24. ., Dash

July 4, 2005

Sea Spring, Texas

"Dude, come on," Chandler's voice echoed from somewhere inside our hotel suite.

Sitting on the bed's edge, I took a moment to get my anniversary text out of the way.

"It was your idea to take a charter out. Everybody's waiting for us," Chandler said closer to the door. "Apparently the fish guys don't like to be late on the water."

"Go. I'll catch up with you," I mumbled and began to type. "Happy anniversary. This is year five. I love you. I'm waiting."

Short, sweet, and to my point. I tapped the send button. I was going fishing for my birthday. A burst of laughter slipped free as I opened the door to an antsy Chandler. He'd probably die where he stood if he had any idea this was Beau's thing.

"Why're you laughing?" he asked defensively and glanced down at my fishing attire.

"Get going," I said, nodding him toward the door. "We're late, remember?" I squeezed past him and started out of the suite. We had a birthday to celebrate and fish to catch.