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“Oh, um, I haven’t promised them anything yet.”

“No?”

“No.” She shook her head and all that dark lush hair moved over her shoulders.

“I thought for sure you’d snap it up.”

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t snap it up?” Hope filled her eyes and her smile awaited a return.

“I mean, are you giving me a reason?”

Oh, God. This was what he feared. He didn’t want to hurt Taylor. She was amazing, and he probably was deeply in love with her, but he couldn’t chance it. He couldn’t trust that she’d stay this time. That she wouldn’t resent him for holding her back from her dream. If she left, it would crush him and devastate Cassie. “I can’t, Taye. You saw how Cassie was with my father. She’s worried sick over him. And if you and me didn’t work out, Cassie would bear the brunt of it. She’s already been hurt so much. She couldn’t stand to lose someone else in her life.”

“So, it’s better to just exist? And not really live? There are no guarantees in life, Coop. Remember that. Every time we step outside, we take a risk. Only you won’t take one on me.”

“It’s not that, Taylor.”

She backed up a step and shook her head. “I hope you get what you want out of life, Coop. I really, really do.”

Then she turned and walked away. He watched her until she disappeared down the hospital corridor. There was no doubt she was out of his life now.

He’d pushed her away as hard as he could.

Tears formed behind his eyes.

And every cell in his body ached from the loss.

*

Two days later,Nicole stood facing her reflection in the mirror at Julie’s house, a big grin on her face. Lindsey stood on one side of her and Taylor stood on the other scrutinizing the pale rose wedding gown. It was the final fitting and Taylor scrutinized her work with an expert eye. She’d put her heart and soul in this gown, and she was happy with the results. The fabric, lace overlay and cut of the gown suited Nicole to a T.

“It’s beautiful, Taylor. Just like I’d envisioned it and worth every penny. How can I ever thank you?”

“Just wear the dress in good health, Nicole. That’s all I want.”

Funny, she’d never thought of designing wedding gowns to be so ironic. She made other women look gorgeous on their wedding day, but Taylor wasn’t to have her own happy ending. She’d never design a gown for herself, even though she already knew exactly how she’d create it. The picture was clear in her mind.

“Hmm, I think I’m jealous,” Lindsey said good-naturedly. “You get a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, Nic. And it’s perfect on you.”

“Thanks,” she gushed, an infectious smile spreading across her face. “I think so too.”

“Well, then. All you girls have to do now is walk down the aisle.”

“It’s coming so fast, I can hardly believe it.” Nicole’s mouth formed into a pout. “I sure wish you’d stay on, I’d love to have you come to my wedding.”

“So would I,” Lindsey said. “You’re getting an invitation anyway.”

“I’ll track you down in New York, if I have to,” Nicole added.

The girls welcomed her with such warmth, it almost made her forget her problems and the heartbreak that was wrapped up in one stubborn Texan. “You guys are gonna make me cry.”

A group hug came next, all three of them tearing up and being super careful not to crush the dress.

“Are you leaving as soon as Julie gets back?” Lindsey asked.

“I’m afraid so. I do have a job waiting for me.”

“You do? So you took the position?” Nicole asked.