The Art of Rivers

by Janet W. Ferguson

  Rivers grunted. “Not him. Not now.”

  “What?” Cooper stared at her. “Has he been bothering you?”

  “He wanted me to sell everything, and I’ve told him I’m not going to.” She raised one shoulder. “I don’t feel like dealing with him.”

  “I’ll deal with him if he causes anyone a lick of trouble tonight.” Gabby straightened her spine, and her hands fisted.

  “Shane better watch out.” Davis chuckled. “That’s one scary woman right there.”

  Shane made his way down the sidewalk in a quick stride. “Oh, man, I just heard. I can’t believe your boat is gone. I’m so sorry. I know what it meant to you—the patrols.”

  “Yeah.” Cooper held in a groan. If only that were the worst of it. Word sure traveled fast in this little community.

  “Look, I’m sorry I was a jerk to you and Rivers the other night. I was just caught off guard, and I’m trying to put together this big deal.” Shane pulled a keyring from his pocket and held it toward Cooper. “Take my boat out. I never have time to get on the water. In fact, I’m planning to sell it. You can let me know how she’s running.”

  “I’m fine.” Cooper shook his head, ignoring the offering. “You’re boat’s more of a mini-yacht, anyway.”

  “Come on. Take her for a run.” Shane smiled, hopeful. “You can let me know if you notice anything that needs fixing.”

  Stepping in front of Cooper, Gabby swiped the keys, then turned back to face him. “Let’s do it, Coop. Let’s all take tomorrow afternoon off and hit the waves.”

  “I don’t know.” This seemed like the worst possible time to take off on a joy ride. Unless Gabby wanted him off-site for a while. But wouldn’t it look bad for him to be enjoying himself while Re-Claimed was under suspicion?

  Rivers put a hand on his shoulder. “You did say we should do something fun.”

  “All of you?” Shane’s brows knitted, and his smile disappeared. “My boat’s not that big.”

  “Not all the residents.” Gabby’s fist went to her hip. “Me, Kev, Cooper, and Rivers. We need some time away from here.”

  “What am I, chopped liver?” Davis snorted.

  “Someone has to run the gallery.” Gabby shot him a sarcastic look.

  Arms crossed, Davis pretended to pout. “Well, if you’re going to be that way, I could really use a good foot massage when y’all get back.”

  Cooper held his tongue. Gabby would get her way, but the timing seemed all wrong.

  “IS THIS RIGHT?” RIVERS looked down at the life vest she’d put on. So bulky feeling, but at least Cooper wore one, as well, since he’d insisted she had to.

  “Here, let me snug it a little.” He pulled at the straps, barely glancing at her face. His brows had yet to unfurrow. “Are you sure you want to go out? This was Gabby’s idea, and now she and Kevin are bailing on us.”

  “It’ll be good for us to catch some rays and relax.” She tried to sound perky. “Just for a little while. I’m sure she wanted to come, but they couldn’t find anyone to fill in.” Probably because of the announcement about Angelo’s arrest on the ten o’clock news.

  “Just a quick ride, and then let’s take the Jeep over to Tybee Island or something.”

  “Sounds good.” Taking his cheeks, she forced him to look at her. It was obvious Cooper was nervous, but he needed to do this. “Breathe. I’ll be fine.”

  “You better.” He gave her a half-hearted smile. “This is a nice boat.”

  “Wonder why he’s selling? Seems like he could squeeze in a ride here and there. Take clients out.” She let go of Cooper’s face and glanced around. The vessel was much larger than Cooper’s. It even had a roof over what he’d called the cockpit.

  “Shane’s always been a wheeler-dealer.” Cooper untied the ropes that held them to the dock. “Better sit down now.”

  Rivers plopped into the chair next to the captain’s seat. “Jordan didn’t talk about him much.”

  “You probably know that Jordan’s grandparents on his dad’s side were divorced, but he may not have mentioned that his grandfather married a much younger woman with a son—Shane. Jordan’s dad had never been close with his stepbrother, but I guess since Shane lived here, they asked him to handle their business after my grandmother died.”

