Page 36 of Every Single Vow
A brief wave of panic hits me as we walk down to the pens. Will that happen with Arizona? I get attached just for her to be sent to a new home? A better place?
I spot Cooper first. He’s leaned against the fence, his head tilted back in laughter as Clyde and Maddox join in.
A smile pulls at my lips as we approach. “Morning.”
“Well, who do we have here?” Clyde tips his hat. “Looks like a mini Dakota if I ever saw one.”
I smile and nudge her arm. “Clyde, this is Arizona. My sister.”
He grins. “Nice to meet you young lady. You can call me Clyde.”
“Clyde.” She lets a smile form as she peers up at the old man. “Nice to meet you.”
“He’s like a surrogate grandpa.” I shoot Clyde a wink.
“I’m here to serve.”
I feel Cooper’s hand slide around my waist. “Morning, wife.”
Tingles skate along my skin, but I school my reaction. “Husband. You taking care of my boys?”
“Always.” He juts his chin toward the next pen. “Got em’ saddled for you.”
My eyes scan over the pen, a sense of pride filling my chest.
“You did good, Birdie.” The simple praise is whispered in my ear.
Like he knew I needed it.
My eyes connect with his before he slaps a palm to my ass. “Now get out there and show Ari what a badass her sister is.”
Chapter twenty-two
Cooper
I watch closely as Dakota’s shoulders finally drop, the tension leaving her body as we leave the courthouse. After waiting on her mother’s death certificate, Arizona’s birth certificate to arrive, and the multiple stops we made after the colts were picked up to officially make her a Mayson, she’s finally relaxed.
We just filed the paperwork to request temporary custody of Arizona. They informed us we would be contacted by someone to let us know the next step and I already filled Norman in on the status.
“You alright?” I ask, holding the door open for her.
“I could use a drink,” she mutters, walking past me and down the cement steps.
“Come on.” I slide my palm along her forearm before gripping her hand in mine. “Fresh air will do you good.”
She glances at our hands then at my face. “What?” I shrug. “I can’t hold my wife’s hand?”
She smiles, shaking her head. “I’ve never seen you hold hands with a woman in public.”
I bump her with my shoulder before leading her across the street. “Never had a woman that made me want to.”
Her cheeks blush, but she waves me off, thinking I’m just beingCooper.But what I’m really being is honest. She’s the only hand I’ve ever wanted to hold. To proudly display for this whole town to see.
A few more steps, and we enter the Mayson Jar. The lunch crowd has already hit, the tables full and the atmosphere light.
Fern, the hostess that I’ve known since diapers picks up two menus. “Well, if it isn’t the newlyweds.” She eyes Dakota before lifting a brow at me. “You aren’t pregnant, are you?”
“Fern.” Penelope, my aunt, and the owner and operator of this fine establishment hisses before yanking the menus from her hands.
