Riley Comes Back (Riley's POV)

A reader wanted a story about Andi and Riley meeting (in The Last Ride scene) for the first time after 8 years from Riley's POV. Here are the responses.

Abbi G.

   

Riley Prescott sat on the coral fence watching several two-year-old colts trot around. It had been so long since he’d graced this place. I’ve sure missed it. It’s changed so much and these horses are beautiful! I can’t believe Chad hired me to train these beauties!

Riley glanced down at his black and white collie. “Well, Tucker, the boss stuck us with the best job on this ranch. I still can’t believe it!” He wondered how Andi was doing. Or was it “Miss Carter” now? Or “Miss Andrea?” How much has she changed?

He was brought from his musings by a sharp whistle. He turned to see Uncle Sid talking to a young lady who was looking at him skeptically. A beautiful young lady that is. She had a gorgeous chocolate palomino by her side. 

Riley hurried over. Whoo-eee! This young lady resembled the Andi he once knew. But she was like a rose in bloom. He felt himself smiling. 

 “Yes, sir?” He spoke to his uncle, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Andi.

Side snorted. “Since when did you start calling me ‘sir,’ boy?” 

“Since I started earning wages on this ranch. You’re my boss, aren’t you?”

Uncle Sid shook his head. “Not this time around. Chad hired you.” He pointed to the magnificent horse. “Meet his royal highness, soon to be one of your charges.”

 Riley whistled as he looked the horse over. “What a fine-looking colt! He’ll be a pleasure to work with.” He saw Andi stiffen out of the corner of his eye and guessed the colt was hers.

Andi spun on him and confirmed his suspicions. “Chad can do what he likes with the rest of the colts, but Shasta’s mine. I’m in charge of his training.”

Riley raised his eyebrows and a smile spread over his face. “Yes, ma’am.” He tried hard not to chuckle. She sure hasn’t lost her spunk.

Uncle Sid didn’t hide his laughter and burst out in guffaws. 

“She’s still got a mind of her own, ain’t she, boy?” Then he looked at Andi. “Sorry I didn’t make proper introductions sooner, Miss Andi. It’s been a while since you two saw each other. Riley’s grown up some, ain’t he?”

I need to remember my manners. Riley jerked off his hat and grinned. 

“Howdy, Miss Carter. It’s good to be back on the Circle C after all these years.” She is beautiful! Riley’s smile bloomed. “Andi you’ve grown up too, I see.”

Her mouth dropped open and she stared openly. She searched his face, then a pink blush spread through her cheeks.

Goodness. When she blushes she’s even prettier. Riley laughed. “What is it? Have I got a wart on my nose?”

Andi blinked several times and stepped back as her blush deepened. 

“I-I’m sorry.” She stuttered. “I didn’t mean to be rude.” She looked away, clearly embarrassed.

Riley suddenly missed seeing those beautiful blue eyes locked with his.

Suddenly, Tucker yelped softly, saving them from the embarrassing situation. Riley reached to the dog.

“This here’s Tucker. Smart as a whip. Pa gave him to me a few years back. Sid says another dog on this ranch is no big trouble.”

He broke off. He’d been rambling. He waited for her to speak, but she just shrugged. He reached into his pocket and found a lump of sugar. He offered it to Shasta, and the colt gulped it down. Then he nuzzled Riley for more.

He chuckled softly and rubbed the colt’s nose. He felt Andi staring at him. It wasn’t exactly a glare, but it sure wasn’t warm.

Uncle Sid broke the silence. “Your brother knows what he’s doin’, Miss Andi. Shasta’s good blood. Chad only wants the best for him. He wouldn’t hire Riley if the man didn’t know his business.”

Andi’s face scrunched into a frown that Riley surprisingly found cute.

“Man? He’s too young to have any experience.” 

Riley felt a rush of heat, but he kept stroking the colt. 

“I am well into my nineteenth year, Miss Carter! When I left your ranch and rejoined my family, Pa was transferred to Fort Bridget, then to Fort Laramie, and later all over the West. When Fort Yuma closed last fall, I figured it was time to strike out on my own.” Andi didn’t look impressed. 

“Tell Miss Skeptic What you’ve been up to at all them forts, boy.” Riley saw pride in his uncle’s eyes. Well, I’ve got to impress her somehow. 

“There wasn’t a Fort in the last eight years where I didn’t have full charge of the army’s horses, including training their young stock.”

How can I put her pretty little mind at ease? “You’ve nothing to fear from me regarding your colt’s training. Horses take to me, see?” He rested his head on Shasta’s shoulder. “We’re friends already.” 

“He’s got the gift,” Uncle Sid said.

Riley searched Andi’s eyes. They were still full of skepticism, but he saw a glint of respect. 

“We’ll see,” were her only words.

Riley swallowed. I sure wasn’t expecting this dark-haired beauty to steal my heart. Her spunk is more appealing than ever, and she certainly has grown into a young lady. 

Andi hesitated. “I hate to break this up, but I really must be going to prepare for supper. It was—good to see you again, Mr. Prescott.”

Riley grinned. “You too, Miss Carter. And I’m sure this won’t be our last meeting. Good evening. I look forward to working with your colt.” 

“If you get to work with my colt. And that is a big ‘if,’ Mr. Prescott. Good evening.”

Riley watched Andi lead Shasta toward the barn.

“Come back down to earth, Romeo!” Uncle Sid laughed.

Riley smiled. “I think I’m going to enjoy this job even more than I thought I would, Uncle Sid.”

His uncle shook his head and walked the away. “Suppers in an hour, boy. You come late, you won’t eat.” 

“Yes, sir!” 

Riley Prescott grinned. He was going to be busy in the next little while. Andi may not think much of him now, but he was gonna change things. She’d be falling for him before she even knew it.

He never thought this would be in his near future, but Riley Prescott had a girl. And even more surprising, that girl was Andi Carter. Only God knew what was in store for his future, but Riley had high hopes that Andi would be involved.