Chapter 9
POV: Sorsha
We left early the next morning, but not before Callum had a second cup of tea. He seemed addicted to it, and even packed some to take along. I wasn’t too much of a fan and preferred water.
The cart was much easier to move around after he’d fixed the wheels, and they were no longer wonky.
For the first time in my life, I stood by and watched as he hitched Mabel and packed our belongings into the cart.
He did it with such ease, his movements sure and steady, that for a moment I was struck by the simple fact that someone else was taking care of things. It felt strange, but in a good way—like I could breathe easier.
I’d never gone so many days without doing laundry, the perks of owning multiple dresses. When we got back, I’d wash mine and his.
“I want to stop in town briefly before we leave. You can grab us some of those sesame rolls to eat on the way,” Callum said.
I joined him, just in case he wanted me to sit in the cart. I much preferred walking… next to him.
The air had a slight chill even though the sun was out, but the cardigan kept me nice and warm. I wondered briefly what my father and Ryan were up to, but at this time of the morning, they were probably still asleep.
We walked in silence till we reached the square, and Callum tied Mabel to a pole and handed me money. “Get whatever you want.”
“Okay.” I scampered off, April’s basket in my hand, but turned to see where he was going and just caught him entering Garth’s General Store. My stomach gave a little lurch. Had he guessed I was lying about not liking the brushes?
The bakery was empty, and I stood on tiptoes to see behind the counter, eventually calling out. “Hello?”
April came running with a tray in her hands, and whatever was on there smelled like heaven.
“Aww, what are those?” I asked.
“Cinnamon rolls. I’ll give you one to taste.”
“You don’t need to do that.” I shook my head and placed her basket on the counter. “Thank you for the loan. Could I have four sesame rolls and two of these delicious-smelling ones?”
April grabbed the basket and then frowned at the weight. She peered inside and yelled in delight. “A lucky horseshoe?”
Callum had quite a few of them, smaller than a regular horseshoe, made of brass, and polished brightly.
“Yes, to say thank you for always being so nice to me.”
“You’re welcome, but I didn’t need a present.”
“I know.” I laughed delightedly. It felt so good to give her a present.
She wrapped my order, and I paid hurriedly, excited to be on the way and out of Bridgeford for the first time in my life.
Callum was already waiting beside Mabel, and I quickly checked to see if he had any packages in his hands, but he didn’t. In a way, I was a little disappointed.
Nonetheless, I skipped to his side and smiled up at him. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Really? Is it edible?” he grinned.
“Yes, I couldn’t resist. What did you get?”
“Nothing, I just dropped off a letter, that’s all.”
“Oh.”
What kind of letter would he leave at the general store? A business order? Or something more personal? The questions pressed at the back of my mind, but I swallowed them down. He didn’t explain, and I didn’t want to ask.
“Let’s go, before we hit the rush,” Callum said.
We set off, and I was surprised to see how many carts and people were already on their way out of Bridgeford. Some carts were packed to the hilt, piled high with crates and bundles, while others were empty like ours.
Travelers called out as we passed, asking for a ride, and since we had space, Callum waved them over good-naturedly.
Before long, our cart was full of people. They shared their meals, and we shared ours, though I felt a little pang when it came to parting with my cinnamon bun. But then I saw their faces light up at the taste, and the laughter that followed left me warm inside.
“Sorsha?” Callum’s low voice pulled me back.
I turned, and he held out a piece of his own bun. “It’s a bit sweet for me.”
My lips parted automatically. He flushed scarlet, hesitated a heartbeat, then fed it to me. Only when the sugar melted on my tongue did I realize how intimate the gesture was.
From the back of the cart came an affectionate “Aww.” One of the women leaned forward, eyes twinkling. “You make such a lovely couple!”
Heat flooded my cheeks, and her roaring laughter only made it worse. Callum rubbed the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at me, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Three hours slipped by in the blink of an eye, and when the road bent, my breath caught —Mount Pinnacle.
An actual mountain, its jagged shoulders looming in the distance, mist curling like breath around its peak.
At the city gate’s entrance, our passengers said their goodbyes and slipped into the queue, which moved surprisingly quickly.
The guard at the gate gave Callum a nod of recognition as he paid the fee. But when his gaze slid over me, Callum wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close, his eyes narrowing. The guard only grinned and waved us on.
I liked that he was so protective and would enjoy it while it lasted.
The road dipped downward, and suddenly we were swallowed by the noise and motion of a wide, bustling street. Merchants shouted, carts rattled, and people pressed close on every side.
“Let’s get a room first, get Mabel stabled and fed,” Callum suggested.
He moved with certainty, like he knew the city well. I stayed near, one hand on the cart, while my eyes darted everywhere, trying to take in this place that felt so much larger, louder, and busier than Bridgeford could ever be.
Callum stopped at a tall building with a painted sign swinging overhead that I couldn’t read.
“This is Wayfarers Inn,” he said, and handed me the bridle. “Wait here while I book a room, okay?”
It was only then, waiting in the street, that the truth sank in. We were married. One room would be cheaper than two. Which meant—one bed.
The thought rooted me to the spot, nerves prickling under my skin. Why did he marry me?
I watched the inn’s door anxiously, suddenly all too aware of how vulnerable I felt without Callum at my side.