Warm sand squished between my toes. A light breeze got tangled in my hair and I kept my sunhat from making an escape. There was probably no point in wearing it as the sun disappeared behind the trees. Angus and I held hands as we walked down the strand, stepping over rocks and sticks. A couple of dogs ran down the length of the beach playing tag. One grabbed a branch from the sand and ran with it, catching his pal's attention. 

Someone was having a birthday party on a reserved area of the beach complete with a live band, picnic tables, a small fire, and plenty of food. Angus and I watched them dancing and saw a couple of toddlers getting pampered with dessert. 

We stepped closer to the waves and let the water splash up to our ankles. My hair was wild from the humidity. I let myself be swept away by the roar of the waves, drowning in my thoughts again. The warm water lapped at my legs. 

This wasn't so bad. I didn't regret making the trip. 

When Angus wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder I regretted it even less. 

I loved that man.

**********

I snuggled into him, the sheets caressing my bare legs. I had to use Angus' shirt as pyjamas as I forgot to buy some. Spending all that money still plagued me with guilt but Angus didn't say anything about it. 

Why couldn't he just scold me and get it over with?

Sighing, I let sleep take me away, bracing myself for the haunting faces to warp my dreams. 

When I woke up the next morning, I relaxed.

My dreams had been empty that night.