By contrast, Derek always feels safe and strong when his arms are wrapped around her. When Derek is holding her, Beth can believe that they might really live to see old age. He is so very important and maybe he's only important to Beth, but he is the most important thing in her whole life.

Everyone fights, but today is too good to ruin with a fight over something so petty. She raises her hand. "Me. I'm the worst," she says, not sounding terribly upset about this. As soon as he starts disentangling himself, Beth's arms wrap around herself to hold in that warmth he left behind.

"You know," she says as he gets out of the water. "I just do this so I can look at your butt!" She's even going to forget about the shivering for a moment so she can admire her boyfriend's good qualities.