Page 26 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“I run the Mystic Gazette. I’m always on the lookout for interesting stories. Your adventures would make for quite the serial.”
“An intriguing idea,” Trent mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Though I’m not sure I have the writing talent to do the tales justice.”
Faith leaned forward. “That’s where I could help. We could collaborate. Your stories, my words. It could be quite the partnership.”
As the words left her mouth, she realized how forward her comment sounded. She glanced around the table, catching Joshua’s furrowed brow and feeling a twinge of guilt she couldn’t quite explain.
Trent, however, seemed delighted by the suggestion. “Miss Goodell, I do believe you’re onto something there. Perhaps we could discuss it further once I’ve wrapped up my current business?”
She nodded, trying to ignore the way her heart raced at the prospect. “A wonderful suggestion, Mr. Galloway.”
As the conversation flowed around her, Faith found her mind wandering, filled with visions of adventure and the allure of the unknown. She barely noticed the concerned glances Joshua kept casting her way, too captivated by the charming stranger and the exciting possibilities he represented.
Joshua’s gaze darted between Faith and Trent, his chest tightening with each shared smile and enthusiastic exchange. He’d known Faith since childhood, yet he’d never seen her quite so animated, so enthralled by someone’s presence. The realization gnawed at him, a mixture of confusion and annoyance simmering beneath the surface.
Evelyn chimed in, her voice pulling Joshua from his brooding thoughts. “Faith and I are heading into Mystic thismorning, Mr. Galloway. Perhaps you’d like to join us? We could show you around town.”
Trent’s eyes lit up at the invitation. “That’s mighty kind of you, Miss Graham. I’d be honored to accompany such lovely ladies.”
Joshua felt his jaw clench. He cleared his throat, forcing a casual tone as he looked at Evelyn. Before he spoke, Cody jumped in. “You sure that’s wise, Evelyn? We don’t know much about Mr. Galloway’s business here.”
Evelyn turned to Cody, her brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t believe there’s much he could do. After all, Faith and I always carry the guns your family gave us.”
“Mr. Beckett’s caution is understandable, Miss Graham.” He looked at Cody. “I assure you, my only intention is to accompany these ladies to town.”
Cody’s gaze locked with Trent’s, a silent challenge passing between them. “I need to ride to town myself. I’ll tag along with you.”
The bounty hunter’s charm was evident, but there was a sharpness behind those eyes that set Cody on edge.
“Jupiter could use some exercise,” Joshua found himself saying. “Mind if I ride alongside you folks into town?”
“Not at all,” Cody said.
Evelyn nodded, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “We’d welcome your company, Joshua.”
Heading outside, Joshua couldn’t shake the feeling something important had shifted.
Chapter Ten
The cool morning air did little to calm the storm of emotions brewing within Joshua. He watched as Trent mounted his horse while Faith and Evelyn settled into the buggy.
With a tight grip on Jupiter’s reins, Joshua swung into the saddle. A man always content to let life unfold around him felt an urgent need to take action, to make his feelings known before it was too late.
Cody rode up alongside the buggy, his gaze sweeping over Galloway, who had taken a position opposite him. As the small party set off toward Mystic, the Montana landscape stretched out before them. Joshua found himself acutely aware of every laugh, every shared glance between Faith and their mysterious new acquaintance. The road to town had never felt so long, nor so fraught with unspoken tension.
Joshua urged Jupiter forward, drawing even with Evelyn’s buggy. He cleared his throat, searching for the right words to break the silence.
“Faith,” he began, his voice softer than intended. “I was wondering if you might have time later to discuss some ideas for the Gazette. There’s been talk of some interesting developments at the ranch. They might make for a good story.”
Faith shifted toward him. “Sounds intriguing, Josh. What sort of developments?”
Before Joshua could respond, Trent’s deep voice cut through the air. “Speaking of interesting stories, did I mention the time I tracked an outlaw through the Badlands in the Dakotas for three weeks straight?”
Faith’s attention shifted to the bounty hunter, her expression alight with fascination. “No, you didn’t. Please, do tell us more, Mr. Galloway.”
Joshua felt his chance slipping away, the words he longed to say dying on his lips. He watched as Faith leaned closer to Trent, hanging on his every word. The rolling hills of Mystic Valley seemed to mock him, a vast expanse of missed opportunities stretching out in all directions.
As the outskirts of Mystic came into sight, Joshua’s plan to speak further with Faith evaporated. When they passed the first buildings, a commotion near the bank caught everyone’s attention.
