Page 24 of Every Single Vow
Dakota’s face falls again, realizing the rings are something we didn’t discuss. But I always knew the kind of ring I’d get her one day.
“Sure do.” I reach in my pocket, pulling out the two circular bands.
She narrows her eyes at me, obviously seeing that I went rogue.
Of course I went rogue.
I hold out my hand to Dakota. The simple silver band is etched with a saddle pattern. She holds it in her palm, while Ernie motions to me.
“Dakota. Please place the ring on Cooper’s finger.”
I hold out my left hand as her trembling fingers slide the ring on easily.
I catch her fingers, squeezing her hand lightly before she drops it by her side.
“Cooper. Your ring for Dakota.”
I hold up the princess cut diamond that’s mounted on a matching silver band like mine. It’s a little thicker, the edges decorated in tiny diamond that sparkle in the light.
“Cooper,” Dakota gasps softly.
I take her hand in mine, slipping the ring over her delicate finger. It fits perfect.
Looks perfect.
Her. Wearingmyring.
“By the power vested in me by the great state of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Dakota’s eyes widen, as if she had completely forgotten this crucial part of the tradition. But I didn’t forget. I drop her hand, letting my palm lift to slide beneath her hair and around the nape of her neck. Then I do something I’ve wanted to since I was thirteen years old. I kiss her.
Chapter fourteen
Dakota
Oh. My. God.
Cooper Mayson was kissing me.
Like actually kissing me.
His rough palm tugs slightly against my neck, his lips melting against mine like we’d been kissing for years. I was startled, in shock, and completely at his mercy. A low groan filters from his mouth as he opens, coaxing me to do the same. My lips move hypnotically against his, before feeling his tongue slowly slide inside of my mouth, licking a flame of heat up my spine. His free hand pulls me flush against his broad frame, and my hands involuntarily curl into his pearl snap. Another soft stroke of histongue has a gasp traveling between us, because in my twenty-five years I’d never kissed a pair of lips that made me feel likethis.Which was dangerous. Because Cooper Mayson was my best friend. And as of approximately a minute and a half ago, myfakehusband.
When he gently pecks me on my tingling lips, I open my eyes. He smirks, while I stand there like a lust drunk lunatic.
The room, which I’m remembering houses his entire family, is completely silent. Not a single sound, until someone finally breaks the tension, a whistle howling from somewhere in the room, followed by claps and cheers.
Cooper moves as if he’s unfazed, snatching my hand in his before he’s dragging us out to his family that carry huge smiles on their faces. I feel like a fumbling mess. My legs are like jelly, and my stomach is wound tighter than a barrel racer's jeans.
“Congratulations!” Ruthie grips me in a hug, followed by Emmett and Ivy.
I hug them quickly, trying not to give anything away about my current emotional state.
Which considering my first kiss with the man I’ve loved since childhood was in front of his own mother and father means I’m venturing into 2007 Brittany territory. I smile while Ruthie snaps a few photos before I excuse myself to the bathroom. Inside the safety of the public restroom, I check my face. My skin is flushed, my lips pouty from the kiss, and my pupils are blown. Geez.
I close my eyes, reeling myself back to reality. This is Cooper.My Cooper.All sunshine and cowboy boots. The flirt. He was putting on a show. Glancing down at my hand, I stare at the beautiful diamond on my finger. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.
It’s fictional, Dakota. Nothing more.
