Rivers spoke between quick bites. “When Gabby came by last night, she said her father and the department were being tight-lipped about everything. At least, they should let us know what went wrong with Shane’s boat. That was so scary.”
Either she was starving, in a hurry, or both, because the way Rivers shoveled eggs into her mouth, he wasn’t sure she could breathe through bites.
Cooper reached for the pen and paper he’d kept beside him and wrote. Slow down. Don’t try to do too much. He couldn’t resist drawing a little rose beneath it. Breathe. He handed the note to his father, who read it, smiled, and passed the paper to Rivers.
“I am breathing.” She wiped her lips and smirked. “And I’ll smell the roses at the gala in four days, mister.”
He hated that Rivers had gotten stuck doing double duty. She stayed here twelve hours at night, then scuttled out to take care of everything he should be doing. At least her father was in town to help.
“I want to come.” His voice sounded strange in his own ears. “If it won’t make things worse.”
“Oh, you’re coming.” Rivers set the food aside, stood, and then threw her arms up in the air, doing some little twist that had his heart racing. “You and I are going to dance, even if I have to push you around in a wheelchair.”
He’d be there, because that night would be one of the last they would have together before she left for Memphis.
Chapter 39
“BUT YOU TWO ARE SO close, and somehow, the relationship works. It makes sense of all the tragedy.” Cooper’s father straightened his bow tie in the mirror. “Eventually Pearl and Brooklyn will get over it.” He shrugged and raised one brow. “Maybe. Some day.”
Not likely. Cooper kept his mouth shut on that topic though. “Rivers may love me, but nothing has changed. She’ll still be leaving for Memphis. Her parents need her. She has a career there.” Cooper leaned into the straight-backed hotel chair. Dad had insisted they stay together after the doctor signed the release. Since the loft barely had room for one, they’d stayed in his father’s suite at the King and Prince Resort. Still nothing but the best for this family. The hotel had probably been a good idea, though. Getting dressed in the rented tux had already zapped his strength. He’d appreciated his father’s help and care. Because nothing would keep him away from Rivers tonight.
“So, why not move to Tennessee? I’m sure Memphis has plenty of...”
“Addicts?” Cooper raised his brows, but smiled. They were still navigating this new relationship.
“Jobs.” His father held out both hands in surrender. “People who need help. I’ve heard you’re good at what you do.”
A dark heaviness slammed against Cooper’s mood. “Wouldn’t know it from this past month. One client overdosed and another landed in jail.”
“But their sobriety isn’t up to you. Each person has free will. You can’t take responsibility for other people’s choices. That’s stinking thinking. You need to detach a little.”
Though it hurt, Cooper had to laugh. “Have you been going to Al-anon?”
“Maybe.”
His father gave him a tender look. One that smoothed some of the raw edges of Cooper’s heart. Though, believing he could be loved again unleashed a new set of fears and terrifying vulnerability. He’d surely screw it up somehow.
“You ready?” Dad stood and grabbed his keys.
Clashing emotions churned within Cooper. Ready to see Rivers, yes. Ready for the rest of the world? Or the press? Or the Sheriff’s Department personnel? Or Shane? None of the above.
With cautious movements, Cooper stood and made his way to the door. Every move stung the burns on his arm, and every breath reminded him he had broken ribs.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You’ve battled worse and won. You’ve got this.” The love in his father’s expression gave him hope.
He prayed Dad was right, because tonight would be an all-out war with his emotions.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Rivers marched into the studio and offered her father a weak smile.
“You look stunning, sweetie. Blue’s still your color.” Her father beamed and planted a kiss on top of her head. “I’m so proud of you. I want to hear all about it when you get back to the cottage tonight. Wake me up if I drift off on the couch. And don’t forget to have some fun.”
“I’ll try.” Rivers wished they’d stay for the gala, but Dad was afraid things were too overwhelming for her mother already.
“Pretty color.” Mom ran her fingers over the dress.
“Thanks, Mama.”
Her mother’s gaze slid up. “Did you get hurt?”
The satin formal Gabby had picked up for Rivers at the thrift store fit well enough, but with the wide v-line neck, the scars on her shoulder were laid bare for all to see. The disfigured skin reminded Rivers of the awful crime that had stolen Jordan’s life. Still, somehow, St. Simons and the people she’d met had offered a healing balm for her wounds. All God’s doing, of course.
“I was hurt, but it’s getting better.”
“Sorry.” The corners of her mother’s mouth pressed down.
“It’s okay.” Rivers wrapped her mother in a hug. She’d missed her parents so much. They’d been sweet to make a special trip to encourage her.
“What else is wrong?” Daddy cocked his head and leaned against the counter, looking as if he were in no hurry to get Mom back to the cottage.
Moisture burned her lids, but Rivers refused to let herself cry.
Star had spent twenty minutes applying the eye shadow and mascara for her, so Rivers didn’t dare mess it up with her faltering emotions. How was she supposed to enjoy herself knowing she’d be leaving in less than forty-eight hours? She’d be saying goodbye to everyone soon. To Gabby and Star. Priscilla and Phoenix. Davis.
Cooper.
