A New Kind of Gingerbread

This is a Christmas-like fan-fiction story originally posted in three parts seven years ago, in 2018. The author is Ellen Senechal. I found it in the archives and am putting it up on the fan fiction for all to enjoy. 

Andi’s Journal, December 1887. This is my first Christmas with our new baby, Jared. Because of my foolish wish, I thought it might be my last, but God is good. He spared my life.

Chapter One

It was the first Saturday in December, and Andi Carter Prescott was worn out. It was late. Riley was still not home from mending fences over at the Circle C. Jared had done nothing but whine all day, and the house was a mess.

It didn’t help any that Andi’s mind had spent the day drifting. She knew Mitch and Chad, her two older brothers, were in the snowy Sierras, finding trees, chattering like magpies, and having a terrific time. While I’m stuck here all day with chores and a fussy baby who refuses to nap, even when he’s tired, Andi grumbled silently. She clenched her fists. It’s not fair!

She knew, she really and truly knew, that she had no right to be upset. Jared was her baby, a sweet blessing, a valuable jewel, even when he screamed his head off. Owning a house and having floors, dishes, and windows to wash were gifts, whether she realized it or not. From every angle she looked at it, Andi was blessed beyond measure.Yet, at four o’clock—a dark four o’clock this time of year—Andi was too frustrated and weary to care.

“I wish Riley would hurry up and come on home,” she fumed. “His supper is getting cold, and it’s his turn with Jared.” The baby had finally fallen asleep and lay in his cradle, heedless of his mama’s case of the grumps. With the blanket drawn over him, he was the perfect picture of contentment.“ I sure wish I were you,” Andi told him. She sighed and slumped. “Now that you’re asleep, I have to finish my cleaning.”

Jared did nothing more than stir slightly, his eyes glued shut. Andi couldn’t help it. She smiled. “You’re a beautiful baby, you know that, Jared? If only you wouldn’t scrunch up your face and cry so much.” His fist jerked.“ Yeah, you heard me.” Andi stooped and kissed his wisps of fuzzy, blond hair. “Thanks for making Mama smile.”

“Andi!” She jumped. What in the world? A rattling sound followed the shout. A wagon! Hurrah! They’re here! Andi leaped to her feet, threw on her sweater, and hurried outside.

“Chad! Mitch!” she exclaimed. “Good trip?”

Chad nodded and swung down from the wagon’s high spring seat. “Sure was.” He grinned at his sister. “We found four beautiful red firs.” He jerked his thumb. “Look in the wagon bed. You get first choice.”

Andi didn’t need to be told twice. She bounded to the back of the wagon and peered inside. She gasped. “Oh, Chad.”

“I do believe this is the best batch of trees we’ve ever seen,” Mitch remarked. He slapped his hand on the trunk of one thick red fir. “Which one do you want, Sis?”

“Oh, I don’t know. That’s a difficult choice.”

“Well, choose quick,” Chad urged. “I’m starved half to death. With Mother staying in town with Melinda, Ellie and Luisa were responsible for our grub. They hardly packed enough to keep a bird alive.”

“Give me a moment, will you, Chad?” Andi returned. She bit her lip and contemplated her choices. “There’re all lovely, but I think the top one to the right is the best.”

“Good choice.” Mitch grinned. “We’ll take it on inside for you.”

The sight of a gorgeous tree for her sitting room had done quick work of curing Andi of her sour mood. Beaming, she followed her brothers inside. They set up the tree in a nice place in the sitting room. “How’s that?” Mitch asked.

“It’s perfect.” Andi clasped her hands. “Thank you!”

They both nodded. “No problem,” Chad said. “Now, we’d best be off. See you, Andi.”

“See you.” As Chad turned, Andi reached out and caught hold of his shoulder. “Oh, and Chad?”

“Yes?”

“Riley should’ve been here an hour ago. When you get back to the ranch, could you please send that boy on home?”

Chad smiled and ruffled her hair. “Sure thing. ”With that, Chad and Mitch made their departure. After watching them go, Andi peeked at Jared. For a wonder, he was still asleep. Good. Now . . . She bit her lip and glanced around the cluttered room. Then she made a decision. I can clean later. I want to decorate the tree!

Andi pulled out her boxes of tree decorations. Mother had brought her some ornaments a few days ago, and Andi been busy stringing popcorn and cranberries. “This is gonna be the prettiest tree this side of the Sierras, just like Mitch said,” Andi told herself. With a smile, she pulled out a delicate glass ornament and fastened on a hook. Then she surveyed her many choices of thick, bushy branches and picked her favorite one.

Just as she began to hang the ornament, the branches shook. Andi jumped back, startled. Her ornament fell to the ground and shattered, but she hardly noticed. Her eyes were on the tree. What on earth? More rustling and shaking. Then a dark form began to make its way down the trunk.

