Princess

the day was hot and the sun was out so the Delaneys and the Cartwrights decided to visit the beach. lillianna, Lucas and Isaac were building a sand castle, decorating it with seaweed and shells, creating a moat and bridge. It was rather impressive considering it was made by some toddlers.

the parents were reading and doing what grown ups did and occasionally checked up on the children to make sure they didn't wonder off. the boys were having a water fight. a very rough water fight to be precise but it looked fun. the toddlers couldn't join in though according to their mother they were too young but Levi and Noah were only 4 years older than them.

lillianna was in her own little world, daydreaming, absentmindedly playing with her Ariel doll in her hands. Ariel was her favourite princess. she was so deep in her little world that she didn't notice Logan sit down in the sand beside her. it wasn't until he pulled her into his lap that she noticed his presence. his hands held her small ones as she fiddled with the doll. "why dont you come play in the sea?" he asked "i'll keep you safe dont worry"

she nodded her head "okay" she relied softly. she had always been a rather timid child, never really wanting to try new things or be with new people.

"do two want to come as well?" he asked Isaac and Lucas. they didn't bother responding they just jumped up and ran to the others.

"look after okay logan?" their mother insisted

"yes of course mother" he replied as he picked Lillian up, he head resting on his shoulder as she continued to play with Ariel.

when they got to the wet sand Logan placed her gently on the ground and held her hand as she watched the water with awe. the way the sun reflected off the waters surface was captivating and fascinating especially to 4 year old lillianna. the water was slowly rising up her little legs and occasionally a wave would come and almost knock her over. but her eyes never left the water. then she saw an 8 legged thing crawling over the shells and pebbles and sand - a crab. this caused lillian to literally jump into logans arms. "what is it? whats wrong?" he asked sounding panicked as he adjusted her so that she sat comfortably in his arms once again.

"theres a crab" she mumbled into his shoulder. he laughed at her response which earned him a a glare. "i didn't like it" she stated

"i figured and i dont think it likes you either" he chuckled

" why?" she asked in a small voice

"its probably mad you for walking into his home"

"oh oops" by this point they had joined the others and Adrian came up to them.

"what freaked her out?" he asked as he took her from logans arms. Logan and Adrian were best friends just like there fathers and Levi and Noah, she lillianna trusted him. she also liked him though not as much as she liked Noah. Noah reminded her of Ariel with his fiery red hair unlike his brothers chestnut hair.

"she saw a crab" Logan explained

"poor baby" he chuckled as he pulled her closer so that her head rested in the crook of his neck