Page 62

“How’s my little girl?”

“I’m fine, Dad.”

He gave his head a shake and a wisp of thick gray hair fell onto his forehead. “I know that you’re not.”

“Don’t I look happy?” She plastered on a smile.

“To others maybe, but not to me.” He took her hand, entwining their fingers. “What’s wrong, Taylor?”

“Besides the fact that I don’t have a job?”

“Yes, besides that. That little Cassie is awfully cute. And her father couldn’t peel his eyes away from you.”

“Cassie is a doll, and Coop, well, he’s just a friend.”

“Seems to me, it’s more than that. You two have been friends a long time. You’ve had a history since childhood. I can see that something’s there between you.”

“Maybe, I don’t know. There’s so many things in the way. He’s a widower, and very cautious about letting go. He lives here. I live on the East Coast. Right now, I’m jobless. And, well, I made Mom a promise I’d pursue my dreams and be successful. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”

“Sometimes in life, dreams change, honey. Don’t hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else. I don’t have any answers for you. But I will ask you to do one thing and that’s to be honest with yourself. Be true to the woman you are today. Usually, when you do that, things fall into place.”

“Thanks, Dad. I will.”

“Promise?”

He knew what he was asking. This was a hard one to promise. Being honest with herself could mean heartbreak and she might have to face another kind of rejection. But her father was right. She needed to face the truth about herself and her dreams and what she really wanted out of life.

“I promise.”

He gave her hand a squeeze and then placed a kiss to her cheek.

“Dad?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“So am I, honey.”

*

The wedding rehearsalwent off without a hitch, and after going through a dry run at the church, the wedding party all returned to Julie’s house for dinner. Well, except for Cassie and her dad. They’d come to the rehearsal, Cassie doing her part very well, pretending to toss rose petals along the aisle and taking her place next to the bridesmaids up at the altar, but afterward, Coop had taken Cassie home. He’d told Julie Grandpa Joe wasn’t feeling well and Coop didn’t want to leave him alone for too long. Besides, it was going to be a long day for Cassie tomorrow. There was no arguing with those reasons.

At the house, Taylor took over, giving Julie and Miguel a break from any worries about the dinner. It was their time to shine. Taylor dealt with the caterers, the table rentals and background music. After a lovely three-course meal of sweet kale salad, walnut chicken divan, roasted baby potatoes and yeast rolls, the bride-to-be stood up and gave a toast. “To my dear family and friends, I’m so glad all of you are here to share this special time with Miguel and me. We are humbled and love you all very much. To my father, Zachary, for your love and generosity and for always being there when I needed you. You are the best father in the world. I love you, Dad.”

Taylor’s eyes burned with tears ready to be shed. Tears she tried to hold back.

“And to my wonderful uncle Jay, for making the trip to Last Stand to officiate our wedding. Having you marry us means more than you could possibly know.”

A sole tear dripped down Taylor’s cheek. She was a sucker for sentiment.

“To my bridesmaids, Nicole and Lindsey, your friendship has meant so much to me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being in my wedding. You guys know I love you.” Julie put her head down, sighed and then stared straight at Taylor. “And, lastly, before I turn this over to Miguel, I want to thank my cousin Taylor for being here with me for my special day. She came all the way from New York to help me with our wedding. Our summers together here in Last Stand were special times and as little girls, we’d often daydream about the day we’d marry, planning the day down to very specific details and fantasizing about our dream dress. Well, my dear, talented cousin, you’ve made my dream come true. You’ve designed the most beautiful wedding gown for me, and you’ve helped me so much over these past few weeks. I’ll never forget it. You are truly one of a kind, cousin, and I’m thankful every day I have you in my life.”

Taylor smiled at Julie, her cousin’s sweet words hitting her heart with enough emotion to open the floodgates. Tears streamed down her face, streaking her makeup as they dripped onto the floor. Her shoulders slightly shook. She couldn’t help it. She was mush inside right now and filled with an abundance of love for her family. For Julie most of all. Her cousin who was really a sister to her.

Words wouldn’t come. They weren’t necessary. She blew Julie a kiss and knew her cousin would understand all that kiss meant.

After all the toasts were done, Julie handed out gifts to her wedding party. The girls all received a pair of rose-toned earrings to wear tomorrow for the wedding and the guys received a monogrammed beer stein. Apparently, it was some sort of private joke between Miguel, his two brothers and his father, who was his best man. The entire male half of the Herrera family was in the wedding. It was the way Miguel wanted it. He and his dad had had a rocky road in the past, and according to Julie, having him as best man signified their late, but close bond.