anything you want to share with me?” Gram grinned at me. “From my
experience, the elementals can be quite persuasive.”
“They were all welcoming. One of the elementals, Kai, became my guide,” I
explained, trying not to reveal any of the guilt I was feeling. “When we first met,
he did kiss me, but I told him right away that I was engaged, and we agreed just
to be friends.”
As I looked into her brown eyes, so filled with love and acceptance, I
decided I had to be honest with her about everything. “Gram, when Kai first held
out his hand to me, all I wanted to do was kiss him. He was so charming and exciting. When he looked at me, it felt like he could read my deepest secrets. I
was so tempted to forget everything and just fall into his world. Please, don't tell
anyone. Cole would never forgive me if he ever found out."
“Mara, there isn't anything to be ashamed of,” Gram assured me. “I'm sure
Kai was very charming, and the experience of being so close to the Goddess does encourage temptations. However, you followed your heart, and I'm glad
you told me. We'll keep it just between us. I see no reason to let guilt convince
you to confess. It would only upset Cole unnecessarily. Sometimes, it’s better to
keep your experiences in the elemental world to yourself. Of course, you can always feel free to break that rule and share your stories with me.” Gram winked
and patted my hand before returning to the stove.
I felt relieved after confessing to Gram. I knew she was right. Cole didn't need to know something that would never happen again.
My mind played over everything that had transpired since Eliza returned. There
we so many unanswered questions.
“Gram, Sarah's letter said you had a strong connection to Air. Was she
correct?” I questioned, “Is that how you always know what is going on around
us?”
My grandmother smiled. “Sarah was right. I do have a stronger connection to
Air than the other elements. As far as my gift allowing me to know things, I think it’s more from a strong intuition. I have the same sensitivity my mother had, which I, also, see in you.”
“What do you think my connection is to?” I wondered. “Do you think Fire?”
As I asked my question, I thought about the times I had called Air.
Before I could change my mind, Gram said, “You and Meg are special. I think you have a connection with all four. Initially, Meg seemed to be strongest
with Air, but I have been thinking Earth, lately. When you were young, yours was different every day.”
“You will never believe the size of these carrots. They're going to be as big
as my arm.” The loud booming voice of Elliott filled the room and stopped our
conversation.
Gram shook her head in disbelief. “Elliott, what are we going to do with
carrots the size of your arm?”
“We can feed the town.” He grinned sheepishly. “We might need to start
canning the abundance. I have been tending to the apple trees.”
“Mara, set the table. Elliott, go get cleaned up, and no more practicing on produce. It will be difficult to explain away the sudden overgrowth of
vegetation." Gram cracked several eggs into the bowl and whisked rapidly."
As I set the table, I listened to the sounds of the house. I could hear her soft
