Scene from Courageous Love

by Alena (Riley POV Valentine's Photo contest)

 

1-      Scene from Courageous Love (Riley’s POV)

Riley Prescott stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. He wanted to check on a batch of three-year old’s he hadn’t got to yet. One of the playful colts had broken a board in the old fence. He would have to fix it later. After his short setback, when he had charged head first into the burning barn, he had earned himself minor injury. He was itching to get back in the saddle.

Instead, he found himself saddled with the task of nursemaid. His uncle Sid’s age was catching up with him, and fighting that fire was not good way to improve his health. Big boss Chad, had assigned Riley to see to his old foreman’s care.

   Riley looked across the yard, Justin Carter’s surrey sat hitched up in front of the Mexican style ranch house. What was Justin doing on the ranch?

   He shaded his eyes against the sun, it was noon, he should get back to Sid soon.

   “Goodbye mother!” A familiar voice called out.

   Across the yard, Andi quickly climbed in the surrey as Justin lugged her suitcase in behind her.

   Wonder where she’s going with that suitcase? He mused as he watched surrey disappear. He had hardly seen her this past week. He missed working with her. She was good company, and---  

   “How’s Sid coming along?” Chad said as he walked over. Had he noticed him watching the surrey?

   “Gettin’ better.”   

   Chad nodded in the direction the surrey had departed. “Justin’s got his finger on the man who’s behind all this foolish mischief.”

   Riley’s eyes widened at the events Chad relayed to him. Procopio the red handed? He had heard of him, a filthy animal with no regard for human life. He pounded his gloved fist down on the broken fence board. When would he strike next? What other misshape was instore of the Circle C? Then it struck him. “Andi’s staying in town with Justin while Procopio on the loose?” He asked.

   “Knew you weren’t listening, you just wanted to know why Andi left in the surrey.” Chad said with a chuckle.

   “I was listing to you, sir,” He felt his face flame. “I reckon it’s none of my affair.” He lowered his eyes, so he had seen him gawking.        

   Chad nodded his head, “Andi is stayin’ in town for a while, till Justin comes back from the city.” He winked at Riley and said “Don’t worry over her, she’ll be fine.” He slapped the crimson faced Riley on the back, and walked of. “Take it easy, you hear?” Chad hollered over his shoulder.

   “Yes sir.” He walked off to give Sid his next dose of medicine. Why did Chad keep him tied up hovering over old Sid? He was coming along fine. And why was Andi being sent away from the ranch. When would he see her next? Town was just as dangerous. All these questions buzzed in his ears, but he only had one prayer. God, please be with her.   

***     

   “Well, that’s the last of it.” Riley said as emptied the contents of a little glass bottle of medicine. It had been over 10 days since the fire, and Sid was on the mend.

   Doc Weaver said he could come by and refill the medicine if he need to, and the pain filled look on the foreman’s face told him that he should. I reckon I’ll go to town tomorrow. He went to tell Chad his intensions, and to see if there was anything else he could pick up. Then a thought crept into his mind. Andi was still in town. A grin appeared on his face, he missed working with her, he especially felt it the other day when Chad had him turn Shasta out on the range. Maybe he could pay her a visit.

    He saw Chad and Elizabeth standing on the porch. “Howdy boss, evening ma’am” Riley said as he doffed his hat. Then he asked permission to go and refill Sid’s medication. Chad granted, and then Elizabeth spoke up. “If you’re going to town, would you mind stopping by Justin’s and giving Andrea a message for me?”

  “Sure thing ma’am.” He said with excitement in his voice. Had she read his mind? “Good.” Elizabeth said. The message was simple; ask if Andi could hitch up the buggy this Sunday and drive Lucy and the baby out for dinner, as long as Lucy was up to it.    

    “Maybe I’ll ride out to town this evening, Sid need’s his medicine.” He said with a sheepish grin.

    Chad laughed at his antics. “You better hurry if you want to get back before night fall.” He said as he shaded his eyes glancing up at the slowly falling sun.         

    “Yes sir, I’ll leave right away.” He turned and sprinted off to saddle his horse, with Tucker at his heels.

    Riley gave a shrill whistle, and Dakota trotted over to the fence.

“Good boy.” He said in a calm soothing voice as he stroke Dakota’s nose. He started saddling at a quick pace.

   “Going to town?” Diego, an old cowhand asked. Riley nodded his head.

   “I suppose you will go and visit the young senorita, no?” Why was he prying, what did he care?

   “I gotta go refill my uncle’s medicine.” He said with a sternness in his voice. Did no one on this ranch mind their own business? Seemingly oblivious to Riley’s end-of-story voice, he went on.

   “You will be carful with the senorita, if you break her heart, the boss will break you, and then some.” Riley knew that, he was always carful with Andi. He took care of her whenever she was with him.

But he did not care for her in fear of Chad’s wrath, although he knew that Chad would generously lavish a tongue thrashing if things didn’t go as planned. He cared for Andi in a deep way, he would go the extra mile to assure her happiness.

He had bonded with her over the year he had been back on the ranch. Hadn’t he been the one that helped Andi heal her deep wound over losing her mare? He had stuck with her through her time of grief, even when she pushed him away. Now, she worked alongside him every day. I would do anything for Andi.

   “I, I would do anything for Miss Andi, anything to keep her safe.” He eyed the Mexican hand. “I think you know that.”

   “Si, I believe you will hold to your word.” And with that he walked of.               

   Riley whistled for Tucker as he swung into the saddle. His thoughts were blazing. Wouldn’t he risk his life for Andi? He nodded his head, yes, he would.