Page 29 of Storm in Montana (Montana Becketts, Wild Spirit Ranch #3)

The crowd followed them outside, where Grayson waited with the buggy, now loaded with their traveling bags.

“To the station!” someone called, and a cheer went up from the gathered guests.

They climbed aboard, waving to their friends and family as Grayson clicked to the horses. The sound of celebration followed them down the street, growing fainter with each turn of the wheels.

“Are you happy?” Brodie asked softly, drawing her close against the winter chill.

“Completely,” she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. “Though I’ll miss everyone while we’re gone.”

“It’s only a week,” he reminded her. “Helena isn’t so far.”

“Far enough for adventure,” she said, a familiar spark of excitement in her voice.

He laughed, the sound warm and full of promise. “With you, Mrs. Gaines, every day will be an adventure.”

Daniel Gaines sat on the railroad station bench beside Naomi Beckett, both parents watching their children with a mixture of pride and wistfulness. Brodie and Annalee stood hand in hand near the edge of the platform, their traveling bags at their feet. Naomi stood and walked over to the couple.

“You have everything?” Naomi asked for the third time, earning an affectionate smile from her daughter.

“Everything we need,” Annalee assured her. “Faith packed extra socks.”

Joshua leaned against a post, his eyes twinkling. “And I slipped a bottle of good whiskey into Brodie’s bag. For medicinal purposes.”

“Much obliged,” Brodie said, clasping his brother-in-law on the shoulder.

The distant whistle of the approaching train cut through their conversation. Steam appeared on the horizon, a white plume against the winter-blue sky. As it drew closer, the platform came alive with movement.

Doctor Caleb Wainwright arrived as the train pulled in, a telegram in one hand. He nodded to the wedding party but remained separate, his attention focused on the approaching train.

The massive engine rolled to a stop with a hiss of steam and screech of brakes. Passengers began disembarking, creating a brief confusion of movement on the platform. Through the organized chaos, a striking figure emerged from one of the cars.

She stood above average height, her posture as straight as a cavalry officer’s.

Deep red hair, partially contained beneath a practical hat, caught the afternoon light like burnished copper.

Her traveling suit, though well-worn, spoke of quality and taste.

She carried a leather satchel with the easy familiarity of someone accustomed to long journeys.

The woman paused on the platform, green eyes scanning the crowd with clear purpose. Her gaze passed over the wedding party, noting details with professional assessment before moving on.

“All aboard for Helena!” the conductor called.

Annalee turned to her family, embracing each in turn. “We’ll be back in a week,” she promised, holding her mother especially tight.

“Be safe,” Naomi whispered. “Be happy.”

Brodie shook hands with his father, then surprised everyone by pulling the older man into a fierce hug. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For everything.”

They boarded quickly, finding their seats as the conductor gave the final call. Through the window, Brodie and Annalee waved to their family as the train began to move.

On the platform, Caleb Wainwright stepped forward, approaching the red-haired woman with professional courtesy. “Excuse me,” he said. “Are you looking for someone?”

She turned, revealing a face as striking as her hair. Intelligent, confident, with laugh lines at the corners of her mouth and eyes. “Perhaps you can help me,” she replied. “I’m searching for Doctor Caleb Wainwright.”

“You’ve found him.” He extended his hand. “And you are?”

A slow smile curved her lips. “Clementine Preston.”

Recognition flickered across his features. “Miss Preston. You’re the assistant I advertised for back East. Welcome to Mystic.”

“Thank you.”

“Allow me to carry your bags. The Mystic Hotel isn’t far.”

They walked down the main street, Caleb pointing out various landmarks along the way. The hotel stood proud against the afternoon sky, its windows gleaming with welcome.

Darwin Keane looked up from his ledger as they entered the hotel, his thin face breaking into a professional smile. “Doctor Wainwright, good afternoon.”

“Mr. Keane,” Caleb said, setting down Clementine’s bags. “May I present Miss Clementine Preston, my new assistant.”

“Doctor,” Clementine corrected.

Confused, Caleb tilted his head. “Doctor?”

“I’m Doctor Clementine Preston. I’ll be assisting you.” Her mouth curved into a smile as she watched Caleb’s expression transform from slight confusion to growing disbelief, and finally to a dreadful understanding.

Thank you for reading Storm in Montana , book three in the Montana Becketts? Wild Spirit Ranch historical western romance series.