Luke's Ride by Helen DePrima

Author:Helen DePrima
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“AND DONE!” LUKE looked over the neat stacks of paper with pride. It had taken him three days, but he was pleased with how he’d completed his latest assignment for Mike. He had asked his dad to look over some of the items he didn’t recognize, products they didn’t use at Cameron’s Pride. Jake had also noticed omissions Mike’s clients hadn’t included, deductions they would have missed.

The ranchers’ accounts were considerably more complicated than those for the bull riders, but his knowledge of cattle operations helped. He’d never taken much interest in Cameron’s Pride’s finances other than knowing there was never quite enough ready cash; debt left by his mother’s illness had strained their resources even after her death. Just as they’d moved into the black, his father’s heart attack and losses from a freak spring blizzard had dumped them into a sea of red ink, but the last few years they had climbed back into the black.

“I didn’t think you had this in you,” Jake said. “Not that you weren’t smart enough,” he added in haste. “I’m just surprised you’d like this kind of persnickety work.”

“I guess I never sat still long enough to do something like this. And thanks for your help—I’ll have to give you a cut of my paycheck.”

“I’ll settle for a piece of pie at the Queen after we both get done at the hospital,” Jake said. “We can see how Katie’s getting along.”

Luke heart leaped at the thought of seeing Katie. He wouldn’t have suggested it, not wanting to be a nuisance, but since it was his father’s idea... And the Queen would be wrapping up the lunch service about the time he finished with his physical therapy.

Luke swung himself into the passenger seat of his father’s truck and folded his wheelchair to slide behind the seat.

“I hate needing people to drive me into town,” he said as his father climbed behind the wheel. “Maybe I should get my rig fitted with hand controls...” But that would be admitting he’d never be able to drive using the pedals. Maybe he was kidding himself, but he still believed he would walk again. His brain acknowledged the possibility, even the probability, he’d be in a wheelchair the rest of his life, but his heart refused to accept the verdict.

“I told you before it’s no bother,” Jake said. “I promised Shelby I’d get the blood work the doctor ordered, and I’ve got a shopping list for the Ranchers Exchange.”

Jake dropped Luke off at the hospital entrance. “You mind if I watch you work out? I won’t be at the lab more than a few minutes.”

“Sure, maybe I’ll get some new exercises you can help me with at home.”

Jake nodded and pulled away to park while Luke rode the elevator up to PT.

“I’ve got a surprise for you, buddy,” Doug said. “You’re going to walk today.”

Luke snorted. “What’s the punch line?”

“No joke.” Doug beckoned to a young woman wearing pants and a polo shirt, her long, dark hair in a ponytail.

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