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Taylor scooped the pup in her arms and opened the door surprised to see Nicole there. “Hi!”

“Hi, Taylor. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”

“Not at all, I was just brainstorming with Muffy and we’ve determined that she likes belly rubs a bit more than ear rubs, but she wouldn’t refuse either one.”

Nicole laughed. “I think she’s a wise little girl.”

“Would you like to come in? Julie isn’t here. The lovebirds are running errands right now.”

“Actually, I came to see you.” She ducked her head and blinked a few times.

Curious, she opened the door wider and stepped aside. “Then definitely come in. Things are quiet here at the moment.” She led her to the parlor and they both sat on the sofa. “Would you like a cool drink?”

“No, thanks. I’m good.”

“I can’t believe the wedding is in a few days. All the preparation. We’re finally coming down to the home stretch.”

“I know. The time went by so quickly. Makes me think how fast my wedding is coming up. Which is…why I’m here. I really hate to ask you this…but Julie seemed to think it’d be all right. I don’t want to impose, but I have a favor to ask.”

Taylor figured it had something to do with her wedding gown. She was getting married in September. “You can ask me anything. If I can do something for you, let me know.”

Obviously relieved, Nicole sighed. “Thanks. It’s just that, I fell in love with one of your designs and I, well, I was hoping you’d be able to make my dress for me.”

“Oh.” Taylor blinked, confused. “I thought you had a dress all picked out, Nicole.”

She shook her head. “It didn’t compare to yours. And I have a special request. That is…if you’re willing.” She lifted hopeful eyes to her.

“What would that be?”

“I want my dress to be pale rose. In your design.” Nicole blew out a breath.

“How about we see the design you’re talking about.” Taylor rose to grab her computer. She opened it and logged on, coming up with the folder holding her designs. “Which one do you like?”

“All of them,” Nicole said, “but this one is me.” She pointed to the third design in the layout, an off-the-shoulder gown and sweetheart neck with a side slit trumpet skirt and a scalloped train. The gown was perfect for Nicole’s sleek shape. It showed flashes of skin, but with Nicole’s lithe form, it would look great on her.

“That’s called ‘Chancy.’ Yes, I can see this on you in pale rose. I think it would work nicely.”

“You do?”

“It’s a good choice for you.”

“Do you think you could make it for me?”

“I, uh…I would love to, Nicole. But the logistics might prove difficult. I’m here only until after the wedding.”

“I see.” Disappointment rang in her voice. “I guess it’s too much to ask.”

“You know when I made Julie’s gown, I fitted it to myself, because we are basically the same size. But with you, all I could do is take your measurements and hope for the best. And I couldn’t promise you a good outcome.”

“Of course. I just thought I’d ask.” Her shoulders pulled down. “I really love that gown.”

A ridiculous thought flashed in Taylor’s mind. And why not? It wasn’t as if she was running home to anything. Making Nicole’s gown would bring her an income and would justify her staying just a little bit longer. “Unless…” she thought out loud. “I stay, just until I can finish your gown.”

Nicole’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Could you do that?”

“I mean, I think I could. If I can get the fabric I need in time, and if it’s okay with Julie. They’d be on their honeymoon, so I could watch Muffy for them. It’s a possibility.”

“Oh, my goodness. That would be so great.” Nicole reached over and hugged her tight, unable to contain her excitement. “Thank you so much.”