Waves roll on the beach, diminishing into a soft flow washing into feet and sand structures. Laughter and the din of voices dance across the air. Chloe and I walk hand in hand through the surf. The water and sand of southern California is so much better than that of Arcadia Bay.

"Thank you for coming with me," Chloe says as we stop to look across the breaking surf.

"Where you go, I will go, Chloe."

She looks back at me. Her crooked smile makes the light in her eyes dance. She pulls me into an embrace that I enter willingly.

"Still, coming with me on a trip to say goodbye to Rachel? I couldn't expect that." Her hand brushes through my hair. That old instinct to turn away, letting the compliment slide off me, rises. Its hold, strong and comfortable, beckons.

"That's what love is about, isn't it?" My words are my answer to Chloe and that old habit.

"You know what I mean."

And I do. Rachel had often spoken about Long Beach to Chloe. The two had planned to come here at some point. Instead, Mark Jefferson happened and those plans were forever ruined.

Only that's not what Chloe means.

Just a few months ago I stood on a brink. Stay and accept being with Chloe, accepting that I have value and worth. Or leave, going back into the darkness of my previous life, likely to a disastrous end.

The path to this beach was longer than the several hundred miles we drove. That night I finally told her everything. I let her in, let her see all my dark places. And she loved me even more.

"You're my hero, Max," she whispers.

Wrapping my arms around her, I lean into her, my head on her chest. Laughter consumes me as she tickles my sides and I fall away from her. She's still grinning as she stalks toward me, her fingers crooked to inflict another tickle attack.

Kicking water up at her, I turn and run laughing through the waves. A body collides with me and we go down, a jumbled tangle of arms and legs and laughter in the waves.

"There is an otter in my water," Chloe says as I come up for air.

"No fair," I pout. "You're too fast with those damned long legs of yours."

"Ooo," she purrs, "Maxie complaining about me being too fast now. That's not what you said last night."

Gasping at her comment, I look around hoping no one heard her. Hundreds of people are around us, but of course no one is paying us any mind. That doesn't stop the burning sensation on my ears and face.

"You look good in red," Chloe says, her hands on her hips.

"Be quiet and help me up." She takes my hand and pulls me up into her arms again. Her lips meet mine and we stand there for a while lost in each other.

"Yeah," she whispers when we part, "I'm hella glad you came with me."

We laugh and play for a while before I claim tiredness. Walking out of the surf to the lounges, I step into the shade of the spacious umbrella with a bit of relief.

Sitting on the lounge, I wrap the large towel around me. Chloe stays in the surf, her mismatched two piece always pulling my eyes to her.

This trip is a gift from all four of our parents, a celebration of both Chloe and I finishing school. Knowing they must have been saving for quite a while to give us this touches me deeply. Especially David and Joyce. My parents are doing well for themselves in Seattle, but Arcadia Bay still presents a struggle to its inhabitants.

We haven't told our parents yet about Pricefield Enterprises. An anonymous fund paid for Joyce's house to be rebuilt and neither I nor Chloe breathed a word about it. Prescott had exaggerated in his description of our little company, but not by much.

I learned that rightful Max had started working with Chloe to get her GED before that night I replaced her. Blackwell no longer held attraction to me and returning to Seattle would set me back another year. So I joined Chloe in pursing a GED. Just a couple of weeks ago we received our diplomas in the mail.

Rightful Max. The one who belongs here, not me. The dark touch of loathing creeps through the sunshine to touch my soul. The familiar urge to hurt, to feel pain, seeps into me.

You belong here just as much as I do.

Taking a deep breath, I let it out and stand up. Walking closer to the water, I kneel down and begin digging. The need to do something with my hands I redirect into digging and building. It's something I learned, a tool to manage my pain.

You are strong, Max.

Her words whisper through my mind, reassurance that I am doing the right thing. It's still strange having her present with me. I don't think I could have made it this far without her. Between her and Chloe, they got me to accept help. Talking to a professional helped me far more than I realized. It's helped Chloe as well.

