Page 54 of Wild Spirit Revival

“It’s an interesting opportunity.” His voice remained flat.

The waitress returned with their dessert and cups of coffee. The aroma of peach pie wafted between them. Neither made a move to pick up their forks.

Molly felt a knot forming in her stomach. She’d been so excited about the prospect of sharing her experiences. “Showing the beauty and reality of life out here would be a good thing. Wouldn’t it?”

Elijah’s jaw tightened. “I suppose so.”

The tension between them was palpable now, hanging in the air like a thundercloud ready to burst. She found herself gripping the coffee cup so tight her knuckles turned white. She wanted to make him understand, but something held her back.

As they sat there, peach pie untouched and coffee growing cold, Molly couldn’t shake the feeling this conversation was about more than Faith’s offer. Something deeper was brewing beneath the surface, threatening to change everything between them.

He cleared his throat, his eyes flickering to the window before settling back on Molly. “I’ve got a heap of work to do at the ranch. This is the busiest time of year. Not much time for anything else.”

She blinked, thrown by the abrupt change of subject. “Elijah, what do you really think about—”

“I should head back,” he interrupted, pushing his untouched pie aside. Paying for their meals, he stood and pulled out Molly’s chair.

Stepping out onto the boardwalk, he walked beside her on the way to the hotel. The usual banter between them was notably absent, replaced by a heavy silence.

They passed the mercantile, its windows displaying supplies for the coming winter. It was a stark reminder of the changing seasons. Molly couldn’t help wondering if the chill she felt was from the approaching winter or the growing distance between her and Elijah.

As they neared the hotel, her thoughts drifted to her camera, safely tucked away in her room. She imagined capturing this moment. The quiet streets of Mystic, the determined set of Elijah’s shoulders, the unspoken tension hanging between them. But some moments, she realized, were too complex, too raw to be contained in a single image.

Elijah came to an abrupt halt in front of the Mystic Hotel, his gaze fixed on the livery stable across the way. “It’s time I rode back to the ranch.”

Her heart sank. She searched his face, hoping for some hint of regret or a suggestion of when they might meet again, but found only quiet resolve. “Will you be returning to town again soon?”

He shrugged, his gaze still avoiding hers. “Can’t say.”

A knot formed in her stomach, a physical manifestation of the loss she felt. She wanted to reach out, to make him understand the opportunity before her. The words stuck in her throat.

“Safe travels, Elijah,” she said finally, forcing a smile.

He tipped his hat, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Take care, Molly.”

She stood rooted to the spot as he strode across the street toward his horse. She watched him untie the reins, his movements efficient and purposeful. As he swung into the saddle, she felt a surge of emotions. Frustration, longing, and a creeping fear she might be losing something precious before it had even begun.

Elijah turned his horse, casting one last glance in her direction. For a moment, Molly thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Then he spurred his mount, and was gone, leaving Molly alone with her thoughts and the growing realization her choices might lead her down a path Elijah couldn’t, or wouldn’t, understand.

Chapter Twenty-One

Molly took a deep breath, steadying herself against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. With determination, she turned and entered the Mystic Hotel, her mind whirling with doubt.

As she walked toward the stairs, Faith Goodell’s vibrant voice caught her attention. “Molly! I’ve been looking all over for you.”

She plastered on a smile, pushing thoughts of Elijah to the back of her mind. “Faith, what a pleasant surprise. Is everything all right?”

Faith’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “More than all right. I’ve received a telegram from the editor of the Helena Independent. They’re interested in your photographs and stories.”

“How did they know about my work?” Molly’s earlier disappointment was forgotten.

“I’m friends with the owner, Don Field. I hope you don’t mind, but I sent him one of your photographs and the titles of the articles you mentioned to me. He’s always interested in good work from new people. Don wants to feature your work in a special edition about life in the Montana Territory.” Faith’s words tumbled out in a rush. “This could be a wonderful opportunity for you. Don has contacts in Seattle and along the Pacific coast.”

Molly thought of the possibilities unfurling before her. “I don’t know what to say. You’re right. This could be an excellent opportunity.”

Faith grabbed Molly’s hands, squeezing them. “Say yes! Pack your bags and take the train out of Bozeman to Helena next week. You can meet with the editor and decide if this is a good fit for you.”

As excitement washed over her, Molly couldn’t help picturing Elijah’s lukewarm enthusiasm about her ambitions. She hesitated, torn between her dreams and the pull of her heart.

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