Chapter 60
Chapter sixty
Cooper
I have to cover my mouth with my hand, clearing my throat when Dakota steps in my line of sight. My father escorts her toward me, a bright smile painted on her pretty face. I feel Maddox clap a hand on my shoulder as I blow out a breath.
The soft music flows from a speaker somewhere in the yard, the instrumental melody filling the air.
When Dakota reaches me, my dad places a kiss on her cheek, then places her hand in mine.
He nods his head at me, and I move my gaze to hers.
Those blue eyes I fell in love with all those years ago shine back at me.
I love you she mouths, her eyes sparkling.
I mouth the words back as Ernie steps up next to us.
“I’m getting Deja Vu,” he says before a chuckle vibrates from beneath his sweater vest.
The crowd laughs, and I wink at Dakota.
Ernie flips open his bible, then begins the ceremony.
I don’t really pay attention. All I can do is stare at the woman I have the privilege of calling my wife.
A woman that is now a mom. A woman who looks like the dark shadow that’s always followed her is long gone, and she’s free to soak in the light.
“If I remember correctly. You said your vows last time.” Ernie gives Dakota a pointed look. “Do you have yours this time?”
“I don’t think we need to repeat those, Ernie.” I smile. “I think we meant them the first time.” I take both of her hands in mine. “I know I did. Every single vow.”
“Okay then. The rings?”
We both take the rings from Ivy and Maddox, doing the exchange the same as before. Only this time, I have one more ring in my pocket.
I peer around Dakota. “Arizona could you come up here please?”
She points at her chest. “Me?”
“Yeah, you.” I chuckle.
She slips around Laiken, then walks up to stand next to Dakota.
Kota grips her hand in hers, her eyes full of tears.
I crouch down. “Today I’m not just making a promise to Kota.
I’m making one to you.” I pull out the small silver ring.
“You may not have been with us since birth, but you came into our lives in the most unexpected and perfect way. Like you were always meant to find us. We love you. And I want to give you this to symbolize that I vow to be everything a father should be. I vow to love you. To teach you. And to run off any hairy legged boy with a shot gun that asks you on a date.”
Laughter erupts, and Ari smiles, but tears still stain her cheeks. She reaches out to take the ring, sliding it on her finger.
“Thank you,” she says before launching herself in my arms. “I love y’all too.”
When she pulls away, she wraps her arms around Dakota, before she goes directly to Ivy’s side, I push back up to my feet while Dakota smiles at me, her head shaking in awe.
“Well, if there is nothing else. By the power vested in me by the state of Texas, you are once again, pronounced husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
This time my girl is ready. I take off my hat, wrap an arm around her waist, and kiss the woman of my dreams.