She sniffed and gathered her composure. “I’ll miss everyone here.”
“Then stay. It’s not like you have a social life in Memphis.”
Rivers let her mouth fall open. What was Daddy saying?
“Honey, you work too much and spend what little free time you have with your mom and me. You’re in your twenties, live your life. No matter the horrible reason, you have the funds to move here.”
“I couldn’t leave you and Mom. Y’all need me.”
Dad nudged her around to face him and placed both hands on her shoulders. “Your mom and I are not your responsibility. We’re grownups. We can figure out our own lives.” He shook his head, tears filling his eyes. “I should’ve told you that a long time ago. I leaned on you way too much, and it was wrong. Can you forgive me?”
“Daddy, I wanted to help.” The makeup would be slathering down her cheeks any second now because her composure just sprouted wings and flew out the window. “I love y’all so much.”
“We love you, too, but we’ll manage. I promise.” He squeezed her shoulders and smiled.
Part of her wanted to believe his words were true. That she had the permission to choose where she wanted to live and spend her time. Another part questioned what it would mean if she were free to be with Cooper. The idea was unfathomable and exciting and utterly petrifying.
What would it be like to truly open up her whole heart and commit again? To start over?
“What about my work, my clients, my paintings of the river?”
Lines crinkling the corners of his eyes, he shook his head. “I’m sorry if this hurts your feelings, honey, but someone else can handle your position and treat your clients. God’s not depending on you to take care of the world or do His job.” One side of his mouth quirked. “And good grief, paint something else for a change. Some ocean pictures would be nice.”
A smile tugged at her lips while her insides churned. Could she really let everything go? Did she have the courage?
Chapter 40
SWATHS OF MOONLIGHT filtered through the mossy oaks. Cooper and his father managed to find a parking place between the gallery and Re-Claime
d, but the traffic had been heavy. Maybe that meant tonight would be a success.
Or there’d be a lot of nosy people looking for a freak show.
No. He wouldn’t listen to that dark voice. Gabby and Kevin had been praying and working hard. Rivers had thrown herself into the planning.
“Looks like a big turnout.” The sound of Dad’s voice still caught Cooper off guard. “The people of St. Simons have always been big supporters of art and charities. Don’t worry.”
“You’re right. They’ve been good to Re-Claimed.” And that was the truth. Whenever Gabby or Kevin had mentioned a need, God had laid it on someone’s heart to provide.
Small white lights hung from the tree limbs on either side of the path to the gallery. Kevin stood outside greeting guests and shaking hands. He looked a lot like a politician with his glad-handing, but these events were like that, from what Cooper could remember from when he’d had to tag along with his parents to fundraisers.
Near the door, his anxiety kicked up. He tried not to let the muscles in his chest tighten. He’d learned how badly that hurt. His ribs already ached enough.
“Hey, hey. The Knight men are here.” Kevin grinned and shook their hands when their turn arrived. “Glad you could make it.”
“Glad I’m alive.” Cooper smiled back.
“Amen.” Kevin pointed inside the door. “Dad’s here with a special announcement.”
“Okay.” Probably coming with the handcuffs and a warrant to arrest him. After the heroin was found on his own boat, he ends up on another boat that explodes. The situation was suspicious, even to Cooper.
“Go on in. I’ll be there in a few.”
With no excuse to wait any longer, Cooper led his father through the door.
“This looks great.” His father perused the walls between the dawdling couples dressed in their finest. He paused near a large abstract, taking in the work.
What would Dad think of this piece? Cooper held his breath until his already aching chest demanded to be filled.
“It’s yours.” His gaze turned and locked on Cooper. “I’m impressed.”
Though difficult to believe or let sink in, the words soothed some of the crushed places in Cooper’s heart.
“Thanks,” he managed to squeak out.
“You’ve got quite a talent. More than one, actually.” He rested a hand on Cooper’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”
Cooper’s soul soured with shame. In the steps, they learned to make amends, unless doing so would cause more harm. He’d written his family members early in his recovery, received zero responses, so he’d not bothered them again. Standing there with his father’s warm approval, not trying harder to reconnect seemed like a mistake. Now that his father was here, maybe he could try again.
“I’m sorry for the years I ruined. For the pain I caused. I could list all the things—small and large—I’m sorry for, and they could fill a book. Lying, stealing, not cooperating, the horrible disrespectful words I said, for turning away from God.” He swallowed hard. “For taking Savannah out on the boat when she was drunk and I was using. For not being the son you wanted me to be—”
“Can you forgive me?” His father’s eyes glazed with moisture.
“For what?” The question made no sense.
“For the times I was too busy with work or television or a million other distractions to really listen to you. For the times I should have spoken encouragement instead of criticism or advice. For the moments I let slip away doing things that seemed so important at the time, but were actually frivolous and worldly. For not seeing sooner that you needed help. For not being the father you needed me to be.”
“Dad, no. What I chose to do wasn’t your fault.”
“I know that, but I made choices too. I regret them. Deeply. Do you forgive me?”
“Of course, but—”
“You’re forgiven as well.”
