Page 2 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

T his was the biggest day in Taylor’s life, in recent memory that was.

And the morning called for coffee. She crossed the street, fighting heavy winds, one hand clutching her oversized design briefcase, the other reaching for Coffee Corner’s doorknob.

New York never did anything on a small scale so when a gigantic gust pushed her inside the coffee house she hung on for dear life and came to a quick stop when the door closed behind her.

It was warm inside and homey, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee helping to calm her nerves.

“Look what the wind blew in,” Melanie said from behind the counter, her smile wide.

“Literally, right? I thought it was supposed to be spring.”

“Apparently, the Big Apple didn’t get the memo. So, today’s the day, Taylor. Are you excited?”

“ Jittery is a better word.” Taylor removed her coat, set down her briefcase and shook out her hair.

This morning she’d spiral curled it and spent extra time with her makeup, hoping to make a good impression with the design executives at Boutique Bridal.

Too bad downtown weather wasn’t cooperating.

The wind had gobbled up her curls and spit the strands out into an unruly mess.

“Well, I’ve got your sustenance ready. Two hot vanilla lattes and sweet treats.”

“The cinnamon rolls look amazing, but I think I’m too nervous to eat.” She grabbed one of the lattes and wrapped her hand around the cup. Soothing heat seeped into her fingers as she blew away steam and took a sip.

“Take them to Simone along with her latte,” Mel said. “And your other coworkers. On me. To celebrate your new designs.”

“That’s sweet of you, Mel. But I can’t—”

“Tut, tut, tut,” Mel said, her polite way of shutting her up. “You can. And you will.” She shrugged. “That’s what you get for being my best customer and friend. You didn’t abandon me when they built that giant-sized coffeehouse that shall remain nameless across the street.”

“I promised you, didn’t I? Besides your coffee is better and so are your pastries.”

“Your promise goes a long way. Don’t think I don’t know that you’ve sent customers my way. I really appreciate it, Taylor. More than you know.”

Melanie’s business had dropped off by fifty percent when the competition opened its doors.

Taylor had given her a promise and she’d been supporting her coffee shop ever since. “You deserve it.”

“And you deserve to have your new line of bridal gowns approved. Your talent needs to be recognized.”

One could only hope. She’d gone to design college for four years, studied in Italy for two summers and had worked in retail bridal shops until she’d landed this job.

Her first line of bridal gowns had made a decent showing, but that was when Eric Banning Junior, the son of the owner, had been her boss.

He’d loved her edgy designs. Now, Eric Senior was at the helm again and he’d told her to do what she did best. And she had.

She’d developed a new line of gowns, putting her heart and soul in her work.

Now, all her eggs were in one basket. And she hoped it was enough.

“Thanks for your support,” she told Mel.

Mel nodded. “Hey, why don’t you have a seat and drink your coffee. I’ll package all this up for you. Maybe you’ll get your appetite back when the execs gush all over your designs.” Mel gave her a friendly wink, and Taylor smiled.

“Sounds good, Mel.”

She sat at a café table finishing off her coffee and glanced at the clock.

She had half an hour until her meeting. The butterflies in her stomach took flight again.

She squeezed her eyes closed and her mama’s image flashed in her mind.

Tall and pretty, with a quirky sense of humor and a gift of always saying the right thing, her mama’s wise words were always close, always a part of her.

“Go after your dreams, Taylor. If you want to design gowns, then do it and be happy in your decision.”

And she’d vowed to her mama she would. “I’ll be successful, Mama. I promise you.”

Her mother had smiled then. Because she knew Taylor never broke her promises.

*

Taylor stepped into the conference room at precisely nine a.m. and held her breath as she stared into Mr. Banning’s unreadable eyes. He stood up as she walked in, a lost art for many men, but Banning Senior, as they called him at the office, was always a gentleman.

“Good morning, Taylor. Have a seat.”

She hesitated a second, scanning the empty room.

Where were all the associates? Were they running late?

She took a seat adjacent to the boss at the long conference table.

She gulped quietly. It was daunting seeing her beloved designs displayed on the overhead screen.

She was proud of her work, had spent months and months on these designs, trying to come up with something unique and true to her own vision, while also keeping with the Boutique Bridal brand.

“How are you this morning, Taylor?” he asked.