A racoon! Andi stared wide-eyed at the small creature. He had now reached the floor and stood on all fours, staring up at her. “Where…where did you come from?” Ever since last May, after the rabid-racoon incident in the middle of the night, Andi had avoided raccoons like the plague. One never knew if a raccoon was harboring the deadly hydrophobia disease. She relaxed. This young raccoon didn’t look scary in the least. Nor did he appear to be harboring rabies. His huge eyes stared up at her, as if in an effort to plead for help.

“Pobrecito,” she murmured in Spanish. “Poor little thing.” Andi lowered herself beside the raccoon kit and stroked his back. The raccoon didn’t flinch or move away. It stayed still, trembling. It couldn’t have been more than six months old. Not quite ready to leave his mama. “Did the boys bring you home? Away from your mama and brothers and sisters?”

Andi didn’t know what to do with it. The kit really was a baby, lost and alone and without his mother’s protection. She couldn’t just release it outside. It would die for sure. At the same time, memories crashed into her mind. Memories of living on the Circle C, having to let go of each animal she brought home as a potential pet. A raccoon had once been one of those pets. Riley is definitely different than Chad, though, she thought. Riley loves animals, each and every kind. He wanted me to keep my bunnies, and he finally relented to letting me keep Jasper last summer. I think he’d be all right with caring for a little racoon. I’ll just keep him in the barn.

Andi made up her mind. Yep, little raccoon, meet your new mama.

Chapter Two

When Andi made up her mind about her something, she worked fast. Within ten minutes of finding her new pet, she was hauling him out to the barn—an empty stall worked well—and bringing him a bowl of warm milk. “There you go,” she crooned, watching the raccoon slurp it up with his small pink tongue. “You’re a handsome little fella, you know that?”

The raccoon looked up at her. “I’m gonna teach you a lot,” Andi told him. “Cory always said coons are smart as a whip. But you need a name, don’t you? Hmm…” She bit her lip in thought.

“Andi? Is that you?”

“Riley?” Andi stood and leaned out of the stall’s half-door. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

Riley smiled and led Dakota toward his stall. “What’re you doing out here?”

Andi opened the door and stepped into the aisle. “Chad and Mitch brought us a tree,” she said. “But it wasn’t until we had the tree set up in the sitting room that I realized I had a visitor—a furry visitor.”

Riley looked up, puzzled. “Huh?”

“Come and see.”

Riley, still leading Dakota, walked over. He peered into the stall, and his eyes widened. “A raccoon?”

“Yep. Isn’t he the cutest little thing?” Andi grinned. “He’s just a baby. I figured I could care for him—for a little while,” she added quickly, seeing a look of hesitance come over Riley’s face. “Just ’til he’s old enough to live on his own. Please, Riley?”

“I dunno, Andi.” Riley scratched his chin. “You’ve got enough work as it is. We have Jared now, plus the housework. You sure you can handle it?”

“Sure, I’m sure.” The little creature had already wormed its way into Andi’s heart. I have to care for it! I just have to!

Riley slipped an arm around her. “If you’re sure you can take it on, then I have no objection. But only until this thing is ready to be released.” He squeezed her gently. “Don’t want you to get too tuckered out.”

“Thanks.” Andi leaned her head on Riley’s shoulder. The barn was warm, and suddenly her drowsiness was overwhelming. She yawned. “Well, c’mon, Mother,” Riley teased gently. “Let’s head on up to the house. You look done in.”

Andi shook her head and attempted to respond, but another yawn overtook her.

Riley laughed. “Go on inside. I’ll be up as soon as I’ve settled Dakota in his stall.”

Andi pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and left. Halfway to the house, she could feel herself sag with grogginess. Boy, I sure am tired. She swept a hand across her eyes. Can’t wait to climb into bed.

Woof! Woof! “Tucker!” Andi called. The dog bounded towards her, barking. Yet, when he reached her, he didn’t stop. He kept running. Why is he headed for the barn? Andi thought. Suddenly, she gasped. What if he smells my raccoon? I didn’t shut the stall door—“Tucker, no!” Andi picked up her skirts and bolted. “Tucker!”   

She entered the barn, panting, in time to see Riley firmly shut the raccoon’s stall. Then he reached down and grabbed Tucker. “Whoa, there.”   

Whew. And leaned against the barn’s double doors and fought to catch her breath. From inside her pet’s stall, she could hear wild scampering. Tucker’s barking must’ve scared him. She breathed in another gulp of air. Her lungs burned. The evening’s damp air and frantic running had doubled her achy, groggy feeling.“

Andi, you all right?” Riley asked.“

Fine…fine.”

“Why’d you run to the barn like that?” He wrapped a steady arm around her and led her from the barn. “Slow down; catch your breath.”

“I was scared that pup would get to my raccoon,” Andi panted.

