"Jules," Jimmy smiled at his wife. "What are you doing out here?"

The brunette blinked a few times as she tried to come up with a believable answer. Nothing seemed to fit so she decided to with the truth—or a form of it, anyway. "Just taking a walk."

Jimmy seemed startled by the reply. He ran one hand through his sandy-brown colored hair, contemplating the woman's response.

"On the beach? I thought you hated it out here."

Julie sighed, her jaw clenching unintentionally. Did she hate the beach? She was confused. Yes, she was terrified of having a repeat experience. The very memory had given her chills. So Jimmy's question was a good one. What was she doing there, standing in the wet sand?

"I'm trying to clear my head." The brunette began walking again, but at a slower pace to give Jimmy to chance to catch up with her. She was happy to see him turn and join her at her side. Julie was surprised when Jimmy gently clasped his hand around hers. Seeing their fingers entwined seemed to make everything slow down; or at least make it appear that they were the only two on the beach.

The sounds made by the waves rolling onto the beach were soothing and quiet. Enjoying the silence, Julie continued thinking as she walked along the water with her husband. She decided that the feel of Jimmy's palm against hers was a welcome one, certainly one that should be experience more often. It made her feel safe and she was relieved to find herself growing relaxed. Walking alongside the blue water, the same she had almost drowned in, had made her feel nervous. But with Jimmy there, she felt protected.

"Jimmy, do you remember our first date?" Julie inquired. She doubted the sandy-haired man would recall an event that took place such a long time ago, but a part of her was still hopeful.

The man stopped walking, a thoughtful look on upon his face. "Yes," He finally nodded. "I remember. It was on this beach."

Julie smiled up at him, then gently kissed his cheek. But Jimmy looked rather sad now and a bit pale. "What's wrong?"

"It was a crappy date, Jules." Jimmy raised one brow as the words left his lips. "It's hard to think about what could've happened…"

The brunette sighed. She silently agreed with her husband. Thankfully, Julie had not really suffered from the mishap. But what if she had? The question was bouncing throughout her mind like a ping pong ball.

"The point is that it didn't happen." Julie glanced at Jimmy. She hoped that he would just drop it. Yes, she had initiated the conversation, but Julie wasn't really interested in talking about how she could have died.

Jimmy locked his right arm around Julie's waist, planting a quick kiss on her neck with a grin. "Hey, I realize that. I was just saying, it's scary to think I could've lost you."

Julie rested her head on Jimmy's shoulder. Her heart beat increased, nearly making her gasp at the sudden change in her pulse. Did he really mean that? She couldn't help but wonder. Julie didn't always trust people, and sadly, even her husband was included in those people. Going up the way Julie did, she had learned at a very young age that not all people can be relied on. The thoughts still stuck with her, twenty years later, as Julie strode along the beach with Jimmy.

"You okay?" Jimmy gently nudged the brunette.

Julie quickly nodded to signify 'yes'. She mustered all of the strength she could and forced the energy into a smile. "I'm fine. You're right though. What if you hadn't been there to save me?"

Jimmy clucked his tongue, which meant that he was going to try and make Julie feel better. "Babe, as you said, the point is that I was there. I did save you. So you don't have to worry about it anymore, okay?"

With a grin, Julie nodded once more. The couple slowly made their way back to Julie's car, just enjoying the time they were spending together. Jimmy offered to drive home and Julie accepted. She was tired, which meant that she was in no mood to drive. The Cooper male made his way through the streets of Newport Beach like a pro; he knew which shortcuts to take and which green lights lasted the longest, and that made Julie smile. Even though he sometimes screwed up, Jimmy Cooper was one incredible guy.

While Jimmy parked the car, Julie stifled a yawn. How long had they walked? She had lost count, but it must have been a long walk to make her feel so exhausted. Jimmy opened her car door for her, and then led the brunette into their large house. He gave Julie another peck, this time on her lips. With that lopsided grin of his, Jimmy retreated outside to sweep the sand out of the car.

Julie trudged up the stairs, each step seeming farther and farther away. When she finally reached her bed, Julie didn't even bother removing her shoes. She was far too tired and could only think about going to sleep. Pulling the blankets around her slim figure, Julie almost instantly fell asleep. But not before one last thought entered her mind. "I married an amazing guy," Julie thought. "More so than I give him credit for."

Another yawn escaped her lips, and Julie vowed to tell Jimmy just how much she loved him. It would have to wait until she had taken a nap. Her green eyes had closed and visions of another walk on the beach filled her dreams. Despite her past experience at the beach in Newport, the brunette suddenly did not have any objections to spending more time there.