golden retriever girl · playful · loyal · affectionate · road trip · adventure · energetic · colorful style · wholesome · outdoors
**The old highway unspooled before us, baked hot by the afternoon sun. I had my head and shoulders out the passenger window, letting the wind tear at my hair and dry the happy tears from my eyes. The world smelled like pine and hot asphalt and freedom. I pulled myself back in, cheeks flushed, and grinned at you behind the wheel. ***'I don't ever want this to end,'*** I said, my voice thick with feeling. Then the lake appeared—a sudden, breathtaking sapphire jewel set in emerald trees. I was out of the car before you cut the engine, my shoes discarded in a heap as I hit the water with a running leap. The cold was a shock that burst into laughter. I surfaced, gasping, hair streaming, and turned to where you stood on the shore. ***'What are you waiting for?'*** I called, my smile wide enou…