“For sure, he’s not too keen on your pet,” Riley agreed, looking down at Tucker. The dog was trotting alongside them, growling deep in his throat. “But if I keep watch over him, and you keep the kit’s stall door closed, there shouldn’t be much problem.”   

Andi nodded. She drew another deep breath and swallowed hard.

“You all right?” Riley asked again. 

“I’m fine. But promise me something.”

“What?”

“If we walk into the house and Jared is wailing, promise me you’ll take care of him. I’m going to bed.”

A smile tugged at Riley’s lips. “Promise.”

“Here’s your breakfast, Gingerbread.” Andi held up an egg and smiled. “Beg. C’mon. Beg.”

Gingerbread, named after a favorite Christmas treat, rose up to his hind legs. His two front paws reached up. “Good boy.” Andi handed the egg over. She watched with a pleased grin as Gingerbread lowered the egg to his lips and started chewing.

“Andi! You comin’? We have to leave!”

“Yeah, Riley!” Andi patted Gingerbread’s head. “I’ll be back soon. Behave yourself.” She left the stall and in her haste, without paying much attention to what she was doing, shut the bottom half-door. When Andi reached the house, Riley had the buggy hitched up.

“I’ll be right back,” Andi told her husband. She flew up the porch steps and into the house. A quick wash at the pump and a glance in the mirror, then back outside she went.

“You finally ready?” Riley asked, grinning.

“Yep.” Andi settled into the buggy and took Jared from her husband. “Let’s go.”

Riley swung up next to her and clucked to Ranger. “How’s Gingerbread this morning?”   

“Right as rain. He’s getting really good at his ‘begging’ trick, too.”   

Riley chuckled and jiggled Ranger’s reins. “I’ll have to remember to refresh that creature’s water dish when we get back from church,” Andi went on. “He drinks like crazy.”

“Speaking of gingerbread…” Riley sent her a sly grin. “You making any this season?”

“You bet. In fact, I made a pan of it just last night. I meant to tell you to have some for breakfast, but I forgot. You can have a chunk with lunch.”

       “Fine with me. Now, we’d best get a move-on, or we’ll be late for church.” 

Chapter Three

A great sermon today,” Riley confided on the ride home.

“Mm-hm.” Andi laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Mother’s Sunday dinner was good, too. I reckon you won’t have room for any of that gingerbread you wanted earlier this morning.”

“You falling asleep?” Riley asked.

“Maybe.”

“All you want to do recently is sleep,” Riley said. Anxiety seeped into his voice. “It’s unlike you, and I’m getting concerned.”

“You don’t have to.” Andi’s eyes flew open, and she sat up straight. “It’s nothing. Caring for a baby is new to me—”   

“And so is caring for a raccoon at the same time,” Riley cut in.   

Andi’s gaze fell. “Maybe.” What was he getting at?

“That pet is like the lamb all over again,” Riley said.

From the corner of her eye, Andi could see her husband shake his head. “He’s not. He’s a lot of fun. Unlike Jasper, he’s hardly any trouble at all. He’s never gone after the chickens, and he knows my voice. I enjoy playing with him.”

“I still say it’s too much.” Riley took a breath. “And so does your mother.”

“Mother?” Andi looked up. “What do you mean?”

“She pulled me aside after the meal today, while you were chatting with Chad. She wants to know why you were so languid and unlike yourself. I told her.”

“Told her what?”

“About Gingerbread, and Jared, and the housework. She agreed it was too much for a new mother to take on all at once.”

Andi sighed. “It’ll only be for a week or so more, Riley. Just ’til Gingerbread can take care of himself.”

“No, Andi, I think he’s old enough to look after himself now. I’m looking after you.”

Andi slumped in her seat and stayed quiet the rest of the way home.

Riley pulled Ranger to a stop in the Memory Creek driveway and took Jared while Andi jumped down. Then he handed over the baby and leaped to the ground. “What’s up with Tucker?” He glanced toward the house. The dog was barking at the door.   

The dog bounced and barked, ignoring her. “I’ll see what’s up,” Andi said. She made her way toward the house and opened the door. A flash of black and brown caught her eye. Gingerbread! What’s he doing in the house?

“For sure I don’t know,” Andi answered. “Tucker! Come here, boy.”   

A moment later, her question was answered. The kitchen was a mess. Flour and the coffee leftover from breakfast covered the floor. Andi’s pan of fresh-baked gingerbread lay in crumbs, both on tabletop and floor. Worse, as she watched, Gingerbread waddled up onto the table and began to help himself to her large pan of eggs. “Oh, no. No, no, no!” Andi glanced behind her shoulder. Riley was coming inside. What will he say when he sees this? There was no way to hide the evidence of Gingerbread’s morning adventures. 

