"Bad hair day Chris?" Kevin teased as she tried desperately to tame the wisps around her face.

"Stick it, Kev." Reaching for the gel, she tried one last time to plaster it back, but to no avail.

"I kinda like it that way, you know, makes you look impish," he grinned, moving deftly out of range of the plastic bottle she hurled at him.

"IMPISH? I'll have you know, I have maimed for less than that."

"Gotta catch me first," he laughed, bolting out the front door and toward the dunes behind the house.

Taking off after him, she had no clue where he could be. Slowing to a walk as she crested the first dune, she gazed up and down the deserted beach, but there was no sign of him.

"Looking for me?" the voice in her ear startled her, and she jumped, tripping over her own feet.

"You scared the shi--"

"Tsk, tsk, didn't your mother teach you not to use words like that?"

"You're incorrigible and I have no idea why I put up with you."

"You love me?" he asked with feigned innocence, batting his eyes.

"Must be the only reason," she sighed in exasperation.

Taking his hand in hers, she pulled him toward the beach.

~~~~~

They walked silently, companionably, for nearly a mile before Kevin found the courage to speak.

"We need to talk, Chrissy."


"Not now, Kev."

"Yes, now. We've been tiptoeing around this for a week."

"Don't spoil the day. Please," she pleaded.

Pulling her against his side, they turned back toward the house.

"Soon, baby," he whispered.

"I know, I just -"

"C'mon, I feel like a banana split."

"Funny, you don't-"

"*Look* like a banana split!" They both finished in unison, nearly collapsing with juvenile hysteria.