Page 17 of Every Single Vow
I watch Emmett, Cooper's dad that's been like a second father to me, and Ryder take a seat at the farmhouse table Cooper built. Meanwhile, Ivy and Maddox speak in hushed voices to each other on the couch.
“We have news.” Cooper appears behind me, tweaking my side.
“So we’ve heard.” Maddox leans back, draping an arm around Ivy.
I elbow Cooper as Ruthie, his mother, a practical modern day angel on earth, flutters through the front door, followed by a frazzled Laiken.
“Gang is all here.” Cooper claps his hands.
“Can someone explain what’s going on?” Ruthie immediately crosses the room to my side. “Is this about Arizona?” Her eyes shine with concern.
Apparently, she’s already been brought into the loop. I haven’t had time to call and tell her about my sister, so I’m assuming Cooper filled her and Emmett in.
“Kind of?” I cringe.
Ruthie’s arms wrap me in a warm hug. One that could only be given by a mother who loves her children more than life. I’d never been on the receiving end of one of those hugs growing up. Never had a mom that had an ounce of nurturing ability.
“We will do whatever it takes,” she whispers.
Funny she says that.
“Can I have everyone’s attention.” Cooper coughs, his eyes latching onto mine as he pauses.
I give a subtle nod, my hands curling into tight fists.
This may be a bad idea.
“Dakota and I are getting married,” he states.
Ruthie gasps, her hand coming up to land on her chest.
Ryder snorts, and Emmett looks completely unfazed.
“Not really married,” I sputter out. “I mean like legally it’s real but like.” I motion my finger between me and the cowboy currently narrowing his eyes at me. “Like me and him. It’s not real. It’s fake.”
“Fake.” Ivy says the word slowly before blinking. “I’m really lost here.”
“I offered to marry Dakota. To give her the Mayson name. Let’s just say gaining custody of Arizona as aSterlingis going to be a challenge. She belongs with Kota. I want to make sure that happens.”
At the admission, both Ruthie and Ivy’s eyes fill with unshed tears. I feel emotion clog my throat, but I swallow it down. Suddenly I feel a hand on my arm. It’s Laiken. Her soft and calming energy washes over me. You would think with her natural red locks she’d be all fire and sass, but she’s the complete opposite.
“I’m not taking advantage of him. I’d never do that to your family. I promise.” I clear my throat that’s all of a sudden equivalent to the texture of sandpaper.
“Dakota,” Ruthie scolds. “You know us better than that.”
I want to wince at her expression. She looks hurt. “I will sign a prenup. Whatever needs to be done,” I add.
“Not fucking happening,” Cooper scoffs.
“I’d do one. You never know,” Ryder tosses out from his spot at the table.
“You would you cynical bastard,” Cooper grits out. “I trust Kota.”
Ryder shakes his head but doesn’t say more. To anyone else that would probably sting, but I give Ryder the benefit of the doubt. He’s got his reasons.
“So, what do you need from us?” Ivy asks.
“We need you to play along.” I sigh. “As far as everyone else in this town is concerned. I will be Cooper’s wife.”
