Sunrise Point (Virgin River #19)(40)

“But you can,” Susan said. “See, my ex-husband and I had to help my girls out with cars and with their insurance when they were sixteen or seventeen. They had jobs. We both worked and couldn’t chauffeur. It was a choice between helping with the transportation or no jobs. Then there were other expenses—proms, graduation, events, and the clothing and accessories became more and more expensive. So over the years, we ponied up for stuff they needed. Lindsey needed tons of college, Melanie and her young husband needed a down payment on a house. Had Jed been around when you were going through all those stages, it wouldn’t have seemed like such a windfall.” She smiled at Nora. “You’re very lucky. Your father wants to help and he doesn’t expect anything in return except for a chance to get to know you.”

Jed had Fay in his lap on the floor and Berry sitting cautiously beside him as he read the Please and Thank You Book.

“Really?” Nora said.

He glanced at her. “Nora, I have a lot to make up to you. Not the other way around.”

Chapter Nine

Luke Riordan was throwing trash from his cabins into the big Dumpster on his property when he heard a horn honking. He looked up and saw a big truck hauling a camper pull into the compound. There was no mistaking his old friend, Coop, two weeks early. Unsurprisingly, with no notice. He tossed his trash in the Dumpster, laughed and shook his head. Then he headed for the truck just as Coop was getting out.

“You get fired again?” Luke asked, sticking out a hand in welcome.

“I quit. You heard about that oil spill in the gulf?”

“Was that your company?” Luke asked.

“Was being the operative word. They were always on the edge, stupid bastards. Took way too many shortcuts and it was coming. So I quit.”

“Now what?” Luke asked.

“For now, this little town in the mountains while I regroup,” Coop said. And then he flashed that badass grin he was known for.

Henry Cooper, AKA Hank or Coop or Hank Cooper, had gone to helicopter training when Luke was an instructor at Ft. Rucker. He was known as a rebel. Also known as one of the best chopper pilots the Army had. He’d had a notable Army career, though he did butt heads with authority regularly. And for the past ten years Coop had flown a helicopter for oil companies to offshore wells. And no big surprise, he butted heads with them, also.

“And the paycheck?” Luke asked.

Coop ran a hand around the back of his neck. “Yeah, they didn’t give me a farewell package. But hey—I socked away a few bucks before I quit. And I sold stock. While they were killing people at the pumps, my options went way up. There’s no justice, right? I’m in pretty good shape. I can screw around hunting and fishing while you work—that suits me.” And then he smiled again.

Luke had to laugh. He talked a good game, but Coop always pitched in. He was a hard worker. “And Ben?” Luke asked of the third buddy scheduled to show up for this little reunion.

“Yeah, I called him. Not only can’t he come early, he might not make it when we were planning to get together. He’s got some kind of cesspool or septic tank issue up at that bait shop of his. You ever been there?”

“Never,” Luke admitted. “Well, at least you brought your own bed. Whatcha got there?”

“Toy hauler. I keep a Harley, a Yamaha Rhino—an off-road vehicle—and a wave runner. Plus it’s a pretty nice apartment. I sold the boat.”

“You been living in that thing?”

“Yup,” he said. “I’m a damn fine landlord, too.”

“Some things just don’t change,” Luke said with a laugh. “Well, you’re in luck—I have the RV park all set up with power, water and sewage and—this is big—I’m cooking tonight.”

“Why is it big that you’re cooking?” Coop asked, frowning.

“Well, this is top secret. My wife loves to cook. She’s not necessarily any good at it. You say anything about that, you die.”

“Gotcha. So, you mentioned you reproduced. Where’s the result?”

“Brett’s napping. You have time to park your trailer before he gets up. You’ll like him—he’s a tough little guy. Your slab is around back. After you handle that, I’ll give you a beer.”

“Obliged,” Coop said. He looked around appreciatively. “This isn’t ugly…”

“I don’t think there’s a place for that wave runner close by,” Luke said. “Too many rocks in the river. Beachfront is a little rough up north here. You could head for the lake, but it’s getting cold on the water. But you’re going to enjoy the Rhino and the Harley—you won’t find more beautiful country. Need a little help hooking up and unloading?”

“Just point me in the right direction,” he said. “And Luke. Great to see you, man. How long has it been?”

“I don’t know. Six years? Eight?”

“Too long,” Coop said. And then he jumped back into his truck and pulled the trailer around behind the cabins.

* * *

Coop had kept in touch enough with Luke to have the facts, that he’d come up to Virgin River after retiring from the Army to check out some old cabins he and a brother had invested in. Luke had nothing better to do, so he stayed, fixed them up, met a woman, got married, et cetera.