Chapter 10
Chapter ten
Dakota
I stand at Cooper’s kitchen island, nibbling my lip as his entire family congregates in the living room. I was able to talk him off of the ledge, and back to the ranch instead of the trip to the courthouse that would end in holy matrimony.
“Why are all of these people here?” Ari whispers, her eyes bouncing back and forth from me to the living room.
Ivy had taken her to town and gotten her a handful of things at the closest Wal-Mart while we were meeting with Norman. She has no idea what’s happening and part of me wishes I could explain it to her first.
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 a Sterling is 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.”
Cooper crosses the room and flings an arm over my shoulder. “Dakota and Ari can live here. She’ll have a stable home environment and a support system.”
“Temporarily,” I clarify. “Once I get full custody, we'll have a fall out. A realization that we were always better as friends and divorce. No harm no foul.”
Even saying the words make my stomach churn.
“So basically, we need to be on alert if the court asks questions.” Emmett leans his forearms on his knees. “You’re a fine girl, Dakota. You work hard. Things will fall into place.” Emmett glances around. “We’re family. And we help our own. You need this.” He shrugs. “We’re here to support you.”
Relief sweeps through me. Everyone seems to be on board. Everyone looks agreeable, but Ivy. I don’t miss the concern painted across her face. I can see why. I just blindsided my best friend about marrying her brother.
“So how authentic are we going?" Ruthie grins. “It’s not every day a woman’s son gets married.”
I laugh, my head shaking as Cooper drops his arm. “Nothing fancy for me. A courthouse and a document. That’s all we need. Save the white gown and the sunset ceremony for when Cooper actually marries the love of his life.”
I peer up at Cooper just in time to see him frown.
“Right,” Ruthie says as she pushes to her feet. “Well, I guess there’s only one thing left to say.” Her smile is wide as she opens her arms. “Welcome to the family.”