A brilliant fire

Valery didn't need to look to know it was him. The familiar shift in the sand beside her, the calming presence that always settled over her when he was near — it said more than words ever could. But when she did glance his way, the sight of him there, at ease, relaxed in the sun with no attempt to hide the past written into his skin — it made her heart catch for just a second.
She smiled, wide and warm, and leaned into him without hesitation, looping one arm around his. Her fingers brushed gently over a line of old scarring along his bicep — thoughtful and tender. Not tracing pain, but history. And gods, she still found him so incredibly sexy.
"I think you're about thirty seconds late," she murmured with a smirk, lips brushing just near his shoulder. "They definitely trampled over at least two sandcastles on the way here." She laughed softly, resting her head briefly against his arm, happy in the moment, the kind of peace that didn't come around often — but always felt right when it did.
A small tug at Kahlil's opposite arm drew both their attention.
Little Aurra stood there, looking very serious, her tiny brows slightly furrowed as she gave her dad a little "hmph" and nodded meaningfully toward the beach bag they'd brought with them.
Valery arched an amused brow.
Aurra nodded again, this time more emphatically, before sitting herself in the sand and crossing her arms. Valery chuckled and shook her head fondly. Aurra had picked out the best gift for Mom's birthday with her father, so she wanted nothing more than for Mom to see it.
Valery smiled at it, and gave his arm another squeeze. "I'm really glad you're here." And she meant every word, "But now I'm curious what has gotten her so serious."