Page 68 of Every Single Vow
“But it’s my fault,” she argues. “Someone literally tried to kill us, Cooper. Me.” She points at her chest. “Ari was just collateral damage. I brought that danger to her.”
I intertwine our fingers. “What happened was twisted. And I promise you that I will not stop until I find the asshole who did this.”
She nods, her eyes closing.
“But you need to hear me,” I say, clearing my throat. “You are not responsible for someone else’s actions.”
“But if it’s him. It’s my fault,” she whispers.
“No. If it’s him, he’s just proving why he should be locked up behind bars for the rest of his life.”
I push to stand, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I need you to stay with me, Kota. With Ari. Don’t go rogue because you’re convinced this is on you.”
“We’re back,” Arizona announces as she takes her spot in the chair.
Christine smiles. “Do you two have a minute?”
I nod and hold my hand out to Dakota. She takes it, then we follow Christine over near the nurse's station.
“Arizona told me what happened, and I’m so sorry someone did that to y’all,” she begins. “I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.”
“Thank you.” Dakota blows out a breath. “It was unexpected.”
“I do have a question.” She glances around. “It’s my job to investigate thoroughly. And I’ll be honest. I haven’t come across anything to paint either of you in an ill light.”
My hand rubs up Dakota’s arm, tugging her into my side for comfort.
“But I am concerned about your father and his release.” Her eyes meet Dakota’s. “From what I gather he is dangerous. Would he be directly involved with Arizona? Are you planning on reconnecting with him?”
“Absolutely not,” Dakota answers. “I broke ties with him years ago. He’s called a handful of times since being in prison. We’ve had only a few conversations. He has no place in my life, and especially not in Ari’s.”
“Dakota has not been notified of his release. We are not sure he is even out yet,” I add.
“Ok. I understand.” She adjusts her purse. “I want you to know I’m sorry for the situation. I’m just doing my job. Arizona’s safety is my priority.”
“She’s safe,” I assure her. “The ranch is the safest place she can be.”
“I will keep in touch and notify you when I plan to do my final home visit.” Christine gives Dakota’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Take care.”
When she leaves the space, I can feel the tension coiling in Dakota’s frame. “I’ll never be rid of him. Will I?” She looks up at me. “He’s not even here and he still manages to ruin any good thing I have.”
Cupping her face, I smooth my thumbs over her cheeks. “Not this time, Birdie. He won’t win this time.”
Chapter forty-four
Dakota
Thisis what family is.
Ruthie is in the kitchen of our cabin, rolling dough as Trace giggles next to her. Arizona is even in on the baking. She’s cutting out tiny ghosts and pumpkins, sitting them aside to be popped in the oven. Ivy and Laiken are sitting with me on the sofa, hot cups of coca filled with marshmallows as Cooper, Ryder, Maddox, and Emmett sit at the table, pretending they aren’t plotting some covert revenge plan.My familyis here, showing their support when we were shaken up.
“Mom came home all smiles today.” Laiken smirks. “Guess who made an appearance at Silver Ridge.”
“It can’t be,” Ivy grins, licking the foam from her top lip. “I figured after Ray passed that Preston wouldn’t have any reason to come back.”
“Mom said he’s donating all the money for the new wing at the nursing home in honor of Ray.”
A smile hits my lips. I remember Ray and his wife Cecile being one of the only residents that always showed me kindness as a child. Their kids too. Preston Rusk was basically a Mayson Ridge legend. The one and only to go all the way to the NFL. An injury spurred an early retirement, which led him to coach college football for a few years, then eventually, he found his way back to coaching one of the top teams in the NFL. I wasn’t much of a football girl, but when someone makes it big from a town as small as ours, everyone becomes a part of the celebration.
