Page 50 of Wild Spirit Revival

She gestured to her camera, stifling her surprise at hearing the Beckett name. “I’m a photographer. I preserve places and people for history.” She paused, an idea forming. “Would you allow me to take your photograph? To show the world the proud spirit of the Crow?”

Plenty Bear’s eyes narrowed, considering. “What would you do with this photograph?”

“I’d use it to educate others about your people,” she explained, her voice filled with passion. “To show your strength, your dignity. Too many have false ideas about Indians.”

The group murmured among themselves, and Molly held her breath. Finally, Plenty Bear nodded. “We will allow this. First, you will tell us of your world, a woman who travels alone.”

She began to speak of Chicago, of her journey west, watching as the Crow warriors listened with rapt attention. Plenty Bear asked a few questions, then nodded when satisfied. Molly began positioning them for the photograph.

“Stand there, please,” she directed, pointing to a spot where the light caught Plenty Bear’s proud profile.

As she worked, Molly felt a growing connection with these people. Their faces, once wary, now showed curiosity, and even amusement at her enthusiastic directions.

She hummed with excitement as she adjusted the focus on her camera. The Crow Indians stood before her, their faces a mixture of curiosity and pride. Plenty Bear, their leader, stood tall in the center, his eagle feather headdress catching the sunlight.

“Hold still, please,” she called out, her voice steady despite her nerves.

With practiced precision, Molly exposed the first plate. The camera’s shutter clicked, capturing the essence of the Crow men in a single instant. Without missing a beat, she swiftly changed the plate and repositioned herself slightly.

“One more,” she announced.

As she prepared to take the second photograph, Molly noticed a shift in the group’s behavior. Their poses became more relaxed, yet somehow more powerful. Plenty Bear’s eyes seemed to look beyond the camera.

Click. The second exposure was complete.

She emerged from behind her camera, a triumphant smile on her face. “Thank you,” she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. “These images will tell your story for generations to come.”

As she turned to pack up her equipment, a movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention. She whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise. There, not fifty yards away, stood Grayson, Cody, and Elijah. They were watching her, amused smiles playing on their lips.

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and indignation. How long had they been there? She straightened her back, determined not to show her discomfort.

“Hello, gentlemen. Enjoying the show?”

The Becketts exchanged glances before dismounting their horses. Grayson, the eldest, took the lead as they approached the gathering. His imposing presence softened as he greeted the Crow men with a respectful nod.

“Plenty Bear,” Grayson said, his voice carrying a mix of familiarity and deference. “It’s good to see you and your people. I hope the grazing has been plentiful this season.”

Cody, hard-bitten and taciturn, surprised her by engaging in conversation with some of the Crow men. His blue eyes, often clouded, seemed to lighten as he gestured, discussing what appeared to be hunting techniques.

Elijah, however, headed straight to Molly. As he approached, she felt her heart quicken, remembering the way he’d held her in his arms and kissed her before heading to bed last night.

“Molly. Are you lost?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Not at all. I’m quite capable of handling myself. Though I admit, I didn’t expect to stumble upon such gracious subjects for my photography.”

His lips twitched. “We were riding to town when Cody spotted wagon tracks veering off on this trail. Curious, we took it. Then we spotted you. Thought we’d make sure you were safe, given the unexpected company.”

“The Crow men have been nothing but welcoming. I’ve learned more about their culture in this brief encounter than I could have from any book.”

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “That may be so, but these hills can be treacherous for those unfamiliar with them. It’s easy to lose your way.”

When she opened her mouth to retort, Molly realized with a start she wasn’t sure which trail would lead her back to Mystic.

“We can escort you to town if you’d like,” he offered.

“Thank you, Elijah.”

As they bid farewell to the Crow, the group set off, with Elijah riding alongside Molly’s buggy while Cody and Grayson took up positions ahead of them.

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