We walk along the surf’s edge, hand in hand. We don’t say much, but there is a warm feeling between us. Often, we tenderly bump hips or shoulders. As we reach the far end of the beach, we sit, pull our knees up to our chests, and look out at the ocean. Sallie leans over and rests her head on my shoulder. We see a million dancing lights as the bright sun sparkles off the waves. Although the waves are not high, the roar is impressive. In fact, it is the only sound you can hear. It is a calming, pleasant roar as the waves break left, right, and center.
I take off my shirt and lay it on the sand behind us. I lie back and reach for Sallie to join me. There is enough shirt for her to lie on her right side and snuggle up against my left side. She lays a bare leg over my thigh, places her head on my shoulder, and runs her hand through the hair on my chest. I close my eyes and will my brain to take a memory photo of this moment. I reflect on my life and try to remember a more perfect moment, but nary a one comes to mind. Here is this middle-class kid from Chicago, lying on arguably the finest beach in North America on a gorgeous day with the most beautiful woman he has ever known. Sallie’s warmth and happiness are as palpable as mine. Once again, she makes me feel like a king. I could marry this woman just for moments like this. Despite her doubts about lasting relationships, maybe we could make it work. The warm sun relaxes me. I focus on the hypnotic roar of the ocean. I let my body relax and melt into the warm sand.
