Page 14 of Wild Spirit Revival

“So, what exactly is Josh planning?”

Nathan’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “He’s got it in his head to break the new stallion we bought last week. Everyone says he’s unrideable. Grayson told Ma he and Elijah would break him, taking their time. Well, Ma is still on her trip, Grayson rode off to Gumption to look at a bull, and Elijah is with a couple of our younger hands, tending to the herd in the far south quadrant. With all them gone, Josh has decided to give the rascal a try before any of them gets back.”

Molly’s eyebrows shot up. “And you think that’s a good idea?”

“Heck no.” Nathan chuckled. “But it’ll make for a great show.”

Chapter Six

As they passed the telegraph and post office, Titus Bell stepped out, calling to them. “Nathan. Hold up a moment!”

Nathan reined up the horses, and Titus approached, the usual creases of irritation on his face. “A letter came yesterday for you. It’s actually for Naomi, so don’t you be opening it.”

Nathan slapped a hand over his heart. “You’ve got my word, Mr. Bell.” Taking the letter from him, he noticed the corner of the man’s mouth twitch. “Anything else?”

“That’s all.” Bell turned, stomping back into the office.

Molly felt Nathan stiffen beside her. “What is it?”

“The return address. It’s from Cody.” A hint of sadness laced his voice. Slapping the reins, the wagon lunged forward.

Crossing the town limits, Molly ventured a comment. “I heard he left a while back.”

Nathan’s knuckles whitened on the reins. “How did you hear about him?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

He shook his head. “I guess not. He’s the next oldest after Grayson. He’s been gone a few years. His name doesn’t come up much anymore. But Ma… I’m sure she thinks of him every day.”

“I’m sure she does,” Molly said softly.

“Maybe this letter will bring some good news.” Nathan leaned back on the bench seat, his usual good humor absent. “Perhaps he’s coming home.”

Soon, the wagon rattled to a stop. Molly brimmed with anticipation as she took in the now familiar landscape. Then her gaze caught on two groups of people near a corral.

“Are you ready for some real Western action?” Nathan asked.

Her lips curved into a determined smile. “I certainly am.”

Without hesitation, Molly hopped down from the wagon, her sturdy boots hitting the ground with a soft thud. She straightened her hat and smoothed her traveling outfit, then turned to Nathan with an expectant look.

“Where’s the best spot for me to set up my camera? I want to capture every thrilling moment of this stallion breaking.”

He grinned, pointing toward a spot near the corral. “Right over there should give you a perfect view. Are you sure you want to be close to the action? It can get pretty wild.”

“I didn’t come all the way to the ranch to watch from the sidelines. I’m here to capture the true spirit of this wild land, danger and all.”

As she spoke, Molly was already moving, her petite frame belying her strength as she hefted her camera equipment from the wagon. She strode toward the spot Nathan suggested, working at a fast clip to set everything up. Nathan stood beside her, curious as to all the different pieces of apparatus, before leaving to join Joshua and their youngest brother, Parker.

Molly’s attention was suddenly drawn to a heated conversation between the three men. Parker Beckett’s impatient voice cut through the air, his words sharp and clipped.

“Josh, this is crazy. That stallion’s a killer. Besides, Grayson and Elijah were clear about us staying away from him.”

Nathan chimed in, his usual upbeat tone tinged with worry. “Parker’s right, Josh. It’s not worth the risk. It would be best to wait for Grayson to decide when to break him.”

Molly’s hands stilled on her camera. She hadn’t realized the stakes were so high. Her gaze darted between the brothers, taking in Nathan’s concerned frown and Parker’s tense stance.

Joshua stood before them, his tall frame relaxed despite the urgency in his brothers’ voices. His light brown hair ruffled in the breeze as he regarded them calmly, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

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