Page 29 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

A t the sound of 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.”

Coop scratched his head. “Well, I don’t know about that. What about practice?”

“That’s only once a week.”

“And your games. You have a game on Thursday. And your homework.”

“Daddy, please, I promise I’ll get it all done. It wouldn’t be any different than when I came over to Julie’s to help you after school. Only, this time, I’ll be helping Taylor.”

“I could walk her home,” Taylor offered, liking this idea more and more.

Coop took a breath as he glanced at Taylor. “I have an idea. Why don’t you come over for dinner tomorrow night? Bring Muffin for a trial run. We’ll see how well Cassie and Muffin do together.”

“Dinner?”

He nodded. “You know, when you open your mouth and put food in.”

“You are so funny, Coop.”

“So I’ve been told. Well?”

“Okay by me. What time?”

“Dinner is at six.”

“That sounds good. I’ll be there.”

*

The next night, Grandpa Joe greeted her at his door at precisely six o’clock.

“Hi.” She held Muffy in one arm and handed Joe a dish. “Marble pound cake, for dessert.”

“Ah, thank you. Looks good.”

As soon as Taylor set Muffy down, the dog began sniffing Joe’s loafers, the floor and furniture. “Sorry about that. She’ll settle down once she inspects the place.”

“No problem. Muffy is welcome anytime. I like dogs.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Cassie is finishing up her homework and Coop is getting washed up. Come in, dinner is almost ready.”

“Thanks, something smells really good.” The place had a garlicky aroma that invited her in and made her mouth water.

“Spinach lasagna. Gotta get Cassie to eat her veggies somehow. Trust me, you’re gonna like it. Come into the kitchen. You can help with the salad.”

“I’d love to.” She liked the way Joe included her, rather than treating her like a guest. It had been that way for as long as she could remember.

In the kitchen, she cut up tomatoes and cucumbers, tore romaine lettuce, and made a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar with herbs and Romano cheese.

“I see my dad’s got you working the kitchen.”

She looked up from her task at the island counter to find Coop, just out of the shower, she presumed, wearing a bicep-bulging T-shirt that said “Coach,” smelling like soap and looking refreshed.

His hair was still damp and combed off his face.

She always found the locks curling at his nape pretty cute. Gosh, he’d hate that she thought that.

“I’m happy to do it.”

Muffy was sniffing Coop and wagging her tail. He was more a sucker for this dog than he let on. “Dad went all out tonight. Lasagna. It’s his personal best.”

“Anything for our Taylor.”

“Thanks, Joe,” she said, humbled.

Coop picked up a piece of garlic toast and took a bite. After he chewed thoughtfully, he pointed to the basket. “Want one?”

“I’ll wait until dinner.” It was truly fascinating watching his throat work as he chewed.

When she was seventeen, she’d always loved watching Coop do anything.

That much hadn’t changed. She glanced at Joe at the stove and his eyes were on her, watching his son.

He winked and heat rushed up her neck. She’d been caught and Joe had only smiled at her, nodding, telling her she wasn’t fooling him.

She put her head down and concentrated on finishing up the salad.

A minute later, Cassie breezed into the room. “Taylor, you’re here!” Her welcome tugged at her heart and when the girl wrapped her arms around her and squeezed tight, she got a sense of what her life could be like every day, if she were truly a part of this family.

Unfortunately, she made the mistake of glancing at Coop. The downturn of his lips and the turmoil in his eyes killed the moment. Coop covered up nicely and put on a smile, but he wasn’t good at hiding his emotions and protecting Cassie was first on his list.

“Cass, did you finish your homework?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl. Now, why don’t you take Muffin and play with her in the other room. See how you two get along.”

“Sure. C’mon, Muffy,” she said, prancing into the other room with the dog at her heels.

“I have a feeling they’ll do fine. But only if you think Cassie can handle it. I mean, with baseball and homework, it might be hard for her.”

“Cass can handle it just fine, Taylor. Don’t you worry. It’s her dad who might have trouble,”

Joe replied.

“Uh…Pop? I think I can answer for myself.” The look he gave Joe could stop a tiger in his tracks.

Taylor’s lips twitched and then a rumble of laughter escaped. Why she found this all so amusing she didn’t know, but rarely did Coop get put in his place. And Joe gave it to him good.

“You think it’s funny?” He got in her face, his eyes piercing hers, and all she could do was continue to laugh. Then the sharpness in his eyes softened and his lips began to twitch too. It only took another moment for him to laugh it off.

“You never could stay mad at her,” Joe interjected.

“Dad…”

“It’s true, son. Face facts.”

Coop sighed. “Isn’t it time for dinner around here?”

“Coming right up,” Joe said.

Joe and Taylor shared a grin and then put the food on the table, while Coop stood by, hands on hips, watching her set out plates and fill lemonade glasses.

Finally, he said, “I’ll go get Cassie.”

As soon as he was out of the room, Joe sidled up next to her and whispered, “I see the way you two are with each other. It’s a shame my son is so pigheaded. I know he’s got feelings for you. If you want an old codger’s advice, I say stick with it. He’s not a lost cause.”

“Thanks for the advice. But just for the record, he’s not giving me a reason to stay.”

Joe put his hand on her shoulder. “Taylor, you don’t need his permission. You can do what you want. Just think about it.”

“I will, Joe. I will.”

Actually, Joe was right. She didn’t need to wait for Coop to come around. Her future was her future, and she was the one calling the shots. Joe had planted a bug in her ear. And, at the very least, it was worth looking into.

*

After dinner, Joe served the pound cake. “Yummy,” Cassie said, taking a big bite.

There was milk for Cassie and Coop, while she and Joe chose to have coffee with their dessert.

It was an easy time, for the most part, everyone relaxing and enjoying the cake.

And, afterward, Taylor pitched in to do the dishes.

Cassie cleared the table, while Joe washed and Taylor dried.

Coop was designated to put everything away.