Page 12 of Cooper

“You think he’d let her learn to ride one?”

Wade peers at me through the rearview mirror. “He’ll insist on it.”

We pull up to what I assume is Cooper’s house, since I see his truck and Dalton’s Escalade pull in ahead of us. It’s a big house. Enough room for three families, let alone just me and Bean. “You don’t have to worry about him making all sorts of racket in the basement.” Wade volunteers. “We usually practice in the garage, and usually it’s in mine.”

“Oh, I'm not worried. I enjoy hearing you guys play.”

“Thanks.” Wade says, parking the car closest to the door. “Coop’s opening up. You go on in and get the kid settled. We’ll take care of the rest.”

“Thank you. So much.”

“Don’t mention it, darlin’.”

I pick Bean up and carry her inside. The quiet alone is comforting. No shouting, glass breaking, tires squealing, nothing. Just total, serene, peaceful quiet. “The guest room is just to your left, if you want to put her in there for now.” Cooper calls to me, as his interior light comes on. Dalton’s already got half my stuff out on the driveway. I’ll admit I left abruptly. Not much aside from the clothes on mine and Bean’s backs came with us. It’s not like there was a choice. For a long time, all my valuables have been in a safe deposit box, where nobody can get to it. Anything else sentimental, was put in a locker, away from any danger. None of that is here with me. Just me, Bean, and a few replaceable essentials. That’s it.

When I knew that trouble was coming, I prepared for the worst. And I have no regrets. Frankly, everything I need is right here. Just my baby and my wits. Which I finally think I’m gathering. I turn on the light to the first room I see, not bothering to look around much, until I get her in the bed. Her little body just squishes into the puffy blankets, unscathed. And I wonder how long she’ll sleep so soundly like that. There’s a lamp on the side table, and I decide that that’s a better alternative than leaving her in total darkness.

I look around and see that the place is tidy. For a single guy living in it, it’s impeccable. Immaculate. Not a speck of dust is anywhere to be found. The door opens and they start hauling in my stuff, placing it in a neat pile in the living room. The house is modern and well kept, with polished wood flooring, fresh light, chocolately colored walls, a wood fireplace, galley kitchen, and a butcher’s block countertop on an island in the center. The smell of fresh cookies fills my nose, and I notice a plate on the counter, with what looks like cookies that would almost still be warm to the touch.

I’m impressed. I don’t even see a drum kit anywhere. And I wonder if his bedroom is as tidy, or if he’s one of those guys that keeps everywhere anyone would see clean, but his room is so messy and disorganized, you would have to make an effort to open the door, with all the crap pressed up against it. “That’s good for now, boys.” Cooper states, slightly winded, from walking in and out, with loads of my stuff. “I’ll move it downstairs in the morning.”

Wade lifts a hand, pointing a finger at me. “You be sure and let us know if that landlord of yours gives you any problems getting out of the lease.”

“He won’t. But that’s because I didn’t sign one.” I answer.

“Smart girl.” Dalton says, cocking his head to the side.

“Thank you all so much for this.” I say tritely. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

“Stay the hell out of that part of town is all.” Dalton says. “And let us know if you get into any more trouble.”

“I will.” I nod.

“You be sure and let Colton know this little lady and her kid are here. He’ll be all over that with the horses.” Wade suggests.

“Thanks. I will.” I smile. “And thank you again.”

They clap Cooper on the back, and he nods in thanks, and they leave, closing the door quietly behind them. “Bean all set up in there?” Cooper asks me.

“Sound asleep. A hail of gunfire could have gone off tonight and she wouldn’t move an inch.”

“Well, that’s good. Gosh, when I used to babysit these kids as a teenager, the baby would wake up and wail at the drop of a hat.” He chuckles. “I had to march up and down the halls with the baby in my arms for hours to get him to go back to sleep.”

I frown, thinking about how awful that must have been. “I’m sorry to hear that. When Bean was a baby, she was wonderful. She only cried when she was hungry or if she needed to be changed. And even then, it was a specific cry.”

“Yeah? How come you didn’t have any more?” He asks, organizing some of the bags on the floor.

“I always wanted to, but James, well…he wasn’t interested.” I lift a hand. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, he loved Bean, just, she was enough for him.”

“If I had one like her I’d have a dozen.” He states, giving me a sideways glance, with a sexy little smile.

“Is that why you became a music teacher?”

“Half that and half because I love music, and I think it’s important for kids to be exposed to it at a young age. My folks had me playing every instrument going. If it weren’t for that, hell, I don’t know what I would have done with my life.”

“Do your siblings play, too?”

“They all did a little here and there, but nothing now. We all had piano lessons. I was the only one that stuck with it. Learned all kinds of instruments. Learned to sing.”

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