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Chapter11
They parked in the space before one of the packing sheds when they reached Harper Berry Farm.
“I came here once on a school trip,” Dylan said. “Remember, Joe?”
“Yeah. We got into trouble for stealing berries and throwing them at our classmates.”
Dylan’s smile told Luke he remembered it clearly.
“You two were assholes,” Jack said.
“True,” both Joe and Dylan replied.
“Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Harper,” Joe said to the couple heading their way. Mr. Harper was on crutches. With him was his wife, immaculate as always. The woman never had a hair out of place. Mr. Harper wore shorts, even though the fall weather had put a chill in the air. He wore a black sweatshirt with the words Harper Berries on the front.
Luke studied his face. Was he struggling with his mind?
“Hello, boys.” Mrs. Harper gave them a smile. “Quinn is waiting for you in the hanger, Luke.”
“Thanks. And thanks for this,” he added.
There were questions in their eyes, but they didn’t ask, and for that he was grateful.
“We best be moving if we’re going to make that doctor appointment for you, Ivan.”
Mr. Harper didn’t look happy but nodded. So they’d managed to get him there; that was good, and Quinn would be happy.
“How are things going around here? I heard you had a few machinery issues,” Dylan said.
“He’s just a bit forgetful is all,” Mrs. Harper said, answering for her husband. “Maybe you could buy Quinn in the bachelorette auction, Luke.”
“I hadn’t realized she was participating?”
“She will.”
The woman was relentless. It must be hell to live with that constantly. No wonder Quinn only came home occasionally.
“I would be honored to win an evening with her if she is one of the bachelorettes,” he said. “Because like you, Mrs. Harper, we know just what your daughter has achieved in a man’s world. We’re proud of her here in Ryker Falls.”
He saw her then. Quinn was standing back from them, listening. Her cheeks were pink, and she was clearly uncomfortable.
“Oh well, of course,” Mrs. Harper said, her smile not faltering.
“Our air force is made up of only 20 percent women pilots. That tells me Quinn is to be admired and respected.”
He felt his brothers looking at him. He didn’t care. Did this woman not realize that Quinn needed her acknowledgment now and again, not her censure simply because she didn’t dress like she wanted her to and provide her with children?
Having grown up without a mom, he knew that even a small crumb of acknowledgement was a big deal. That Quinn wasn’t getting it from Shelly Harper really pissed him off.
“Hi, Quinn,” Jack said, clearly deciding the conversation was over.
She came closer, eyes cool and blank. “Hi, Jack.”
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to you earlier, but thanks for your service to your country.” Jack hugged her.
Joe did the same. Then Dylan.
Mr. Harper beamed. Mrs. Harper looked uncertain.
