Fat rain pelted Jen’s car. The ocean waves licked at the purple-gray evening sky, threw an angry wash over the rock bridge, and spit a thick spray of saltwater across the road. In quick return the sky darkened to black and retaliated with the crack of thunder.

Jen made a cautious turn off highway 101 and wound up the long, steep road to her grandparents cottage. Lightening filled the sky and illuminated the gray and white house wrapped in a wide porch. Heavy blankets of fog moved in from the ocean and broke momentarily as more thunder and another cluster of bright veins stretched across the sky. The dreary turbulent setting offered an unwelcome greeting.

The guarantee of a long, lonely night coiled silent fingers of dread around Jen. She shivered, grabbed her suitcase, and dashed to the porch. She didn’t like staying alone, but Cassie had backed out at the last minute and Jen had no choice. The commitment to her grandparents must be kept. A promise that would tonight change her life forever.

Escalated thunder boomed overhead followed by intensified lightening. Jen froze with door key in outstretched hand. Did she only imagine it, or did the sound of an eerie cry also penetrate the wicked night air? Her cold fingers shook fitting key to lock. A sudden gust of wind kicked the door open.

Inside, she fumbled for the light switch. No power. Her voice echoed in the hallways of her memory. “House sitting on the weekends will be fun. It will give me a chance to get out of the city, and give you peace of mind, knowing your house is being cared for. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll see you both in three months.”

A flashlight sat in the trunk of her car. No way. She wasn’t going back outside to get it. She felt her way into the kitchen. Several open drawers later she gripped a flashlight, and found a good supply of candles and matches. Thankful for the wood in the fire box, Jen built a fire, slipped out of her wet coat, and threw her wrap over a chair to dry near the heat.

Strong pounding rattled the door. Jen jumped and covered her scream with both hands.

Fist upon wood struck again.

She tiptoed to the window and peeked out. Only darkness. “Who’s there?” Her voice pinched with fear.

“County Deputy Harrison, Ma’am.”

Jen tried to swallow away her fright. Could she trust the smooth tone of his voice? Her heart reacted before her head. Through the sliver of opened door, she took a quick measure of the man. Her breath caught. Tall. Handsome. Perfect formed features. Eyes mixed with compassion, commitment, and astuteness. She opened the door wider.

He lifted his hat from his head. His slight nod included the hint of a smile. “Evening Ma’am. Wanted to let you know a cougar’s been spotted out this way. Might be best to stay indoors until words comes of his capture. If you should spot him give us a call.”

He slipped a card into her hand. Their fingers touched. Electricity charged up her arm, increased the thumping of her heart, and pumped warmth into her soul.

“I’ll make an extra swing through this area every shift and double check each time. I promise.”

His last two words did a slow waltz through Jen’s heart and quilted honor to his pledge. They were a cousin to the words she someday hoped to hear. “I do.” Her fingers lingered against his another moment, coiled in the dream of a future together. What a beautiful collaboration their connubial felicity would produce.