Page 10 of Every Single Vow
I study her face. She puts on a front, but I can see the fear in her eyes. The uncertainty. The scared little girl inside.I see me.
The silence hangs, and my chest tightens.
“Dakota,” she says quietly.
It’s the first time she’s actually addressed me.
“Yeah?”
“I know it’s a lot to ask but, could you…. could you not send me back?” She holds my stare.
Blue eyes.
Dark hair.
A neglected soul.
And the answer is crystal clear. I might not know how it’s going to work, and I might end up being a really crappy sister, but there’s no way I’m sending this child anywhere.
She came to me. And I’m going to do what my mother should have done in the first place.
Love her.
The door to the cabin opens, and Cooper steps in. I have to swallow past the lump in my throat at the feeling of security that washes over me.
“Hey girls. Get you plenty to eat Arizona?” He asks.
“Yep,” she answers.
“The waffles? Best you ever had right?” He grins.
She scoffs. “Please. You obviously haven’t been to the Lilly Pad Motel continental breakfast.”
I let a laugh bubble up. This girl has wit. I like it.
“You wound me, Ari.” He holds a hand to his chest.
“Truth hurts.” She swings her legs from the barstool. “Mind if I shower? I was too exhausted last night.”
“Not at all.” Cooper slips off his hat, hanging it on the dining chair. “Take your time.”
Arizona leaves the kitchen, and sudden tears spring to my eyes.
“Hey, Hey. What’s this?” Cooper moves to me immediately, his arms already reaching for me.
I step into them, the warmth causing the tears to spill over. “She…what she’s been through.”
“What did she tell you?” He runs a hand up my back.
“Enough.” I sniff. “If she really has no one….” I lean back, and peer up at him. “I know I’m not mother material. I know I’m impulsive and can’t keep up with my own ass if it wasn’t attached.” I close my eyes. “But she needs someone, Cooper.”
I feel his thumb swipe at one of my tears.
“She needs me,” I croak.
“Okay then.” His palm slides down my arm. “Let’s see what we need to do.”
We.
