it is cold and windy. he has surprised me and we have taken the ferry across to whidbey island. i've never been here before, but he grew up here.

he has taken me to a private beach. it is small, but the rocks extend out into the water a little ways, a row of short wood columns embedded along the top.

i climb up the rocks; he is close behind me, making sure i don't fall. i reach the top, just behind the columns, which are about waist height from where i'm standing.

i catch my breath. it is beautiful.

the sun has chosen this moment to peek from behind the clouds, and the waves are crashing just an arms-length away on the rocks behind the columns. i am so close to it, i feel as though i'm standing in the middle of it. it literally takes my breath away, and i can't explain the intense feeling of joy, fear, and happiness that i am experiencing.

the waves get bigger, and he is eyeing them from where he stands, a little behind and to the left of me. and suddenly, a huge wave crashes down, over the columns, drenching us both.

we are both soaked. he is cold. he is concerned about me. but i just turn to him and grin. it is possibly the best moment of my life.