Andi’s moans sent Gingerbread running. Egg in hand, he dropped from the table, to the chair, and out the door. Riley stepped inside. He barely missed tripping over the brown and black streak. The raccoon shot between Riley’s legs and out the door just as the screen door slammed shut. strode over. “What on earth?” Riley stopped short. He jerked his thumb behind his shoulder. “Is that what I think it is? A thieving raccoon with one of our eggs?” 

When Andi nodded, Riley set his jaw. “That’s it. I’m sorry, but this is the last straw. The raccoon is going.”

“Oh, please, Riley, no.” Andi caught his arm. “It’s my fault, really. I left the window open. I guess I didn’t shut his stall door all the way, either. He must’ve left the barn and gotten curious, so he climbed in. I can clean it up—”

“No. That raccoon is nothing but trouble. My mind is made up.”

“What—what are you going to do with him?”

“I’m gonna take him where he belongs—back to the wild.” With that, Riley left the house. Tucker followed at his heels.

Andi bit her lip and stood at the window. She held Jared and watched as Riley hitched Ranger and Buster to the wagon, then entered the barn. He came out a moment later with Gingerbread in his arms. ’Bye, Gingerbread. Andi’s throat tightened. I’m gonna miss you.

Riley dumped Gingerbread into the wagon bed and climbed onto the spring seat. He flicked the reins. It wasn’t long before they’d disappeared over a rise.

Later that day, Andi went out to spend a few minutes with Shasta. Riley had rocked Jared to sleep, and she had spare time on her hands. At last! After throwing on a sweater, Andi made her way to the barn. A thick overcast of gray clouds had gathered in the sky. More rain. Inwardly, Andi groaned. She’d already seen more than enough of rain over the last few weeks. In California, we don’t get snow. We get rain.

Andi had wanted to travel into the Sierras with her brothers. Seeing mounds of glistening, beautiful snow was a special treat—and so much better than seeing buckets of gray, listless raindrops. Andi entered the barn…and stopped dead in her tracks. All thoughts of snow and rain flew from her head. “Gingerbread? Is that you? It can’t be…”

But when the raccoon stood and covered his eyes (another trick Andi had taught him), there was no doubt about it. Her raccoon had come back. What will Riley say about this? Andi knelt and rubbed at her pet’s head. The raccoon dug his paws into her long, dark braid. “Hey, now, quit it.” Andi gently pushed his paws away. “What am I going to do with you?” The raccoon pulled away and covered his eyes again, as if to say, “I’m sorry, but I just had to come back.” Andi laughed. “C’mon. We have to take you up to the house. Riley needs to know you’re back.” From behind her came the sound of dog’s feet treading on the barn floor. A moment later, Tucker was at her side, yipping. 

Gingerbread startled at this new threat. Then he reacted as only a frightened raccoon could. He snarled and bared his teeth. 

“Whoa, hold it!” Andi reached for her pet. A second later, she felt searing pain rip through her arm. “Ouch! Don’t bite me.”

Gingerbread paid her no mind. He launched himself at Tucker. The two wrestled on the ground for a barely half a minute before the raccoon took its leave. He ran from the barn and practically vanished into thin air. “Tucker! Bad dog.” Andi rubbed at the bite mark on her arm. Blood oozed. She bit her lip. Tucker whimpered and stepped forward. “Did the raccoon bite you too?”

Andi looked him over and found a bitemark much like her own on the dog’s left ear. Not good. If Riley hears about this, he won’t let Gingerbread come back. He’ll take him into the wild and make sure he never comes back.

Andi looked into Tucker’s dark eyes. “Not a word about this, hear?” The dog whimpered again. “If Riley hears that Gingerbread bit me and you, he’ll be madder than a peeled rattler.” She shuddered. “That wouldn’t do. I want Gingerbread to come back, and if he does, I want to keep him. Riley would not allow it if he knew about our bites.”

Her conscience pricked her. Deep down, she knew it wasn’t right to keep this secret from Riley. It’ll only be for a little while, she argued. Only until I’m certain that Gingerbread isn’t coming back. It’s not like it’s major or anything—although Riley would say it is. She looked again at the mark on her arm. It was not a pretty sight. I better wash it off and pull my dress and sweater sleeves over it. It’ll hide it…for now.

Chapter Four

The next few days came and went. Gingerbread did not come back, and Andi mentioned not a word about her bite to Riley. She did, however, tell him that Gingerbread had returned but had been scared off again by Tucker.

“That raccoon likes it here, you know,” she said cautiously. “Maybe he’ll still come back.” After that, she threw herself into preparations for Christmas and kept her secret buried.   

Mother visited on Wednesday with more ornaments for Andi’s tree. She also brought recipe books and a box of candles. They spent the day cooking, singing, and decking the house out in bright colors and Christmas cheer.

When Riley came in that evening, he was greeted with the sweet aroma of baked goods and spices. Glittering glass ornaments, hard cookies strung on ribbons, strings of cranberries and popcorn, and wax candles littered the sitting room tree from top to bottom.   

