Page 18 of Horned to be Wild
The older woman frowned up at her as Marigold made the introductions, then broke out in a broad smile.
“You must be Eleanor’s niece.”
“Her great niece, but yes, I am.” She suddenly realized that her great aunt had mentioned the other woman in her letters. “And you must be Betty.”
Mrs. Grable laughed. “It’s actually Anne, but Eleanor would have her little joke. Won’t you join us?”
They chatted amicably as people flowed in and out of the coffee shop, the usual variety of monsters and humans. She was used to Harmony Glen’s diverse population by now, although she did blink a little when Mrs. Grable introduced her to the handsome gorgon who ran the children’s program at the public library, his snakes wearing tiny navy bow ties.
I’m definitely going to have to tell Etta about him, she thought as she watched him leave.
“The public library has a delightful children’s area,” Mrs. Grable sighed. “Unlike my library.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Structurally it’s fine, but it’s an old building and the space is just tired and a little dreary. Marigold is sweet enough to bring in flowers every week, but I’ve been trying to think of other ways to brighten it up.”
Marigold blushed at the older woman’s praise, but gave Lila a thoughtful look. “I’m more than happy to provide the flowers,but maybe Lila could make some suggestions. Maybe painting it a different color? It’s all beige right now.”
“Color would definitely help,” she agreed, “but maybe we can do more…”
Both women leaned forward eagerly as an idea took shape in her mind.
“What if we added some murals? And not just any murals, but ones that transported the children into their favorite stories?”
Mrs. Gable immediately nodded. “Go on.”
“Picture this,” she said, grabbing a napkin and sketching as she talked. “A series of murals based on classic children’s books—The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Little Prince; The Secret Garden; The Hobbit. Each one full of color and detail.” Her pencil flew across the napkin. “But here’s what would make them truly special—each mural would be framed by an intricately carved wooden doorway so it looks as if the children could literally step through into the story world. The wood carvings would have elements from each book—a lamppost and faun footprints for Narnia, a robin and keys for The Secret Garden…”
“That sounds absolutely magical,” Mrs. Gable breathed. “But who could possibly create such detailed woodwork? I’m afraid we don’t have the budget to pay for something like that. About the best I can do is to offer to pay for the materials.”
“Actually,” she said slowly, “I think I might know someone who could do it.”
It would give Torin a chance to share his talent with the world, to realize just how special it was. She knew he would never do iton his own, but if she asked him to work on it with her… Would he say yes?
Mrs. Grable reached over and grabbed her hand. “Would you really do this? Could your wood carver friend help?”
“I…” she hesitated, knowing Torin’s reluctance to share his art. “Let me talk to him. I can’t promise, but?—”
“I understand it’s a lot to ask, but even one mural would be wonderful. Would you like to come by the school and see the space? Maybe make some measurements?” Mrs. Grable asked hopefully.
She grinned at the older woman’s enthusiasm, and nodded. “All right, but don’t count your chickens just yet.”
The library was just as Mrs. Grable had described it—functional but very plain. She wandered around taking measurements and making notes in her sketchbook, her mind buzzing with ideas.
“I would start by painting the walls sky blue to bring in the outside and make a background for the murals. Then we should put the door to The Secret Garden on this wall between the windows so it looks as if you could just step outside into it. And The Hobbit door should go down here beneath the steps.”
By the time she left the school, her mind was overflowing with images and ideas. This was perfect—a chance to create something magical for the children, and just as importantly, a chance for Torin’s incredible work to be seen and appreciated.
She practically ran down the path to his cabin, excitement propelling her forward. When she reached his clearing, she found him splitting logs, muscles rippling across his broad back with each swing, a sheen of sweat darkening his fur. The sight ofhim made her heart flip, and she barely noticed Mabel running towards her.
Before she had a chance to greet him, he turned towards her, his nostrils flaring. The heat in his eyes sent a shiver up her spine as he stalked towards her.
“I missed you today,” he growled as he reached for her, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her against his chest. His tail swished back and forth, wrapping around her ankle as he dipped his head to capture her lips.
His kiss was hungry and demanding, and she surrendered to it, letting him claim her before he finally pulled back, smiling down at her. “How was your day?”
“Wonderful! I have the most amazing idea,” she said, breathless from the kiss and her excitement. “The elementary school library needs murals, and I thought we could?—”
