Page 15 of Cooper

Her words are slow and measured. “And he didn’t question anything about the said trouble?”

“No. Not at all. He trusts me. In all the years I’ve lived here and known him I’ve never put anyone in harm’s way.”

“How did you meet him, anyway?”

“His son and I went to the same high school. He was sort of a gopher for the band for a while, too. He’s a lawyer now. His dad’s lawyer.” I say with a chuckle.

“No kidding.” She smiles.

“Hey, do you need me to take you to where the rest of your stuff is? Or is that not a safe place?” I ask, in a ‘level-with-me’ tone.

“I don’t need any of it, frankly.”

I lick my lips, peering over at Bean, who is pushing popcorn through a needle, attaching it to a string, making a traditional garland, like she was taught to do in school. She’s not paying any attention to us, as she’s listening to Christmas music way over by the tree. “Look, London, I know that you’re real private about your life, but while you’re with me, you’re safe, and if it’s something that can be sorted out, then let’s sort it out.”

“There isn’t anything to be sorted, Cooper. I told you I divorced my husband, and I moved away from…him. I can’t tell you anything more. I’m sorry. If that impedes me and Bean staying here, then I’ll leave.”

I swallow. The last thing I want to do is push her. Sure, she’s living with me, but she could very well be keeping a secret to keep herself and her little girl safe. If I know anything about mamas, that’s what they do. London’s not just keeping a secret for kicks here, this is about her life. And all I want to do is help her, but if she swears she can’t be helped, or that this is the best it can be, then I accept that. What I don’t accept is her being unsafe, which is why she’s here with me now. “And there’s nothing more that I can do to help?”

She shakes her head no. “I appreciate it. But you’ve done all you can.” Her hand is on mine. “I’m very grateful for everything, Cooper. And you’re being so sweet and supportive, which is more than I expected, considering how little we know of each other.”

“Since I was a boy, I can tell the difference between good and bad, and all I get is good vibes from you, London. That’s all I need to know.”

She grins softly. “Thank you. I get the same vibe from you. If I hadn’t, I’d never have agreed to live here with you.”

“Mamas have an inherent instinct when it comes to their children. I don’t distrust that, darlin’.”

“Hey, there, Colton.” I wave, as the three of us walk over to the ranch. I’ve got my hand in London’s, and I get it into my head to call her Stella, like a mantra, because I know I’ve fucked it up before. “You know Stella, and this is her daughter, Nicole…or Bean.”

“Nice to meet you.” Colton bends down slightly. Bean is tall for her age, probably almost four feet, but Colton is over six feet tall. He shakes her hand and then London’s hand.

“We were hoping to see the horses.” I say by way of explanation. “Is this a bad time?”

“Never. These beasts love attention and will take it anytime.” He looks at Bean. “You know how to ride?”

“Nope.” She says, shaking her head.

Colton looks at London. “Do you mind if I teach her?”

“I’d be grateful.” London smiles.

“Sure thing.” He says, and then he addresses Bean again. “Come on with me. I’ll get you up on Rebel. Now, don’t let the name scare you. He’s a pussycat.”

“I like cats.” Bean beams.

“Don’t get started.” London warns good-naturedly.

“You promised me one day I could have a cat, mommy.” She says, matter-of-factly.

“I know I did. But that one day isn’t here yet.”

“Come on. You’ll forget all about cats once you’re up on a horse, darlin’.” Colton says.

There are wreaths hung on either side of the stable, and big urns with a fern and lights strung through them just at the outside of the doors. There are even white Christmas lights hanging in wisps inside the stable. “Gosh, you go all out for Christmas.” London observes with a smile.

“He teaches riding here. Lots of kids are around.” I explain.

“Well, that’s part of it.” Colton states, bringing Rebel out of his pen. “But I’m also a sucker for Christmas.”

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