Page 5 of Wild Spirit Revival (Montana Becketts, Wild Spirit Ranch #1)

The sun-drenched, rolling plains of Montana stretched before Molly as she guided her rented buggy toward Wild Spirit Ranch. Her camera equipment bounced on the seat with each jolt of the wheels, a constant reminder of her purpose.

The past two days in Mystic had yielded some promising shots. She could almost hear Casper Jennings’ gravelly voice urging her to head south.

“If it’s real Montana you’re after, Miss O’Sullivan, you’ll find it at the Beckett place.”

As the sprawling ranch came into view, Molly’s heart quickened. The sheer vastness of it took her breath away. According to Casper, owner of Jennings Mercantile & Dry Goods, Wild Spirit Ranch was 150,000 acres of untamed beauty. She pulled up to the main house, a sprawling structure rising from the landscape.

A woman with chestnut hair and striking blue eyes emerged onto the porch, one hand resting on her swollen belly. “Can I help you?” Her voice carried a slight Southern drawl.

Molly climbed down from the buggy. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Molly O’Sullivan. I was hoping to take some photographs of your beautiful ranch. If you have no objection.”

The woman’s face lit up with a smile. “Oh, how delightful! I’m Jolene Beckett. Please, come in out of this heat.”

As Molly followed Jolene inside, she explained her project. “I’m capturing the essence of Montana. Its people and places. Your ranch is spectacular.”

Jolene beamed with pride. “We certainly think so. My husband, Grayson, and his brothers have poured their hearts into this land. My mother-in-law, Naomi Beckett, still lives here. She’s a widow and a force unto herself. Right now, she’s in San Francisco visiting relatives.” She paused, studying Molly. “You’re welcome to photograph around the house and outbuildings. I’d love to see Montana, and the ranch, through your eyes.”

Molly felt a rush of gratitude. “Thank you, Mrs. Beckett. Your kindness means more than you know.”

“Please, call me Jolene. Would you care for tea or coffee?”

“Thank you. I’m good, for now.”

“Then let me show you around.”

Over the next hour, Jolene and Molly walked around the extensive ranch area. Two small barns, one larger one, separate stables, numerous corrals, paddocks, and various sheds for tools underscored the longevity of the ranch.

“I hope you’ve seen some locations of interest,” Jolene said when they returned to the house.

“At least two dozen spots. I won’t be able to get it all done before leaving for town.”

“Then you’ll have to return tomorrow.” Jolene smiled.

Molly lost herself in her work, crouching low to capture the weathered grain of the barn door, the play of light across the corral, and several horses grazing in a corral. She was so engrossed in her work, she didn’t hear the approaching horses until a familiar voice boomed across the yard.

“What in tarnation is going on here?”

Molly whirled to see Elijah Beckett dismounting, his face a storm cloud of anger. Behind him, a man she assumed was Grayson looked on with confusion.

Elijah strode toward her, eyes blazing. “You! What do you think you’re doing on our property?”

Molly stood her ground, chin raised in defiance. “I’m working, Mr. Beckett. Something I believe you’re familiar with.”

“This isn’t some attraction for greenhorns,” Elijah growled. “You can’t just—”

“Elijah!” Jolene’s voice cut through the tension. She waddled toward them, one hand on her back. “I gave Miss O’Sullivan permission to photograph the ranch. She’s documenting Montana for a project.”

Elijah’s jaw clenched, his gaze darting between Molly and his sister-in-law. The muscles in his neck corded as he struggled to rein in his temper.

Molly watched the silent exchange, her own anger giving way to fascination. There was something in the way Elijah’s eyes softened when he looked at Jolene, a protectiveness contradicting his gruff exterior.

Grayson stepped forward, breaking the tense silence. “Well, if Jolene’s given her blessing, I don’t see the harm.” He extended a hand to Molly. “Grayson Beckett. Welcome to Wild Spirit Ranch, Miss O’Sullivan.”

As Molly shook his hand, she couldn’t help noticing Elijah’s deep scowl. She met his gaze, a challenge in her eyes. “I assure you, Mr. Beckett, I mean no disrespect to your home. I’m simply here to capture its beauty.”

Elijah’s nostrils flared. He opened his mouth to retort, but Jolene placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Why don’t you show Miss O’Sullivan around, Elijah? I’m sure she’d appreciate a guide who knows every inch of this land.”

Molly’s eyes widened. Spend more time with this bristling bear of a man? The very thought sent a shiver down her spine. Though whether from fear or something else, she couldn’t quite say.

Molly squared her shoulders, determined not to let Elijah intimidate her. “That won’t be necessary, Jolene. I’ve taken enough photographs for today.” She began packing her equipment with swift, practiced movements.

Elijah’s narrowed gaze watched her, refraining from any more comments.

As Molly secured her camera in its case, she shot occasional glances at Elijah. His interaction with Jolene had revealed a side of him she hadn’t expected. Protective and gentle. It was a stark contrast to the brusque man who’d confronted her moments ago.

“I do appreciate your hospitality.” Molly addressed Jolene and Grayson. “Your ranch is truly spectacular.”

Jolene beamed, her hand resting on her swollen belly. “You’re welcome back anytime, Miss O’Sullivan. Perhaps next time, you can join us for supper?”

Elijah’s head snapped up, his jaw taut. Molly caught the look and felt a flutter in her stomach. Why did his disapproval bother her?

“That’s very kind of you,” Molly replied, hoisting her equipment into the buggy.

Settling onto the seat, she urged the horse forward. The drive back to Mystic gave her ample time to ponder the mystery of Elijah Beckett. She’d come to Wild Spirit Ranch expecting to capture images of the largest ranch in this part of the frontier. Instead, she found herself grappling with a man who challenged her at every turn.

