in Shondravar was filling with fresh water. Willow lay flat on her back in the dirt, completely exhausted. Her muscles were cramped and aching, but they had done it, just like in Theshwar, when everyone worked together to save the land. Only now, she was a part of it, lying in the dirt letting the rain hit her. She could hear the laughter and celebration of the people all around her. They had worked so hard and now ran, embracing one another with cheerful shouts of joy. The children held clay cups out before them, watching in anticipation as the heavy drops splattered into the small vessels, filling them quickly.
They would measure the water accumulation in the tanks later. Now was a time to relax and enjoy the rich blessing falling upon them. It was a day to be marked on parchment, as each rain day was. For it was a day of life, as Willow could attest feeling the hard earth beneath her back surrendering itself and drinking up the vital fluid.
She sat up and looked for Caleb among the crowd. He wasn’t hard to spot. Standing in the rain with his eyes closed, his face tilted toward the full clouds, he reminded Willow of a golden angel giving homage to his Lord. She knew what the rain meant to him. She wanted to be a part of his quiet reverence, so she rose to her feet, ignoring the pains in her arms and legs. As she grew closer to him, he lifted his hands to sweep his dripping hair off his upturned face. His arms, bronze and tanned, and rippling with muscle, glistened with precious droplets. He lowered his head, opening his eyes. They flashed like crystalline rivers catching the little bit of sunshine hiding meekly behind the thunderous clouds. His lips curved into a smile when he saw her coming.
Willow had never felt happier than on that day, with the skin torn from her pampered hands and dozens of commoners surrounding her. And she would never forget the joy in her heart as she became one of them, no better, no richer, just part of their common family standing together to save Predaria. She knew she must have fallen into Eden when Caleb took both of her hands in his and began walking backward toward his horse.
“Where are we going?” She should have felt silly smiling up at him like a gaping milkmaid, but the rakish grin he was offering her would have set her heart aflame had she not been soaking wet.
“To the fields,” he said with a flash of a smile.
She held him tightly as they sped through the downpour, one with his horse, one with nature. Willow felt free and more alive than ever before. When they finally stopped, he dismounted slowly looking out over the hill. He drew in a deep, hungry breath before he helped Willow dismount. He took two steps forward, mesmerized by the beauty before him. “Look at it, Willow,” he whispered as she came up behind him. “The wheat is thirsty, and God feeds it. This is how it should be.”
The bracing wind bent the stalks in Caleb’s direction, and for a moment Willow imagined the precious grain was reaching out to him. Each spiny head tilted toward him, embracing his soul in a way that was unfathomable to her.
As if pulled by unseen hands, Caleb began to walk toward his fields. When he reached the center, he turned to face her, she watched him as if hypnotized. He smiled and her knees went weak beneath her. He beckoned her to come. She hurried on the sweetly scented wind to be caught up in his arms.
“Tell me you love this place.”
“I do. I love it, Caleb. And I love you.”
“Be my wife. Stay here with me forever.” He ran his fingers over her face, clearing the rain from her eyes.
“Yes.” She was lost in his loving gaze. “I will be your wife.”
Chapter 20
There was a celebration the next night in the village and even people from Prandar attended. The rains had stopped, but every tank in both cities was more than half full.
Caleb laced his fingers through Willow’s, and as they walked, he smiled at her while people danced to the sweet sound of the guitars and flutes being played by old men and children alike. There were tables set up everywhere, all weighted with cups of water and fresh fruit for anyone who would partake. The air was