Page 193 of Hidden Depths

Ward wasn't relaxing.

He was thinking.

She walked quietly beside him.

"The stars are beautiful tonight."

He smiled.

"They are."

For several moments...

Neither of them spoke.

Sometimes...

Silence said enough.

Finally...

Storm smiled.

"When we reach Hawaii..."

"...your fiancée will probably be waiting on the dock."

Ward's smile faded just slightly.

"She should be."

Storm noticed.

"You don't sound very sure."

He looked out across the dark Pacific.

"I honestly don't know anymore."

Storm didn't answer.

She wouldn't.

Whatever happened between Ward and the woman waiting in Honolulu...

Had to be his decision.

Not hers.

After a long silence...

Ward spoke again.

"I've spent most of my adult life making promises."

Storm looked at him.

"To my country."