Page 12 of Wild Spirit Revival (Montana Becketts, Wild Spirit Ranch #1)

The first rays of dawn streaked across the Montana sky, creating a spectacular image of the magnificent mountain range to the east. Elijah Beckett stood on the porch of Wild Spirit Ranch, his calloused hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee. As he gazed out at the sprawling expanse of Mystic Valley, his thoughts drifted to Molly O’Sullivan, the feisty photographer who’d captured his attention.

“What are you thinking, big brother?” Annalee’s cheerful voice broke through his reverie as she joined him on the porch.

He grunted, taking a sip of his coffee. “About the ride into town.”

Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Thinking about a certain strawberry blonde, more like.”

“Annie,” he warned.

“Oh, come on, Eli,” she teased. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. It’s about time you showed interest in someone.”

Sighing, he set down his mug. “We’ve got more important things to worry about. We need to find out if Brodie’s done anything about the information Josh gave him.” He walked down the steps toward the barn. “Come on. We need to get moving.”

As they saddled their horses, Elijah found his mind wandering to Molly. Her quick wit and determination had caught him off guard, and he found himself looking forward to seeing her again. It was unfamiliar, both intriguing and unsettling.

The ride into Mystic was filled with Annalee’s cheerful chatter, a stark contrast to Elijah’s brooding silence. As they approached the town, his keen eyes scanned the surroundings, ever vigilant for any signs of trouble.

“You think there’s really going to be trouble during the celebrations?”

Elijah’s jaw tightened. “Better to be prepared than caught off guard.”

They hitched their horses outside the jail, the mid-morning sun already heating the streets of Mystic. As they entered, Sheriff Brodie Gaines looked up from his desk, his eyes sharp and alert.

“Mornin’,” he greeted with a nod, his gaze lingering on Annalee. “What brings you to town?”

Elijah leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Have you heard anything, Brodie?”

The sheriff’s face grew grim. “The information Josh provided seems to be right. Word around town is a gang might be planning to hit the bank during the Fourth of July celebrations. Guess they figure with all the commotion, it’d be the perfect cover.”

“The celebration is just two days away,” Annalee said. “How can we stop them?”

“That’s what we need to figure out,” Brodie replied, his gaze sweeping between the Beckett siblings.

As they delved into plans and strategies, Elijah found his thoughts drifting once again to Molly. He wondered if she’d be at the celebrations, camera set up, oblivious to the danger lurking around her. The urge to protect her surged through him, surprising in its intensity.

“Eli?” Annalee’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You still with us?”

Straightening, he pushed thoughts of Molly aside. “Yeah, I’m here. Let’s figure this out.”

Brodie leaned back in his chair, his weathered hands resting on the desk. “I’ve taken some precautions. Deputized a handful of trustworthy townsfolk. Each one knows how to handle a gun and is willing to stop anyone who attempts to rob the bank. They’ll be keeping their eyes peeled during the celebrations.”

Elijah nodded, his jaw set. “Smart move. Who’d you pick?”

“Doyle Shaw, Casper Jennings, Josiah Jarvis, Farley Byrne, and Doctor Caleb Wainwright,” Brodie replied. “Folks who can handle themselves if things go south.”

“Doc Wainwright?” Elijah shook his head. “I never figured him for someone who’d fight.”

“He was an Army doctor, posted out here in Indian country before he got out. He’s seen his fair share of fighting,” Brodie said.

Annalee leaned forward, her eyes bright with determination. “What about me, Brodie? I’m as good a shot as any of them.”

Brodie’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “Annie, I know you’re capable, but—”

“But nothing,” she interrupted, her voice firm. “I won’t sit idly by while our town’s in danger.”

Elijah watched the exchange, a mixture of pride and concern for his sister warring within him. He knew Annalee was tough as nails, but the thought of her in harm’s way made his stomach churn.

“She’s right, Brodie,” Elijah found himself saying. “We need capable people we can trust for this.”

Brodie sighed, running a hand through his thick hair. “All right, Annalee. You’re in. But you stick close to me or Elijah, you hear?”

She beamed. “You got it… Sheriff.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Elijah’s thoughts once again drifted to Molly. He needed to see her, to make sure she was aware of the potential danger.

“I’ve got some business to attend to,” Elijah announced abruptly. “How about I meet you both at the Golden Griddle in a bit?”

“Fine with me,” she answered.

Brodie and Annalee exchanged a knowing look, but Elijah pretended not to notice as he strode out of the sheriff’s office.

His boots pounded on the boardwalk as he made his way toward the Mystic Hotel. Elijah barely noticed the intense heat, his mind focused solely on Molly.

As he entered the hotel lobby, the cool air was a welcome relief. The clerk behind the desk looked up, surprise evident on his face at the sight of the taciturn rancher.

“Mr. Beckett,” he greeted. “What can I do for you?”

Elijah cleared his throat, suddenly feeling out of place. “I’m here to see Miss O’Sullivan. Is she available?”

The clerk’s eyebrows rose, but he nodded. “I’ll send someone to fetch her. Please have a seat.”

He paced instead, his nerves jangling. What was he doing here? He’d never been one for social calls, yet here he was, seeking out a woman he wasn’t sure he liked.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs made him turn. Molly appeared, her eyes widening in surprise as she spotted him.

“Elijah?” she said, a smile spreading across her face. “What a pleasant surprise!”

His heart quickened at the sight of her smile. “Molly,” he greeted with a slight nod. “I was hoping you might join me for a walk. There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”

Her eyebrows arched with curiosity. “Of course,” she replied, her voice tinged with both excitement and concern.

