Page 50 of Every Single Vow
“As one does,” I continue. “Once the cereal gets soggy, and wet, the color from the dye will then bleed into the grass, creating a colorful display of St. Augustine.”
“No way.” Ari snorts. “That’s fire.”
“Dang right.” I wiggle my brows. “Now, let’s show those goody two shoes just howtrashywe are.”
Arizona is peacefully drawing at the dining table while I’m whipping up some lunch. It’s the second Saturday of the month, which means the advocacy center brings the kids out to the ranch in the afternoon for horse therapy.
The screen door slams, signaling Cooper’s arrival. I glance up to see him remove his hat, a serious expression on his handsome face.
“Girls. The living room. Now,” he barks as he stalks to the sofa.
Ari and I exchange glances before I set aside the loaf of bread, and we weave our way to the couch.
Cooper’s forearms press down on his knees. “Heard a rumor this morning.”
I tense as Ari shoots me a side glance.
“About?” I ask.
“Lilith Whitehouse was bullying Arizona?” He questions.
“It wasn’t a big deal,” Ari says quickly.
“You heard correct. And I handled it,” I assure him.
He nods, his eyes meeting Arizona’s. “I’m sorry. And I want you to know you can always come to me if you need to talk.”
Oh, my heart. His kindness knows no bounds.
“Thanks, Papa C.” She smiles.
“Well, you hungry?” I push to stand, but he holds up a hand.
“I’m not finished. I heard another rumor. Someone tie-dyed the Whitehouse lawn last night. You know anything about that?”
“Nope.” Ari quips. “Zero knowledge.”
I glare at her before facing Cooper. “Not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Really?” He stands, then struts to the front door, before reaching outside for something on the porch. “Must be a coincidence that I found exactly fourteen empty bags of fruit loops shoved in the barn dumpster.”
Arizona’s hand flies to her mouth, trying to contain her laugh.
Damn it.I thought I hid those far enough down. A freaking empty deep freeze box was on top of them.
“So, correct me if I’m wrong. Either you two were the culprits, or someone has a very unhealthy addiction to fruit loops.”
I straighten my shoulders. “They’re tasty.”
He lifts a brow. “You fruit looped the mayor’s lawn, Kota?”
“They deserved it,” I shot back.
He drops the trash bag full of evidence, before he calmly walks back to the sofa. He eases down with a dramatic sigh. “I have to say. I’m extremely disappointed in you two.”
My lungs pinch, the feeling of him being disappointed in me making my breath hitch. I hate it. And now I’ve dragged Ari in the mix.
“And I only have one question for both of you.” He levels us with a pitiful look of hurt.
