Chapter 27
Chapter twenty-seven
Cooper
“I’m gone a week and now you’re married with a teenager?” Parker says as he rocks back and forth in the rocker next to me.
My laugh is instant, my shoulders shaking as I move my own chair in rhythm with his.
Parker and I have always been more like brothers than cousins.
He’s only a couple of years older than me, and even though his mom, my mother’s older sister moved them close to the Texas coast when we were only toddlers, he’s spent every summer here at the ranch until he made it pro in the bull riding world.
We traveled all over this state the minute we could drive.
Going to as many rodeos as we could. I enjoyed the ride.
Enjoyed the rush. But my life was here. I always knew that.
But Parker? He had talent and determination like no one I’d ever seen.
Which is why when ranch life called my name, the professional bull riding dream called his.
And I’m damn proud of him and his accomplishments. Even if it does take him all over the country.
“What can I say?” I lift a shoulder. “I’ve always been a family man.”
Parker laughs, his head shaking. “You’ve been a sucker is what you’ve been.”
I scoff, but don’t deny it. I know exactly what he means.
“Was this her idea or yours?” He asks.
When I still don’t answer, he fills the silence. “You’ve always loved her, Coop.” He stops rocking. “You sure this is a good idea?”
“It too late if it isn’t,” I respond. “She needs me. She doesn’t want Arizona in the system. It was the least I could do.”
Parker is the only person I’ve ever revealed my feelings to about Dakota. He knows the truth. He knows she’s been it for me. For years.
“Just don’t want shit going sideways,” he says, looking off at the field across from us.
“Speaking of sideways.” I glance over at him. “How’s Tori?”
His shoulders tense before he shrugs. “Tori.”
I still don’t have a single clue as to why he’s with her. It’s clear as day he doesn’t want to be.
“I don’t know why you don’t just end it, man.” I pull a toothpick from my pocket. “She’s toxic as fuck.”
“That’s an understatement,” he mutters.
“So, what’s the deal?” I press.
“No deal,” he says flippantly.
I call bullshit. No man puts up with someone like her for shits and giggles. And I’m one hundred percent sure it’s not for love.
I pause, gauging on whether I should ask or not. I settle on, why the hell not? “What about Laik...”
“Don’t.” He holds up a hand, his jaw flexing.
“Ok.” I close my mouth. “Off limits. I get it.”
He pushes to his feet. “Just wanted to come by and check in. I’ve got the finals in Vegas in a couple of weeks. Had some down time. I’ll probably go visit mom. Head out tomorrow morning.”
“Alright man.”
I stand to my feet. “Be safe. Keep your head straight. You got this.”
He nods, but the look in his eyes tell me he’s tired. He’s worn. And I wish he’d stop keeping the secrets I know are destroying him.
“Later.” He waves.
I watch as he pulls away, and not long after, I see a familiar Ford coming up the drive. This is how it’s supposed to be. My girl coming home every night. To me.