Chapter 28
Chapter twenty-eight
Dakota
I’m nervous. For multiple reason. For one, the note from yesterday.
The one I tucked into my back pocket, then hid in my underwear drawer as soon as we got home.
It could have been from anyone. My father had managed to make our family a lot of enemies, and it’s not the first time someone had been a little over the top.
Seeing as I haven’t been notified of my father’s release, it can’t be him.
I wouldn’t even put it past that asshole Joseph.
I walk away from the window, then fluff the pillows one more time because apparently throw pillows are a deal breaker in a custody decision.
I’m slowly losing it.
“What did those pillows ever do to you?”
Cooper comes into the living room, looking way too good for someone I’m supposed to not want to see naked.
When I glare at him, he chuckles before he places his hat on top of his damp hair.
“When is she coming?” He asks.
The crunch of gravel sounds outside and my eyes widen. “Now.”
Cooper smooths his shirt down, before he strides over to me. “Relax, Mrs. Mayson.” He presses a quick kiss to my temple. “We got this.”
If I wasn’t already completely and utterly in love with this man, I am now.
Arizona comes from the guest room, a sketch pad gripped in her hands. “Time for the show?”
“She’s here.” I motion to the door.
“Ready?” Cooper asks.
“Totes,” She chirps.
“Totes?” Cooper mocks.
“Totally,” she confirms before a knock sounds at the door.
I check my outfit one more time. I changed out of my typical cropped t- shirt and Wrangler jeans for something that says I’m guardian material and not I can shotgun a beer in three seconds flat.
Moving to the door, I open it with a smile as I come face to face with a woman in her late forties. Her brown hair is twisted up in a clip, and she’s dressed in a pair of tan slacks with a ruby red blouse.
“Hi. I’m Christine. We spoke on the phone,” she greets.
Relief hits me at the fact she’s not from Mayson Ridge. Thank goodness.
“Of course.” I step aside. “I’m Dakota.” I wave her in. “Please come in.”
“I’m Cooper Mayson, ma'am.” Cooper removes his hat as he holds out a hand. “Dakota’s husband.”
My cheeks heat, the casual way the introduction rolls from his lips, making me wish he could drag me around town and say it all day long.
“Nice to meet you.” Christine moves her eyes to Arizona. “And you must be Arizona. I’m Christine.”
Arizona waves with a brief “hi” before she goes back to her sketch pad.
Christine brings her focus back to us. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you.” Cooper presses his palm to my lower back.
“Well, maybe you can show me around and we can talk about what your plans are for Arizona?”
“Ari. Let’s go check the horses while Dakota and Christine do a tour,” Cooper suggests.
“Sure.” She hops down from the barstool.
Once they leave, Christine follows me through the house. “So, you are Arizona’s sister, correct?”
“Yes. We have the same mother,” I answer before we move through the kitchen.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she says as we come to the guest room.
“Thank you.” I gesture to the room. “This is where Arizona is staying. This is her room.”
Christine scans the area before she faces me. “As her only living relative, you have a great chance of getting full custody if that’s the goal.”
“It is.” I wring my hands together. “I don’t want to be too blunt, but my mother was not the most reliable parent, and I want to make sure Arizona is loved and cared for the way every child deserves.”
She smiles, before glancing down at the clipboard in her hand. “Would she attend Mayson Ridge middle school?”
“Yes.” I nod. “Her education is very important to us.”
She nods, jotting something down. “As from what I’ve seen, I’m comfortable recommending granting temporary custody.
This would mean Arizona would be temporarily placed in you and your husband’s care by a judge, then there would be more extensive research done to be sure this is the safest and best option for her. Arizona’s well being is top priority.”
“I agree.” I move back to the living area, letting her follow. “What exactly is the timeline for something like that?”
“It depends. As long as there are no hiccups it could be a few weeks. Or a few months.”
“Ok.”
“In my experience, next of kin is usually the best option.” She tucks her clipboard under her arm. “I do want to ask about her emotional state. The death of a parent can be overwhelming to a child her age.”
“She’s doing ok. She hasn’t broken down crying or had an emotional breakdown yet. She seems very mature for her age, which makes me believe she had to grow up a little quicker than she should have.”
“You don’t realize how often I see that. It’s sad.” Her eyes soften. “I can recommend a child therapist that is very effective and affordable.” She pulls a card from her pocket. “Might be worth a call.”
“Thank you.” I take the card. “I’m actually wanting to try something. I work with the child advocacy center twice a month. They bring a group of kids out to the ranch for equine therapy. You would be surprised at what a horse can do for a child that a human never could.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” She smiles.
My chest feels lighter as we make it to the door. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a quick chat with Arizona before I leave.”
I smile, my heart finally feeling the lightest it’s felt in days. “Not at all.”