text: It is the dead of winter. Every visible thing is dismally bleak and cold. One can hear the bitter air whisper up the quiet, pallid beach, and circle around the welcoming cabin. The vacation spot is remote, and settled at the base of two soft white mountains. The cabin has been in *his* family for generations. I walk up to it and am greeted warmly by them. There are seven members total. Charlie, *his* older brother, Karen and Joel, *his* younger sister and brother-in-law, Rowen, Karen’s son, and of course Sarah and Kent, *his* parents. We all know each other well; I had spent time with them on more than one occasion, to say the least. I can’t keep my eyes off of *him*. I watch as *he* jokes with Charlie, *his* warm breath crystallizing in the stark cold winter air. *His* blue eyes flash, and dance around as *he* sheds a boisterous laugh. My love for *him* wells up inside of me, and I struggle to keep myself from attacking *him* with kisses. *His* muddied blonde hair is perfectly cut, and combed back, subtly emphasizing *his* natural wave. For the first time, I notice *his* growing beard. To my surprise, I like it. “A beard?” I say, running my fingertips through it. “Yes,” *he* says, “But I’m going to shave it off.” My hands stop fidgeting. “What? No, please don’t shave it off. I like it,” smiling, “Please keep it.” “No,” *he* says sweetly, “I’m shaving it off.” I huff and flash a look of unwilling compromise. Sarah mentions that she is too cold for her own good, so we decide to go inside. The cabin is huge. It has enough bedrooms for everyone, plus a large kitchen, sitting room (with a fireplace), four bathrooms, and a heated pool. *He* shows me to my room, I thank *him*, and close myself inside. I mosey over to the bed I’ve longed to cuddle with for a year, and start unpacking. Charlie bursts in. “Rach, we’re going for a walk in about fifteen minutes. You in?” “Sure Charlie,” I say, smiling, “I’ll be out in about five.” He nods happily, and leaves. I get some clothes out, and slip them on. Next, I dig for my hot pink makeup bag. *That is still the ugliest color ever*, I think. I take out my mascara; I never wear more than that, it’s too dark otherwise. Plus, *he* likes it light and natural. I tend to comply. Standing in the bathroom, applying the black gooeyness, *he* comes in and taps me on the shoulder. When I turn around, I see *his* shaven face with almost a nervous look on it. I smile at *him*, pat his smooth cheeks and tell *him* it’s ok, I’ll live. We share a look of love, and then are interrupted by *his* sister. “Hey Rach?” “Yes, Karen.” “Do you think you could take care of Rowen on our walk? It’s just that I haven’t spent much time with the big brother here,” pointing at *him*, “lately, so I’d like to have some time alone, if you know what I mean.” She smiles. “Where is Joel going to be?” I say with confusion, and almost desperation to keep *him* beside me. “He, Dad, and Charlie have already left. Their going fishing.” “What about Mom?” “Sleeping.” I can tell she’s starting to get frustrated. “Alright. I guess I can occupy his attention for a while.” I flash her a smirk and turn back to my mascara. I can hear her let out a little hot air and then leave the room. “Babe, you know Rowen loves you. It’s not that big of a deal.” “I never said it was.” It is silent for a while. “I love you,” *he* says as *he* lightly kisses my head. I grab *his* hand. “It’s fine, really. Spend time with your sister. I have months to spend time with you later. It’s ok.” *He* grins and walks out. I sigh and finish what I started. \* \* \* \* \* I’m outside, waiting for the others. *He* comes out wearing a red and black plaid shirt, dark jeans, and woodsman boots. *He* shuffles towards me and almost knocks me over with a bear hug. *His* large, stocky body engulfs my petite one. *His* cologne is thrust into my face, and its spicy sweetness burns my nostrils. *He* pulls himself away and looks into my eyes, *his* straight white teeth gleaming underneath *his* pursed lips. *He* mouths the words *I Love You*, and then kisses my nose. “Rowen, are you ready to go?” we hear Karen yell from inside the house. Within seconds, she and my little buddy are walking out of the door, snow coats on and secured. Karen was always anal about Rowen being warm. “Ya’ll ready?” she asks. “More than ever!” *He* answers excitedly. *He* turns toward me, smiles, and walks on. “Row, come here!” I call. His sweet little face lights up, and he runs towards me as fast as he can. He grabs my hand and says, “Come on Auntie Rachel! We’re goin’ on a walk! ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BEACH!” “Yes we are Rowen! You are such a smart boy.” I smile. He grins childishly at me. The four of us walk along the base of the mountain on large smooth stones laid by *his* ancestors. Rowen and I make a game of it, while *he* and Karen walk together in the distance. My attention is on Rowen, however, I cannot help but get distracted with *him*--watching how *he* moves--listening to *his* sweet voice--yearning to be with *him*. We reach the fork in the road where one either chooses to stay along the mountain’s base, or move to the beach. We take the beach, and before long we are walking on the ice cold sand. Little Row dashes here and there picking up shards of the ocean’s treasures. He runs back and forth from me and Karen, showing off his fabulous shells. We walk for about ten minutes, when all of a sudden Rowen screams with joy and starts running. After a few seconds, we realize what the commotion is about--Joel, Charlie, and Dad are seen just a few yards away. With Rowen long gone, I move a little quicker and catch up *him* and Karen. I wrap my arm through *his* and I can immediately feel *his* warmth seep into my body. Now we make our way to the edge of the earth where it’s met by the cold ocean water and melts away. \* \* \* \* \* I wake up, the whole left side of my face frozen. The sun is barely above the horizon any more, and stars are starting to peak through the blanketed sky. I smell a smoky spiciness, and hear soft murmurs all around. I open my eyes and see orange dancing flames throwing up great gusts of smoke. Aching just a bit, I lift myself up off of my “pillow”. “Well good evening Sleeping Beauty,” *he* says. I look up at *him* sleepily, and *he* laughs. “You look so ridiculous when you’re sleepy.” “Thanks babe. You make a girl feel so special.” “Sorry.” *He* smirks. I then stretch and make my way to the fire. I defrost my icy skin while Charlie and Dad start unpacking the s’mores ingredients. We all gather around the fire, with Rowen in my lap, and start roasting our marshmallows. *He* never leaves my side. *He* knows how I feel when I’m left, alone. When we’re done, *he* gets up, grabs my hand, and pulls me up. “Let’s go for a stroll,” *he* whispers. I nod yes, and we walk away. Holding hands, we mosey our way down the stretch of the beach. “I want to thank you for being such a good sport,” *he* says. “With Rowen? No, it was fine. I was just trying not to be selfish. I tend to be possessive of you,” I say. *He* squeezes my hand and continues to walk. “I want you to know that I believe you’re the one for me,” *he* says. I stop and turn towards *him*. “Really?” “Really,” *he* turns toward me. “And babe, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So--” “I will.” *He* looked surprised. “You don’t even have to ask. I’ve known since the first time I met you that you were the one for me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you too.” *He* gasps happily. Within seconds *his* Paul Bunyan like arms are wrapped around me tight. *He* pulls himself back and then covers me with kisses. When the enthusiasm of the moment passes away, we connect hands tightly, and make our way back to his family.