Page 19 of The Light Within

Precariously, I balanced myself on a paint tin that had been left over from the kitchen. She'd said she had chosen yellow because it was a sunny color. No one can feel sad when there is sunshine to greet you on a glum day, and if it was on all the walls in the kitchen, then there couldn’t ever be another gloomy day. She always had a special way of seeing things, and I cherished her for that.

As I stretched, I silently begged for the tin not to tip any farther than it already was. Another degree and I would kiss the dirt. But it was worth the degree of danger. That fork would not be my undoing.

Not today.

“Give me another inch. Yes, yes, yes, I’m so close.” My fingertips grazed the wooden handle on the tool, and a loud chuckle from the doorway startled me before I tumbled, landing hard on the floor.

Followed by a lot of cursing that wasn’t all mine.

“Fuck. Are you okay?”

My eyes found the pale blue of Callum’s, filled with concern and remorse.

“I would’ve been fine had you not frightened the life out of me.” I pushed him away, his fingers releasing the hold on my upper arm before I pulled myself up from the floor and attempted to dust myself off.

Callum followed my lead, bringing himself up to tower over me. I felt the heat of his body when he stepped in closer to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look away from his face.

My breath hitched at his closeness. If he noticed the change, he did nothing to show it.

“You were after this?” During our silent exchange, Callum lifted the fork from its hanging place on the wall.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Grasping it, Callum didn’t immediately release it, and I had to tug it free from his grip.

“Right, well, I will be out in the field if you need anything.”

“You’re going to turn it all by hand?”

“Well, Callum, the tractor has been out of commission for longer than I can remember, and since I don’t have any oxen, I suppose I will. That is unless, of course, you have a better suggestion?” I snapped and pushed past him, dragging the fork behind me.

Even though his words were low, almost a mumble, I still heard him. Intentionally on his part, I was sure.

“No need for oxen when there is a stubborn mule.”

Spinning, I turned to face him. My glare was met by his wicked grin. “Don’t you have work to do?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I heard his chuckle after I left the shed. The sudden burst of light burned into my eyes, only to flag the mounting irritation after already unsuccessfully avoiding Callum.

* * *

The sun was hidden behind the clouds blanketing the sky, and the air had stilled since I started turning the soil.

For the last few hours, I had only heard Callum. The sound of timber being nailed carried down to me as if it was its own drum beat and melody. Only when the banging stopped did I lift my focus from the mass of weeds growing around me.

“Alina.”

For the second time, Callum frightened me with his unexpected presence. Clutching my chest, I turned my attention to him, an expression of concern on his face again. At least he felt some remorse for sneaking up on me.

Again.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was just coming to let you know I was heading off before the weather cracks up.”

We both looked at the sky, the clouds ominous of a storm, the daylight dwindling. As if summoned, a thunderclap carried through the air, creating a crack for the heavens to open.

Without a thought, Callum grasped my hand in his and pulled me at a fast pace toward the house. I had no other option but to keep in step with him because failing would make me tumble to the ground. Only when we reached the protection of the front veranda did he release my hand and let his drop back to his side. The rain had drenched us in the short time we’d been trying to escape it. His blond hair clung to his forehead, dripping water down his face.

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