Chloe collapses close by, water dripping from her short, blue hair. She's wearing the jewelry I bought her in Bend, earrings and navel ring both. "What are we building?"

"Well, I didn't really have a plan. I just needed to build."

She smiles. My words tell her why I'm building and she doesn't press it. "How about a pirate ship and pirate getaway?"

"I doubt we'll have time for that, Chloe. We have that dinner reservation in a few hours and we still have to get ready for it."

"Pshaw," she huffs, "we'll see about that." With her help we build a passable fort-like structure on an island. Winding trenches around it serve as the ocean.

"See, ye of little faith, we built our pirate getaway!"

Something's wrong with it though. We have a little place for the people to live, a dock for the ship, a garden, and places for the animals. It clicks then and I look up at her.

"Where will we keep our treasure, though? We didn't build a storehouse, or other place to hide it!"

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she says, "This pirate doesn't need a storehouse for her treasure. Mine is always with me."

What? I start to protest, but comprehension dawns on me and I choke off my words. Her sand-coated hand strokes my cheek, replaced by her lips, warm and soft. My body trembles at her obvious love for me, wanting to reject it.

Knowing what the trembling means, she scoots closer and pulls me tight against her. "You deserve to be loved," she whispers.

My hands go around her waist, needing the warm sensation of skin. Focusing on each place where our skin touches, I breath deep, letting it out slowly.

"I love you, Max."

"I-Thank you." Stupid Max! Can't even tell your girlfriend you love her!

You're not stupid. You do love her. It's ok to tell her.

Taking another deep breath I focus on things I've done that required strength and courage. Saving us from the Prescott's. Saving our parents. Standing up to myself, one of the most difficult things of all. And what I will do tonight.

Letting out another breath I make myself look at her. "I love you too, Chloe."

Her smile wides and she kisses my nose. "Now, let's say we get back to our room."

"Ok. But we only have time to get ready! Our dinner reservation is in two hours. With traffic, we need to leave as early as possible."

A thoughtful expression crosses her face as she wrinkles her brow and looks into the distance. "Two hours, huh? Wonder what will take us that long to get ready?"

Slapping her shoulder playfully, I stand and help her to her feet. "I'm not going to answer that here!"

We stride hand-in-hand up the beach toward the hotel. Suddenly, I'm in the air slung over her shoulder! "Got me my pirate booty," she shouts as she starts running.

Laughing I beat lightly on her back. "Put me down you scalawag!"

"Never," she shouts. Contrary to her words, she does put me down, keeping me within the circle of her arms. "I'm never letting this treasure go," she says before she kisses me in full view of everyone.

I'm clutching at her shoulders, trying to keep my balance as my head whirls with everything she's pouring into me. When we break, I'm breathless and captivated by her. If not for her arms I would be a puddle on the sand below. "Ok," she says, "let's go get ready before you get too many ideas."

I give her a sidelong look because I'm still trying to catch my breath. Her arm slips around my waist and guides me toward the hotel.

Despite her playfulness, Chloe leaves me to get ready in peace. I'm very glad for that as my nerves have me on edge. Looking in the mirror, I double check everything. Simple knee-length black dress? Check. Small nice looking, but fun handbag? Check. Credit cards, license and other things in the bag? Check.

My hair is in my typical chin length cut. It's so easy to care for I doubt I'll ever change it. In a nod to my girlfriend, it's now auburn. The memory of us dyeing our hair in Bend comes back to me. The way she looked at me, the way she touched me were things that convinced me to change its color. As she said earlier at the beach, she likes me in red.

Our trip will end in another couple of days and it will be back to Arcadia Bay. The town is not the same since Sean Prescott was arrested. While he didn't spend any time in jail, as I predicted, things went completely out of control for him.

