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Miguel shook his hand then and bid him farewell. He was off on a honeymoon with his new wife, the woman who made him the happiest.

Taylor made Coop happy. He couldn’t deny it.

Suddenly, peaches entered his mind again.

When life hands you a peach, make peach pie.

Chapter Ten

At the soundof a knock, Muffy raced to the front door, barking like her life depended on it. It wasn’t because she was such a good watchdog but because she was hoping to find Julie and Miguel on the other side. Her tail was wagging so hard her entire little body shook, waiting. Taylor felt sorry for her. Though they were pals, Muffy missed her true owners.

And it was only Tuesday. Of the first week.

“C’mon, Muffy. Let’s get our pizza. I’ll even give you some of the cheese.”

Once the pizza delivery guy left, Muffy hung her head. It was true, Taylor had been super busy working on Nicole’s gown and hadn’t given Muffy enough attention. What she needed was a playmate. Someone who’d have time for the dog when Taylor was too busy concentrating. This gown had to be perfect, and she was hand sewing the bodice right now. Having the house to herself meant she didn’t have to put everything away at night. Oh, she’d tidy up, but for the most part, she pretty much kept her workspace intact.

After dinner, Muffy set her head on her paws, her face forlorn. Not even pizza cheese had perked her up.

Taylor couldn’t take that sad face another minute. “Okay, Muff. You win. We’re going out.”

Taylor abandoned her work. And as soon as Muffy saw the leash in Taylor’s hand, she bounded up, flapping her tail around like a windmill, creating quite a breeze. “Let’s go, fluffball.”

Taylor locked up the house and out they went, Muffy leading the way. Every ten feet or so, the dog stopped, stiffed, sometimes did her business and then was off again. Taylor didn’t mind the pace. The air was fresh, the evening cooler than most. Before she knew it, Coop’s house was in sight and she spotted Cassie outside on the front lawn throwing a baseball to her dad.

Muffy barked and she shushed her, but it was too late. Cassie turned around and started waving. She said something to her dad and he nodded.

Then Cassie came running over. “Hi,” she said, out of breath.

“Hi, Cass. We’re just going for a walk.”

She nodded and bent down to Muffy’s level. “Hi, Muffy.” She stroked her behind the ears and Muffy rewarded her with doggie kisses. Cassie giggled.

“You’re still gonna need a bath tonight, no matter how much Muffin cleans you up,” Coop said, coming to stand beside Taylor.

“I know, Daddy.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “She’s kissing me, not cleaning me.”

Coop met her eyes and they both grinned. “Hey,” he said. “Going for a walk?”

“Yes, Muffy decided we both needed to see the light of day, well, before the day ends.”

“Working hard, huh?”

She nodded. “I tend to lose myself in my work.”

“I get that.”

“Only problem is, I feel sorry for Muffy. She’s finding out, I’m no party.”

Coop shook his head. “You’re a party and a half, Taylor.”

She stared at him for a second, noting his sincerity and warmth spread throughout her body. “Not according to the dog. I’m afraid I’m neglecting her. I think she could use a pal.”

“Another dog?” he asked.

“Nope, just someone to come play with her.”

“I could do it!” Cassie piped up. “Daddy, I could. I could go over after school.”