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“Molly,” he said, his voice clipped but not unkind. “The celebrations are starting soon.”

Her heart skipped. “I’m ready. Thank you for offering to escort me today.”

Elijah picked up her camera case, motioning for her to precede him down the stairs. As they walked toward Mystic’s main square, Molly found herself stealing glances at Elijah. His strong profile was illuminated by the rising sun, and she itched to capture it on film.

“You seem different today,” Elijah observed, breaking the silence.

She smiled. “I’ve made some decisions. About my future.”

Elijah raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“I’m continuing on to Seattle after I photograph Yellowstone,” she explained, her voice gaining confidence with each word. “This journey is important to me. I need to see it through.”

“It’s an admirable goal. Takes guts to forge your own path. Especially out here, where danger is always close by.”

As they neared the festivities, the air filled with laughter and music. Molly felt a warmth spread through her chest, realizing she was genuinely looking forward to celebrating with these people. And with Elijah.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For understanding.”

Elijah’s hand brushed hers, sending a jolt through her. “Reckon we’re not so different, you and I,” he murmured. “Both of us trying to carve out our place in this wild country.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the noise of the celebration faded away. In their shared glance, she saw a glimpse of a future she hadn’t dared to imagine. Perhaps a future where her independence and her growing feelings for Elijah might coexist.

Chapter Fourteen

They weaved through the crowd, the festive atmosphere of Mystic’s Fourth of July celebrations enveloping them. Colorful bunting adorned storefronts, and the scent of roasted corn and barbecue filled the air. Children darted about, their laughter mingling with the twang of a nearby fiddle.

“I never thought I’d see anything like this out here,” Molly remarked, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s almost as if I’m back in Chicago. Only, this is better.”

Elijah’s lips tipped upward. “Reckon we know how to celebrate out here. Though I’d wager our corn tastes better than anything you city folk can rustle up.”

Molly laughed, a warm, genuine sound making Elijah’s heart skip a beat. “Is that a challenge? Because I’ll have you know, I make a decent corn chowder.”

“That so?” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Might have to try it for myself sometime.”

As they strolled, she found herself surprised by how easily the conversation flowed between them. Elijah seemed to open up in her presence. They discussed everything from her dry plate photography to the challenges of ranch life.

“I never realized how much work goes into running a ranch,” Molly admitted. “What your family has built is quite impressive.”

He nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. “There’s something about working the land, being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s worth the long days and hard work.”

She felt a pang of longing. “I can see why you love it so much. It must be nice, having such deep roots.”

Before Elijah could respond, Sheriff Brodie Gaines approached, his customary serious expression softened by the day’s festivities.

“Elijah, Miss O’Sullivan,” he greeted them with a nod. “Enjoying the celebration?”

“It’s wonderful, Sheriff,” Molly replied. “Though I hope you’re allowing yourself some fun as well?”

His lips twitched. “Keeping watch on the townsfolk, ma’am. Can’t be too careful.”

Elijah exchanged a meaningful look with Brodie. “Any sign of trouble?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Our precautions may have scared them off. Those outlaws would be foolish to try anything today.”

Molly glanced between them, sensing the undercurrent of tension. Elijah had already told her about the possible threat. “What do you think will happen?”

Elijah placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “We aren’t certain anything will happen, Molly. Could be the talk about the outlaws robbing the bank today was a rumor.”