As they stepped out onto the bustling street, Elijah felt an unfamiliar nervousness creep over him. He was used to handling ornery cattle and stubborn horses, not escorting beautiful women through town. He cleared his throat, searching for the right words.

“What have you been doing since you left the ranch?”

She smiled. “Taking as many photographs as possible. Have you been ranching?”

Elijah felt heat rise to his cheeks at her teasing tone. “Suppose I have.” He led them toward a quieter side street, away from prying eyes and ears.

“Molly. What I have to tell you is… well, it’s not exactly pleasant news.”

Her smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. “What is it, Elijah?”

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. “There’s a potential threat to the town during the upcoming July Fourth celebrations. Sheriff Gaines has deputized several townsfolk to help keep an eye out, but…” He paused, meeting her gaze directly. “I’d like to offer my services as your personal escort during the festivities. To ensure your safety.”

A mix of emotions flashed across her pretty face. Surprise, worry, and something else Elijah couldn’t quite place.

“A threat?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “What kind of threat?”

Elijah took a few minutes to explain.

Molly bit down on her lower lip as she processed the information. After a moment, her expression softened, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.

“Well, Mr. Beckett,” she said, her tone lighter. “I suppose I’ll have to accept your offer of protection. But I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

Her lips curved into a playful smile. “I plan to photograph the entire celebration. Every person in the parade, every speech, every firework. And someone will need to carry my equipment box.”

A hint of amusement flickered across placid features. “I reckon I can manage that.”

They continued their stroll, the tension from earlier dissipating as they fell into a companionable silence. He found himself sneaking glances at Molly, admiring the way the sunlight caught her golden hair.

As they rounded a corner, the inviting facade of the Golden Griddle came into view. The aroma of fresh-baked pies wafted through the air, making Elijah’s stomach rumble.

“Elijah! Miss O’Sullivan!” a familiar voice called out.

They turned to see Sheriff Brodie Gaines waving at them from the entrance of the diner. Beside him stood Annalee, her eyes full of curiosity as she took in the sight of her brother with the town’s new photographer.

“Why don’t you two join us?” Brodie invited, gesturing toward the table. “I hear the sisters just pulled a fresh batch of apple pies from the oven.”

Elijah hesitated, glancing at Molly. He found himself reluctant to end their time alone together, but he didn’t want to appear rude to his sister and the sheriff.

Elijah cleared his throat, his gaze meeting Brodie’s for a brief moment. “Much obliged, but Molly and I will take our own table.” His voice was steady, an undercurrent of determination coming through.

Molly’s eyebrows rose, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She nodded her agreement, and Elijah guided her to an empty table with a light touch on her elbow.

They settled into chairs, the scent of cinnamon and coffee enveloping them. A waitress appeared, setting down two steaming mugs and promising to return with a slice of fresh apple pie for each of them.

She wrapped her hands around her mug, studying Elijah over the rim. “So, tell me about growing up on Wild Spirit Ranch. It must have been quite an adventure.”

He took a sip of his coffee, considering her question. He wasn’t used to talking about himself, especially not to a woman as intriguing as Molly O’Sullivan. Something in her gaze made him want to open up.

“From the time I was little, Ma and Pa taught us ranch life was hard, honest work. Pa made sure we all learned every task on the ranch, from mending fences to breaking horses.”

Molly waited as slices of apple pie were set before them. “I’ve seen what you do, which is quite demanding. What is your favorite part?”

A rare smile tugged at Elijah’s lips. “Rounding up wild mustangs,” he admitted. “Nothing’s better than thundering across the open range at dawn in pursuit of a wild herd with the whole world spread out before you.”

As he spoke, Elijah found himself transported back to those early mornings, the crisp air filling his lungs, the rhythmic pounding of hooves beneath him. He hadn’t realized how much he treasured those memories until now, sharing them with Molly.

His reminiscence was interrupted by Molly’s next question. “What about your brothers? Did they all take to ranch life as naturally as you?”

He paused, his eyes flickering with a mix of pride and something deeper, more complex. “Not all of us,” he said, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. “My oldest brother, Grayson, had different ambitions for a while.”

Molly tilted her head, intrigued. “Oh? What did he do?”

“Grayson became a U.S. Marshal.” A hint of admiration crept into his voice. “Wore the badge for a few years, chasing outlaws and keeping the peace. A couple years ago, the ranch called him back. He quit the Marshal service and returned to Wild Spirit with his new bride, Jolene.”

As he spoke, Elijah found himself pondering the choices his brothers had made and the paths their lives had taken. His thoughts turned to Cody, and a shadow passed over his face.

Molly, perceptive as ever, noticed the change in his behavior. “And your other brothers?”

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “You’ve met all of them, except Cody. He’s the next oldest. He left the ranch, too, but for different reasons than Grayson.” He wrestled with how much to reveal. Finally, he continued, his voice tinged with sorrow. “Cody’s wife and little girl were murdered. After that, he couldn’t stay. Became a bounty hunter, chasing the men responsible.”

The weight of his words hung heavy between them. Her hand instinctively moved across the table, barely touching Elijah’s. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Nathan mentioned Cody to me, but didn’t provide any details. He was asked to deliver a letter to your mother. He said it was from Cody.”

Elijah’s impassive face betrayed a flicker of surprise. “A letter? From Cody? I wasn’t aware he’d been in contact with anyone in the family. Did you see what it said?”

“No. Nathan didn’t open it. At least, not in front of me. I assumed he gave it to your mother.”

He chewed a bite of pie, his thoughts on the letter. What could have prompted Cody to write after so long? Was he in trouble? Had he found the men responsible for his family’s murder?