Sneak Peek #3: Nate’s Quiet Hope of Seeing Jack

September 15, 2025

The year is 1876, and Silver Creek marks the nation’s Centennial with a day-long Fourth of July celebration. For Nate, it’s his first glimpse of the town gathered together in pride, tradition, and festivity. Yet beneath the games, music, and fireworks, he can’t shake the pull of hope and longing—until an unexpected glance changes everything.

“And then, just as Nate turned to gather their things for the ride home, he spotted him. Jack stood across the crowd, half-shadowed off to the side of the gathering. He wore a clean shirt and worn boots, talking to an older rancher whose name Nate couldn’t place. The glow of lantern light caught the edge of his cheekbone. As if sensing the attention, Jack looked up. For just a moment, their eyes locked across the space between them. But in that brief time, Nate felt the noise of the celebration recede. Jack didn’t smile and didn’t gesture. He just gave the slightest of nods. Then he turned back toward the man beside him, the moment slipping back into the festivities around them. Nate just stood for a beat, heart fluttering for reasons he didn’t care to mention. Samuel’s voice drew him back. ‘Ready to head home?’”