Kristine Prescott returned. After that, information leaked to the IRS and other Government agencies about whatever Sean was doing. That turned the Nation's attention on Arcadia Bay in an unprecedented way. Tourism is up, as well as interest in rejuvenating the town. The Prescotts property and wealth is currently frozen by the government as they build their case.

After Arcadia Bay…well my parents still want me to attend college. They have a college fund setup for me, that should last a couple of years. I already told them I'll only consider going to college if Chloe is there with me.

And after tonight…well I hope that won't be an issue anymore.

Things are…hard to explain for Max and I. She showed a new ability in the stillness: she's able to keep Chloe in the stillness without physical contact. That explained what was happening during my breakdown. She has supported me in a way I don't deserve.

That's not true.

She supports me in the ways that I need.

We haven't encountered any other Max's, nor have I wanted to visit any of the shards. She revealed that both she and the other Max had figured out how to use their ability while locked in my mind. That was how the hateful Max blocked my powers from working. What I didn't know is they both fought for control. The Hateful Max, being more vicious in her anger, usually won.

The Hateful Max, who is no longer hateful. She visits occasionally, I suspect as a way of trying to make up for the ways she hurt me. The relationship between Chloe and I gave her ideas. Apparently she and her Chloe are working their way toward a relationship more than friendship. Me? I am content to be here, with Max and Chloe.

"Hey sista," Chloe says as she steps from the bathroom. And my breath is blown away.

She's wearing black slacks, a white button up shirt, and blue suspenders. I think the last time I saw her dressed somewhat formal was-no! I can't think about that now.

"Wowsers!" It's all I can squeak out as she saunters close to me.

"Amazeballs," she breathes as she hooks an arm into mine and pulls me close. "So, my hipster waif. Are you going to tell me where we're going?"

All I can do is shake my head. Words have escaped me.

She runs a hand through her spiky hair and I see she's still wearing the earrings I bought her. A glint in her nose pulls my eyes there. The small stud I bought in Bend graces it.

Before any emotions can claim me, I open the door and pull us out of the room.

Tonight is for Chloe.

We step out of the car in front of what looks like a ramshackle place. It took the longest time to find a place good enough for her. And a lot of work to get us in tonight.

She turns to me as the car pulls away. "I thought we were going out for steak or something."

Biting my lip, I push aside the doubts and negative feelings her words light within me. "I'm sure they have steak here."

Nodding she turns back to the entrance, festooned with christmas lights and letting loud music out into the world. "I feel a little over dressed."

Taking her hand in mine, I step to the entrance, pulling her with me. Giving my name to the host we wait a few moments before a young woman with an overly cheerful smile comes up to seat us.

The inside looks as rustic, or rundown, as the outside. It's all fake of course, just a themed restaurant to match the clientele they want to attract. But I'm pretty sure Chloe is among that group. Her head is nodding to the fast-paced beat of the band onstage as she peruses the menu.

The anxiety within me begins to bleed away as I see her enjoying herself. In between our drinks and the meal being served, she pulls me onto the dance floor for a couple of dances. I'm sure my dancing is quite forgettable, but hers draw more than one look of admiration from others.

Our meal comes, steak for her and salmon for me. My nerves are starting to climb again as we eat and my appetite disappears. The salmon is good, along with the risotto it's served with, but I only eat a little of it.

Eyeing my meal as she finishes hers, she asks, "are you going to eat that?"

My hands have clenched the napkin on my lap. I don't think I can make it through all this.

Breathe, Max, breathe. We can make it, together.

Listening to her, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. In and out I let the breath flow through me until the anxiety ebbs. Fingers brush mine and I open my eyes to see Chloe peering at me. Her eyebrows are arched and concern lines her face.

Swallowing, I nod and then think, wait, what did she ask me? Oh, whether I'm going to eat all my food. Smoothing the napkin on my lap, I put my fork on my plate and say, "No. I'm not very hungry."

Her fingers close around mine. "We can go somewhere else if this is too much."

