More Than a Friend, Riley's POV from Courageous Love

 by,

Micaiah C. 

Riley Prescott walked around the Circle C barn as a wagon drove at full speed into the yard. He caught a glance of someone lying unconscious in the back.

“What happened, Chad?” he asked, concerned.

“Andi fell down into the gully. Cracked ribs and kneecap. She’s got a bad concussion too.”

Riley’s eyes opened wide and his heart skipped a beat. “She’s going to be okay. Isn’t she?”

Chad’s eyes showed more fear than the young wrangler had ever seen, “I don’t know.”

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Riley sat on the stairs of the bunkhouse a few days later. His hat was in his hands.

Andi wasn’t getting any better. Riley couldn’t understand why he cared so much. More than he knew he should.

Admit it Riley, a little voice told him. You care about her. More than a work partner. More than a friend. You love her, Riley.

Riley sighed, he knew that was right. She has to get better! She just has to! He sat for a minute more and then he made a decision. He was going to go see Justin.

He plopped his hat back on his head and went to find Chad.

Chad was in the tack room fiddling with a halter, but Riley could tell his mind was on something else.

Chad looked up as Riley cleared his throat, “What is it, Riley?”

“Can I have the rest of the day off?”

Chad nodded. “What for?”

Riley’s face turned bright red. “Nothing important.” He turned and fled, and practically ran to the barn to saddle Dakota.

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An hour later, Riley was sitting in Justin and Lucy’s parlor waiting for Justin to come home.

“How’s Andi?” Lucy asked, cuddling baby Sammy.

“No different.”

Just then Justin walked in, “Riley!” His eyes widened. “Is Andi oaky?” Concern filled his voice.

“There’s no difference. I came to talk to you.”

Lucy passed Sammy to his daddy and stood up, “I’ll go make some tea.

Justin sat down. “What is it you want to talk about?”

“I,” Riley paused, gathering up his courage, “I want permission to court Andi if—I mean—when she recovers.”

Justin smiled. “Of course you have my permission!”

Riley sighed in relief, “Thank you!”

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We all know what happens next. Andi recovers and Riley helps her forgive her brothers for putting Taffy down. She is kidnapped by Procopio and Riley comes to the camp in disguise.

This next scene is from Riley’s POV as they are leaving the camp.

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     Riley felt Andi’s grip tighten on his middle. He patted her hands, “Hey, loosen your grip. You’re squeezing the breath out of me.”

     Riley kept Dakota at a slow walk. “At this rate, it will take us half the night to go the five miles to the posse.”

     He felt Andi relax some. Suddenly, she started crying. Riley sucked in his breath. “What’s the matter, Andi? Are you hurt? Scared? No need to be. Not of Procopio’s band anyway. By now the sheriff and his posse will have rounded them all up. I wish I could have seen their faces.” He laughed.

     Andi rubbed her face against his back. Riley loosened his bandana, “Here. Use this. It works better than my shirt.”

     “Thanks. I’m not hurt. Not scared either. Just happy to be safe … and to be with you.”

     Riley’s heart soared. She was happy to be with him!

     “Lucy told me you went to go see Justin.”

     Riley’s heart seemed to stop.

“I was pretty near despair at the time,” Andi went on, “and Lucy wanted to cheer me up.”

     Riley cleared his throat. His heart pounded in his chest. “Did it … well… did it cheer you up?”

     “Oh yes! Yes, yes, yes!”

     Riley’s face beamed. He stopped Dakota and turned to face Andi. “I’m glad. Justin gave me permission to court you, so long as you were in agreement.” He chuckled. “It appears that you are.” He kissed her forehead. “Just promise me one thing.”

     “Sure. What is it?’

     “After we’re married and our kids ask about Mama and Daddy’s first kiss, promise you won’t ever tell them how you almost broke my foot and then slapped my face.”

     Andi giggled. “I promise.”