Page 67

“And speaking of special, Julie wore your wedding gown to perfection. I didn’t miss the gasps from the wedding guests when Julie first appeared. You are very talented, Taylor. It’s nothing new, but seeing Julie in something you designed is the icing on the cake.”

Rarely did Taylor get the chance to see her designs in action during the actual wedding, so her dad was right, this one was super special. Because it was Julie and also because Taylor could witness the bride in one of her designs in real time.

“Thank you. I’m pretty happy about how it turned out. I’m sort of a perfectionist.”

“And it shows, honey.”

A short time later, dinner was called. Taylor sat at the head table along with the rest of the wedding party, being paired up with Mr. Alberto Herrera. She and Miguel’s father made light conversation during the meal and afterward it was time to dance.

The DJ didn’t hold back, his playlist designed in part by Miguel and his heavy metal tendencies. When a more gentile song played, obviously Julie’s choice in music, Alberto asked Taylor to dance. He took her hand as they made their way to the dance floor and together they moved to the soft rock tune. He was light on his feet and a wonderful partner.

Soon the dance floor filled up, Julie and Miguel taking center stage. It was fun being on the floor with them, seeing the joy in their eyes, seeing them cut loose.

Her feet aching, she finally took a seat after three dances with Alberto. As she glanced around, she didn’t have to look hard to find Coop sitting at the table with Cassie. He’d danced with his daughter a few times, but in between he’d been bombarded with women, young and old, asking him to dance. He’d converse with them for a little bit, but he’d never once accepted their offer. The handsome widower attracted women like bees to honey. She’d love to say it didn’t bother her, but who was she kidding? If she were a cat, her claws would be out. Although, Grandpa Joe didn’t have a hard time accepting dance offers. He’d been on the dance floor quite a bit tonight.

Miguel walked over and asked her to dance. “The groom would like a dance with the MOH.”

Taylor chuckled. “You’ve got the jargon down, don’t you?’

He smiled. “I’m trying.”

When he put out his hand, she was happy to take it and soon she was being whisked around the dance floor. “It’s an amazing night,” she said to him. “Is it everything you’d hoped it would be?”

“As long as Julie’s happy, I’m happy. But yes, we’re having a good time.”

“You know what they say, Miguel. Happy wife, happy life.”

“I have learned that valuable lesson.”

“Then Julie’s a very lucky girl.”

“I won’t disagree.”

Just then, Taylor felt a tap on the back. She turned to find Cassie there. The little girl smiled wide, her eyes twinkling. “I’d like to cut in. For a dance with Miguel please.”

Coop stood directly behind his daughter and when their eyes met, Coop gave her a helpless look. Cassie sure was a sly one. “Sure, you can cut in. Miguel, I bet you’d love a dance with this little flower girl.”

“I certainly would,” he said, taking Cassie’s hands. “Let’s do this.”

The photographer was busy snapping photos, following Miguel’s every movement, and when Taylor swiveled around, Coop was there offering his hand. “Want to dance?”

Sometimes in life, dreams change.Her father’s wise words rang in her ear. She walked into Coop’s arms, no longer cautious. She had an adventurous spirit and tonight she was going to let it fly. “I’d love to.”

Coop held her tightly, his hand splayed over her back, keeping her close. She breathed in his scent, a combination of earth and man. It was so very appealing and familiar. She didn’t want to scare him, or push him, but it was clear to her what she wanted in life now. And it wasn’t a new job in New York. It wasn’t to be renowned in her field. After seeing Julie in her gown today, she figured out what made her happiest was to bring her clients joy by designing a gown with all the personal touches that make it special for the bride.

“You’re deep in thought,” Coop said, staring at her.

She liked being the focus of his attention. “I’m just happy.”

He pulled back. “You are? Did you get a job?”

“No, silly. I’m happy for Julie and Miguel. And all…brides.”

“All brides?” His brows gathered, puzzled.

“Never mind. It’s a girl thing. Cassie seems to be doing fine. She’s having fun.”

“Yeah, thanks to you. Whatever you two talked about brought her out of her shell.”