A weak smile crosses my lips. "No, Chloe. I want to be here. With you." She nods but I can tell she doesn't really believe me.

"This is an awesome place…but I'll be happy where ever you are. We don't have to stay."

Letting go another deep breath I decide I better do this now. Signaling the server to clear our plates, I give another signal we arranged beforehand.

Moments after our plates are cleared, the band begins playing a different song, a familiar song. It's not a romantic song, but for me it holds more memories than I can bear.

"Huh," Chloe says, looking at the stage. "I haven't heard this song in a while. I never thought I'd hear Sparklehorse in Long Beach."

It's now or never. Dipping my hand in my bag, my fingers wrap around a small box which I place onto my lap.

"Chloe Elizabeth Price," I say, my voice trembling, "you have shown me more love and care than I deserve." I swallow the lump that forms when she looks at me. My eyes fall to my hands as I try to keep my courage. "When we reconnected last October…this is the song that was playing…I wanted it…" Oh god this is so hard!

Breathe. You can do this!

Summoning all the courage I can find, I raise my eyes to her. Her expression is unreadable and I'm too tangled up emotionally to try. Placing the box on the middle of the table, my hand pulls away like I dropped something hot. But her hand shoots out and captures mine.

Her eyes go from me to the box. There's no mistaking what it is.

"Chloe Elizabeth Price. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Her look is the dearest thing in the world. "Max," she says in such a way that I couldn't look away even if I tried. "Each day you continue to amaze me. You did all this…to propose to me?" Her other hand waves around at the people and music, the place that is so her. I nod.

She smiles and all the anxiety and fear and tangled nerves melts away. "Open the box, and put the ring on my finger," she says.

Slipping my hand from hers, I open the box and pull out the ring. Taking her hand in mine, I slip the ring onto her finger. "Hell yes, I want to marry you, Max Caulfield," she says.

Her hand slips from mine as she stands suddenly, her chair toppling over. With a voice clear and strong that cuts through everything, she announces, her eyes never leaving mine, "My girlfriend just asked me to marry her!"

She thrusts her hand with the ring into the air as the music and voices around us falls silent. Bodies move as people turn to look at us. In a moment that normally would have me ducking my head and trying to get away, I am entranced by the way she looks at me.

Everything falls away and there is only Chloe. In her clear voice she continues, "and I said Yes!"

She brings me to my feet and we are the only people in the world. Her arms slip around me as she holds me close and we kiss. What happened next, I don't know because my heart filled with something missing for so long: unbounded joy.

Chloe being Chloe, wants to rush out and get married right away. Making the point that our parents, if no one else, should be there helps temper that enthusiasm. Her hands though are a different story.

It takes us longer than normal to return to Arcadia Bay. In part it's because we take State Highway One, up the coast. Another reason is because Chloe wants to celebrate so we stop often and we get to know a lot more motels on our way up the California and Oregon coast.

It's our third night on the trip, and we're in Crescent City, a town whose name is bigger than it is. We're lying in bed, me tucked against her, when she says, "I'd like to plan the wedding."

Leaning up to look at her, I say, "And what will I do?"

She smiles and says, "Advise. I've…actually been thinking about this for a while."

"You Chloe? You've been thinking about a wedding?" The doubt in my voice is only too real.

"Believe it or not, Max, I've been thinking about it since we were kids. So I have a few ideas…"

That catches me by surprise and I sit up bringing the sheet with me. She doesn't mind that she's exposed; she probably wouldn't even if other people were around. It's her I look at though, the real her glimpsed through that cocky smile and the way she owns the bed just by being in it.

Taking her hand, the one that should be wearing the ring, I say, "Ok, but please not something really extravagant?"

"Oh you know me, go big or go home." But the grin she has fades into a soft smile. "We can have a big party anytime. The wedding is about us. About you and I and our love for each other."

My head tilts as she says these things. "Who are you and what did you do with my Chloe," I say.