  Cooper took his place and cranked the motor. Before long, they’d cleared the marina and canal.

  The heavy Atlantic breeze stirred the waves and ruffled the branches of the palm trees on the nearby beach. Rivers ran her fingers across the top of her head. Her hair would probably end up in large goofy spikes by the end of this ride.

  Though the shore was still in sight, the farther they traveled, the more the vastness of the ocean made her feel small. The image of being lost to this deep expanse sent a chill scampering across her shoulders. How scary it must have been for Savannah and Cooper that terrible day.

  “There’s the lighthouse.” Cooper pointed through the windshield. “We could check it out later. It’s a museum now.”

  “I’d like that.”

  He slid a glance at her. “You would?”

  “You’re not getting rid of me yet.”

  “If you’re sure.” His gaze focused forward again.

  A whiff of something like oil and burnt tires hit her nose. “Do you smell that? Like something burning?”

  Cooper’s head whipped toward the back of the boat. “Oh, God, help us.” He cut the engine and swiped his fingers through his hair. “Rivers, you’re going to have to jump overboard.”

  Her gaze followed his to see billowing black smoke rising toward the sky.

  “Now, Rivers!” He scrambled up, pulled her to her feet, and pushed her to the nearest side. “Jump!”

  “What about you?” Her heart battered her chest at the sight of the water and waves.

  “I’ll follow. Go!”

  She plunged over the railing into the chilly waves of the Atlantic.

  Chapter 37

  THRASHING MORE THAN swimming in the deep, dark water, Rivers aimed toward the shore. The surf splattering her face spurred panic. Wild ideas flashed through her mind—terrifying movies she’d watched where sharks circled before attacking. Her chest tightened, and she swam harder.

  A good bit of water lay between them and the bank, so she needed to stop freaking out. Maybe Cooper knew how to keep them safe. She glanced over her shoulder for a glimpse of his face.

  Where was he?

  Nothing. She stopped swimming and flipped onto her back for a better view.

  Still on the boat behind the captain’s chair, he stood holding a fire extinguisher. He couldn’t seem to get it to work. Why hadn’t he jumped in with her?

  Flames burst from the motor, towering several feet, orange against the blue sky.

  Rivers could barely breathe, but she forced her voice out. “Cooper, jump!”

  He turned toward her with a torn expression.

  “Please!”

  He moved to the front edge of the boat. “I’m—”

  An explosion rent the air, throwing debris high before plummeting shrapnel into the water. Her heart catapulted to her throat.

  “Cooper? Cooper!” Oh, God, where is he? She kicked back toward the wreckage floating on the surface. Let him be okay.

  A cloud of black smoke ballooned from the remnants of the boat, incongruent with the white clouds above. As she swam closer, she turned in circles trying to locate him in the chaos.

  God, help us.

  A wave splatted against her, and she blinked against the salt water burning her eyes. A spot of orange materialized near the flaming vessel. Her heart leapt, and she swam hard toward it.

  As she neared, her heart thrashed in her chest. Cooper. He wasn’t moving. His skin was a ghostly white. His life vest had kept his face above water, but clearly the blast had walloped him.

  “Cooper, can you hear me?” She cradled his head in her hands. “Wake up, please.”

  A trickle of red ran down his temple. Her breath stut
tered. His face seemed so lifeless. White spots clouded her vision. Images of Jordan crowded her mind, the blood seeping from his chest.

  No! He can’t be gone. “Cooper, you have to stay with me.” Was he breathing? She placed her hand near his mouth and nose, hoping to feel air coming and going, keeping him alive. Maybe she felt something. So hard to tell.

  She wiped a strand of damp hair from his eyes. “I need you. Please don’t leave. I don’t care what anyone thinks about us.”

  What should she do? She had to keep heading to shore, pulling him with her. Gripping the back of his vest, she kicked, keeping the lighthouse in sight as a guide. With wobbly arms and fatiguing legs, she continued a steady pace. The currents seemed to fight her every move. Desperation swamped her hope as the waves pulled them back toward the fire.

  “Oh, God, I need help.”

  Behind her, a motor rumbled, and her heart skipped. She flipped onto her back, still holding Cooper.

