Page 13 of Wild Spirit Revival

“I’m going to unload my belongings and rest before supper, Mr. Jennings. It’s been a long day.”

As Molly continued to the hotel, Casper’s words echoed in her mind. She’d come to Montana to capture the spirit of the frontier, not to get entangled with some mercurial rancher.

Back in her room at the Mystic Hotel, Molly unpacked her camera equipment, cleaning each item before repacking the box. She mentally listed what needed to be accomplished the following day.

After supper, she planned to set up her portable dark tent to develop the images she’d taken at the Beckett ranch. Tomorrow, she planned to deliver the best ones to Jolene, hoping Elijah would be gone.

Her fingers brushed against the wooden box, remembering how Elijah had almost grabbed it. His hands had been rough, calloused. A working man’s hands. She then recalled how gentle those same hands were when they steadied Jolene.

Molly groaned, flopping onto the bed. She’d come west for adventure, for the opportunity to document the frontier with pictures. A rancher with steady green eyes and a determined nature wasn’t going to distract her.

The following morning found Molly at the Golden Griddle. The hotel clerk had told her the widowed sisters who owned it made the best breakfasts in town. Savoring a bite of hotcakes, Molly had to agree the two women could cook.

Nursing a cup of coffee, she watched the happenings in town through the front window. Wagons and riders on horseback maneuvered along the main street. Inside, the restaurant buzzed with activity as customers filled up on eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, and hotcakes while talking to tablemates or reading the paper. A copy had been left on her table, and Molly found it quite enjoyable.

“Are you finding the town interesting?” The gruff voice interrupted her reverie.

Molly looked up to see Sheriff Brodie Gaines standing by her table, his face creased with curiosity.

“Quite interesting. Would you care to join me?”

“Thank you. I need to get to the jail. Where have you been so far?”

“I took a buggy to the Beckett ranch yesterday. It’s much larger than I imagined.”

“It’s impressive, all right. The family works hard to keep it profitable and growing. Someday, when Cody returns, they’ll have one more experienced hand to help out.”

“Cody?”

“He’s the second oldest brother. Between Grayson and Elijah. Took off a few years ago when…” Brodie rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not my story to tell. Glad you got out there. It’s worth the trip.”

“Yes, it was…” she replied, though her thoughts were on the missing brother. “I hope to go one more time before moving on.”

Brodie chuckled, tipping his hat. “Well, you picked a good time of year to come out. Weather’s good, and most of the ranchers are busy breaking wild horses. Word is, there’s going to be quite a commotion at the Beckett ranch later this week.”

“Oh? What kind of commotion?”

“The boys are going to be breaking in a few horses. They’ve invited some neighbors to take part. It’ll be a sight. Well, I’d best get going. You be careful wherever you head off to, Miss O’Sullivan.”

As Brodie moved on, Molly thought of what he’d told her. This could be exactly the kind of authentic frontier moment she’d been hoping to capture.

She was still deliberating when the restaurant door burst open, and Nathan Beckett strode in, his face flushed with excitement.

“Molly!” he called out, spotting her. “Jolene told me to come fetch you. Josh is about to do something incredibly stupid, and I figured you’d want to get it on camera.”

“I’m not sure going back today is such a good idea, Nathan. Your brother, Elijah—”

“Oh, don’t worry about him.” Nathan laughed, waving off her concern. “He rode off early to check on one of the herds.”

As his enthusiasm washed over her, she felt her resolve weakening. This might be exactly the kind of moment she’d come to Montana to capture.

“All right. Let me grab my equipment and rent the buggy.”

“No need for a buggy. I have a wagon right out front.”

In less time than it took to butter a piece of toast, Molly was at the wagon with her equipment. Loading up, Josh secured the camera box, climbed onto the seat, and slapped the reins.

They rode along for several minutes before Molly spoke up.

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