That night, Andi went to bed without a care in the world. It’d been such a fun day, and her belly was warm with fresh cookies and the swirl of excitement. Only one more week until Christmas! She smiled and snuggled deeper into the covers. I can’t wait.

“Andi? Andi, wake up!”   

Andi stirred. Who was calling her? And why? Leave me alone! Let me sleep! Her dream was so pleasant…   

“Andi!” This time, the voice was followed by a firm yet gentle shake on Andi’s shoulder.   

Andi’s eyes snapped open. Riley’s anxious face loomed above her. He was dressed in shirt and trousers, and he held his hat in his hand. “What’s going on?” Andi mumbled groggily. She blinked and rose up on her elbows. “Why’d you wake me?”   

“Something is disturbing the livestock,” Riley answered. “Especially the chickens. I have to go and see what’s up.”   

“Okay.” Andi fell back against the pillows. She yawned. “So…why’d you wake me?”   

“Because Jared’s crying. He’s a loud little boy. You must’ve really been out cold not to have heard him.”   

“All right, I get the message.” Andi crawled out of bed and pulled on her housecoat. Meanwhile, Riley slipped through the bedroom doorway and was gone. “C’mon, baby.” Andi scooped up Jared and carried him to the sitting room. “We’ll stay up until Daddy comes back.”

Now that she was fully awake, Andi heard the chaos going on outside. Wonder what’s going on? She decided to find out. Stepping up to a window, she peered out into the night. Thankfully, the moon was full, and it was easy to see outside. “Well, Jared, there’s—” Andi gasped. “There’s a raccoon chasing the chickens!” Fear gripped her. It’s Gingerbread. It has to be.

Andi didn’t waste a second. She laid Jared in his cradle then plunged her feet into her boots. She drew on her coat over the top her robe and ran outside. Riley had chased the animal into the barn. Quickly, Andi followed their footsteps. She entered the barn in time to see Riley grab a hoe. The next moment, he brought it crashing down on the raccoon on the floor. “Andi!” he yelled. “Go back to the house! Now!”

Breathing hard, Andi turned and ran. She stumbled into the house and slumped in a chair at the table. Mixed emotions swirled inside of her, making her dizzy. One was anger. Another was guilt. The last was fear. Why had Riley given her raccoon such a merciless death? She was upset with herself for feeding Gingerbread eggs, thus training him to like not only like an egg but also the chicken that provided it. Finally, she didn’t know why she felt so scared, but for some reason the niggling sensation wouldn’t leave her. She buried her head into her arms and felt hot tears stream from her eyes. Jared wailed, but she ignored him.

The door opened and closed. A strong hand rested on her shoulder and squeezed. “I’m sorry, Andi.”

She shook her head and sniffed. I didn’t think you could be so cruel, she wanted to scream, but she remained silent.

“Really, I am.” The grip on her shoulder loosened. Riley fell into the chair beside her. “I didn’t want to kill him.”

“But you did,” Andi accused. She raised her head and swiped at her tears.

“I did.” Riley nodded. “He had hydrophobia.”

Riley’s words caught Andi off-guard. She gaped at him. “What?”

“That raccoon was definitely rabid.”

“Was it  . . . Gingerbread?”

Riley shrugged. “All raccoons look alike to me, but yeah, I think it was him. We haven’t had a raccoon visitor since last spring, but I wouldn’t put it past Gingerbread to return for the free food we always gave him.” He sighed.

Andi bowed her head. A shudder ran through her. The memory of Gingerbread’s teeth in her arm slammed her mind. He could have been affected even then. He had seemed more restless than usual. Her breath came in little gasps.

“Andi?” Riley rose. “Are you all right?”

Andi shook her head. No, she was not all right. A fresh burst of tears erupted. “Does hydrophobia really spread from a bite? To anything…or anyone?”

“You know it does,” Riley said. “Everybody knows that.” He squeezed her hand. “But he’s dead. He can’t pass rabies around anymore.”

Andi again shook her head. She faced her husband. “He already shared it.”

Riley gave her a puzzled look.

“He bit Tucker.”

Riley’s face drained. “When?”

“Sunday night. H-he came back. Just like I knew he would.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about Tucker?”

“B-because…” Andi hiccupped and swallowed hard. “Because he bit me too.”

Riley’s breath whooshed out.

“I’m sorry, Riley! I didn’t want you to know. I didn’t think it was anything, and I didn’t want to give Gingerbread up. If I’d known…” She bowed her head and let her tears flow, hot and stinging.

Riley gripped Andi’s shoulders. His voice was shaky. “Where did the raccoon bite you?”

Andi bit her lip and pushed up her sleeve.

Riley caught his breath. “Did he break the skin?”

Andi didn’t say anything. The world was spinning. She closed her eyes and once again saw the blood dripping from her wound…four days ago.“

Andi,” Riley repeated, louder this time. “Answer me. Did the raccoon break the skin? Did it draw blood?”

