Free Loving Promises by Gail Gaymer Martin

uneasy, she’d decided it had been a natural response to their growing amicable relationship. Friendship was best for them both. He obviously wasn’t looking for marriage and neither was she.
    But companionship was another thing. Having someone to go to a movie with, to enjoy a play or walk in thepark with seemed like a possibility now. She’d had a nice time with him at Ian’s. Every time they’d been together without the kids had been pleasant.
    She watched him now as he headed for the grill. He’d been so kind to entertain Michael, even if it was at his mother’s prodding.
    Dotty and her mother were deep in conversation. Bev could see the weakness in Dotty’s face. Yet the woman was strong in faith. Her mother could make Dotty smile, which to Bev was a true gift of the spirit.
    Bev rose and headed across the grass. A warm breeze fluttered through her hair, and she pushed her hair back before tucking a loose strand behind her ear. Dale’s brown hair had lightened in the past couple of weeks as the sun had bleached it with highlights, and he looked relaxed and as sunny as the day.
    When she approached, his eyes crinkled into a smile, and she pressed her hand against her chest for a moment, addled by the sensation she felt.
    “Can I help?” she asked.
    He grinned. “Sure. Talk to me.”
    “Why?” Immediately she feared he wanted to ask those questions she’d promised to answer.
    “Talk or sing. Anything to entertain me while I make you the best steak you’ve had in ages.”
    “That’s easy. I can’t afford steak so even shoe leather would taste good to me.”
    “I like your sense of humor. Did I ever tell you that?”
    “No.” She paused a moment, wondering if she should be so honest. “Want me to tell you what I like about you?”
    He drew back and cocked his head. “Sure.”
    “It’s your eyes.”
    He looked at her and crossed them.
    She’d never seen him so silly. She gave him a playful punch. “You have beautiful eyes. They’re blue and deep like a whirlpool that draws me in. I feel as if I’m drowning.”
    “And you like that?”
    He made her laugh. “It’s the look, not the drowning.” She turned away, then back with a new thought. “And you love your family. That’s something I respect and admire.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “And that’s all you get.”
    “Whew! That’s enough.” He turned a steak, then looked up. “I’ll give you your list later.”
    Her list? Her pulse skipped. She wondered what he might say, but her heart sank as she recalled his other list—the personal questions he’d promised to ask her.
    Dale motioned toward the house. “These are nearly done. You can bring out the rest of the food.”
    Bev walked away, feeling uplifted yet scared. She liked this whole friendship idea. She only hoped her heart cooperated with the agreement.
     
    Bev leaned back against the chair, the sun blocked by the large umbrella. The sense of family washed over her. She loved it and feared it. One day when her motherwasn’t needed and the freshness of her and Al’s rediscovered friendship had faded, the relationship would fade, too. Lately, thinking of the Levins seemed to give Bev a sense of purpose, and Dale had offered her a little excitement in her usual life.
    “Three cheers for the cook,” Mildred said, holding up her lemonade glass toward Dale. “The steaks were delicious.”
    “And thanks for all the food you brought,” Al said. “I haven’t enjoyed a day like this in a long time.” He sank into a chair beside Mildred and folded his hands.
    The saddest part of the day was Dotty’s absence. She’d gone back to bed shortly after dinner, and Bev missed her gracious charm and undying spirit.
    Bev eyed the table filled with dishes and silverware. She rose and grasped two serving bowls. “The kids are enjoying that game you found so I’ll let you keep an eye on them while I clean up.”
    “I’ll be glad to help,” Mildred said, pushing herself up from her