Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren Read Free Book Online

not this year’s , he thought. Matter of fact, he planned to stop at Buff’s Burritos on his way back to the condo. A big, spicy burrito would suit him just fine. After that, he’d jump on his bicycle and do his usual fifteen-mile trek on the paved path that wound around the lake.
    “Same here. I’d just as soon forget about them altogether, and I probably would if it weren’t for Carlene, who celebrates everything, including the dog’s birthday!”
    The two exchanged a chuckle. Todd removed his tool belt and threw it onto the front seat of his truck, then propped his arm over the door and surveyed the massive two-story, brick waterfront home they’d spent the last several months erecting, now complete as far as the outside went, save for landscaping the yard and pouring the driveway. “House has shaped up nicely,” he commented. “Did I tell you this is Carlene’s dream home? I tell her, ‘Dream on, my dear. No paltry carpenter like me is gonna be buildin’ something like this anytime soon.’” He combed four fingers through his hair. “I tell you, Wilcox spared no expense on this place.”
    Jason leaned against his truck and looked at the mansion-like structure. “Funny, I drove Candace past it last week, and she promptly insisted I build her the same house. Frankly, I wouldn’t want the headache of owning this monster. Think of the upkeep on an eight-thousand-square-foot home.”
    “No kidding!” Todd said, crawling into his truck and cranking the engine. “Wilcox isn’t what you’d call young, either. What is he, anyway? Seventy-something? Don’t know what he’d want with a big ol’ house like this when he could very well kiss the dust tomorrow.”
    They talked for a few more minutes before Todd waved good-bye and drove off. Jason slid onto the dusty cloth seat of his old Ford pickup, the vehicle he’d reserved only for work, turned the key in the ignition, and sat in the driveway, staring at the house, one hand resting on the steering wheel.
    “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
    Not for the first time, the passage of Scripture skipped through his mind. So many of his clients looked for peace and contentment in material possessions. Why else would they fork out the dough for such extravagant houses? Not that he was complaining; every contract represented more capital for pouring back into the business. But he’d learned that a padded wallet does not generate happiness. Sure, he understood folks’ thinking; he’d even once been of the same mind-set. The more money, the bigger the party! Throughout college and even after graduation, he’d been all about earning lots of money. But not anymore. Lately, since making a recommitment to Christ just after John’s death, he wanted to be a good steward of his income, live simply and sensibly, make smart investments, and then prayerfully give the rest to worthy causes that advanced the kingdom.
    Unfortunately, Candace did not share his heart for missions. No, she wanted the big house with all the bells and whistles, the fancy cars, the exotic vacations, and the stylish, name-brand clothing. He wasn’t even sure where she stood in terms of her faith these days.
    Perhaps that’s why he was dragging his feet and had yet to put that ring on her finger.

Chapter 4
    The last Sunday in September finally promised rain as storm clouds gathered—dark, gloomy, and restive. Rachel moved about the house in mechanical fashion, nerves taut, energy low, mood morose, matching the weather. She hated feeling sad, for it affected her ability to parent, which only dragged down her spirits even more.
    The phone blared at eight thirty, just as she was sitting down to breast-feed Johnny one more time before church. She sighed and got up to answer it, crossing in front of Meagan, who sat on the couch watching cartoons, thumb in her mouth, a doll tucked under her arm.
    “Hi, Mom,” Rachel said into the receiver after