Page 26 of Wild Spirit Revival

“I heard about it. I have another story you might consider printing.” Placing his hat on a table, he pulled a chair closer to the desk where she worked.

“So, tell me your idea.”

“Rustlers hit us and Tripp Lassiter’s ranch. Took about fifty head from each of us and rode to Flatrock.”

“In Black Canyon?”

He nodded. “Eli, Nathan, and I rode with Tripp and two of his men. We found the cattle holed up in a pasture surrounded by cliffs not far from Flatrock. They had guards posted. Tripp drew their attention while the rest of us drove off the herd.”

“Do you think the rustlers will return?”

Shrugging, he shifted closer to rest his arms on her desk. “I’d bet on it.”

Faith pursed her lips, nodding. “It’s a great story. I have enough space to put it right on the first page.”

“It’s important the town and other ranchers know about the threat to them and their cattle.”

“Give me a minute to review my notes.”

As she wrote, his gaze wandered over her, as drawn to her now as when they’d sat next to each other in the schoolhouse. He’d known her forever, yet still got a thrill when he saw her.

“So, about a hundred head of cattle?”

“Yep.”

“Any idea how many rustlers?”

“We don’t know. My guess is about a dozen.”

“All right. I have what I need. Thanks for riding into town to tell me what happened.” She looked away for a moment before looking back at him. “It’s good to see you, Josh.”

Standing, he leaned his hip against her desk. “I should’ve ridden in sooner. The truth is, I was hoping we might discuss the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. I thought perhaps—”

The office door swung open, cutting off Joshua’s words. Attorney Braxton Reed strode in, his crisp suit a stark contrast to Joshua’s dusty ranch wear.

“Faith,” Braxton said, barely acknowledging Joshua’s presence. “I’ve finalized our plans for the Fourth. I’ve reserved the best seats for the fireworks display. And I put our names in for a table where we can eat. I hate tossing out blankets and sitting on the ground.”

Joshua’s stomach dropped, his invitation dying on his lips. Faith’s eyes darted between the two men, a flicker of something—regret, perhaps—crossing her features.

“That’s wonderful, Braxton,” she said, her voice lacking its usual enthusiasm. She turned to Joshua, her expression apologetic. “Josh. I’m sorry, you were saying?”

He straightened, forcing a polite smile. “It’s nothing important, Faith. I should be getting back to the ranch. Good evening to you both.”

As Joshua stepped out into the cooling evening air, he couldn’t shake the weight of disappointment settling in his chest. He mounted his horse, casting one last glance at the newspaper office before turning toward home.

Molly O’Sullivan stood on the porch of Wild Spirit Ranch not long after sunup. Her camera and equipment were already packed and loaded onto the buggy, along with her personal belongings. She gazed out at the sprawling landscape, committing every detail to memory.

“It’s time,” Elijah’s gruff voice came from behind her.

She turned, her eyes meeting his. “I suppose it is,” she said softly, a hint of regret in her tone. “I can’t thank you enough, Elijah. Your help has been invaluable.”

He shifted, unused to praise. “I’m glad you came. Glad you spoke with the boys,” he muttered.

As they walked toward the barn where the boys were gathered, Molly’s mind filled with memories of her time at the ranch. She’d come seeking a story and found so much more.

“Boys,” Elijah called out, his voice carrying across the yard. “Miss O’Sullivan is ready to leave.”

The young ranch hands gathered around, their faces a mix of emotions. Molly felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at each of them in turn.

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