Page 69 of Every Single Vow
“Anyway. I just thought it was really cool of him. His wife was with him too.” Laiken wiggles her finger to wave at Trace. “It’s refreshing to know there are still good people in this world.”
I appreciate Laiken’s words. Her intentions of showing me that kindness does exist after the day we had.
My skin tingles, the awareness that a pair of eyes are on me. I don’t have to guess. Cooper has been watching me like a hawk all evening. Like my father himself was going to break down the door and steal me right off of this couch.
Our eyes meet over Ivy’s shoulder, and per usual, my heart flutters. But this time it was different. I knew this manlovedme. I knew what his light felt like and I couldn’t believe it was actually mine to bask in.
“First batch is ready!” Ruthie grins, making atadamotion at the cute sugar cookies spread across the island.
“I even added sprinkles.” Trace beams. “This one is for you, Kota.”
I smile at the use of the nickname. Typically, Cooper is the only one who calls me that. “Thanks buddy.”
“I hope it makes your head feel better.”
My heart could practically burst. “I bet it will.”
Climbing from the couch, I make my way over to the island. “Let me try this.”
I take a huge bite, letting the sweetness melt on my tongue. “Best cookie I’ve ever had.”
“You hear that mama?” Trace bounces on his toes. “I make the best cookies.”
Laiken chuckles. “Well then where’s mine?”
“Patience, mama,” he says sternly.
A warm heat washes over me from behind. Cooper leans over my shoulder to snatch a cookie. “I think I need to be the judge.”
He shoves the whole cookie in his mouth, crumbs dropping onto his boots as Trace giggles uncontrollably.
Laughing, I reach for a napkin, waiting until he chews before I wipe the pink icing from the corner of his mouth.
He smirks, leaning down to drop a kiss on the tender spot behind my ear. “Thanks, baby.”
I freeze, as a gasp filters behind me and Ruthie’s eyes widen.
Uh oh.
Cooper seems oblivious to what he just did, causing the entire room to bring their sole focus to us. You could hear a cowmooten miles away with how quiet the cabin is. I’m about to blurt out something stupid. Anything to explain away the silly comment when my phone rings. I thank the Lord for the interruption and collect my phone from the counter.
“Hello.”
“Dakota, it’s Jefferson.”
“Hey. Did you find who ran us off the road?” I ask.
Immediately, Cooper slides his hand around my waist, dropping down on a bar stool. He tugs me between his spread thighs, eyes watching mine.
“No, unfortunately not. But that’s not why I’m calling. I did some checking. It looks like the letter regarding your father’s pending release was mailed to the address126 Cherry Drivethree weeks ago.”
My heart drops.
“That’s my old address,” I say, my entire body turning rigid. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying your father was released from the Cove County Correctional facility two weeks ago.”
The phone slips from my hands, my legs nearly buckling. Cooper recovers it, bringing the phone to his ear.
