Page 71 of Every Single Wildflower
She rolls her head to the side to look at me. “Youdidn’t ruin anything, Ivy. And don’t give that bitch so much credit.”
My throat clogs, tears burning my eyes when I think of the things she said.
I would know. He’s fucked me plenty of times.
The look of betrayal on Brady’s face. The anger on Maddox’s. All because of me.
“You and Maddox did nothing wrong,” she assures me.
I nod silently, swiping at a stray tear.
“And don’t worry about, Emily. She’s found other things to occupy her time.”
“Like?” I ask hesitantly.
“For one, growing in that bald spot I left on her head.” She grins.
“Dakota.” My scolding tone makes her giggle.
“She deserved it for hurting my family.”
My heart swells in my chest. Dakota doesn’t have afamily,and I’m honored to be considered for the role.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Always," she says back.
We grow silent, the exhaustion of the night taking over when my phone vibrates.
Maddox: No matter what. I love you.
More tears spill as I send a simple response.
Ivy: I love you too.
I wake up the next morning to a dead phone, and a loud fist pounding on the trailer door. I swear this has become the new norm for my alarm. Dakota groans, so I crawl down, shoving the door open as the sun assaults my eyes. It’s Cooper, his brow furrowed and his face serious.
What now?
“I’ve been calling you since six.”
“My phone died. What’s wrong?”
“Mom called. She’s been at the station all night. They brought dad in for questioning.”
“What?” I blink. “Questioning?”
“About the fire. Apparently, they did it under the guise of just regular questioning, but it turned into an interrogation.”
“Interrogation?” I frown. “They think he did it?”
Cooper tosses a hand up. “I don’t know what they fucking think, but he didn’t do it, Ivy.”
“Ok.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Let me get dressed and we can go get her.”
He nods. “I’ve got the guys lined out. I’ll be by the truck.” He pauses and his eyes veer over my shoulder. “She hungover?”
“A little.” I turn back to hear her snoring softly. “You know, her. She goes big or goes home.”
