Chapter 49
Chapter forty-nine
Dakota
Crap.
I give a sympathetic look to the group, before I go after Ari.
My heart breaks at the thought of making her cry.
Was it too much? Did she hate birthdays?
The sounds of her sniffles lead me to the barn, where she’s leaned against the stall, petting Rebel.
Cooper had mentioned he saw her sneaking down here, but I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
And right now, she reminds me more of myself than she ever has.
Sneaking down here to see these horses was my safe haven.
“Hey,” I say gently. “You ok?”
Her eyes are trained on Rebel, a few tears rolling down her pink cheeks. “I’m sorry.”
“What do you have to be sorry for?” I lean against the wall to the tack room and cross my arms. “If I overstepped, I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t.” She sniffs.
“Talk to me,” I urge softly.
“I just…” she sighs, then turns to peer at me over her shoulder. “I’ve never had a birthday party before.”
Oh, my heart.
“Or a cake. Or balloons.” She pauses. “A family.”
“Ari.” I take a step and wrap my arms around her. “It’s ok.”
“I’m sorry I ran. I don’t like anyone to see me cry,” she admits.
“Reminds me of someone else I know.” Cooper saunters over, his big arms coming out to wrap around us both. “What has my girls crying in the middle of the barn?”
“Just a little overwhelmed,” I whisper.
He shoots me a wink over her head. “I’m a little wounded you didn’t like my balloons. I practically gave up a lung to make that arch.”
Arizona chuckles and untangles from my grasp. “I love the balloons, Papa C.”
“Good.” He squeezes her shoulder. “You alright? We don’t have to go back in if you don’t want to.”
“I do.” She nods.
“She just needed a minute,” I offer.
Ari’s blue eyes shine with moisture as she swipes at her face. “Ok. I’m ready.”
“And only because it’s your birthday.” I give a pointed look. “There’s a pizza with an ungodly amount of pineapple on it calling your name.”
Her smile brightens. “Sick.”
“There’s not a single piece left,” Ruthie says as she gathers up the empty pizza boxes.
“I’m pretty sure Ryder ate an entire box by himself,” Ivy says before elbowing him in the ribs.
“I was starving. Try being up all night with a sick heifer,” he grumbles.
We spent the last two hours eating, laughing, and watching Arizona open her gifts.
It was so heartwarming to see her genuine smile and gratitude.
She hugged every neck, even Christine when she got here.
We were able to introduce Christine to the whole family, and even with the shadow of my father lurking, I think she sees how well Ari fits with us.
“Ok. We have one more gift,” I announce, smiling at Cooper.
He shoots me a wink, then opens the front door. “Follow me.”
Ari follows, as I slowly lag behind, walking the path back to our house. How we managed to pull off a complete room remodel in the small amount of time we had available was a miracle. All thanks to Emmett and Ryder.
When Cooper leads her inside, she glances over at me in confusion. “Are we going to the guest room?”
Cooper presses a palm against the bedroom door. “Nope. We’re going to your room.”
Ari freezes when she steps into the doorway.
A brand new dresser sits on the back wall, which is a beautiful pale blue.
The new bedspread is a quilt material with lightly painted feathers.
Whips of colors and strokes of a paintbrush decorate the material to give it an artistic vibe.
A new drawing desk sits in the corner, along with a lamp and a new sketchbook with a set of pencils.
And the kicker, which I haven’t even seen until now, is the frames.
My throat swells when I see the three framed drawings hanging on the wall.
“Coop,” I whisper.
His fingers intertwine with mine as Ari and I stare at her drawings.
One is of Rebel. A beautifully shaded drawing of his profile.
The other is of Buster as he drinks from a trough.
Then the last one, the one that has tears forming in my eyes is of me and Arizona.
We’re walking on what appears to be two different roads, but one arm is outstretched, our fingers linking over the space.
“Ari, these are beautiful.” I blink.
“Those are my favorites.” Ari looks back to Cooper. “How did you know?”
“I see you, Ari,” he says simply.
“Thank you.” She gives a watery smile. “It’s perfect.”
Before I can reply, she spins around, her arms flinging up as she dives at us. Laughter echoes between us as we hug our girl.
“This is the best birthday ever,” she whispers.
I grin. “And guess what?”
She pulls her head back. “What?”
“It’s not over yet.”