Page 14 of Every Single Vow
“Cooper. It’s fine,” I hiss under my breath.
Honestly, I expected this. I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park.
“No.” His jaw hardens. “So, you’re telling me that even if she was the absolute best person to care for Arizona, a judge would dismiss her because of her last name?”
“Cooper…” Kyra begins, but he shakes his head.
His body shifts, then a look passes over his face before he freezes. A slow grin spreads across his face before he tenderly reaches out and intertwines his fingers with mine.
“Well Kyra, fortunately for us, that won’t be an issue in this situation.”
I frown, not understanding his direction.
“I’m not following.” Kyra sits up straighter.
“Her name won't be Sterling.” Cooper smirks.
I jerk my gaze in his direction and I’m pretty sure my body levitates at his next words.
“Dakota and I are getting married. She’ll be a Mayson.” My jaw practically hits the floor when he turns to me and winks before adding. “Right, baby?”
Chapter nine
Cooper
Dakota’s fingernails dig into my skin as she stares at me with wide blue eyes. I give her hand a slight squeeze, and she blinks, her head tilting back to Kyra in confusion.
“Right.” She seamlessly lets the mask fall firmly into place. “Married.”
“Married?” Kyra gasps, her cheeks turning red.
“Yep.” I bring Dakota’s hand up to my lips and brush a kiss over her knuckles which has a gargled sound slipping past her lips.
“When?” Kyra blanches. “I haven’t heard a single word about this.”
“Don’t think it’s a secret. And to answer your question, this Saturday.”
“You always said y’all were just friends.” Kyra’s tone rubs me the wrong way.
Just like her earlier comment about Dakota’s last name.
“We were friends first.” I drop our linked hands to rest on Dakota’s toned thigh. “In my opinion, the best relationships are built on friendship. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Kyra shifts in her chair. “I mean…yes. I just thought with your family…”
“My family has welcomed her with open arms, because she’s one of the best people I’ve ever known. If you would have ever taken the time to see past the judgmental bullshit that this town spews, then you would know that.”
My chest burns as I push to stand. “Thanks for the advice. But I would prefer to meet with your father next time.”
Dakota stands abruptly, her lips still pressing in a firm line.
“A congrats would be nice,” I toss out.
“Congrats,” Kyra says with a scowl on her face.
“Thanks.” I grin, then reach out to wrap my arm around Dakota’s waist. “See you around, Kyra.”
The truck door slams and I place one hand on the wheel, then drape the other over the back of Dakota’s seat. I know what’s coming.