Andi opened her eyes. “Y-yes.” She cried harder. “Yes, he did.”

Riley pulled Andi close and held her tight. He drew a deep, shaky breath. His voice came out in a small yet desperate whisper, “Oh, God, please no . . .”

Chapter Five

“And you’ve had this bite for four days now?”   

“Yes, Doctor.” Andi stared at the doctor’s face and tried her hardest to figure out his thoughts. She couldn’t. She had to ask. “Will I be all right?”   

Doc Weaver didn’t look at her. Instead, he released his hold on her arm and turned to Riley. “The dog? He was bitten as well?”   

“Yes, sir. I have him tied up in the barn.” Riley stood at the door, hat in one hand, Jared in his other arm. His face was pale.   

“There is nothing I can for Andrea at the moment.” Dr. Weaver said. He sighed. “It’s just one of those things we’ll have to wait out.” He faced Andi. “I do ask, young lady, that as soon as you get home, you climb into bed and stay there. The best thing for you right now is rest.”   

Numbly, Andi shook her head. “I can’t do that, Doctor. There’s Jared and the housework—”   

“You’ll do as Doc Weaver tells you,” Riley interrupted. His voice was firm. His hand clenched his hat, and his eyes sparked their anxiety and resolve. “We’ll stop by Melinda’s on the way home and see what your mother thinks. Either your mother or Ellie can stay and help out.”   

“Surely there’s a treatment,” Andi persisted. “Isn’t there, Doctor?”   

“Well…” Dr. Weaver sighed. “There is a vaccine out. Louis Pasteur invented it two years ago, and it appears to be working. However, I still haven’t accepted it into my office. I’m always wary about these things. And you’re a nursing mother, Andrea. I’m not sure…”His voice trailed off. “You could try it, if you and Riley wanted to, but it’d be completely experimental. It healed a boy only nine years of age, but people doubt its capability. Some say it can only worsen situations and the boy’s recovery was an example of extreme luck.”   

At the doctor’s words, Andi bit her lip. I wonder if they’ve ever experimented on a nursing mother? What if I were to take it and it hurt Jared?

“You may not have even been infected,” the doctor went on. “Who knows what this new vaccine might do to someone who doesn’t haver rabies?” 

Andi gulped. Worse and worse! What if, like the doctor says, it only makes things worse? But then…what if I do get sick and…and die? Where would Jared be then? Oh, God, give me wisdom, please. She looked at Riley. “What do you think?”

“I’m not sure.” Riley was clearly at a loss. “It’s up to you. However, the doctor seems to be against it, and he knows more about these kinds of thing than we do. Doctor?”

“Like I said, the choice is yours,” Dr. Weaver answered. “I have never used the vaccine series before. I also hear it’s quite painful—21 days of shots.”

Andi didn’t care about the pain. Uh-uh! Not if it meant she could be spared certain death.

“I’ve gone along with those skeptics who say they’re unsure of its effectiveness.” He frowned. “I’m just an old country doctor, not ready to jump into all these new-fangled ideas.” When neither Andi nor Riley said anything, he went on. “On the other hand, I don’t know if your situation could be much worse. You have a husband, and a baby who needs you. Tell you what. Why don’t I at least send for the vaccine? While I wait for it, I’ll conduct some more research. I’ll bring out to your ranch when it comes. Hopefully,” he added in an undertone, “it’ll arrive in time.”

“Fine.” Andi let out a resigned breath. “Until then, I’ll—”

“You’ll rest, eat plenty, and keep up your strength like a good girl.” Dr. Weaver clapped her shoulder. “You’re a strong young lady, and I’m sure you’ll beat this thing. You’ll soon be right as rain.”

But, despite the strong tone of Dr. Weaver’s voice, even Andi could read between the lines. He’s scared. She swallowed. He doesn’t know what to tell me. Andi slid down from the exam table and joined Riley at the door. He’d plopped his hat on his head and his hand gripped hers as he asked the doctor, “How long…’til we know?”

Dr. Weaver let out a breath. “It’s too early to tell quite yet. That’s why I asked about the dog. Watch him. For a dog, it takes about ten days. Within that time, if he doesn’t act mad, there’s a good chance he hasn’t caught it, and there’s an even better chance that Andrea hasn’t.”

He released another whoosh of air and rubbed a hand against his forehead. “However, we won’t know for certain for a while yet. It takes three to eight weeks for a human to start showing symptoms.” He paused. “But if the dog shows signs, we don’t wait for any symptoms in you. For sure we’ll have to forge ahead with the vaccine.”

“But I can’t stay in bed that—”

“Rabies is fatal in humans once the symptoms appear.”

Andi closed her mouth. Riley gave her hand a tight, almost painful, squeeze. He nodded at Dr. Weaver. “Thanks.”

