Return of the Prodigal Son by Ruth Langan Page A

and pick up some more.” Donovan dropped the roll of film into his pocket before slipping the camera around his neck.
    He glanced up at the sky. “I think it’s time to head back.”
    The two hiked in silence for several miles.
    Suddenly Cory pointed. “Now I know we’re heading in the right direction. There’s the roof of your house in the distance.”
    “Good going, Cory. That’s a good landmark to keep in mind, since it’s high enough to see even with all the trees around.”
    The boy felt a quick sense of pride at his words.
    When they emerged from the woods, the sun had already made its arc across the western sky.
    Donovan paused on the gravel path. “Your mom will be glad to see you.”
    Cory shrugged. “I guess. You want to walk home with me?”
    Donovan could see that the boy didn’t want to face his mother alone. “I suppose I could.”
    Cory brightened. “Thanks for letting me use your camera.”
    “You’re welcome. I’ll bring you the snapshots if any of them turn out.”
    “That’d be neat.” He was smiling as he danced up the steps of the back porch and shouted, “Mom, I’m home.”
    “Cory.” Andi was beaming with pleasure as she looked up from stirring something on the stove. Seeing her son’s smile she resisted the urge to rush across the room and hug him, afraid it would only make him frown.
    She was wearing a simple black tank top and jeans that showed off her slender frame to its best advantage. Just the sight of her had Donovan forgetting the long, hot miles he’d hiked all day.
    Taylor came dashing into the room, obviously pleased to see her big brother. “Mama made your favorite supper.”
    “Tacos?” The boy’s smile deepened.
    “Uh-huh. And carrot cake for dessert.”
    Cory turned to his mother. “Can Donovan stay?”
    She nodded. “Of course he can.”
    Donovan was already shaking his head. “I can’t impose on you again. I really have to go.”
    “You’re not imposing.” Andi brushed a damp curl from her eye. “I made enough. I’d really like you to stay for supper.”
    He inhaled the fragrance of spiced beef and chilis, and felt his stomach protest the fact that, as usual, he’d forgotten to eat. On top of that was the fact that she was the prettiest thing he’d seen all day.
    He gave her a heart-stopping smile. “Okay. You talked me into it.”
    “Good.” She added another place setting. “If you’d like to wash up, Cory will show you where.”
    As Donovan followed Cory from the room he turned in time to see Andi mouth the words thank you. He winked, then turned away.
    Minutes later they were gathered around the kitchen table.
    As Donovan filled his plate, Andi turned to her son. “I found something besides your note this morning, Cory. You must have been up half the night to get all those boxes unpacked, and everything arranged so neatly in the cupboards.”
    Around a mouthful of food he said, “I told you I’d do it.”
    “Yes, you did.” She walked to where he sat and pressed a kiss to his forehead, much to his dismay. Ignoring his look of horror she remained beside him, a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Cory.”
    “You’re welcome.” He ducked his head. But Donovan saw the pleasure in his eyes.
    Before the rest of them had taken more than a few bites, Cory managed to wolf down his supper and was helping himself to seconds. “We saw a herd of deer in the woods. And a hawk.” He emptied his second glass of milk. “And Donovan showed me where an owl had dinner.”
    “Sounds like the two of you had a grand adventure.”
    “Yeah.” While they finished their meal, Cory went on to describe the waterfall and the pool nearly hidden by tall rocks and evergreens. By the time they had enjoyed slices of carrot cake, washed down by tall glasses of milk, he had taken them through every minute of his day. The contrast between his behavior this day and the way he’d acted the previous day was amazing.
    “Donovan let me use his camera. It’s