Page 18 of Wild Spirit Revival

“Within the hour, if Elijah will be ready.”

“We’ll ride back to your ranch with you, Tripp, and head out from there.”

“Don’t you want to wait for Grayson to return?” Jolene asked.

“He may not get back for a few more hours. We need to find our cattle before dark,” Elijah said.

As Elijah and Tripp began to outline their plan, a chill ran down Molly’s spine. She’d come to Wild Spirit Ranch seeking a story about the wild frontier. Instead, she found two families dealing with rustlers, and swindlers who could land in Mystic at any time.

Grayson arrived back at the ranch two hours after Elijah, Joshua, and Nathan rode with Tripp to Iron Angel Ranch. He’d been held up in Gumption when the owner of the bull he hoped to buy had tripped over a pitchfork. His wife patched him up, though it took almost an hour before negotiations resumed.

Molly had been invited to stay for supper with those left at the ranch. It was somewhat of a celebration, as Grayson and the Gumption rancher had come to an agreement for the bull to become part of Wild Spirit Ranch.

“We’ll fetch him later this week,” Grayson said. “Gumption may be a small town, but they know how to raise prime bulls.”

After supper, Molly helped the Beckett women clean the dishes before excusing herself for the ride back to Mystic.

“Nonsense,” Jolene said. “You’ll stay with us tonight.”

“I don’t want to intrude.”

“You won’t be. We have two empty guest rooms. You may pick which one you want.” Jolene hung a kitchen towel on a hook. “If I’m not mistaken, Elijah has an extra nightshirt you could wear.”

“Elijah?” The horror on Molly’s face had the women laughing.

“No? Then I suppose you’ll have to wear one of mine.” Jolene continued to chuckle.

Feeling her face flush, she allowed herself to be drawn into the joke. “I do believe one of your nightgowns would be best. Thank you.”

An hour later, Molly sat in one of the guest rooms, finishing an entry in her journal. Setting it aside, she grabbed a shawl. Jolene had already gone to bed, exhausted after such a long day.

Molly walked down the stairs, not yet sleepy enough to retire. She wanted to see the area around the barns, house, and corrals at night.

Stepping out onto the porch, she tightened the shawl around her. It continued to surprise her how chilly the nights could be when the days were almost too warm. The almost full moon allowed her to see a great deal.

Taking the steps to the ground, she strolled to the closest corral, watching as two colts played under the moonlight. They were so carefree, with nothing to intrude on their fun.

Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air, causing everyone to freeze. It came from the direction of the main house.

“Jolene!” Grayson’s face went pale as he bolted out of the barn and ran toward the house, Parker on his heels.

Molly hesitated for a split second before rushing after them. Pounding up the steps, she followed them upstairs, coming to a stop in the hall.

Another sharp cry pierced the air of the Beckett homestead, echoing through the rafters of the ranch house. Jolene, her face contorted in pain, clutched her swollen belly as she braced herself against the doorframe of the bedroom.

“It’s time,” she gasped, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and pain. “The baby’s coming!”

Grayson, ever the protective husband, was at her side in an instant, his strong arms supporting her trembling frame. His calm expression cracked, revealing a flicker of panic in his intense eyes.

“Now? But it’s too early,” he muttered, his voice tight with concern.

Annalee Beckett, always quick to take charge, sprang into action. “Lilian, fetch some warm water from downstairs. Molly, I need you to grab a stack of clean cotton from the wardrobe in the hall.”

As Lilian darted out of the room, her petite form disappearing down the staircase, Molly hesitated, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“Have you helped with a birth before?” she asked Annalee.

“First time. Guess we don’t have much choice.”

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