The Magic of Light

Chapter

Fifty-Three

Sawyer

A week and a half later, I tugged my dress down as the wind blew and stared at the restored historical building in front of me. It was cut limestone with large white-framed windows. A large sign broadcasted it as The Hope Center, and something about that tugged at my heart, because hope could truly change everything. I clutched the folder with my resume and letters of reference to my chest and walked in. I had corresponded with a man named Will who stated he was an assistant to the individual running the organization. My heels clicked on the newly refinished wood floors as I walked in. Everything was modern with an industrial rustic touch that felt fresh and welcoming. It smelled slightly of fresh paint, and I wondered if it was because of the beautiful mural of the Flint Hills painted on the wall. I was stunned as the two men turned toward me at the sound of my heels. It was Lane and Jonah. They didn’t appear to be surprised to see me, though.

“Sawyer,” Lane stated.

Lane smiled and walked forward, extending his hand. We shook as I tried to figure out what was going on. Jonah studied me, but didn’t extend his hand. His head simply dipped with a nod. His face was always serious, it was difficult to know what he was thinking. Lane was dressed in a suit while Jonah wore nice denim pants, a button-down shirt tucked in at the waist, and a blazer.

“We’ll meet in here.” Lane pointed with the folder in his hand.

Lane led the way, and I followed. Did he own this place? Why was Jonah here? What was going on and how was Soren? I wanted to thank him for the flowers, but I knew if I contacted him, it would be difficult to cut off contact. I couldn’t continue the same way I was. I had scheduled a therapy appointment, and by some miracle, I had been able to have three appointments already, despite being a new client. I had found a wonderful therapist named Susie, who was a recommendation from Talia. She made me think of Soren’s mom. She was an avid cyclist and yoga fan, but she had this way of being both kind and blunt and it was exactly what I needed. I needed someone to make me think outside the box, but also understood that my life experiences were unique.

A spark of hope had ignited in me again. I think that’s why the sign outside drew me in. I knew hope changed everything because it had begun to change me. We entered a beautiful meeting room that hosted a long boardroom table with ten rolling chairs around it. Jonah sat on the opposite side while Lane took the seat on the end, I sat on his other side. He flipped open the folder.

“My assistant has been the one to organize these interviews, it wasn’t until this morning that I saw exactly who I was interviewing. I’ll admit I was surprised to see your name,” Lane stated.

I swallowed.

“I was also surprised when I walked in. I didn’t realize both of you were connected to this,” I responded.

They looked at each other and then Lane announced,“Let’s get started.”

Lane tapped a pen on the table and proceeded to ask me questions about my experience, making notations on an iPad in front of him. This side of him was in stark contrast to the jokester that loved sports, and it was staggering. After thirty minutes of continuously answering questions with no input from Jonah, I was taken aback when Jonah interrupted.

“Why do you want this job?”

His voice was gruff and his face had that ever-present scowl of concentration. I wanted to run. This whole interview had been a complete shock. I pushed all thoughts of Soren out of my mind. When I considered working in his town and being surrounded by his friends, I didn’t think I could do it.

“To be honest. I’m not sure if this job is for me . . . I’m not sure I’ll fit into this town.”

I paused and looked down. My hands itched to pull the military tags from underneath my shirt. Jonah scoffed. My eyes burned, but I forced myself to finish. I raised my gaze that welled with tears, and met his eyes.

“I just want to make a difference. I want to do whatever I can so that kids don’t have to grow up the same way I did,” I said, despite the shakiness in my voice.

A shadow passed over Jonah’s face, and I willed my tears to stay at bay.

After a pause that felt incredibly long, Lane spoke softly, “Sawyer, thank you for coming today. We will have a decision by Monday of next week. I do feel I should make you aware of one more thing. Soren is on the board and one of the decision makers. Myself, Jonah, and Soren will be overseeing the center. Is that something you would be comfortable with?” I tilted my head.

“Why is Soren not interviewing?” I had to know the answer. Lane immediately turned to Jonah with surprise on his face.

“You don’t know?” Lane asked. My back shot ramrod straight.

“Know what?” I blurted as every fiber of my being stood at attention.

“Soren was in an accident. He was moving cattle last week, and a bull rammed him against the panels. He broke five ribs and collapsed a lung.” Lane stated. My blood ran cold.

I stood abruptly, sending my rolling chair flying back against the wall.

“Where is he?” I practically yelled.

I had to see him. He was hurt. Everything made sense. He had texted me ‘I love you’ messages every single day, but a few days ago he had missed a day. Was that when he had been hurt? Lane and Jonah both stood.

“He’s resting at home. He got out of the hospital the day before yesterday,” Lane explained.

Blood rushed in my ears and I ran. I had to see him. I faintly remembered dropping my folder and running toward the door. I had almost made it to my car when a strong hand grabbed my forearm and spun me around.

“Let me drive,” Jonah cut out.

He pulled me to his matte black truck, and I hopped in. Jonah drove as if he knew I needed to lay eyes on Soren soon. Everything hit me all at once. I was running to Soren, not from him. I loved him. I had loved him. I was still in the process of working out my own hang-ups, but with the hope of meeting with Susie and the encouragement from Talia, I knew I could do this. I might always need therapy and reassurance, but I was worth loving. Soren had shown me that every time he had adjusted his pace for me, when he had slowly loved me, waiting for me to catch up. He loved me. I knew that more than anything, and now I wanted to tell him that in return, if he’d let me. I didn’t want to face the reality of growing older without him. When Jonah pulled into his drive, the reality of what I had done hit me. I’d run from an interview and left my vehicle, I had no way to leave.

“Oh, shoot. I left my car and ran out of the interview,” I blurted out as it hit me. My hands were twisted together.

Jonah chuckled. I wasn’t aware he was even capable of that. It almost sounded rusty.

“That you did. I’ll have Travis go with me, and he can bring it back.” I grabbed my keys and laid them on his center console.

“Thank you,” I responded.

Jonah’s quiet words stopped me before I shut the door.

“Sawyer, his heart can’t handle you walking away again. Please make sure you know exactly how you feel before you make promises.” His eyes were earnest and my heart crumbled. I had hurt the man I loved. The weight on my chest was unbearable, but I simply nodded and climbed out of the truck.