"That's kind of how it is everywhere now, I think. All the small towns get swallowed up as the cities expand outward."

Looking back out at the ocean, he squeezes her hand again and tilts his head toward a row of food trucks that like to park on this end of the boardwalk after the businesses start closing for the day to catch people on their way home.

"There we go, see the one with the big red, white, and green flag by the tables - that's my favorite food truck in the area."