In less than a month it would be Christmas. And what a special one it would be, with Eric in her life. Ahead of them, Jayden chattered to his grandmother, yet Lark noted that he also paid careful attention to Pookie. No lead rein; no side walkers. Her son was turning into an excellent horseman. Her mom, persuaded to climb aboard a horse herself, had proved to be a natural. “There it is,” Jayden called. “I see Zephyr Lake!” On this November Saturday, Eric had suggested they go for a horseback picnic. In summer, scenic Zephyr Lake was a popular destination for teens and families. They flocked to it for picnics, swimming, and barbecues, not to mention starlight make-out sessions. Today, riding toward it, Lark saw that it was deserted. The rough sand beach was empty; the dark water reflected the gray of the sky; the deciduous trees were stark skeletons without their leaves. Jayden said, “It looks sad. And lonely.” “We’ll cheer it up,” Eric said. He rode past Jayden to take the lead, and pointed to a grouping of several aspens.
