Page 15 of Every Single Vow
“What in the actual fuck was that?”
There it is.
Dakota turns to face me, her dark hair framing her face. It never seizes to shock me at how beautiful she is. Naturally. She wore little makeup, and usually let her hair cascade down her back, long and wavy.
“Strategy,” I respond bluntly.
She leans her head back on the headrest in frustration. “You do realize she’s probably already on the phone telling everyone she knows that we’re getting married?”
I lift a shoulder. “Let her.”
“Cooper!” She shrieks. “Why the hell would you do that?”
“Think about it, Birdie.” I reach out and take her hand. “You want custody. As much as it riles me the fuck up, people can be cruel, and the sins of your family have somehow been attached to you. I would do anything to erase that. To help you break free and to make sure you and Ari end up together.”
Her eyes soften, and she squeezes my hand.
“I want to give you my name. You and Ari can live with me. Hell, I’m barely home. You would show you have a comfortable living arrangement. A stable income. Yours and mine. A family. A support system.”
“And pity.” She releases my hand. “I don’t want your pity, Cooper. You of all people should know that.”
“It’s not pity.” I grit my teeth. “You and I both know the chances of you gaining custody with a two person household is better than you being single.”
She huffs, her hands flying up. “I know that, Cooper! But marriage is a big deal. A commitment.”
“I’m fully aware of what marriage is.” I adjust my position in my seat, the thought of what making Dakota mywifewould actually intel.
Her having my name.
Her sleeping in my bed.
Her legs wrapped around my waist, as I slide….
Shit.
“Cooper.” She nudges my arm.
“Sorry.” I clear my throat.
“What about your family?”
“My family loves you,” I point out.
“As you and your sister’s friend. Not as a possible candidate for the mother of their future grandchildren.”
I reach up and playfully tug a piece of her hair. “You already thinking about making pretty babies with me, Kota?”
She rolls her eyes. “Like you could handle me, cowboy.”
I let a smirk trail over my lips. “Try me, sweetheart.”
She narrows her eyes. “Can we please focus on the disaster at hand? The impromptu marriage that will be spreading all over town in the next ten minutes. Obviously, it’s a little farfetched you’d choose me.”
My jaw clenches at the offhand comment.
I’d always choose her.
“I don’t know why you are freaking out,” I say casually.
