Musing #73 - Chapter 13

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 13. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

The man, whose name was Luke Cornwallis, told Andi she’d never been far from Los Angeles. “That means it’ll take less than a week to get to my home,” he explained.

          They rode the whole way, and it was pure bliss to Andi. She continually thanked God for this huge miracle.

          The group arrived at a small cottage with handsome white walls clung to with ivy. The windows were clean and glittered in the afternoon sun. A red-tile roof, fully adorned with colored leaves, looked bright and cheerful. An old, wooden door that almost hung only by its hinges completed the homely scene.

          Luke had everyone dismount, and they tied the horses to the hitching rail. Then they entered the cabin.

          Andi’s heart was throbbing, and her breath felt trapped in her chest. She ran to the woman who sat knitting in a corner of the three-room cottage.

          “Lily!” she cried, tears streaming.

          Lily dropped her work and threw her arms around her friend. They clung to each other, sobbing and choking.

          “Oh, Andi, Andi, Andi!” Lily cried. “You are safe! Luke, you have brought her back to me!”

          Andi pulled away from her friend and swiped at her tears. “Thank you so much for rescuing me,” she said, addressing all in the room.

          Luke cleared his throat uncomfortably and scuffed the floor with his boot. “It…uh…was the least we could do, after you saved Lily.”

          Andi didn’t know if his awkwardness was because of what she’d said or the fact that Luke had just watched two women dramatically release their emotions. Either way, she brushed it off. She had something more important to ask.

          “When can I go home?”

          She knew the question was a little rude, considering all they’d just done for her. But I have to know! I want to go home to Riley!

          There was a sudden silence. Then Lily smiled. “Where are my manners? Andi has experienced a lot and appears to be undernourished. Luke, do bring in some water and heat it so that she may take a bath. I’ll get a dress for you, Andi, from the bedroom. Then I’ll prepare a hearty supper.” She disappeared into the room.

          Luke left, followed by his partners. Andi sat down on the chair Lily had just vacated. When Lily returned and dropped the clean dress onto the table, then set to preparing supper, Andi went up to her.

          Tossing aside all courtesy of asking to help her prepare the evening meal, Andi said instead, “Where is my baby?”

          “Your son? Ah, yes, Jared! He’s in the bedroom.”

          “Thank you.”
          Andi made a dash for the room Lily had recently left. Her fingers closed around the doorknob.

          Suddenly, Lily rushed forward. “No, no, I’ll get him for you,” she said.

          Too late. Andi had pushed the door wide open…and what she saw inside made her gasp.

What do you think Andi saw? Feel free to leave your guesses in the comments below!

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