Page 25 of Wild Spirit Revival

“Elijah, how do you do it? Carry the weight of all their pasts, their hopes?”

He was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. “Truth is, some days, I wonder if we’re doing a good job.”

“You and your family are doing more than you realize. Those boys deserve a decent chance in life, and you’re providing it. Don’t ever doubt how much the boys appreciate what they have here.”

Late the next afternoon, Elijah shoveled loose hay into the press used to make small bales. Parker helped by pulling out the finished bales and stacking them. It was a process, and it strained their muscles. The reward came when all the bales were stacked and easier to move by wagon to far reaches of the ranch.

From Elijah’s vantage point, he could see Molly seated on a weathered wooden crate, listening to one of young Gavin’s animated tales.

Pausing, he swiped sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He’d been skeptical of Molly’s project at first, but watching her now, he couldn’t deny the genuine interest in her eyes. She nodded, encouraging Gavin as he spoke.

“Sounds to me you showed the ornery steer who’s boss, didn’t you?” Her laughter carried on the evening breeze, warm and infectious.

Gavin beamed, chest puffing with pride. “Yes, ma’am. Elijah says I’m a natural with the lasso now.”

Elijah’s lips twitched in a rare smile. He’d never seen the boys so eager to share their stories. Molly had a way of drawing them out, making them feel heard and valued.

As if sensing his gaze, Molly glanced up, meeting Elijah’s gaze. She offered a slight wave, and he found himself nodding in acknowledgment before returning to his task.

“Eli!” Joshua’s voice rang out as he approached on horseback early the following morning. “I’m heading into town to meet with Miss Goodell. Need anything while I’m there?”

Elijah shook his head. “We’re set here. How long will you be?”

Joshua dismounted, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Oh, I expect I’ll be back before supper. Just need to discuss the rustler incident and the Fourth of July plans.”

“Right.” Elijah eyed his brother. “And I’m sure Faith doesn’t play a part in your trip.”

Joshua’s cheeks reddened. “Now, Eli, you know it’s not like that. Faith—Miss Goodell, I mean—she’s just… we’re just…”

Elijah clasped his brother on the shoulder. “Go on. Don’t keep the lady waiting.”

As Joshua rode off toward Mystic, Elijah found his gaze drifting back to Molly. She was sitting next to Little Joe, her hand on the boy’s shoulder. Something stirred in Elijah’s chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite define. It stayed with him the rest of the day and into supper, where he stared across the table to watch her.

After lunch, Elijah walked alongside Molly as the sun rose high above the western mountains. Taking a path around the corrals, their hands brushed together, and for an instant, he almost laced his fingers with hers.

“I never thought I’d say this,” Elijah admitted, breaking the silence. “I’m starting to understand why you’re so keen on capturing these boys’ stories.”

“Oh? And what brought about this change of heart?”

He shrugged, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. “Seeing you with them. You’ve got a way of seeing past the surface, I suppose. And you listen well. Sometimes, the boys just need someone to hear them out. You get them to feel good about themselves.”

“That’s the heart of photography. It’s not only about what you see but what you feel. How the subject feels.”

They walked on, the silence between them comfortable. As they continued around the barn, Elijah spoke again. “What made you want to become a photographer?”

Her pace slowed, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve always been fascinated by stories. Everyone has tales to tell and tales they keep hidden. Photography somehow peels away the layers. It’s a way to preserve special moments, truths that might otherwise be lost.”

He nodded, surprising himself with his genuine interest. “And your family? They support this unconventional path?”

A shadow passed over Molly’s face. “Not entirely. My sisters have more traditional aspirations. And my parents…” She trailed off, then squared her shoulders. “But this is my dream, and I intend to see it through.”

As they turned back toward the ranch house, Elijah found himself seeing Miss Molly O’Sullivan in a new light. Her determination and passion were qualities he couldn’t help admiring, even if he’d never admit it aloud.

Joshua pushed open the door to the Mystic Gazette office, the scent of paper and ink filling his nostrils. His heart quickened at the sight of Faith Goodell, bent over her desk, golden hair twisted into a braid and falling down her back to her waist.

“Evening, Faith,” Joshua said, tipping his hat.

She looked up, her stomach fluttering as a smile spread across her face. “Joshua. What a pleasant surprise. I’m finishing up an article on the opening of the apothecary.”

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