Page 23 of Every Single Vow
Dakota crouches down, her arms open as he launches himself at her. “You look reallllly pretty.”
“Aren’t you the sweetest.” She presses a kiss to his forehead. “You wrangle any horses without me?”
“No.” He leans back and pouts. “Mom won’t let me. She says six years old is tooyoungto be by myself.”
“Well, she’s kind of right.” Dakota tickles his sides. “Plus. I need my partner in crime.” He giggles as Laiken steps forward.
“Alright buddy. Let’s get inside.”
“Y’all go ahead.” I hold open the door as everyone files in, leaving me and Dakota alone in the hallway.
She watches me, her posture a little tense. “You ready for this?”
She nods, her hands wringing together. “I think so.”
Reaching for her hand, I intertwine her fingers with mine. “Keeping my word.”
With a deep breath we enter into the room, slowly walking toward Ernie who stands at a podium. Once we make it to thehypothetical altar, he gives us both a quick glance before he begins the process.
“Join hands please,” he instructs.
I face Dakota, taking her hands in mine. I can tell she’s anxious, so I slide my thumbs back and forth in a rhythmic motion. I’m not really paying much attention to Ernie. I’m focused on those beautiful blue eyes. Those perfect lips.
“Cooper, it’s time for your vows. Repeat after me.” Ernie holds up a hand, but I interrupt.
“Actually, Ernie. I’d like to say my own vows.” I meet his eyes before moving mine back to Dakota.
She looks panicked. “Cooper. I didn’t…” she whispers but I shake my head.
“I wanted to do this.”
I spent all night thinking about this. If this was my only chance to be her husband, I was going to be the best one she ever had. And I may never get the chance to tell her how I feel. Not really.
Ernie gives me the go ahead, so I let mine and Dakota’s eyes latch onto each other again.
“Kota, I vow to always see you. To protect you when you feel vulnerable. To listen to you when you need your voice, and to believe in you when you can’t find the strength to believe in yourself. I vow to always be your safe place. To be your best friend, and to love you with no conditions. No boundaries and no expectations. I might not always be perfect, but I sure as shit will never stop trying to be for you.”
Chuckles filter through the room followed by Trace’s small voice whisperinghe said a bad word.
When I finish, Dakota’s eyes glisten as she swallows thickly. Her thumbs swipe in tandem with mine, brushing the side of my palms.
Ernie glances at Dakota. “Dakota, your vows.”
She opens her mouth, but closes it when a tear leaks down her cheek. Inhaling deeply, she manages to grab a hold of her voice.
“What he said,” she croaks out.
More chuckles echo through the room again, and Dakota lets out a laugh mingled with a quiet sob. I can’t contain my own laugh as my shoulder shake slightly.
“Well, Dakota. Do you take this man to be your husband?” Ernie asks.
She stares at me, a smile tugging at her lips. “I do.”
“Cooper, do you take Dakota to be your wife?” Ernie addresses me.
“I do,” I answer.
“Do you have the rings?” He asks.
