Page 32 of Wild Spirit Revival

He took a sip of his coffee, considering her question. He wasn’t used to talking about himself, especially not to a woman as intriguing as Molly O’Sullivan. Something in her gaze made him want to open up.

“From the time I was little, Ma and Pa taught us ranch life was hard, honest work. Pa made sure we all learned every task on the ranch, from mending fences to breaking horses.”

Molly waited as slices of apple pie were set before them. “I’ve seen what you do, which is quite demanding. What is your favorite part?”

A rare smile tugged at Elijah’s lips. “Rounding up wild mustangs,” he admitted. “Nothing’s better than thundering across the open range at dawn in pursuit of a wild herd with the whole world spread out before you.”

As he spoke, Elijah found himself transported back to those early mornings, the crisp air filling his lungs, the rhythmic pounding of hooves beneath him. He hadn’t realized how much he treasured those memories until now, sharing them with Molly.

His reminiscence was interrupted by Molly’s next question. “What about your brothers? Did they all take to ranch life as naturally as you?”

He paused, his eyes flickering with a mix of pride and something deeper, more complex. “Not all of us,” he said, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. “My oldest brother, Grayson, had different ambitions for a while.”

Molly tilted her head, intrigued. “Oh? What did he do?”

“Grayson became a U.S. Marshal.” A hint of admiration crept into his voice. “Wore the badge for a few years, chasing outlaws and keeping the peace. A couple years ago, the ranch called him back. He quit the Marshal service and returned to Wild Spirit with his new bride, Jolene.”

As he spoke, Elijah found himself pondering the choices his brothers had made and the paths their lives had taken. His thoughts turned to Cody, and a shadow passed over his face.

Molly, perceptive as ever, noticed the change in his behavior. “And your other brothers?”

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “You’ve met all of them, except Cody. He’s the next oldest. He left the ranch, too, but for different reasons than Grayson.” He wrestled with how much to reveal. Finally, he continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. “Cody’s wife and little girl were murdered. After that, he couldn’t stay. Became a bounty hunter, chasing the men responsible.”

The weight of his words hung heavy between them. Her hand instinctively moved across the table, barely touching Elijah’s. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Nathan mentioned Cody to me, but didn’t provide any details. He was asked to deliver a letter to your mother. He said it was from Cody.”

Elijah’s impassive face betrayed a flicker of surprise. “A letter? From Cody? I wasn’t aware he’d been in contact with anyone in the family. Did you see what it said?”

“No. Nathan didn’t open it. At least, not in front of me. I assumed he gave it to your mother.”

He chewed a bite of pie, his thoughts on the letter. What could have prompted Cody to write after so long? Was he in trouble? Had he found the men responsible for his family’s murder?

Chapter Thirteen

Elijah stood abruptly, then caught himself, remembering his manners. “I’m sorry, Molly. I don’t mean to cut our time short, but… I need to ask Ma about the letter.”

She waved off his apology with a smile. “I understand. Family comes first.”

Before leaving the Golden Griddle, he stopped at his sister’s table, whispering in her ear. Annalee glanced across the table at Brodie before nodding.

Outside, they walked toward the Mystic Hotel. Elijah found himself sharing his worries about Cody with Molly.

“He’s been out there alone for so long.” His voice sounded rougher than usual. “Chasing ghosts and living with his anger. I just hope…” He trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Molly, sensing his distress, did something that surprised them both. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Elijah looked down at their joined hands, feeling a warmth spread through him. For a moment, the worry about Cody faded, replaced by a connection he hadn’t expected to feel with this city girl who’d stumbled into his life.

As they approached the hotel, Elijah realized he didn’t want to let go. As much as he felt the pull to stay longer, he had to get back to the ranch and talk to his mother about Cody’s letter. With reluctance, he released her hand.

“Thank you,” he said simply.

Molly smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Anytime, Elijah. I hope you’re able to learn more about your brother.”

Elijah paused at the entrance of the hotel. He turned to Molly, his eyes softening as he gazed at her.

“I appreciate your company today.” He touched the brim of his hat, his voice low and sincere. “It was… unexpected, but mighty welcome.”

Molly’s lips curved into a smile. “I enjoyed it, too. More than I thought I would, truth be told.”

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