Page 13 of Every Single Vow
It takes everything I have not to comment.
He’s not mine.
But he is.Kind of.
“You finally off on your own?” Cooper asks, dropping down in the chair.
“Passed the bar last month.” She blushes. “Big girl now.”
Oh, for fucks sake.
I sit in the chair next to Cooper, still completely invisible to the supposedlawyerthat just giggled like we were in fourth grade.
“That’s great.” Cooper crosses a boot covered ankle over one knee. “Then you should be able to point Kota in the right direction.”
At the mention of my name, Kyra finally acknowledges my presence.
“Dakota.” She forms a tight smile. “Good to see you.”
“Congratulations, Kyra. Your dad must be proud.” I give a genuine smile, because despite what everyone thinks, I’mnotmy father.
“Thanks.” She glances back at Cooper, who’s gaze I can feel on the side of my face.
“So, I was informed you were needing some legal information on family law. Gaining custody of a child?” She asks.
“Yes. Just the general process and requirements,” he answers.
“I had no idea you had a child.” She swallows.
“Oh, I don’t.” Cooper barks out a laugh. “It's for Kota.”
Her eyes widen. “You have a child?”
“No.” I clench my fists. “I have a sister.”
“Okay.” She leans up, her hand reaching for a pen. “And where is the mother?”
“Dead,” I say, keeping my eyes on hers. “I’m the child’s only living family member. She’s twelve years old.”
Kyra blinks, her expression changing from surprise to pity. “I’m sorry to hear that. About your mother.”
“She left when I was eight, and when she was still around, she was never home anyway. No skin off my back.” My hands wring together, my pulse starting to thud.
My leg involuntarily bounces, the sign I’m about to spiral and my breathing increases.
The gentle touch of Cooper’s hand makes my leg still, and he locks eyes with me.
“Dakota doesn’t want her in the system. We know how that goes with overcrowding. I understand not everyone has illintentions, but it’s something we don’t want to chance. Arizona should be with family.”
Kyra rolls her lips. “I see. Well, the first thing we would need is to provide the death certificate for her mother, then you would need to file a SAPCR with the court. Once that is filed, you will need to provide proof of a stable home environment. Physical, emotional, and financial stability as well.”
Kyra turns to me. “I know you train horses. But do you have a steady income? Are you still living in that trailer? With your last name…”
“Wait a minute.” Cooper’s sharp tone has Kyra jolting. “What the fuck does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, I just mean, for a single woman, with her family history. It’s very unlikely a judge will…”
“A judge will what? Not grant custody because she had a shit father?”