“I’m fine. A bit nervous.”

“Would you like some coffee?”

“Thank you, but I’ve already had a cup.” Melanie’s coffee was churning in her stomach now.

Something was off, way off.

“Well then, let’s get right to the point. Your work is very well done. You have talent, Miss Preston, and we’ve enjoyed having you as part of our team, but—”

There was always a but and she was afraid this one would change her life, no…it would destroy her life.

She mustered up the courage to ask, “But?”

“I’m sorry to say, it’s not for us, Taylor. The work is, well, too unconventional for our brand. We have to meet client expectations, and though your designs are valuable and well done, they don’t scream Boutique Bridal. In fact, just the opposite. We were looking for something…”

“Unique, was what I was told. The line should reflect something a bit different. That’s what I brought you.”

“Ah, yes. I can see how you might think that. But I’m afraid we’ve decided to take a more traditional route. We like soft curves and detailed lines and what you’ve given us here are sharp points and jagged edges.”

“I can make adjustments to the line if—”

“I don’t think so, Taylor. We’ve already given you two chances at this. And I don’t want to stifle your creative talent.”

“But Eric Junior liked the first line I presented and the sales were good.”

“Yes, that’s true. But my son took some liberties with our brand and I had to return to the company get us back on track. I’m afraid your creative input is not part of the equation.”

“So, you’re…firing me?” The words trailed off, her heart totally shattered.

“We’re letting you go, to pursue your talent elsewhere.

” He rose from his seat. “Take as much time as you need to get your things in order. It was a pleasure having you at Boutique and I wish you the best of luck. Goodbye, Taylor.” He put out his hand and gave her a look that said no hard feelings .

Only she had them. In a major way. Her feelings were hurt. She hadn’t given him jagged edges or sharp points. She’d given him contemporary style, designs that appealed to the current day bride.

She shook his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Banning.”

He gave her a final nod and walked out of the room, leaving her and her nine new designs behind.

She sat there numb. Minutes rolled by and then there was a knock at the door and Simone walked in. She didn’t say a word. She sat down next to her and grabbed her hand. Simone was the best; they’d been immediate friends from day one. She worked in human resources.

“You heard.”

“I’m sorry. Mr. Banning came in to tell me. For what it’s worth, he feels badly.”

“Yet, he still let me go. I was told they wanted something different. Something unique. And they had faith in me to deliver. But they really didn’t want different. They wanted different, but the same . I guess I was a fool for not understanding the code.”

“You’re no fool, Taylor. You’re a major talent. Those designs are amazing. And I’m not just saying it to make you feel better. If I ever get married, I’d wear any one of your gowns with pride.”

She stacked her hand over Simone’s, a layer of friendship that she needed right now. “Thanks.”

“What can I do to help?” she asked.

“You’re doing it.” She gave Simone a wobbly smile. It was all she could manage. “I’ll be…okay. I guess.”

“Why don’t I come over with dinner tonight? We’ll have pizza and watch an old movie.”

“Thanks, Simone. But I’ll take a rain check. I have to figure out…my life.”

“Well, yes you do. And you will. But you don’t have to do it tonight. And you don’t have to do it alone.”

“I guess not. But, suddenly, I’m feeling closed in. Like I need to run. Like I need to get away from New York.” The feeling shocked her.

She’d always thought of the city as her home, her haven and her sanctuary, but right now, claws of indecision, confusion and injury were pawing at her. She’d failed before, but not like this. Not enough to lose her job.

Simone’s dark eyes went soft, not with pity but with understanding.

She’d had a romance go bad, and the breakup had been devastating.

Rejection was rejection and it damn well hurt.

Simone had left town, needing a change of pace, needing to recharge her batteries and gain perspective.

She’d visited her folks in Atlanta, her hometown, and she’d come back with a better attitude, ready to take on the world again.

The only problem for Taylor was that she was home.

New York was where she lived and, up until an hour ago, where she worked. She’d grown up here.

“Didn’t you just finish designing your cousin’s wedding dress?” she asked.

Taylor nodded, not seeing the relevance to the conversation.

“Isn’t that wedding coming up?”

“Not until next month.”

“So, why not visit your cousin Julie a little early? She lives in that small town, doesn’t she? And you’re always saying how much you miss her. She’s been like a sister to you and you’re the same age and—”