Going for the Gold

He shook his head. "How did it happen?"

"Who knows? It seems like..."

"...Just yesterday. Doesn't it? It feels like we just..."

Nodding, she said softly, "Met."

They sat in silence and watched the morning sky grow lighter. Birdsong and the chatter of branch-to-branch squirrel gossip filled the air. Shifting his coffee mug from one hand to the other, he reached over and took her free hand in his. Threading his fingers through hers and giving a gentle squeeze, he said, "It's been beautiful, hasn't it?"

Her throat was tight. "It sure has been."

With a philosophical shrug, he said, "Oh, sure, we've had our tough times. Not many, but enough."

"Enough to make us appreciate the good ones."

"Mmm hmm. That's right. Every marriage has 'em, I think." He turned, meeting and holding her gaze. "Don't you? Think that every marriage has tough times?"

"I do. We've been blessed; ours have been few and far between. And we've always managed to get through whatever life throws our way."

"That's right. Together, we get through it all together." He leaned close, so close their noses were almost touching. "So, what do you say?"

A shiver shot up her spine. They were older and grayer than they'd been on this day so many years ago. But not much else had changed--not where it counted. "Say about what?"

"I thought it'd be obvious. Today we celebrate the silver. Want to go for the gold with me?"

Her answer came instantly. "Of course I do. There's no one else I'd rather team up with, darling."

"I hoped you'd say that..."