung her legs slightly, deep in thought. "I dunno. Mommy left me with Megan''s mom so I could play with Megan."

    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And she just left you like that?"

    Julia rolled her eyes, making Ethan chuckle at how much like their mother she looked in that moment. "It''s not like that! Megan''s mom is really nice, and we were having fun."

    Before he could respond, another small figure appeared — a little girl with brown curls and an excited expression.

    "Megan!" Julia cheered.

    Megan ran right up to them, her eyes wide as she looked at Ethan. "Julia! Is this your big brother we saw that day?"

    Julia nodded proudly. "Yup! This is Ethan."

    She patted his chest. "He''s the coolest!"

    Megan gasped. "It must be so cool to have a big brother! I only have a little brother, and he''s annoying."

    Ethan smirked, setting Julia down so the two girls could talk properly. "You know, I have an annoying little sister too."

    Julia shot him a glare, her hands on her hips. "Hey!"

    Caroline smiled fondly at the girls. "It''s always nice when kids click like that. You can tell they bring out the best in each other."

    Ethan nodded, watching as the two girls started whispering to each other, probably plotting their next adventure.

    He glanced back at Caroline. "So, how''re you enjoying the resort?"

    Caroline took a sip of her drink before replying, "It''s been nice, We''ve been coming to the resort since the day it launched. My husband''s job has been hectic, so we decided a long stay here would be nice. But they''ve been playing together ever since you left,"

    Ethan leaned back slightly, nodding. "That sounds like Jules. She''s always been good at making friends."

    Julia suddenly perked up. "Oh! Big brother! Can Megan and I go play at the sand area near the beach?"

    Ethan hesitated. "I don''t know — "

    Caroline interjected with a reassuring smile. "It''s a safe area, and there are plenty of staff around to keep an eye on them."

    Ethan exhaled, looking at Julia''s eager face, then at Megan, who was practically bouncing on her toes. "Alright, but stay where I can see you."

    "Yay!" Julia and Megan high-fived before dashing off toward the sandy area.

    Ethan shook his head. "I swear, she has more energy than anyone I know."

    Caroline laughed. "It''s a gift, really."

    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching as the girls built something in the sand.

    "You''re a good brother," Caroline commented after a while.

    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it''s a rare thing."

    Caroline shrugged. "You''d be surprised. A lot of siblings don''t take the time."

    Ethan sighed. "Life''s busy, but I try. Family''s important."

    Caroline smiled. "That''s good to hear."

    Julia and Megan soon came running back, covered in sand but grinning.

    Julia tugged at Ethan''s sleeve. "Ethan! We built a giant castle! You have to see it!"

    Megan nodded eagerly. "It even has a moat!"

    Ethan glanced at Caroline with an amused smile before standing up. "Alright, lead the way, Princess Warrior."

    Julia beamed. "Come on!"