The buggy rattled along the road back to Mystic, each jolt mirroring the tumult in her thoughts. It was beautiful, but Molly barely noticed, her mind fixated on the perplexing Elijah Beckett.

“Insufferable man,” she muttered, gripping the reins tighter.

She huffed, blowing a stray curl from her face. The image of Elijah’s gentle interaction with Jolene kept replaying in her mind, at odds with his earlier gruffness.

As Mystic came into view, Molly slowed the buggy. The town was alive with the bustle of early evening. Shopkeepers closed up, ranch hands headed into Buffalo Run Tavern, and children played games before supper. A typical early evening in most towns.

“Miss O’Sullivan,” Casper Jennings called from the porch of his mercantile. “How’d the photographing go?”

She reined in the horse, forcing a smile. “Eventful, Mr. Jennings. Very eventful.”

“Ran into the Becketts, did you?” Casper chuckled. “They’re good folk. Elijah can be a little particular about the ranch.”

“Particular is one word for him,” Molly replied, her tone dry. “Tell me, Mr. Jennings, is Elijah Beckett always so…”

“Prickly?” Casper finished, his eyes twinkling. “Only with folks he doesn’t know. Or those he’s taken an interest in.”

Molly felt her cheeks warm. “I’m certain he hasn’t taken an interest in me, Mr. Jennings. Unless you count wanting to run me off his property as interest.”

Casper smiled, a hint of mischief in his weathered face. “Time will tell, Miss O’Sullivan. Time will tell.”

“I’m going to unload my belongings and rest before supper, Mr. Jennings. It’s been a long day.”

As Molly continued to the hotel, Casper’s words echoed in her mind. She’d come to Montana to capture the spirit of the frontier, not to get entangled with some mercurial rancher.

Back in her room at the Mystic Hotel, Molly unpacked her camera equipment, cleaning each item before repacking the box. She mentally listed what needed to be accomplished the following day.

After supper, she planned to set up her portable dark tent to develop the images she’d taken at the Beckett ranch. Tomorrow, she planned to deliver the best ones to Jolene, hoping Elijah would be gone.

Her fingers brushed against the wooden box, remembering how Elijah had almost grabbed it. His hands had been rough, calloused. A working man’s hands. She then recalled how gentle those same hands were when they steadied Jolene.

Molly groaned, flopping onto the bed. She’d come west for adventure, for the opportunity to document the frontier with pictures. A rancher with steady green eyes and a determined nature wasn’t going to distract her.

The following morning found Molly at the Golden Griddle. The hotel clerk had told her the widowed sisters who owned it made the best breakfasts in town. Savoring a bite of hotcakes, Molly had to agree the two women could cook.

Nursing a cup of coffee, she watched the happenings in town through the front window. Wagons and riders on horseback maneuvered along the main street. Inside, the restaurant buzzed with activity as customers filled up on eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, and hotcakes while talking to tablemates or reading the paper. A copy had been left on her table, and Molly found it quite enjoyable.

“Are you finding the town interesting?” The gruff voice interrupted her reverie.

Molly looked up to see Sheriff Brodie Gaines standing by her table, his face creased with curiosity.

“Quite interesting. Would you care to join me?”

“Thank you. I need to get to the jail. Where have you been so far?”

“I took a buggy to the Beckett ranch yesterday. It’s much larger than I imagined.”

“It’s impressive, all right. The family works hard to keep it profitable and growing. Someday, when Cody returns, they’ll have one more experienced hand to help out.”

“Cody?”

“He’s the second oldest brother. Between Grayson and Elijah. Took off a few years ago when…” Brodie rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not my story to tell. Glad you got out there. It’s worth the trip.”

“Yes, it was…” she replied, though her thoughts were on the missing brother. “I hope to go one more time before moving on.”

Brodie chuckled, tipping his hat. “Well, you picked a good time of year to come out. Weather’s good, and most of the ranchers are busy breaking wild horses. Word is, there’s going to be quite a commotion at the Beckett ranch later this week.”

“Oh? What kind of commotion?”

“The boys are going to be breaking in a few horses. They’ve invited some neighbors to take part. It’ll be a sight. Well, I’d best get going. You be careful wherever you head off to, Miss O’Sullivan.”

As Brodie moved on, Molly thought of what he’d told her. This could be exactly the kind of authentic frontier moment she’d been hoping to capture.

She was still deliberating when the restaurant door burst open, and Nathan Beckett strode in, his face flushed with excitement.

“Molly!” he called out, spotting her. “Jolene told me to come fetch you. Josh is about to do something incredibly stupid, and I figured you’d want to get it on camera.”

“I’m not sure going back today is such a good idea, Nathan. Your brother, Elijah—”

“Oh, don’t worry about him.” Nathan laughed, waving off her concern. “He rode off early to check on one of the herds.”

As his enthusiasm washed over her, she felt her resolve weakening. This might be exactly the kind of moment she’d come to Montana to capture.

“All right. Let me grab my equipment and rent the buggy.”

“No need for a buggy. I have a wagon right out front.”

In less time than it took to butter a piece of toast, Molly was at the wagon with her equipment. Loading up, Josh secured the camera box, climbed onto the seat, and slapped the reins.

They rode along for several minutes before Molly spoke up.

“So, what exactly is Josh planning?”

Nathan’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “He’s got it in his head to break the new stallion we bought last week. Everyone says he’s unrideable. Grayson told Ma he and Elijah would break him, taking their time. Well, Ma is still on her trip, Grayson rode off to Gumption to look at a bull, and Elijah is with a couple of our younger hands, tending to the herd in the far south quadrant. With all them gone, Josh has decided to give the rascal a try before any of them gets back.”

Molly’s eyebrows shot up. “And you think that’s a good idea?”

“Heck no.” Nathan chuckled. “But it’ll make for a great show.”