Free Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren Page A

clouds had parted to reveal a starlit night, unusually mild for mid-September. “Come on, let’s walk,” he said, opening his door and getting out before she had a chance to respond.
    She didn’t feel like walking, but the very pleasantness of the night pulled at her, so she found herself climbing out of the car.
    Side by side, they set off down the paved walkway, neither speaking at first, just taking in the sounds of a few passing cars, a couple of dogs disturbing the peace, a door slamming, a distant foghorn blaring. “Nice, huh?” Jason said after a few minutes.
    “It is,” she admitted, folding her arms across her chest.
    She felt his eyes fall on her. “You’re not cold, are you?”
    “No, it’s—it’s a beautiful night. I’m glad you brought me.”
    “I knew it’d be good for you to get out of that house. I have a strong suspicion you don’t get out much, young lady.”
    A tiny laugh escaped her lips. “Church and the grocery store. Those are our major destination points.” She laughed again, and Jason’s chuckle blended with hers.
    They padded through a mound of sand that had blown onto the sidewalk. The full moon’s reflection glistened on the nearly motionless lake. A late-night jogger approached, nodded, and continued on his way, and Jason brushed against her as he sidestepped to make room on the path.
    “How’s your business doing?” she decided to ask, realizing that everything so far had been about her, and that she’d selfishly allowed it instead of inquiring about his life.
    For the next several minutes, he talked about his thriving company, his current projects, his hardworking crew, and even his condo, which she’d never seen, since he’d lived elsewhere the last time she and John had driven down for a visit more than two years ago. She asked about the development where he lived, the church he attended, and whether he had a good circle of friends. He filled her in, saying he liked his condo fine, loved his church and pastors, and had made a number of friends but had little time for socializing.
    He managed to draw her into the conversation, as well, asking her about her church, her family, and some friends from the old gang they used to hang out with. He had the tact not to bring up his brother’s name. Of course, she didn’t hang much with the “old gang,” as he put it. Losing John had put a damper on her former friendships, as many of the married couples usually found it awkward to invite her anywhere. She had several faithful girlfriends, though, who insisted on keeping her as busy as possible, namely Allie Ferguson.
    “So, tell me about this woman you’re dating. Candace, is it? Are you in love with her?” She glanced up and saw his Adam’s apple bob like a fisherman’s cork. Okay, so the questions had poured out with little forethought. They’d come to the end of the sidewalk, and now, nothing but beach stretched out before them. Hardly pausing, Rachel stepped out of her sandals, bent to pick them up, and proceeded through the shifting, sugary sand, knocking gently against Jason without meaning to, her damp locks falling around her cheeks. The starry sky reflected off the water as undercurrents swept miniature waves upon the shore. In the distance, a lighthouse flickered signals to incoming barges and small crafts, the pier on which it sat stretching out over the clear horizon like a pointy finger. A low, dull foghorn sent out its booming blast, skittering across the lake and creating ghostly echoes of warning.
    Following suit, Jason stepped out of his shoes and edged closer to the water. “Hey, it’s not that bad. Stick your toes in.”
    Feeling adventurous, she did so, amazed at how warm the water felt to her toes. “You’re right; it’s nice.”
    She glanced across the Big Lake’s wide expanse at the dimly lit horizon. He must have noticed it, for he asked, “Remember how I used to say you could see Wisconsin from here if you looked hard enough?”
    So, he