Page 32 of Every Single Vow
“And we need to get you into school soon. What are you in, sixth or seventh grade?”
“I was in seventh in New Orleans. But it’s not like I was there all that often.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Bea wasn’t an early riser.” She tucks a piece of her dark hair behind her ear. “She wouldn’t wake up in time to take me, and it was a really long walk. The area wasn’t very good, and I wasn’t about to end up on some random missing flyer in the Seven Eleven.”
“Who took you to school?” I curl my hands into fists.
If Bea was still alive, this is about the time I’d be paying her a visit.
“Sometimes I took the bus. Or sometimes she would take me if she never went to sleep the night before.” Her expression is flat as she relays the formation.
Like it’s normal.
I remember the first time I really understood what was happening at my house wasn’tnormal.Not until I met the Mayson’s, did I realize what a loving family really looked like.
“I’m really sorry, Arizona.” I meet her eyes. “It wasn’t fair.”
“Life isn’t fair. Right?” She picks up her pencil, going back to her drawing.
I watch her hunched shoulders loosen when she starts scribbling. Her pencil moves in steady strokes as she lets out her feelings through the lead.
This is her outlet. Her peace. Just like horses are mine.
“Ok. I’ll let you get some rest. Dinner will be ready in an hour or so. Tomorrow, I have to work, but it’s just here at the ranch for a few hours. You are welcome to come out to the arena and watch.”
She nods. “Ok.”
Sensing she needs time alone, I climb off the bed, glancing back to the clothes she has piled neatly in the corner of the room. She hasn’t even put them in the dresser. Another pang slashes across my chest. She’s never had a home. And I was determined more than ever to give her one.
Closing the door behind me, I quietly slip down the hall and back to the kitchen. I had just made it to the island when the front door flew open and Cooper stormed in. His eyes were wild, his chest heaving.
He was in front of me in three strides, tossing his hat onto the counter with narrowed eyes before asking, “What did that motherfucker want?”
Chapter nineteen
Cooper
“Thanks for putting a rush on those, Wade.” I reach out to shake his hand.
He takes it with a firm grip before dropping it.
“What’s the damage?” I pull out my wallet.
Wade was one of the best custom jewelers in town. He wasn’t here yesterday when I picked up the rings, and his wife just told me to come by tomorrow and sort it out. She wanted to be sure we had them at the ceremony.
“Consider it a wedding gift.” He nods.
Wade was a master at hand made silver. He did everything from jewelry to buckles to custom spurs.
“Let me pay you,” I insist.
“Nope. Anita and I have known you both since you were kids.” He crosses his arms. “And it’s about damn time anyway.”
I lift a brow.
“Don’t think you were so slick, son.” He shakes his head. “You’ve been chasing that girl for years.”
