Musing #77 - Chapter 17

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 17. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“Let me go! Oh, Riley, save me! Save me!”

          Vega came closer. “You are mine now, missy.”

          “No! Riley, Riley, where are—”

          Andi jerked awake from the terrifying nightmare. She flew to a sitting position, her heart beating fast. Her head throbbed.

          “Riley!” she shrieked, thrashing wildly. “Riley!”

          “Shh.” Hands closed around Andi’s shoulders. “It’s all right. You’re safe.”

          Andi didn’t know who was speaking, but the voice was soothing…and familiar. She allowed the unknown person to push her back down onto the pillows. Then, reaching up, she latched onto one of his hands and held it firmly.

          “Shh.” Fingers brushed across her forehead, moving aside the sweaty strands of hair clinging to her face. “You have influenza. But you’re safe. I’m here.” The hand holding hers squeezed gently. “And I’m never letting you leave my sight again.”

          Andi wanted to know more, wanted to say more, but the fever enveloped again, and she dropped into a delirious sleep.

***

          The next time Andi awoke, she felt somewhat better. Her head still ached, but it didn’t pound. Where am I? What happened?

          Forcing her eyes open, Andi looked around her.

          I’m…it couldn’t be! Am I really—?

          She was. She was really and truly home. She recognized the bedroom as her and Riley’s own at Memory Creek Ranch.

          This bed is so soft! And Riley—

          Her gaze landed upon him. He sat at her side, head buried in his hands. A basin of water and a cloth sat nearby. A lamp was the only light in the room.

          “Riley?” Andi whispered hoarsely.

          His head jerked up. He looked at her face and let out a breath. “You’re awake.” He laid a hand against her forehead. “Your fever’s down.”

          Andi’s tears rose, choking her. “You look all worn out.”

          Riley smiled and clasped her hand tightly in between both of his own. “I’m fine now. Completely fine.”

          “Oh, Riley…” The tears Andi was holding back spilled. A sob ripped from her throat. It sent her into a sudden coughing fit.

          Riley reached quickly for a cup of water, which he held to Andi’s lips. Weakly, she batted it away. The fit was passed, and she had important things to say and ask.

          “I thought I’d never come home again,” she whispered. “The days were so long—and so hard.”

          “Hush, Andi. Dr. Weaver told me that you mustn’t overexert yourself, but rather rest and regain your health. Besides, your brothers and I have been figuring out most of it. From Molasses’s sudden disappearance, to the messy kitchen…to the note we found.”

          “What note?”

          “One signed ‘Mateo Vega.’ That was all, and it was so clumsily scribbled I think it was quite accidental that it was there at all. It must’ve fallen, unnoticed. However, it still gave us some sort of a lead. At least we knew what’d happened. But I’m talking too much. Dr. Weaver and your mother will have my hide. Go back to sleep.”

          “But—”

          “No buts.” Riley pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You’ll have plenty of time to tell me later. Sleep now.”

          But Andi couldn’t sleep. She had more to ask. “Where’s the baby? Is he all right?”

          Riley beamed. “Your mother has our little son. He’s in better shape than you are.”

          “He seemed so miserable,” Andi rasped, then coughed.

          “Dr. Weaver inspected him, too. A slight cold, but nothing serious. Your mother has him taken care of.

          “Now…” Riley dipped the cloth in the basin, wrung it out, and draped it across Andi’s brow. “Go back to sleep. I’ll stay right here.”

***

          Several days more, and the fever finally left Andi. At last, she was able to crawl from bed and enjoy a hot, lengthy time in the bathtub. Afterwards Mother brushed out her hair and tied it back neatly.

          “There,” she said, adjusting the ribbon, “you’re all clean and fresh, sweetheart.”

          Andi stared at the Andi in the mirror. What a big change! The old skirt and blouse weren’t even fit for rags. They’d been tossed in the trash and burned, never to be seen again. Instead, she wore a new dress. That hideous weeks’ worth of tangles her hair had used to be now lay against her back in soft, silky curls, all held back by one big bow. Her hands were clean. So was her face.

          And I’m home.

          Andi sighed with contentment. God never left me. Thanks, Lord, for always being there. For being my rock. Helping me trust. And never letting me go.

          She smiled at her mother. “How well did Dr. Weaver say I am?”

          “Well enough to come to the Circle C tonight for supper,” Mother answered, beaming.

          “And well enough to make me a loaf of cinnamon bread for breakfast someday soon,” said a voice from the doorway. “Believe it or not, I’ve missed your cooking.”

          Riley strode into the room, all smiles. He pulled Andi into a heartfelt embrace. “It’s good to see you up and around, looking well,” he said. “We’ve been very worried about you.”

          Andi relaxed in his arms. “It’s good to be well. And to be…here.”

          “I sure did miss you, Andi,” Riley said.

          “I know. I missed you, too.” Andi let out a breath and smiled.

          I’m safe. Jared is safe. Riley is here. And we’re all home.

          Andi looked up at Riley. “You know what?”

          “What?”

          “It’s good to be home.”

The End

Well, this makes for the final chapter of Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws, so now I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story! What did you enjoy most? In what areas were you surprised or shocked at the plot twists? Tell me in the comments below!

This story has finished posting, but thankfully I still have more musings to share with you all! A fun post titled "The Ten Questions Book Tag" goes up tomorrow, and Saturday features a special musing called "Our First Peek at Baby." Stay tuned!