She laughs and I know it's her by the way the sound brings me joy. Her fingers trace designs on me that make me shiver. Reaching up, her arms pull me to her.

I don't remember much about the rest of the trip. Chloe wastes no time in setting up a special meal with my parents, Joyce and David. We have the meal in Portland where we announce our engagement. That is the happiest I've seen any of them, even David.

My mom and Joyce immediately begin talking wedding plans, and Chloe lets them down gently. Joyce looks disbelieving when she reveals she's been thinking about a wedding for a long time. I'm glad I'm not the only one with that doubt.

With college plans looming, we decide to keep the engagement short. Letting her sentimental side show, Chloe tells me she wants to get married on October 11th. When I protest, she tells me, "I want you to forever remember that date as the day you chose me." What could I say to that?

The days turn into weeks and the day of our wedding draws ever closer. She keeps details of the wedding close to her heart. All I know is I'm to choose my own dress and write my own vows. I'm sure she's shared some details with our moms, but they are not sharing with me. Not even my favorite pouty face gets anything from Chloe.

It's the week of the wedding and she's driving us to Mendocino county in California. That's all I know. Unlike the previous trip, she takes us down I-5, quick and direct until we reach Highway 20 at Williams. That part is windy and slow, especially around Clearlake. For me it passes quickly as I try to get more information from her.

When I asked why Mendocino and not Napa Valley or San Francisco, she said, "We're pirates, Max. We have to marry by the sea and not in the midst of a city!"

"Then, why not Arcadia Bay? It's by the sea."

Her hand touches my face tenderly. "Because I want your memory of our wedding to be untainted by what happened there."

One thing I did learn during the past weeks is she had wanted to be the one to propose. She hid it very well, but she was both surprised and deeply moved when I proposed. That didn't stop her from getting me an engagement ring, a simple one to match my style.

In Mendocino there is little for me to do. She keeps me away from where ever the wedding is. The little town is just my thing though, with little shops and a thriving art community. Those keep me busy while she's off preparing. I'm fairly certain that is another reason Chloe chose the place.

The day finally arrives and we're both up early. Everything becomes a whirl of activity. Chloe stays by my side through all of it. The only time she disappears is to dress. She teases me that it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. I'm not sure if she means me, or herself.

My dress is simple, well as simple as a wedding dress can be. Plain white, with few frills, and a hint of gold woven through it. The small train, a concession to Chloe, that is detachable, glides behind me. Per Chloe's wishes I'm also wearing a little more makeup than I normally do.

"I want the girl I marry to be the most beautiful person in the room," she told me when she asked me to wear just a little more. I know it will help the photos turn out better, but that's not why I'm doing it. I'm doing it because I love her.

Outside the Bed & Breakfast a car awaits to take me to our wedding. The weather is still warm and the day is fog free. That's a rarity in this area at this time of year. Once in the car, I spread my hands on my lap, tilt back my head and close my eyes.

Max?

Yes?

Yes?

I start, not expecting both of them to answer. Of course she would want to see how I've risen above the low she brought me to. A slight smile touches my lips.

Thank you for not giving up on me.

You're welcome.

The car stops and we are in front of a stand of trees, with no buildings in sight. The driver opens the door for me. Stepping out, I look around. My hand clutches a small bouquet. The driver hands me an envelope.

Puzzled, I open it. Inside I find a crudely drawn map. Rotating it a few times I figure out where I am on the map. An arrow points toward the trees. On the other side of the trees is a large red X. Stepping closer, I look at the trees. A couple near the road have ribbons on them. I'm glad I'm wearing flats. That was one thing I would not compromise on.

Behind me the door closes and the car leaves. I walk into the trees. In the distance is the sound of surf, breaking against rocks or a cliff. I begin to see colored ribbons tied to the trees. Red, Blue, and Gold, the colors we chose for our wedding.

