Page 62 of Unraveling Rain
He nods.“Take this pile. I’ll take this one.”
I grab a stack of logs and follow him to an iron fire pit about thirty feet from the house. Gio plays photographer while Miles holds Indigo. The women pose with their crowns—even baby Sage has a little crown on her almost-bald head.
“Xander, this way,” River calls, and I trail him to the pit, where he douses the logs in starter fluid and lights a match. A bright flame flares to life.
“I hear you’re the one in charge of the orchard,” I say.
He pauses, surprised, then nods. “Yeah. I took on the task after Dad passed away. It keeps me busy and helps my family, so I don’t mind it.”
He finishes the fire setup. Then, before heading back, he says, “I know I’m quiet and can come across as rude and moody, but I’m glad Rain met you. She needed someone like you in her life.”
And then he’s gone.
“Ruin and Gio are inside changing the babies and feeding them. I think it’ll be a while before they come back out,” Rain says, joining me near the fire.
I grab her hand, lacing our fingers together.
Granny’s voice rises above the quiet hum of the night. “Okay, everyone, gather ‘round. Tonight’s fire is special. We welcome into our family the next MacAllister generation who will roam these mountains.”
She rests her hand over her heart. “When Grandpa and I married and took over his family’s orchard to continue the MacAllister legacy, our biggest wish was to be able to see our kids, our greatest wish was to see our kids—and their kids—grow up happy and free. Tonight, with Indigo and Sage here, I can tell Dougie in heaven that our family legacy lives on.”
Joss steadies her as Granny’s voice breaks, but she waves her off gently.
“Tonight, I want each and every one of you to think about something you want to let go—something that’s weighing you down. Toss it into the fire. We can’t raise the next generation of MacAllisters if we’re hurting. So tonight we move forward and say goodbye to the sadness, to the sorrow, to the anguish. Tonight, we’ll be purified by this bonfire.”
She bows her head, and silence falls over the gathering.
I close my eyes, still holding Rain’s hand, and think about what I would like to let go.
At first, I think about Tiffany, but I quickly realize there’s no pain left there.
Then I think about my injury. The anger. The anxiety. The fear of losing everything. That’s what I need to release.
I breathe deeply. Inhale Rain’s warmth beside me. Exhale the weight I’ve carried.
Ruin was right. It’s time to rethink my goals.
The first thing that comes to mind is Rain, and how much I want to make this work.
Next, I think about my teammates and how I know I can’t let them down. I need to come back stronger, physically and mentally, to be a key player in the ultimate goal: the championship.
I smile, feeling happy that I can finally see a path for my future again.
When I open my eyes, everyone’s still watching the flames. A sense of peace washes over me.
Rain’s eyes are trained on me, a smile playing at her lips.
Granny claps her hands once. “Very well. Before everyone starts saying it’s time to go home, I have one last ritual tonight.”
I glance at Rain, confused.
“This is new. Every year after the fire, we’re usually done,” she says.
“Xander, dear. Please come stand next to me,” Granny says.
Rain looks stunned. I chuckle and walk over.
Granny smiles brightly. “I’m going to spray you with some herbs and a magical potion to help you heal faster and come back stronger for next season.”