Cooper’s face warmed—his whole body, really—years of brokenness dissolving in this earnest moment with his father. Not unlike the way his heavenly Father had been healing his soul, being forgiven by his earthly father gave his heart fresh joy.
“Hey, handsome. I’ve been waiting for you.” Rivers whispered next to his ear, and his heart cartwheeled inside his chest.
He turned to face her, and if he’d been warm the moment before, he was blistering now. He might need to be intubated again because his lungs seemed to have stopped working. Shimmering blue fabric wrapped her thin form and made the color of her eyes shine brighter. And she was smiling at him, calling him handsome. Someone needed to throw cold water in his face to wake him up. The whole night already seemed too good to be true.
“Remember to save your strength for when the music starts.” She twirled and wiggled in a little dance. “You’ve only been out of the hospital four days.”
Speechless, Cooper blew out a long breath. His lungs worked all right, but he’d lost command of his eyes. They were locked on this sweet woman he was hopelessly in love with.
She brushed a kiss on his cheek. “We’re about to begin with the greeting and introductions, but I’ll be back for my dance.” She worked her way through the crowd to join Gabby near the front counter.
Gabby lifted a microphone. “Good evening, friends. Thank you for coming out.”
The hum of the crowd died down, and she continued, “Through tragedy, God gave my brother and me a vision. A vision to provide a place of healing. A place to reclaim God’s children whom Satan sought to steal, kill, and destroy through the chains of addiction. We have been so blessed by you, our community, who support our vision. You’ve given your money, resources, job opportunities, and time to help rescue those souls enslaved by the enemy. Thank you for that.” She smiled and scanned the room. Her smile captured people in a good way. Somehow she was like a beacon of hope, and her light spilled out on all she met—the light of the Lord flowing out from inside her.
“Before we start the festivities, we’ll have a few of the Re-Claimed alumni share their success stories. But first, my father would like to make an announcement.”
Making his way from the corner of the room, Sheriff Barnes strode over to join Gabby. He took the microphone, his shoulders straight, his face the epitome of I’m-not-giving-anything-away-until-the-right-moment. One of the many reasons he made a great law enforcement officer.
“I’m happy to celebrate the work being done here. I’m proud of my son and daughter for dedicating their lives to serve citizens of our community.” He shot a look at Gabby, then to Kevin, who’d finally come inside. “Addiction isn’t the plight of any one demographic.” His serious gaze traveled the room. “Drugs are devastating our children, parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, and neighbors. I’ve seen them steal the lives of medical professionals, teachers, law enforcement officers—any career you could name, along with teenagers and the homeless.
“There aren’t enough jails or funds to house all these members of our communities indefinitely. We have to find ways to rehabilitate.” He lifted one hand. “Sure, there will be a failure here and there, like what you’ve read in the news lately, but there will be success stories like the testimonies you’re about to hear. In relation to that news story, I have an announcement that will address concerns you might have about this place and the work being accomplished.”
Whispers circulated the gallery.
“Six arrests were made this afternoon here and in Brunswick, in connection with heroin trafficking and conspiracy. One resident who’d recently left Re-Claimed, along with a local real estate agent and a dock worker, were among those from St. Simons. In Brunswick, a local pharmacist, a port authority employee, and a career criminal. More arrests may follow, but no other connection to the sober living facility was found during our investigation.” Sheriff Barnes glanced Cooper’s way, and his lips quirked to an almost smile.
Relief poured over Cooper. Tension he’d been blocking from his mind unleashed its grip on his muscles and nerves. He barely heard th
e rest of the speakers in his euphoria over the blessings flowing through his life tonight.
The music began, and Rivers sashayed around a group of people, a bounce in her step and her eyes shining, pinning his heart in his throat. She was so beautiful. Inside and out.
“Hey, the silent auction is taking off.” Her hands met in a prayer. “God, grant us funds and goodwill to meet the needs of the gallery and Re-Claimed. Amen.”
“Amen.”
Davis and Gabby popped up from behind.
A frown folded Davis’s forehead. “Don’t push me, Gabby. I’m not in the mood. No one else is dancing, and I will not be the first penguin to jump.”
Cooper felt for the guy. Though he deflected with humor, Davis had taken Angelo’s betrayal hard.
“Let’s all go dance together.” Rivers gave Davis a sympathetic smile. “I love this song.”
“Taylor Swift?” Davis quirked one brow. “Didn’t know you were a Swiftie.”
“A good song is a good song.” Gabby laughed. “Personally, I think he’s scared to dance with me because of our height difference.”
Gabby did have him by a number of inches.
Standing up taller, Davis jutted out his chin. “I’m not short, I’m fun-sized.”
“Then prove it, big man.” Gabby held out her hand. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”
After an exaggerated huff, Davis accepted.
“Yay!” Rivers clapped. “I know Cooper’s hurting, and Davis may not be into dancing, so thanks.”
“Well, Swiftie, nobody said I don’t like to dance.” Davis smirked. “Prepare to be impressed, cause if I’m going out there, I’m about to throw down.”
Cooper offered his arm to Rivers. “I wouldn’t miss a moment of this night for all the pain in the world. Let’s go.”
The Art of Rivers Page 23