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“I’ll get her,” Taylor said. “No need to delay you any longer. Thanks again.” She reached in just as the dog leapt into her arms.

Traitor.

Taylor held the puppy firmly under her arm and began walking toward the house. He was two steps behind her and when she turned, her brows gathered in puzzlement. “We’re fine now, Coop. You don’t have to—”

“I was heading to Julie’s when I spotted you.”

“Oh, uh. To see me?”

He supposed it was only natural for her to think that. “I have an appointment with Miguel.”

Pink color touched her cheeks again. He recalled her getting flustered a lot when they were younger. He used to think she was a sissy, until that last year, when he found her blushing totally adorable. It still was pretty darn cute.

“Miguel isn’t here right now. He had some car trouble and Julie went to pick him up.”

“That’s okay. I’ll wait,” he said and when she stepped into the house, he followed her inside.

She put the dog down and made sure the front door was sufficiently shut and locked behind him.

She smiled. “Don’t want another escape on my watch.”

“That’s probably wise.”

“So, uh, would you like to sit down?” she asked.

“I will in a second. So, is that Julie’s gown you’re wearing?” There were smudges on the front of the dress, along with a hem that had picked up a lot of Texas red dirt.

“Yes.”

“Your design?”

“My design. I was trying it on for her when she got the call from Miguel. She took off quickly.”

“And left the door open?”

She nodded and shot daggers at the dog lying lazily by the fireplace now. “That little booger sure can run fast.”

He chuckled, finding the lopsided veil on her head, the crumpled mess of a gown and her particular expression right now pretty darn comical. As least some things about Taylor hadn’t changed. She could still make him laugh. “She did give you a run for your money. Good thing I came along when I did.”

“Yeah…good thing.” Though when he’d driven up, she’d looked anything but happy to see him.

Their eyes met and he couldn’t quite look away. “Are you sure you can clean the dress?”

“I’m sure. It’ll look like new when I’m through with it.”

“You’re talented, Taylor,” he said, removing his smile. He meant it.

“I, uh…apparently I’m not talented enough. I got fired,” she blurted. Eyes wide, her hand went to her mouth and the rosy color came back to her cheeks. “I can’t believe I just told you that.”

Voices coming from the front door put them on alert. “Oh no. They’re back. Miguel can’t see this dress,” she told him as she scrambled behind him. “Hide me.”

“Hide you?” What on earth?

Taylor’s arms came around his torso, and she pressed the side of her head to his back. She was using him as a visual blockade. “Isn’t it that the groom can’t see thebridein her wedding gown?”

“I’m not taking any chances with Julie’s happiness,” she whispered.

“Miguel,” she called out. He was almost fully inside the house now. “Close your eyes! Please.”