Page 25 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

“I, uh…I would love to, Nicole. But the logistics might prove difficult. I’m here only until after the wedding.”

“I see.” Disappointment rang in her voice. “I guess it’s too much to ask.”

“You know when I made Julie’s gown, I fitted it to myself, because we are basically the same size. But with you, all I could do is take your measurements and hope for the best. And I couldn’t promise you a good outcome.”

“Of course. I just thought I’d ask.” Her shoulders pulled down. “I really love that gown.”

A ridiculous thought flashed in Taylor’s mind. And why not? It wasn’t as if she was running home to anything. Making Nicole’s gown would bring her an income and would justify her staying just a little bit longer. “Unless…” she thought out loud. “I stay, just until I can finish your gown.”

Nicole’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Could you do that?”

“I mean, I think I could. If I can get the fabric I need in time, and if it’s okay with Julie. They’d be on their honeymoon, so I could watch Muffy for them. It’s a possibility.”

“Oh, my goodness. That would be so great.” Nicole reached over and hugged her tight, unable to contain her excitement. “Thank you so much.”

“I can’t promise you, it depends on a lot of things falling into place, but I’m going to try my hardest. That I can promise you.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

And after she said goodbye to Nicole, she stood on the porch a long time, deep in thought and surprisingly, felt darn good about her decision.

*

On Thursday evening, Miguel, Julie and her father, Zachary, welcomed Taylor’s dad to their home with heartfelt hugs. “I’m so glad you’re here, Uncle Jay,” Julie said, hugging him tight. “I’ve missed you.”

Her dad looked Julie up and down and shook his head. “It has been a while since we’ve seen each other. Julie, you’re as lovely as ever.”

“It’s good to meet you, sir.” Miguel stuck out his hand and the two men shook. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Same here,” her dad said. “And where else would I be when my favorite niece is getting married?”

Everyone chuckled.

But then, her uncle Zachary looked at her dad and that quick glance acknowledged what they’d been thinking—their wives should be here too, to witness Julie’s marriage.

Both women died way too young and in that one moment the sweeping pain in their fathers’ eyes, the resigned fall of their shoulders, the slight tight twist of their lips spoke of their great loss.

Heartbreak was universal and, right now, it touched each and every one of them silently.

The women had been great wives and mothers, and not to recognize them in this instant wouldn’t have felt right.

Julie and Taylor exchanged glances and knew that this moment was sacred, meant only for thoughts of their moms.

Taylor’s dad was a strong man, steeped in faith and devotion, but when her mother died, it was as if his light had dimmed inside.

Slowly, over time his light had begun to glow again and he was able to enjoy life.

Taylor had grieved for her mom just as hard so she knew what he’d been going through. She was sure it was the same for Julie.

Muffy pawed at her dad’s legs, begging for attention, and he bent to pick her up and give the fluff behind her ears a good scratching. The dog practically cooed. “You’re a good girl, Muffy,” her dad said. All eyes riveted to the dog and the solemn moment was broken.

“You think she’s good? You should’ve seen me chasing her in Julie’s wedding gown on my first day here. This girl,” Taylor said, looking at Muffy and speaking in her baby voice, “will keep you on your toes if you’re not careful.”

“She’s gotten better. Taylor’s a good influence on her,” Julie said.

“Taylor always is,” her father said proudly. “But how on earth did you catch her in a wedding gown?”

“She had help,” Julie explained. “Coop spotted a vision in white running down the street and couldn’t believe his eyes when it was Taylor. He went after Muffy in his truck and then brought them both safely back. It was quite the homecoming.”

And Coop’s first words to her, stuck in Taylor’s head. What poor guy are you running away from this time?

If she was running, she wasn’t going fast enough to stop Coop’s image from flashing in her head at odd times during the day.

She wasn’t going fast enough to halt her emotions from taking a wild and dangerous turn.

And if she was running, then why was the thought of leaving Last Stand piercing her heart so badly?

“So, your friend Coop lives here again?” her dad asked, giving her a glance. Taylor nodded but said no more.

“He does. Matter of fact,” her uncle Zachary said, “he’s outside putting the finishing touches on Julie’s wedding present. He and his crew have built her a she-shed.”

“A she-shed,” her dad repeated. “What a concept.”

“It’s going to be my reading room and library. Would you like to see it?” Julie asked. “That is, if you’re not too tired from your trip, Uncle Jay.”

“I’m fine, and would love to see it.”

“Let’s all go out and take a look, why don’t we?” Miguel suggested.