  “Miss, are you okay?” An older man called from the side of a fishing boat.

  “Help him!”

  “That thing might blow again.” The man piloting the vessel motioned toward the fire.

  The boat angled sideways, and the first man leaned over the side. “Please hurry, miss.” He eyed the flames still consuming Shane’s boat.

  “Him first. Careful. He’s hurt.”

  “We’ll get him. Cut the motor, Clyde, and come back here.” He tore off his shirt and shoes, then slipped into the water.

  His partner leaned over the back of the boat. Together they eased Cooper on board.

  Once they helped her in, she scrambled to Cooper’s side. “Oh, Lord, save him.”

  “Call 911 again, Pete. Have them meet us at the pier near the lighthouse.” Clyde went back to the captain’s chair while his friend spoke on the phone.

  The ride to shore took forever, though they jarred hard over the waves at an alarming speed.

  A moan slipped from Cooper, then a ragged, shallow breath. His lips took on a bluish tinge.

  “Cooper, can you hear me?”

  Again, no answer. He was alive, but something was very wrong.

  WHY HADN’T SHE TOLD Cooper she loved him when she had the chance?

  After an intense ambulance ride to the hospital and a night spent pacing the waiting room, Rivers stood at Cooper’s bedside. Tubes and needles hung from his hands, his mouth, his chest. With ribs broken and one lung collapsed, the ER doctors had intubated him to help him breathe. A bruise darkened the skin near his left eye, and a cut had been glued together on his forehead.

  They wouldn’t give her much information since she wasn’t related to him. Should she call his family? Would Mr. and Mrs. Knight even want to know? Gabby hadn’t been certain of what to do either when she’d stopped by.

  Rivers touched Cooper’s fingertips, not wanting to risk dislodging his IV or the monitor wrapped around his index finger.

  “God, you won’t take Cooper from me, too, will you?” A sob escaped from deep within her chest, and she raised her eyes upward, tears streaming. “I love him. Please let him be okay. I have to tell him.”

  “Rivers?” a familiar voice spoke behind her, and she turned.

  “Daddy?”

  Her father stood just inside the small room. Another man spoke with the doctor. The man had salt and pepper dark hair, and when he turned toward Rivers, her breath caught. Cooper’s dad was here too.

  “Mr. Knight?”

  “Rivers.” Cooper’s father nodded, his expression grim and his attention focused on his son.

  Dad strode to reach her, concern creasing his brows, his hair a little more gray than she remembered. “Were you hurt? I heard a boat exploded.”

  “I’m fine. What are you doing here?” Her gaze bounced between her father and Cooper’s.

  “Jim called and said you needed help finishing up at the cottage.” Daddy nodded toward Mr. Knight. “So we decided to bring your paintings and check on you. I picked him up in Atlanta on the way yesterday afternoon. We would’ve come sooner, but getting a sub at school for the week took a few days.”

  “How did you find me here? And where’s Mom?”

  “When we arrived at the cottage, your neighbor explained you were at the hospital. The young woman helping her said your mother could stay with them.” He touched her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine, but...” Her voice broke, and she fell into his arms. “Oh, Daddy, pray for Cooper.”

  Chapter 38

  “IS MY SON GOING TO be okay?” Mr. Knight turned his attention to the doctor.

  Rivers let go of her father and tried to focus on what she was hearing. Broken ribs, punctured lung, burns on right arm, concussion... Nothing she hadn’t already known.

  “But he’ll live, right?” Rivers needed to know more. “He’s going to recover?”

  “Barring infection or pneumonia, he should make a full recovery. We had him sedated, but he should come out of it soon. Between the broken ribs and the burns, he’ll be in some pain, but we’ll manage it.”

  A rustle and tapping sounded from the bed, and Rivers rushed back to Cooper’s side.

  His eyes fluttered open, and he put his hand to his mouth and nose.

  Rivers gently caught his fingers and held on. “Don’t try to talk. There’s a tube helping you breathe. You’ll be okay. I’m here.”

  He focused on her and blinked. He signaled with his other hand as if he were writing.