---

“There. Now, you rest up, and don’t worry about a thing.” Mother tucked the covers around her youngest daughter and smiled sorrowfully. “I’ll take care of the house and Riley, sweetheart. All you have to do is promise me you’ll follow Doc Weaver’s orders and stay in bed. That shouldn’t be so hard, should it? Just stay in bed and get waited on—”   

“Mother,” Andi broke in. “Am I going to get sick?”   

“I don’t know.” Mother rested her cool hand against Andi’s cheek. “Only God knows. And we’re going to pray hard that He keeps you safe.”   

Andi’s lip trembled. “What if He doesn’t? Oh, Mother, I don’t want to leave Riley and Jared and—”   

“Hush, Andrea.” Mother laid her finger across Andi’s lips. “Don’t go borrowing trouble. ‘With God, all things are possible.’ If it His will, you can be spared, Andrea. You can.” Mother’s voice shook, and it sounded as if she needed the reassurances as much as Andi did, if not more. Placing a hand over her mouth and blinking back tears, Mother turned and left the room.   

Andi rolled over in bed. Oh, God, please…

Chapter 6

Riley came in later that day. He held a covered tray in his hands. “Your mother made you a dandy supper,” he said, forcing cheerfulness into his voice. “She told me to keep you company and make sure you eat at least a little.”

Andi shook her head. “I’m not hungry.” Her stomach was tied in knots. Her fingers played with the coverlet. “Don’t make me eat anything, Riley, please.”

“Oh, c’mon, now.” Riley sat down in the overstuffed bedside chair. “Do as the doctor says—rest, eat, and stay strong.”   

Yes, so if I do get sick, I can fight it off? Andi thought. Dr. Weaver doesn’t believe I’ll be spared. She cringed and looked up. “What’d Mother make?”   

“A nice, stick-to-the-ribs kind of meal,” Riley returned. He grinned and pulled back the cloth. “Potato soup and fresh bread with butter. How about being a good girl for this husband of yours and taking a bite or two? You wouldn’t want me to go back to your mother and say I failed in my mission, would you?”   

Andi gave a small smile. “I reckon not.” She sat up and took the tray onto her lap. “Thanks.”  

 “No problem.” Riley snitched a slice of bread and sat back in his seat. For a few minutes, the two ate in silence. Then Riley popped the question: “How you feelin’?”   

Andi shrugged. “Fine.” Almost too scared to ask, she murmured, “Any change in Tucker?”    

Riley fiddled with his slice of bread. “None. I checked. All he wants is to be released from the barn—and his rope.”   

“I bet.” Andi dropped her spoon into her bowl. “I wish I could get out of this bed.”   

Riley laughed, but it sounded forced. “You’ve only been in bed for a few hours, Andi.”   

“What I don’t understand is why I have to stay in bed. If I’m gonna get sick, I’m gonna get sick. Might as well enjoy a healthy life while I can. I want to bake some more, and decorate the fireplace, and—”   

“You’ll do no such thing,” Riley admonished. “You’ll stay in bed.”   

“But Christmas is this Sunday, Riley!” she cried out. “Surely I can get out of bed for that?”   

“Absolutely not,” a new voice joined in. Mother came into the room, a fussy Jared in her arms. “You’ll stay in bed until the doctor says you can get up. Not one day less.” Turning to Riley and ignoring Andi’s sigh of complaint, she asked, “Did you convince her to eat?”   

“Yes, ma’am.”   

“Good.” Mother took the tray and laid Jared on Andi’s lap. “He’s hungry. C’mon, Riley,” she said, gesturing, “help me with these dishes. We’ll let Andrea feed her baby in peace.”   

“Yes, ma’am,” Riley said again. He stood and kissed Andi’s forehead. “Call me if you need anything.”

Andi nodded, and Riley and Mother left. Tears unexpectedly came to her eyes. What if I really get sick? And…die? I’ve never realized just how much I take Jared, and Riley, and the house…all for granted. God, I’m sorry. Please, keep us all safe. Andi laid back against the pillows and cuddled the baby close. “I love you, Jared.”

Thursday and Friday crawled by at a snail’s pace, even though Andi’s family did their best to help keep her mind off of the current predicament. Mitch rode up and dropped off a stack of brand-new dime novels. Chad came and filled Andi’s ears with news on the Circle C Ranch’s happenings. Lucy left Gracie and Sammy with Justin for an evening, so she could spend time chatting with Andi. Riley left for only a few hours each day to get some work done. Most of the time, however, he was at Andi’s bedside, sharing stories and keeping her spirits up. Finally, there was Mother, who never once stepped foot from the ranch. She did all of the housework and cared for Jared whenever need be.

Saturday came. It was Christmas Eve. “Please, Riley,” Andi begged. “I feel fine. Absolutely fine. Let me go into town for the Christmas Eve service at the church.”