The pack of them walked out the kitchen door.

Coop turned his head away from the structure several yards away and found Taylor first, his stark blue eyes landing on hers.

Wearing a tool belt over faded jeans, a white T-shirt stretched tight across his chest and his mountainous biceps exposed, Taylor’s breath hitched in her throat.

His eyes alone, when piercing hers, was enough to make her dizzy. The rest was just a bonus.

She put her head down as the group walked over to the shed, yet she sensed his gaze on her still.

“Taylor!” Cassie’s voice broke the moment, thankfully, and she came running over, all smiles.

She wrapped her arms around Taylor’s waist and hugged tight. Taylor’s heart melted just a little bit more.

“Hi, Cass. Working with your daddy again?”

“Yep. I have enough to buy my new mitt now.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m proud of you for sticking with it.” She tugged on Cassie’s braid. “Hey, would you like to meet my dad?”

Cassie bobbed her head up and down. Taylor spun Cass around to face her father.

“Dad, this is Cassie. She’s Ryan Cooper’s daughter. Cassie’s going to be the flower girl in the wedding.”

“You don’t say? Well, nice to meet you, Cassie.” Her father lifted his palm and Cassie high-fived him. Her dad was perceptive and knew the minute he laid eyes on Cass she was a high-fiver and not a hand-shaker.

Coop walked over and immediately put out his hand. “Nice to finally meet you, sir. I’m Ryan, but everyone around here calls me Coop.”

“Well, yes. Hello, Coop. I’m Jay. Glad to meet you. Of course, I’ve heard about you from Taylor. After she’d return from Last Stand, she’d have story after story to tell. Seems to me, you three had some wonderful summers together.”

Coop gave Julie a glance, then looked at her with a wide smile. “Yes, we did. That’s for sure.”

“Daddy is coach on my Tigers baseball team,” Cassie piped up.

“Well, isn’t that just fine. Seems your daddy has many talents.” Her dad looked over at the she-shed. “I hear you’ve finished up on the she-shed.”

“Isn’t it great?” Julie gushed. “Coop did an amazing job.”

“Thanks. It’s just about finished on the inside. You can pop your head in, but the paint isn’t quite dry so be careful.”

All of them took turns peeking in. Taylor loved the interior, with light wood and white bookshelves lining two walls, a counter space for her computer and plenty of room for seating.

The exterior was equally impressive with a porch and sitting area, double glass door entryway and cottage-type windows that welcomed light.

Everyone sang his praises and rightfully so. Taylor loved what he’d created for Julie.

“It’s just perfect,” Julie said, rising up on tiptoes to kiss Coop on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“Hey, where’s mine?” Miguel gave her a crooked smile. “It was my idea.”

“And it’s a wonderful gift. Even if the two of you conspired behind my back to surprise me.

” She gave her fiancé a kiss on the cheek too.

“You’re both the best. Hey, why don’t you and Cassie stay for dinner?

” she said to Coop. “We’d love to have you and there’s plenty of food. Your dad is welcome too.”

Taylor snapped her eyes to Julie. Of course, Julie could invite anyone she wanted to her house for dinner, but Taylor had been trying her best to steer clear of Coop.

And she had for the better part of the week.

She’d been on her computer searching for fabric and driving to neighboring towns, gathering the right material and sequins and lace for Nicole’s wedding gown.

The project gave her something else to think about and she was anxious to get started.

Julie had been thrilled that Taylor was going to stay on for two more weeks, and well, maybe her cousin had been hoping part of that reason was because of Coop.

But it wasn’t. Not really. It was about figuring out her future and needing more time.

Coop eyed her and she couldn’t quite hide the deep frown on her face that said no. Don’t join us. She was being selfish, or maybe just clinging to survival, but it was getting too darn hard to be around him.

“Thanks for the invite, but we can’t. Cassie and I have plans tonight.”

“Daddy! Why can’t we stay? I really, really want to.”

“I know, Cass.” His voice soft, he added, “We have that school project to finish. If you want my help, it has to be tonight.”

“But, Daddy.” Cassie gave Taylor a pleading look that said help me . It made her heart hurt to see the little girl’s disappointment. But she couldn’t help. She couldn’t go against Coop’s decision even though she was fairly sure she’d played a part in him declining the invitation.

“I said no, Cassie. Sorry. Thanks again, Julie. But we’re gonna have to pass this time. You folks have a nice dinner.”

Cassie had a pout on her face, her lower lip quivering as she walked out the door with her daddy.