My next step takes me out of the small forest and into the open. I immediately stop. A small field, with some wild flowers, sweeps down from the trees toward the sea. Waves crest and roll toward the land. A gentle breeze washes the area. The scents of ocean and trees and flower mingle to create a heady experience.

Near the edge of the bluff is a group of people. Most of them are seated but there is a small cluster near the front. I don't see blue hair anywhere. My fingers begin to twitch on my bouquet.

Someone steps to my side, causing me to turn. My father holds his arm out to me. He's dressed in a black tux with red and gold accents, my colors. "Shall we," he asks and his voice breaks a little.

Standing on my toes, I place a kiss on his cheek then take his arm. "We shall," I say and my own voice wavers.

Arm in arm we walk toward the people. As we draw closer I begin to recognize them. Family, close friends, and the very few "must invites" are the only people present. My eyes don't really focus on faces, there's only one person I want to see right now. And I don't see her anywhere.

My father stops near a tall person standing at the edge of the assembly of seats. All I can see is the person's back, which isn't much. Tall, with a long black coat, black boots, and black hat. It looks like some kind of sailors hat. My father clears his throat and the person turns.

The sounds and smells and bright light all fade away as she looks at me. Standing before me, dressed like a pirate going to a formal gala, is Chloe. Her blue hair is tucked under a black three-cornered hat trimmed in blue. The long coat is also trimmed in blue. Under it is a puffy white shirt, black slacks, and some kind of blue sash around her waist. Pinned to her lapel is a large red paper X.

None of that matters because the way she looks at me makes me forget where we are and why. I look at all of her, all of her. The way she stands, the way she looks, the way she smells, all of it I take in to make part of myself.

With a cocky smile she leans close. "You're doing it again," she says with a purr.

"Wuh? Doing what?"

"Taking a picture."

And she's right. I'm taking a picture of the most beautiful person I've ever seen. A breath slowly leaves my body as I look at her, wanting this moment to stretch into eternity. A broad smile has captured my face from the joy her presence brings. She disentangles me from my dad and hooks her arm with mine.

"Ready cap'n," she says with a playful grin.

"Ready," I reply with a nervous giggle.

"You are the most beautiful girl here," she whispers. My cheeks warm at her compliment and I look down bashfully.

"Thank you," I manage to whisper.

She leads me to the front where a few people are standing: the official who'll marry us, Joyce and my dad as the witnesses. My mom sits in the front row next to David. Once we stop, the official begins speaking, but I don't know what he says. My entire focus is locked on Chloe.

Suddenly, she's nudging me and I blink. "Your vows," she mouths. Oh!

Taking a breath to calm myself, I turn to face her.

"Chloe Elizabeth Price, you have been my friend since kindergarten. You have stayed my friend and given me the support and love I needed through the happiest times, and darkest times of my life. You have always been the Captain of my heart even when we weren't together.

"You have been the lighthouse in the storm of my life, guiding me to safety. When I was at my lowest, you never gave up on me. I have loved you since before I knew what love is or means. I promise to love you as much as you have loved me, to guide you in your darkness back to safety, to care for you even when you don't care for yourself. My heart is forever yours."

Taking my hands in hers, Chloe looks into my eyes. With a sly grin, she says, "Max, never Maxine, Caulfield, you are my everything. You are my treasure that can never be plundered, my booty that can never be taken. Without you, my ship will flounder, without you there is no Max and Chloe.

"I am honored to be your wife, to be the Co-Captain of this marriage. I am honored that you found me worthy to ask aboard your vessel to navigate life together. To you I promise to value and love and cherish like the treasure that you are."

Her words stirs that joy in my heart, the joy that took root a few weeks ago. The official says some other words I don't hear. Well, I do hear one word: kiss.

Her arms are around my neck and mine are around her waist. We pull each other close and melt into each other.

Distantly, there are more words and applause. It washes over me in a soft roar that I barely hear. Chloe is the only thing that matters.

My wife.