Page 68 of In the Dust

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Everything has been going so well with the farm lately. Harper has been coming over to help me with morning chores, and Colton enlisted Jackson to help with the cattle this time.

I think she just likes watching him haul hay, and I don’t blame her. If I could sit and watch Colton all day, swinging hay, muscles glistening, I would.

“Just wait until they ride out,” I snicker.

She licks her lips. “Can’t wait.”

We both laugh as we scatter feed for the chickens.

We’re able to finish everything a little early today, so Jackson and Harper could have a date night. They’re heading a few towns over to go to some fancy restaurant that just opened. At least they won’t have to worry about that brush fire the news was talking about.

Colton and I decide tonight’s a good opportunity to have a little game night with Grandpa. I wish Dad could be here, but he’s out trying to tame the fires. My birthday is tomorrow, and I would love for him to be here, but I understand how important his job is.

As we walk into the living room, I notice Grandpa has the news turned on. The volume is set to low while the news anchor speaks. I can’t quite make out what she’s saying, but I'm more worried about the firefighters bustling in the background. I’m curious if I’ll catch my dad; it would settle my nerves if I knew he was okay.

“How about Monopoly?” Grandpa asks, holding up the weathered box.

“As long as I get to be the scotty dog.” I answer. “And the bank.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” He nods.

Colton tosses me my favorite piece as he scoops up his, the horse and rider. He’s always used that piece, but I can’t help thinking how cliché it is.

“Here ya go, Burl,” he says as he hands him the top hat.

I count out three thousand dollars of the different colored bills and disperse them evenly to Grandpa and Colton. I roll my eyes as they double check their cash. As if I would shortchange them. After they finish counting, I gather fifteen hundred for myself.

Banker rolls first, so I toss the dice, earning myself a three and a two. Colton rolls next, a total of eight. “Yes,” he beams. He’ll probably be first; he usually is.

Grandpa rolls next, beating Colton by a hair. “Nine!” He laughs as Colton huffs.

“Maybe next time, Colty.” I won’t let him live down this nickname.

“Let the games begin,” he says, a childish grin crossing his face.

* * *

Colton’s losing,and I can already see him wanting to chuck the board across the room. “I’ll be right back. I’m gonna make some popcorn.” He shoots me a wink.

“Hurry up,” I call over my shoulder. “I’m about to own your last property.” Grandpa chuckles at my statement.

“Don’t forget to add extra butter!” Grandpa chimes in.

“Yeah, yeah,” Colton yells from the kitchen.

I let out a sigh as I look over my shoulder to make sure Colton has left the room. “I’m really nervous about this fire,” I confess.

“Your dad has been doing this for so many years, I’ve lost count. He’ll be fine, sweetheart.”

I shrug. “I know, but I can’t help it. I just have this weird feeling, like something’s off.”

Just as I look down at the board, I can see Colton’s feet from my peripheral. I switch my attention to him as he walks in with the tasty treat. But then my eyes slide to his face. He’s holding his phone to his ear with an ashen expression.

My heart sinks into my stomach.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as fear for my dad’s safety fills me.

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