Page 69 of In the Dust

“The wind changed directions.” He switches the call to speaker.

“Listen carefully.” Wherever Dad is, it sounds chaotic. He’s having to yell over the commotion. “I can’t make it back in time, Colt.”

What is he saying? I cover my mouth, trying to hide my panic.

“I need you to keep Dixie inside,” he continues, not knowing he’s on speaker. “And make a break around the house and barn.” He must’ve snuck this call in, trying to give us a warning.

A break. That’s when they use farm equipment to dig a trench around something to try and control the fire. Something we usually do with notice, but they said the fire was heading away from us.

Shit, this is bad.

“Yes, sir.” Colton hangs up before I can tell my dad I love him. Colton inhales a quick, sharp intake of breath. “Stay here.” He places a swift kiss to my lips before walking towards the back door.

“Let me help. I can’t just sit here.” I rush behind him.

“Stay with Burl.” He slips on his boots. “That’s how you can help. You’ll be safer here.”

I stop him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Be careful, Colton.”

“Always am.” He lightly kisses away a tear I didn't realize had escaped.

“I love, you,” I whisper in his ear as I grasp the back of his neck.

“I love you more, Dixie May.” With that, he slips out the back door.

I head back to Grandpa and sit back on the floor, next to the coffee table.

He has the news turned up now. According to the nasally news lady, the wildfire is spreading rapidly, faster than they had originally anticipated. My elbows dig into the board, and as I lean up, the pieces scatter across the table.

We watch as the camera pans across a field that’s engulfed in a lethal inferno. Red, violent flames are whipping around, burning everything in their path. Showing no mercy.

Ten minutes later, the rumble of the tractor vibrates through the walls of the house. I let out a shaky breath I didn't know I was holding. Colton is currently making the break around the house and soon he’ll be heading to the stables to protect the horses and chickens. Him and Jackson moved the cattle to the outskirts of the property, so they should be fine until morning.

“I didn’t get to tell Dad I love him,” I croak.

Grandpa pats the cushion next to him. “Come here, sweetheart.”

I pick myself up off the floor and slide in next to him on the couch.

“He always comes back,” he says as he pats my shoulder.

I snuggle in closer to him and take in a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. “I know, I still worry though,” I breathe out. “This is one of the biggest fires I’ve seen in a while. I can’t lose him, too.”

“Dixie May Norwood.” He means business when he uses my full name. “He will be back. I can promise you that.”

“Okay,” is all I can muster.

* * *

It’s been aboutthirty-five minutes since Colton left the house, and my senses are on high alert. “Do you smell that?” I ask Grandpa as I look towards the kitchen.

He nods, trying to keep his voice level. “The fire is getting closer.”

The smell of smoke is pungent in the air. I can’t just sit here anymore.

“I’m gonna go grab a glass of water. I’ll be right back,” I lie.

Once in the kitchen, I turn on the faucet. I look back towards the living room to make sure I’m still in the clear. I hastily pull on my boots and quietly open the door, slipping out onto the porch.

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