Ellie stood in front of the bathroom mirror, eyeing the stubborn streak of dirt smudged across her cheek. She'd spent the morning repairing another section of fence and scrubbing down the barn's tack room. Her muscles ached, her hands were blistered, and now, she was supposed to go into town and smile like she wasn't already in over her head.
"Just great," she muttered, splashing water on her face. She tugged her curls into a ponytail and slipped into a clean pair of jeans and a white button-up shirt, deciding to make herself as presentable as possible.
The town of Wildwood might not be the bustling metropolis she was used to, but it was home now. If she was going to make this work, she needed to start building some goodwill—and maybe, just maybe, find a few allies along the way.
The moment Ellie stepped into Rosie's Diner, she felt every pair of eyes in the room land on her. Conversations quieted, and the clinking of silverware against plates paused as the town's residents gave her a once-over.
Ellie plastered on a polite smile, her nerves threatening to unravel. She spotted an empty stool at the counter and slid onto it, keeping her posture straight even though she wanted to shrink into herself.
"Morning, sugar," a cheerful voice greeted her.
Ellie glanced up to see a woman in her fifties with bright red lipstick and a beaming smile. Her name tag read Rosie.
"You must be George Bennett's niece," Rosie said, pouring Ellie a cup of coffee without waiting for her to ask.
"That's me," Ellie said, wrapping her hands around the mug. "Ellie."
"Well, Ellie, welcome to Wildwood," Rosie said, sliding a laminated menu in front of her. "What can I get you?"
Ellie scanned the menu, deciding on a breakfast platter that promised enough food to feed a small army. As Rosie walked away to place the order, Ellie felt the weight of someone's gaze from the far corner of the diner.
She turned her head slightly and locked eyes with none other than Wyatt Callahan. He was sitting in a booth with another man, his hat pushed back on his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Ellie's stomach sank. Of course, he was here.
Wyatt sauntered over a few minutes later, coffee mug in hand, and leaned casually against the counter. "Didn't expect to see you in town," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Ellie set her mug down, turning to face him fully. "What, you thought I'd just hide out on the ranch forever?"
His smirk deepened. "Not forever. But you don't exactly seem like the type who enjoys small talk and apple pie."
"Shows what you know," Ellie shot back. "I love pie."
Wyatt chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that irritated and intrigued her at the same time. Before he could say more, Rosie reappeared with Ellie's breakfast, placing the plate in front of her with a wink.
"You enjoy that, sweetheart," Rosie said, throwing a quick glance at Wyatt. "And don't let him give you any trouble."
Ellie smiled, grateful for the subtle show of support. "Thanks, Rosie."
Wyatt pushed off the counter and tipped his hat. "See you around, Bennett."
Ellie watched him walk back to his booth, her appetite suddenly dampened by the reminder that Wyatt Callahan would always be a thorn in her side.
After breakfast, Ellie made her way to the feed store to pick up supplies. She stepped inside and was immediately greeted by Claire Riggins, who waved her over with a wide smile.
"Ellie! So good to see you again."
"Hi, Claire," Ellie said, relaxing a little in the woman's friendly presence.
Claire leaned against the counter, her gaze appraising. "I hear you've already had a run-in or two with Wyatt Callahan."
Ellie sighed. "That obvious, huh?"
Claire chuckled. "This is Wildwood, honey. News travels fast. Don't let him get to you, though. Wyatt's bark is worse than his bite."
Ellie arched an eyebrow. "Are we talking about the same Wyatt? Because the one I know seems pretty intent on making my life miserable."
Claire's smile softened. "He's had a rough go of it. Lost his father young, took over the ranch when he was barely out of high school. Doesn't trust easily, especially when it comes to Bennetts."
Ellie frowned. "Why? What's his problem with my family?"
Claire hesitated, glancing around as if checking for eavesdroppers. "It's complicated. Let's just say there's some history there. But don't you worry about it. Focus on getting your ranch in order, and the rest will work itself out."
Ellie left the feed store with a truckload of supplies and a million questions swirling in her mind. She didn't like being in the dark, especially when it came to why Wyatt seemed so determined to make her life harder than it already was.
But as she drove back to the ranch, Ellie made a decision. She wasn't here to dwell on the past or Wyatt's personal grudges. She was here to build something, to honor her uncle's memory, and to prove to herself—and everyone else—that she could do it.
Let Wyatt Callahan throw his barbs and smirks. Ellie Bennett wasn't going anywhere.