Paradise Falls by Ruth Ryan Langan Read Free Book Online

remains of several dead animals. There were chinks between some of the logs big enough to allow forest creatures to crawl through.
    Gray sighed, the only sign of his displeasure. “I didn’t bring nearly enough tools. Just a broom and dustpan, and a shovel. I’ll get someone in town to come out and seal those walls with pitch, and mend that hole in the roof.”
    He walked to the wagon and retrieved the things he’d brought, then handed her a water jug and her lunch. “I’m sorry to leave you with all this.”
    “As your mother pointed out last night, it isn’t your responsibility.” Fiona set aside the food and water and managed a weak smile. “You have your chores to see to, and I have mine. We’d best get to them.”
    He climbed up to the seat of the wagon. Before he could flick the reins the hound came racing from the nearby woods and jumped up, settling himself beside his master.
    “I’ll come by at the end of the day. If you’re still here, I’ll drive you home. If you want to head home before I get here, I understand.”
    Fiona nodded, and lifted a hand to shield the rising sun from her eyes as he tugged on the reins, turning the team toward the distant fields of wheat.
    Straightening her shoulders she picked up the broom and dustpan and started up the rotting steps of the school. Maybe it wasn’t the ivy-covered place of her dreams, but it was hers now. And she intended to make it a welcoming place for the students.
    * * *
    Fiona set aside the broom and surveyed the inside of the schoolhouse. It had been swept clean of all debris. She had polished the little stove with sand until it gleamed, and decided she would now tackle the scarred wooden teacher’s desk, and then the crude tables and chairs that served as student desks.
    Her gown was filthy. Her hair hung down in damp strings. But she was satisfied that she was making progress.
    She looked up at the sound of a wagon. As soon as Gray brought his team to a halt, a boy jumped out of the back carrying an array of tools and supplies.
    What’s this?” Fiona hurried over.
    “You need help if you’re to get your school ready.” He turned to the boy. “This is Will VanderSleet. Will, this is Miss Downey.”
    “Miss Downey.” The boy’s cheeks bore bright spots of color, and he avoided looking directly at her, staring instead at the toe of his shabby boots.
    “Hello, Will.” She glanced over the boy’s head to Gray. “Do you think one lad is enough to see to all the repairs needed here?”
    “Will’s been doing odd jobs around Paradise Falls since he was old enough to carry his pa’s tools. He’ll do just fine.”
    At his words, the boy stood a little straighter.
    “Well, then.” She smiled at Will, who flushed and looked away. “I’ll be grateful for your help, Will.”
    Gray was already climbing up to the seat of the wagon. She took a step toward him. “You can’t stay?”
    He shook his head. “Sorry. No time.” He flicked the reins and as the wagon lurched ahead, his hound raced alongside, tail wagging with excitement.
    Fiona watched as the boy took his time walking around the outside of the building before climbing the rotting steps to inspect the inside. A short time later, while she scrubbed years of dirt from the wooden desk, she heard the sound of hammer and saw. By the time she’d turned her attention to the tables and chairs, she realized that the roof no longer showed any daylight. She glanced up in surprise to see that the hole had been patched. Will was busy attaching new hinges to the door.
     When that was finished he cleared his throat. “Ma’am?”
    Fiona looked over.
    “I’ll be tearing out the old porch and steps, before I replace them. You might want to step outside now before I start. Otherwise, you’ll have to stay in here until the new porch and steps are in place.”
    “Thank you, Will.” She got to her feet, pressing a hand to the small of her back. How long had she been bent over these tables? Long