Page 28 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

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.”

“I’m glad.”

“She’s also pretty sly. Getting us to dance together.”

“Well, you weren’t making the first move.” She batted her eyes at him and he chuckled.

“Miguel’s dad had filled up your dance card.”

“He is pretty light on his feet.”

“And I’m a big oaf?”

“I didn’t say that! You’re doing just fine.”

“Just fine?” Coop got a determined look in his eye and then clutched her tight and twirled her around the dance floor, his steps fluid and graceful and, well, she had no clue he could move like that.

Her head fell back as they swayed and turned to the rhythm, Taylor keeping step with him. It was exhilarating and thrilling, soulful beats living inside her head as she danced. She got lost in the music, in him, and her smile couldn’t spread any wider across her face.

The music ended on a high note, and her head snapped up, coming within an inch of Coop’s face. So close his scent became hers. So close if she’d tugged just a little bit on his neck, their lips would meet. She fell into the blue brilliance of his eyes, so inviting, as if to say come, stay, be .

If only.

Coop seemed lost too, his breaths ragged, his skin heated.

He glanced at her mouth, and she parted her lips.

He inhaled deeply and was about to bring his mouth to hers.

But then he blinked. And in that blink, she saw his retreat.

Saw the way his eyes hardened a bit. He was running. Backing off. She expected it.

And she wasn’t giving up.

“I think I need some air.” She waved her hand, fanning her face. Even though it was spring, she felt the heat down to her toes. “Take a walk with me?”

“Ah…sure. Just let me check on Cassie.”

“Cassie is with your dad.” She gestured to the photo booth. Cassie was wearing a purple feathered boa around her neck and had just wrapped Grandpa Joe up in a red one.

Coop laughed. “Better him than me.”

“Well, we’d better make a run for it, before she nabs you too.”

“Good idea.” Coop placed his hand on her back and led her away from the party.

They walked past peach trees twinkling with starry lights to the orchards beyond, the golden hues of sunset guiding their way.

“I love it here,” she said.

“The orchard is pretty darn beautiful this time of day. And you look just as beautiful, Taylor. I meant to tell you that earlier.”

“But you were too busy avoiding me.”

“I wasn’t avoiding anyone,” he said quietly.

Taylor’s eyes narrowed. He was clueless how obvious he was. “Really? I thought we were friends?”

“We are. We’re more than friends.”

Her eyebrows went up. Was he finally admitting something?

“We’re old friends.”

She slugged him lightly in the arm. “Speak for yourself, old man.”

“Now I’m an old man?”

“Well, you’re thinking like one.”

“This all started because I paid you a compliment.”

She folded her arms across her middle. “I know. You shouldn’t say things like that, unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless you plan on following through.” She gazed at his mouth long enough to make her message ring loud and clear. “By the way, you look devastatingly handsome tonight, Coop.” Then she skipped on ahead and picked a low-lying peach. She turned and tossed it to him. “Heads up, Coach.”

Stunned, Coop barely caught the peach before it hit him in the shoulder.

Okay, so her aim wasn’t the greatest. “Nice save.”

Coop laughed and loosened his tie. It was twilight in the orchard now, the light so dim, she could hardly make out the peach coming at her. Surprised, she lowered her hands for a basket catch—thank you, Grandpa Joe, for the instruction—and the peach dropped into her palms.

Coop’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “Good catch, rookie.”

“Thanks, sometimes I amaze myself.”

He laughed again. “You always amaze me.”

Taylor smiled. “Promise?”

He walked over to her. “Promise.”

“Prove it.” She inched closer to him.

“How?” They were almost nose to nose now.

Taylor opened his palm and placed the peach in his hand. “When life hands you a peach, make peach pie.” Then she walked past him and headed back to the reception, hearing him grumbling about how that didn’t make a lick of sense.

She grinned.

She wasn’t giving up on Coop. Not by a long shot.

*

The first thing Coop thought about on Sunday morning was peaches. Full, ripe, beautiful on the inside and out, peaches. They’d plagued his mind last night too after the reception ended. And wouldn’t you know it, his father had woken up and made them peaches and cream oatmeal for breakfast.

