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“I need to think about it,” Molly said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Faith’s eyes showed her confusion. “Think about it? Molly, opportunities like this don’t come along every day. What’s holding you back?”

“I’m not sure I’m ready to go just yet,” she answered.

Faith leaned forward, her gaze searching Molly’s face. “Is everything all right? I thought you’d be excited about the opportunity with the Helena Independent.”

She released a slow breath. “I am. There’s something keeping me here in Mystic.”

“Or someone?” A knowing smile tugged at Faith’s lips.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who’s experienced what you have. It’s Elijah Beckett, isn’t it?”

Molly nodded. “I think I’m in love with him, Faith. But I don’t know if he feels the same way.”

“Have you talked to him about it?”

Molly shook her head. “How can I? He’s so closed up and hard to read. What if I’m misreading everything?”

Faith reached out, squeezing her hand. “Elijah’s not one for grand gestures. But I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Hope bloomed in Molly’s chest, but her doubt overshadowed it. “Even if he does feel something, would he ever act on it? He’s so focused on the ranch, on his family.”

“You’re not exactly the type to sit around waiting for a man to make a move,” Faith pointed out with a wry smile.

She laughed, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “You’re right.” She glanced outside before looking back at Faith. “This is different. I don’t want to push him if he’s not ready.”

“So, what are you going to do about Helena?”

Molly straightened in her chair, her resolve strengthening. “I think I’ll send a telegram to Don Field at the Helena Independent. I can make arrangements for a visit without committing to anything long-term.”

“A sound plan,” Faith agreed. “It’ll give you more time to figure things out with Elijah, too.”

Molly stood. “I’ll head over to the telegraph office. Thank you, Faith. For listening, and for understanding.”

As she reached for the door, Faith’s voice stopped her. “Molly? Whatever happens, don’t let fear hold you back. You’re too talented, too full of life to let uncertainty keep you from pursuing your dreams.”

She paused with her hand on the doorknob. Turning back to Faith, a mixture of gratitude and determination shone in her eyes. “You’re right. I won’t let it. For now, I’ll take it one step at a time.”

Molly knew her future hung in the balance. Between her growing feelings for Elijah and the promise of continuing her adventure, she struggled with what to do next.

“Molly?”

She turned back with a look of concern. “Yes?”

Faith released a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I understand more than you know about your situation.”

Molly’s eyebrows rose in surprise. She returned to her seat, reaching out to clasp Faith’s hand. “What do you mean?”

“It’s Joshua,” Faith whispered. “I’ve loved him for a long time.” She shook her head. “He’s never seen me as anything more than a friend.”

“Oh, Faith. I had no idea. How long have you felt this way?”

Faith’s gaze drifted to the window, lost in memories. “Since we were children, really. It wasn’t until we grew older that I realized what those feelings meant. And now it feels like it’s too late.”

“It’s never too late.” Molly’s heart ached for her friend. “Have you ever told him how you feel?”