Rachel stood in the middle of one of the busiest places known to humankind, filled with some of the most aggravated, uncaring people the human race had ever been graced with. In other words, she was at baggage claim at the airport after a thirteen-hour flight.
"Finn, don't forget," Rachel called over the swarm of troubled travelers to her companion, "I brought the big pink makeup bag. I can't just go to some cottage in the middle of the woods for a week without all of my necessities."
At least seven pairs of critical eyes shot her instantaneous judgment, one of which belonged to the seventy-something sneezer Rachel had the pleasure of sitting next to… right across from the lavatory. Mr. Sneezer's name was Walter – Walter had a disconcerting fascination with black striped cats. Seriously, you of all people are judging me?
"Just wait until I'm a star," she muttered staring at the ground as Finn approached.
"Hey, honey…" Finn's voice rasped, strained.
Rachel glanced up to see Finn before her, struggling beneath the weight of seven luggage pieces, the largest six of which did not belong to him.
"Oh, sorry, do you want me to take something?"
The couple rearranged their baggage and ambled awkwardly out of the airport's doors into the brisk winter night of the north.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight yet," Finn asked, looking over at Rachel?
She rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Finn. No one looks like a model after flying."
"I'm serious, babe. How did I get so lucky?" The corners of Rachel's mouth drew up into a tight smile – a smile that apparently had a magnetic effect on Finn's lips. The shuttle arrived just as the two parted to take them to their final stop of the night.
After an early morning breakfast, the Finn and Rachel piled into a taxi and rode into the winter wonderland of the woods. Once settled into the quaint cabin, they walked around to the back entrance.
Finn snaked his arm around Rachel's waist, pulling his soul mate tightly to his side. "This could be our forever," Finn whispered delicately into Rachel's hair as he kissed the top of her head. They stood together, gazing off into the quiet sunset over the frozen lake, harmonizing with nature and the promise of their perpetual love.