Peaches and Taylor.

Taylor and peaches.

He couldn’t get away from the woman. He wasn’t sure he wanted to, but could he forget how she’d broken his heart as a teen? Could he forgive himself for Francine’s death? Could he risk putting Cassie’s heart in jeopardy?

A knock came at his door, right at nine o’clock. He opened the door to Julie and Miguel and invited them into the house. “You two are up early,” he said, surprised to see them.

“We can’t stay but a minute,” Julie said.

“We’re on the way to the airport. But I couldn’t leave without thanking you in person for the she-shed again.

And it’s just perfect now, thanks to your thoughtful gift, Coop.

That photo frame brought tears to my eyes.

” Julie walked into his arms and hugged him tight.

“Now I’ll always have a part of the gazebo.

And those photos? It’s insane how much I love them.

I don’t think I’ll never forget your kindness, Coop. It really touched me.”

“I’m glad. I’d hoped you would like it. Miguel helped me find the photos.”

“He confessed.” She put her hands on her hips. “You two are way too good at keeping secrets.”

“Guilty as charged, Mrs. Herrera.”

Julie beamed. “I love it when you call me that.”

Cassie and his father walked up and greeted them with hugs.

“Cass, thank you again for being our flower girl,” Julie said.

She nodded. “It was fun. Well, after a while…it was fun.”

“You did great.”

“Where’s Taylor?” Cassie asked.

“Well, she’s saying goodbye to her father. He’s going to the airport later today. Then it’ll just be Taylor and Muffy at the house for the next two weeks. I was hoping,” Julie said, glancing from Cassie, to him, to Grandpa Joe, “that you could look in on her once in a while.”

“Sure, we could do that!” Cassie jumped at the chance.

“Of course we’ll have that gal over for dinner. Make sure she doesn’t get lonely,” his dad said.

Coop kept silent.

“Daddy, can we invite Taylor to my next game?”

All three of them were looking at him, more like ganging up on him. He paused for a second. There was no way out of this. No reason not to be neighborly. “I don’t see why not.”

“Yippee!” Cassie hugged Coop tightly around the waist, her head smashed up against his stomach. “Thanks, Daddy.”

He ruffled the top of her hair. “Sure.”

When he looked up, Miguel was eyeing him carefully. “Coop, can I have a private word with you?”

“Uh, sure. Let’s step out back for a second.”

“Now what are you two up to?” Julie asked, but it was good-naturedly.

“Don’t worry, dear wife,” Miguel said with a wink. “You’d approve.”

Cassie took Julie by the hand. “Wanna see my school project? It’s all about sloths. I got an A on it.”

“I love sloths. And school projects.”

“Yeah, because you’re a teacher and all.”

Coop left the three of them and walked outside with Miguel. Once out of earshot of his daughter, he asked, “What’s up?” Though he had a pretty good idea.

“Listen man, I think we’re pretty good friends, otherwise I wouldn’t be butting in where I’m not wanted. But do you know what you’re doing with Taylor?”

“Me? I’m not doing anything with Taylor.”

“Exactly my point. She’s a keeper, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Coop’s skin prickled. “Should I notice?”

“Yeah, I think you should. Everybody knows what you’ve been through, Coop. But it’s been years and maybe it’s time for you to give yourself a break. Maybe it’s time to take a risk. Taylor isn’t going to break your heart again. She’s not going to leave you high and dry.”

“No? How can I be sure? Just think of what would happen to Cassie if she did?”

“Just think of what would happen to Cassie if she didn’t?”

The man had a point. Cassie idolized Taylor. He’d pretty much bombed out keeping the two from forming a bond. In many cases, he’d unwittingly encouraged it. “Besides, you’re talking as if Taylor was staying indefinitely. She’s not. She’s here only for two more weeks.” And he’d miss her like crazy.

“Unless someone wakes up and stops her from leaving. She loves it here, Coop. And I think if you tried, you could convince her stay. Just saying…”

Coop stared at his friend. He was right. At least, he thought so. But was it the right thing to do?

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.