Jun 17, 2025
like boats and water
And just like that, his little girl wasn't just his anymore.
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seen from Kazakhstan
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like boats and water
And just like that, his little girl wasn't just his anymore.
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Pirates and Nobles
As the morning slipped away, Lavender and Ash found themselves playing in the pirate ship with the big brother acting as a big scary monster, not that it even phased the young girl.
While the chaotic duo were uproaring the entire park with their screams and laughter, Terrell was asking Conrad all sorts of questions about working in the force. Roan had taken a particular liking to him–not as much as his mother-in-law, though–and seemed fascinated by his curls.
Terrell: And that's how you got promoted to Captain? By getting your ex-girlfriend life in prison? Conrad: I wouldn't put it like that, but essentially. Terrell: Awesome!
Roan agreed as he babbled every time Conrad and Terrell said anything to each other; almost as if the toddler was already fully understanding everything. The girls were chatting on the nearby bench, glad that Lavender's laughter was sort of drowning out their conversation.
Neve: So you're saying a mermaid cast a curse on our family line? And you believe that, truly? Dawn: Neve, don't be rude. Heather: I know how it sounds, but when it comes to my son, to all my children, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'd say there's enough to cover the theories. Haven't you ever seen anything slightly magical in your life? What if spells are also real, just well hidden?
Suddenly, Ash caught a glimpse of the conversation and remembered exactly where he'd seen the redhead sitting next to his mother.
Ash: You're the Dawn that came by my grandmother's office with Mortimer, aren't you?
Ash: Dawn Landgraab? Are we cousins? Was my grandmother rude to you, too? Neve: Define 'rude'. Dawn: Neve! She was fine, Ash. Just preoccupied with work is all. Ash: I know she can be a little much at times, but she does have a good heart. She's just under a lot of pressure most of the time.
Heather: Of course, honey! We know that.
Heather had always been careful how she mentioned Nancy to her son. The unflattering feelings she had for the woman were no match to the unwavering love she had for Ash, and reality is, she indeed never lacked love and support when it came to him, so she couldn't quite complain in that department. For now, though, the family enjoyed Sulani while they could before it was time to face harsher realities.
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Bigger circle
The next day, Dawn invited Heather and her family to a new treehouse park built on a hill. Bringing Neve and Terrell along, the group made acquaintances and fast friends. Terrell and Conrad, despite the age difference, became instantly close, going for jokes and laughs almost immediately after shaking hands for the first time. Dawn had already seen Captain Whitaker on the beach with Heather, but the Bernese was a new sight.
Dawn: Oh, hello there! We haven't met yet. What's your name, handsome? Heather: That's Gord, he's been Conrad's companion for years now! He loves my daughter to pieces, too. Been inseparable since she was a baby.
Tired of the grown-ups speaking and the lame dad jokes, Lavender convinced Ash to build sand castles with her and Roan. The dogs followed the kids and played alongside them.
Lavender: The beach is fun, but my hair feels itchy. Hair isn't meant to feel itchy. Ash: Maybe you're turning into a plantsim like Grandma Daisy did! Lavender: In this humidity?! Maybe if I turned into a cactus.
Dawn: Neve, you really need to stay on top of your allergy shots and medication! You can't keep taking it only when you're already feeling affected. Neve: I think that's exactly how they work, mum. Dawn: This girl, spent her whole life around animals, and now she develops a dander allergy!
Heather: They never listen, though. When I told Ash about our family's curse, he still did not put his phone down. Dawn: Oh, Heather, they only get bigger but they never grow. Neve: You keep saying that, but then you say how we used to fit in your arms and ask for ridiculous things. I think we've grown. Heather: The cube says you only grow in our eyes, but never in our hearts.
The day went on as the new friends made new memories on the Sulani tree park.
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Neve: You really wouldn't mind staying in Chestnut? Terrell: Was that your dad?
Neve: Yeah. I think he's putting several years of strictness into one week. Terrell: Understandable. I'd do the same for our daughter. Neve: You're making me want one.
Terrell: We'll get on it. Meet you at the altar. Neve: Keep the curls, will you?
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Rohan: Welcome to the family, son. Terrell: There hasn't been a day I haven't felt like I was already in it, Rohan.
Rohan: Make her happy. Make our girl the happiest she can be. Terrell: Every day of my life.
Addison, together with the family, planned an outdoor wedding right outside Neve's childhood home. Not a single venue could capture the meaning of starting her new life behind the home that held her for all these years. And what better place to grow the family than the place that's kept it safe?
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Rohan: Neve, honey, are you ready? The guests are a– Is that- is that your mother's dress? Neve: Do you like it? It's my wedding surprise for her. I returned the other one. Rohan: Oh, baby, it's perfect! My little girl... getting married. Neve: Dad! No crying! You'll be puffy for the whole thing!
Rohan: I'm so proud of you, my flower. Of the woman you've become. Neve: I love you, Dad. So much. I don't say it enough. Thank you for building this life for me. Thank you for giving me such a good example.
Rohan: You say it plenty, my love.
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Dawn: I'm going to San Myshuno after the wedding. Apparently, there's someone there who can help me understand our ancestry better. Mortimer is taking me to speak with Nancy Landgraab. Neve: Nancy Landgraab? San Myshuno? Mum, you don't need to do that. Rohan: And I don't know if going there is a smart idea. It's the talk at the lab about how dishonest and mean those Landgraabs are.
Neve: Dad's right! They're like, from a tv channel! Mum, you really don't have to do it! Dawn: It will be perfectly safe. One night and I'll be right back. Mortimer has connections; he'll make it easier. Rohan: If that's something you feel like you need to do, then you have to do it. Just remember that safety is the most important thing.
Neve: Thank you for doing this for me, mum. But if you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to turn back because of me. I'm more than happy with my life as it is. Rohan: Oh, our Neve. So mature now. Neve: What do you mean, now?
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