Page 18 of Every Single Vow
Cooper crosses the room and flings an arm over my shoulder. “Dakota and Ari can live here. She’ll have a stable home environment and a support system.”
“Temporarily,” I clarify. “Once I get full custody, we'll have a fall out. A realization that we were always better as friends and divorce. No harm no foul.”
Even saying the words make my stomach churn.
“So basically, we need to be on alert if the court asks questions.” Emmett leans his forearms on his knees. “You’re a fine girl, Dakota. You work hard. Things will fall into place.” Emmett glances around. “We’re family. And we help our own. You need this.” He shrugs. “We’re here to support you.”
Relief sweeps through me. Everyone seems to be on board. Everyone looks agreeable, but Ivy. I don’t miss the concern painted across her face. I can see why. I just blindsided my best friend about marrying her brother.
“So how authentic are we going?" Ruthie grins. “It’s not every day a woman’s son gets married.”
I laugh, my head shaking as Cooper drops his arm. “Nothing fancy for me. A courthouse and a document. That’s all we need. Save the white gown and the sunset ceremony for when Cooper actually marries the love of his life.”
I peer up at Cooper just in time to see him frown.
“Right,” Ruthie says as she pushes to her feet. “Well, I guess there’s only one thing left to say.” Her smile is wide as she opens her arms. “Welcome to the family.”
Chapter eleven
Cooper
Thirteen Years Old
“Who you looking for?” Parker, my cousin asks as I crane my neck to peer around the cotton candy machine.
“Dakota.” She’s supposed to be meeting us here.
“That dark haired girl?” Parker grins. “She’s pretty.”
“Would you shut up?” I shove at his shoulder.
Dakota is pretty. Prettiest girl I ever saw, and it irritates me that he thinks so too. She moved here three years ago. I was shocked to see her at school that fall after I bought her thosechips at the gas station, but we became fast friends. She loved horses and made me laugh.
“You like her.” He studies my face before he shrugs. “It’s cool, man.”
I ignore him and start toward the hot dog stand where my sister Ivy, and my dad stand. The carnival comes to Mayson Ridge every fall for the harvest festival, and this is the first time Dakota has been able to come.
I’m just about to give up hope when I see her. Her long dark hair hangs over one shoulder as she walks cooly through the crowd.
“Kota!” I call, waving a hand.
Her smile widens, and her blue eyes brighten. She struts to us, and I don’t miss how muddy her shoes are. I didn’t see any mud on the way in here. Most of it dried out from the rain two nights ago.
“Sorry I’m late.” She stops in front of us. “What are we riding first?”
“Dakota. Good to see you.” My father steps over and gives her a hug.
“Hey, Mr. Mayson.” She hugs him briefly before sliding back beside me.
“I told you to call me Emmett.” He nudges her lightly. “You make me sound old.”
That warrants a chuckle from me and Parker, because I hate to break it to him, but he’s already old.
My gaze catches on the ride directly across from us.
“Ferris wheel?”
“Sounds good to me.” She shrugs.
