Page 34 of Capture the Moment
“Was that from Emma?”
“Yeah. She thinks I have a bad attitude toward administration.”
Tim had to swallow a laugh. Emma, Coop’s former fiancée, was the school’s vice principal. Two summers past, she had broken off their engagement after she was plucked out of the classroom and promoted to vice principal by the principal. Soon after, according to a heartbroken Coop, it was clear that thosetwo were much more than colleagues. “Have you ever thought of leaving the school? There’s got to be plenty of teaching jobs for someone with your experience.”
“Not that simple. For the most part, I like teaching there. I like the parents and kids. And I especially love that the school calendar ends the year in early May.”
Coop was a loyal guy. It was one of the qualities Tim admired most in him. “And maybe you’re hoping Emma will change her mind about the jerk principal and come back to you?”
Coop shot him a sidelong glance. “Heisa jerk.”
Tim chuckled. “Maybe so. But maybe it’s also time you let go of the past and move on.”
Coop didn’t say anything for a long time. Then he leaned forward in the chair. “Tim, Emma and I, we had our whole life planned out. We were going to be teachers so we could have summers free for camping and hiking. We wanted to see all the national parks by the time we were thirty. Emma had it all mapped out. Every single park. We even thought we’d do a blog together about it, or Instagram the whole thing. Maybe a podcast. But then, out of the blue, she suddenly decided she wanted a different kind of life.”
Tim raised his hand. “I get it, Coop. I really do. But holding on to anger isn’t doing you any favors.”
Coop looked away.
“It’s like a poison.” Tim knew he was pushing it, the way he knew he’d pushed it with Thea, but he’d gone this far. What was there to lose? “Forgiveness is the antidote.”
Coop looked skyward in annoyance, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “You missed your calling. You should’ve been a preacher.”
Tim laughed. “Nah. I’m just saying that letting go of the anger you feel toward Emma might do you good, that’s all.”He finished off the last of his tea. “Even better, come to church with me this summer.”
“I’ve gone with you.”
“I mean regularly. You can’t be here in this part of the world and not feel drawn to the Creator, to getting to know the mind behind it all.”
“You know, maybe you should think about applying to the NPS chaplain program. Then you wouldn’t have to retire at fifty-seven, right?”
Tim glanced at him, not sure if Coop was serious or just fending off further inquiry into his somewhat dormant spiritual life. He’d actually given some thought to that chaplain program. But for now, he’d said enough. On that topic, anyway. “Seems like there might be a little something stirring between you and that pretty photographer. The one in the waders.”
Coop raised an eyebrow. “Kate?”
“Is that her name? I heard a few people call her Zoo Girl.”
“She’s worked in a zoo, photographing the wild animals. Thanks to Frankie, the other photographers call her by that nickname. It’s not meant to be friendly.”
Tim chuckled. “I don’t doubt it. She’s fresh meat to a competitive bunch. They’re all after the next best shot. But maybe you should consider asking her out. You’re not getting any younger, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
Coop scoffed in defense. “You know, John Muir didn’t get married until he was nearly forty-two. He enjoyed his solitude.”
Tim leaned forward, a more serious expression on his face. He knew how badly Emma had hurt Coop. The real issue was that Coop was reluctant to risk caring for someone else. “Well, just remember, solitude might be comfortable, but it’s not where you find the most growth.” He put his hands on his knees. “Finding a companion is a true gift. But it doesn’t happen without a little effort.”
“It did for John Muir. He was set up by well-meaning friends.”
“Then, consider me to be your well-meaning friend. I recommend that you try and get to know that Zoo Girl. I like her. She seems very genuine.”
Coop grumbled, not entirely convinced. “Once she gets her shot, she’ll be gone.”
“Maybe so.” Tim nodded, understanding. “Sometimes you need to embrace what’s right in front of you, even if it’s just for a season.”
“Speaking of embracing what’s right in front of you, what’s been going on with you and Sally?”
Tim nearly choked on his tea. How did Coop know about him and Sally? He felt a blush creep up his neck. “I’d better go find Maisie. I left her talking to the woman at the front desk inside the lodge. I have a feeling the woman might need rescuing.” He stood, took a few steps, then turned. “Coop, I’ve always wondered. Was it really so sudden?”
“What?”
