Page 91 of Every Single Vow
“I don’t think we need to repeat those, Ernie.” I smile. “I think we meant them the first time.” I take both of her hands in mine. “I know I did. Every single vow.”
“Okay then. The rings?”
We both take the rings from Ivy and Maddox, doing the exchange the same as before. Only this time, I have one more ring in my pocket.
I peer around Dakota. “Arizona could you come up here please?”
She points at her chest. “Me?”
“Yeah, you.” I chuckle.
She slips around Laiken, then walks up to stand next to Dakota.
Kota grips her hand in hers, her eyes full of tears.
I crouch down. “Today I’m not just making a promise to Kota. I’m making one to you.” I pull out the small silver ring. “You may not have been with us since birth, but you came into our lives in the most unexpected and perfect way. Like you were always meant to find us. We love you. And I want to give you this to symbolize that I vow to be everything a father should be. I vow to love you. To teach you. And to run off any hairy legged boy with a shot gun that asks you on a date.”
Laughter erupts, and Ari smiles, but tears still stain her cheeks. She reaches out to take the ring, sliding it on her finger.
“Thank you,” she says before launching herself in my arms. “I love y’all too.”
When she pulls away, she wraps her arms around Dakota, before she goes directly to Ivy’s side, I push back up to my feet while Dakota smiles at me, her head shaking in awe.
“Well, if there is nothing else. By the power vested in me by the state of Texas, you are once again, pronounced husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
This time my girl is ready. I take off my hat, wrap an arm around her waist, and kiss the woman of my dreams.
Epilogue
Dakota
Three weeks later
“Where’s Ari?” I ask, stepping into Cooper’s office.
“Her and Ryder rode out to the ridge,” he says, glancing up from his desk.
“I’m speechless.”
He leans back in his chair. “I think it’s hilarious.”
I walk inside, then perch on the edge of his desk. “I think she’s going to break him out of his shell.”
“I think he just finally realized she won’t take no for an answer.” He moves his legs, wheeling over to position himself in front of me.
“I don’t know. Ryder may not be as grumpy as he lets on.”
“Oh, believe me. He’s grumpy as fuck.” Cooper laughs before his hands land on my thighs. “You know." He runs his palms up higher, ghosting his fingertips very close to the seam on my jeans. “Everyone is out right now. We have this barn all to ourselves.”
“Oh really?” I lean back to rest my hands on his desk. “What do you suggest we do about it?”
He grins, pushing up from the chair to cradle my face. “I think I should strip you down.” He presses a kiss to my lips. “Bend you over this desk.”
I nip at his lip, my hand sliding over the denim of his pants. He’s hard as steel.
It’s been a little tricky to navigate alone time while living with a teenager. She’s not naïve and we’d like to not scar her for life if possible.
His lips slant over mine, his tongue stroking against me as I unbutton his pants and pull down his zipper.
