Page 40 of Every Single Vow
I shrug. “He said it’s just talk right now, but he wanted us to have a heads up. In case they come looking.”
“Dad’s going to flip.” He sighs. “He’s finally calmed down after the fire.”
“I know.” I dip my chin. “We can always fight it.”
His phone pings inside his pocket and he slides it out with annoyance.
“Everything ok?”
“Yeah, it’s just Doc,” he says, thumbing a quick reply. “Got a heifer I need him to look at.”
The fact he still has frequent contact with our vet, Perry Palmer always makes me want to ask questions. I’m sure he brings about memories Ryder would like to forget, but we’ve all been very awarethattopic is off limits.
“She bred?” I ask.
“Yeah.” He pushes to his feet. “About yesterday. That fucker Joseph bothers Dakota again, you say the word. I’ll handle it.”
There’s that brotherly love.
“Thanks, man.” I nod.
After he leaves, I do my rounds and meet up with the guys on the plans for today. The stalls need cleaning, and the fences checked for when we move the herd at the first of next week. It’s almost nine by the time I line everything out and head back to the house to check on my girls.My girls.It’s weird they already feel like mine. Mine to protect. To take care of.
I’m smiling like a goon at the thought when I open the door to the cabin, but that smile is replaced with compete shock at the sight before me. The living room looks like a supply closet exploded. Bottles of Lysol wipes are tossed throughout the room, accompanied by multiple bottles of Windex. The sink is full of dishes, the curtains off the windows, and all the bath towels arepiled in the kitchen floor. My gaze scans over the mess, my eyes catching on Ari who stands at the dining room window, a rag in one hand as she mindlessly circles it in one spot with wide eyes.
I frown. “What the heck is going on here?”
Arizona moves her eyes to the other side of the room. “Ask her.”
A curse sounds from the hallway before Dakota comes barreling around the corner, cloaked in yellow rubber gloves, and one of my white t-shirts. A red bandana covers her dark hair, keeping it from her makeup free face. Her blue eyes frantically meet mine.
“Kota.” I point to the state of the living room. “Explain.”
“The social worker called.” She shifts on her bare feet, her purple toenails bright against the dark flooring. “They’re coming tomorrow morning.”
“Ok….” I draw out.
“I’m cleaning.” She swipes her forehead with the sleeve of my shirt.
My hand brushes along the back of my neck. “Baby, this is chaos, not cleaning.”
She huffs, her cheeks blushing because I just realized I called herbaby. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“I just…panicked!” Her arms wave in the air. “It needs to be spotless. Perfect!”
“Ok, everything’s fine.” I start toward her.
“Everything is not fine, Cooper!” She shrills. “We didn’t even have time to get the minivan.”
“I’d rather take my chances with the sketchiest uber in this state than ride in a minivan,” Arizona says as she tosses her rag on the counter. “And I agree with Papa C. This is chaos.”
“Papa C?” I question.
She grins. “Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
“Y’all are not helping.” Dakota stomps her foot. “Hellooooo. We need the forces.”
Moving quick, I bend, scooping her up and over my shoulder.