  “He needs a pen.” Rivers turned to the men.

  Her father strode to the cabinet of drawers in the room and grabbed a pen and paper, then offered them to Cooper. The man knew his way around hospitals as well as most doctors.

  With a shaky hand, Cooper scribbled four words. “No pain meds. Addict.”

  Tears stung Rivers eyes. The first worry Cooper had was not for his health but his sobriety.

  “What did he write?” Mr. Knight spoke behind her.

  She turned to face him. “He doesn’t want pain meds. He’s been in recovery for five years.”

  “He’ll still need something.” The doctor made a note on his electronic pad then directed his comments to Cooper. “We’ll work with you on managing the pain without using opioids.”

  “I should’ve come back sooner, son.” Mr. Knight joined Rivers at the bedside. “Years sooner. I’m sorry.”

  A tear rolled down Cooper’s cheek, and he held out his hand to his father, who clasped it gently with both of his.

  The beauty of the moment caught in her throat. She soaked it in and made a picture in her mind that she’d always treasure. Perhaps, now Cooper would have one advocate, one person in his family on his side. If only it hadn’t taken another tragedy to repair their relationship.

  Rivers was still confused, though. Who’d called them? “How did y’all get here so fast?”

  Mr. Knight cleared his throat before answering, obviously overcome. “Cooper texted me a week ago that you needed help. I sat on it a couple of days—like an idiot—trying to figure out what to do, then I contacted your father. We agreed to take off work and come spend the next week. We made hotel reservations and were on our way yesterday, arriving late last night. We didn’t know about the accident until this morning.”

  “Honey, have you been here all night?” Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. “One of us can sit with Cooper.”

  “I’ll stay,” Mr. Knight offered.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” She bent and brushed a kiss on Cooper’s forehead, stroking his dark hair. “I love you, James Cooper Knight.”

  “THANK YOU, GOD.” COOPER coughed, which hurt, but he could finally speak. He’d had enough of this hospital bed and was hoping the doctor would release him when the man made afternoon rounds.

  “Don’t get in a hurry.” Rivers gave his fingers a light squeeze and smiled as if she could read his mind.

  “Love you,” he croaked. The other words he couldn’t wait to speak. If something had happened to her
out in that ocean, he’d be in a straitjacket for the rest of his life.

  Her cobalt eyes met his as she bent close and brushed a kiss to his lips. “I know, and I love you too.”

  “You love me?” His heart melted in his chest. In a million years, he’d never expected those words from Rivers.

  “I do. I wish I’d told you sooner.” She swallowed hard. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  “Um, am I interrupting a moment?” Mr. Knight knocked and took a step through the doorway. “I can wait outside, but I brought Rivers a cup of coffee and breakfast from a friendly lady named—maybe named Gabby?”

  Cooper blinked to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Like he had every time he’d woken with Rivers or his father at his side. He never dared to imagine his father would come back or that Rivers would say she loved him. It was probably just the trauma that made her say the words, but still. He didn’t deserve the care of either, yet here they were—one of them always with him.

  “Thank you.” Rivers smiled and wrapped one arm around his father’s back. “That smells wonderful.”

  Yes, this was surreal. If he was dreaming, he sure didn’t want it to end.

  Well maybe the IV part, the drug cravings, and the severe discomfort in most every inch of his body. Even with the small amounts of meds they’d administered, he felt his urges simmering, but he tried to focus on prayer and all he’d learned working the steps the past five years. The repetition of the mantras and slogans and Bible verses that came to his mind sustained him in the moments he needed them most.

  “How are plans for the art show?” his father asked once Rivers had settled into a chair with the food.

  She swallowed before speaking. “Wonderful. Everyone has really stepped up despite...” She glanced Cooper’s way before finishing. “You know, the bad press.”

  His father nodded, his gaze falling to the floor. “Did they find out why the boat exploded? You both could’ve been killed.”

  Shane had to be pretty upset about the boat, and the Angelo situation still hung over Cooper’s head. Another scandal for the family. Why now, Lord? Right when things could be improving. At least with his father. Cooper’s chest tightened, earning a sharp pain, but he held in the groan.