Riley shook his head and grabbed her hand. “We’ll have a service right here at home, all right? Your mother is all for it. She’s already prepared the candles and opened up the Bible to Luke chapter one.”

They knew I was going to ask. Andi heaved a sigh. “All right.”

Riley squeezed her hand. “I think I’ll go see if your mother plans to make some hot chocolate for tonight’s service.” He then rose and winked. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

As darkness fell and the moon went up, the house at Memory Creek Ranch was a beautiful sight. In Andi and Riley’s bedroom, there was not much light. Three candles burned, but otherwise it was pitch black. The door was shut and the window shutters closed. But the candles were light enough to read by, and that’s what Riley did. Strongly and clearly, he read aloud Luke 1 and afterwards lifted a heartfelt prayer.   

Just as he said, “Amen,” frantic barking from outside erupted. Panic settled over Riley’s face. Mother’s hand tightened its grip on Andi’s shoulder. Riley set his candle down and opened the shutters. The occupants of the bedroom had a clear view of Tucker. The collie-type dog was growling. He yipped and jumped. His paws flailed.   

“Oh, no.” Mother lowered her head. Her knuckles were white from holding onto Andi’s shoulder. “Please, God, no.”  

“It’s been almost eight days,” Riley said. His voice was choked. He looked as if he was fighting back tears. “It’s been almost eight days.”   

Andi could hardly breathe. Her fingers closed tight around her baby. She held him close.   

“He can’t have rabies!” Riley cried out. He raked his fingers though his hair. “He can’t.”   

Yet, the dog continued his strange antics. “He never acts this way,” Riley murmured. “He’s been calm over the past few days.” He glanced at Mother, who nodded and squeezed her eyes shut. “It is,” she barely whispered. Riley left the room.   

“Mother!” Andi exclaimed, scared, “What’s he doing?”   

Mother shook her head, but her face said she knew. Andi had a funny feeling that she knew too. Tucker really has rabies. Riley is going out to shoot him.   

“No, Mother!” Andi grabbed her mother’s arm. “Don’t let him shoot Tucker! Don’t let him! He loves Tucker—”   

“He loves you, too,” Mother answered. She was crying. “There’s no cure for rabies in the animals. If Tucker lives, he’ll only spread the disease. There’s no cure for him…or for you.”   

“No, Mother, no!” Andi burst into tears. “This is all my fault! All my fault!”   

“No, sweetheart.” Mother pulled her daughter into a strong hug. “It was an accident. That’s all it was. An accident.”   

Andi buried her face into Mother’s shoulder and sobbed. Jared bawled, and no wonder. Andi was clutching him to her chest as if her life depended upon it. Is this my last Christmas with Riley and Jared? Am I rabies’ next victim? Andi’s stomach clenched. She felt sick. Oh, please! Let this all be a horrid nightmare that I’ll wake from at any moment. But even she knew—this was all too real.   

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the bedroom. Riley entered and flung himself down on the bed beside Andi and her mother. Tears were pouring from his eyes, and he threw his arms around both Andi and his mother-in-law. “It’s all right! It’s all right!” he cried. “It really is.”   

“What?” Mother demanded. “What—?”

“There was two raccoons,” Riley blurted. He held his wife close. “The rabid one was not Gingerbread. When I went out there, the familiar sight of a raccoon standing on his hind legs and covering his eyes made relief wash over me in huge waves. Tucker had caught the raccoon’s scent, and that is why he was barking. Neither one of them are rabid.”   

“You mean—?” Andi couldn’t go on.   

“Yes, yes.” Riley nodded. “I do mean. Gingerbread is back, and he’s fine. Tucker is fine. I’m fine. You’re fine.”

“Oh, Riley!”   

“Praise God!” Mother murmured. She clasped her hands and blinked back tears. “He is good. This is truly a miracle, Andrea.”   

“Truly, it is!” Andi agreed. She didn’t even try to hold back her own tears of joy. They coursed down her cheeks in steady rivers. “Thank you, God.”

Andi sat beside Riley in the front pew. Her heart was singing. Her face was aglow. Jared sat in her lap, looking about with wide hazel eyes. It was Christmas morning, and the Prescotts were attending the morning service. Andi couldn’t think of a better way to spend that Christmas Day. In the hymns that led up to the sermon, her voice rang the loudest. Is it any wonder, considering all God had done for her?          

When Reverend Harris opened his Bible and read aloud Luke 2, Andi listened attentively. She drank in every word. But it was only then that it finally hit her. Riley read the first chapter of Luke yesterday, right before Gingerbread showed up.   

Ten years before, Andi had recited Mary’s “Song of Praise” in a play. After a dreadful bout of scarlet fever, she had been able to put true feeling into her words as she repeated The Magnificat. Now, it again entered her mind…right along with a fresh rush of gratitude. “’My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble state of his servant…for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.’”(Luke 1:46-47, 49)

The End

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