Page 30 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

Taylor liked being a part of something bigger than her.

She hadn’t had much sense of family in her life lately and being with the Coopers gave her an iota of peace, if not belonging.

At times like these, she wished she’d had brothers and sisters, a whole family intact.

But she loved her dad and promised to see him soon.

She wouldn’t break that promise. She’d already scheduled a long weekend trip to see him in two months, come rain or shine.

“Well, what do you think, Coop?” she asked.

He peered into her eyes and what she saw in his stopped her heart. He was always doing that to her, making mush of her brain with his potent looks, his mesmerizing stares.

“About what?” he said softly as she handed him a dish to put away.

“About…Cassie and Muffy?”

“Oh.” He glanced away, thinking. “I suppose it’ll work.”

“Great. I think so too.”

“She’s got a game tomorrow though.”

“And I promised to be there.”

“So she can start on the next day.”

“Daddy, really?” Eagle ears Cassie had picked up on their conversation and walked over, standing between them. “Can I see Muffy every day? And Taylor?”

“Yes, but remember, it’s only temporary until Julie gets back. And not on game days. And only if you get all your homework done.”

“I will, Daddy. I promise. And I won’t break my promises. I’ll be just like Taylor.”

Coop squeezed his eyes shut for a second, and then recovered quickly, but she saw his doubt, his indecision in that moment. “Yeah, just like Taylor.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too. Now, it’s time for bed, Cass.”

“I’ll get her ready,” Joe offered. “It’s my turn and you know how much I like tucking her in.”

“It’s not your turn, Pop.” Coop rolled his eyes. “But okay. Won’t do to argue the point.”

Taylor smiled at Joe. He was a matchmaking devil.

“Say good-night, Cassie, and don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

Cassie bid them goodbye and then gave each one of them a kiss, Muffy included. Grandpa Joe took Cassie’s hand. “Good night, Taylor.”

“Good night, and thanks again for dinner.”

“Son, you be sure to take Taylor home now. The sun’s gone down.”

Once Joe was out of the room, she shook her head. “You don’t have to take me home. Muffy’s a good watchdog. I’ll just walk home.”

He pointed to Muffy, who was chewing on his shoelace. “That’s like saying a corn dog is a gourmet meal.”

“I like corn dogs.”

“Not the point. C’mon. I’ll walk you. It’s a nice night.”

“And I can burn off cake calories.”

He gave her a once-over. “Like you need to.”

Coop’s compliment shot a ray of warmth to her belly.

“And you don’t either, muscle man.” She gazed at his biceps. They were hard to miss.

He laughed. “Muscle man? Is that anything like Superman?”

“You wish.” She grinned.

“Oh, brother.”

A minute later, they were outside strolling down the street. It was a short walk and they were comfortable just being quiet. Lots of somber thoughts were rolling around in her head, but Coop’s presence beside her made her shove them all away.

Once they reached Julie’s porch, she turned to Coop. “I had a nice time tonight. Thank you.”

“I think Cassie was happiest of all.”

She tilted her head. “Why do you always do that?”

“Do what?”

“Refuse to admit we can have a good time together?”

“I don’t do that all the time.”

She nodded. “Most of the time, you do. As if not admitting it will make it go away.”

“Okay, I had a nice time with you tonight. Is that better?”

“Yes, a hundred times better.”

“You make me forget, Taylor,” he confessed, his beautiful mouth turning down. “And sometimes that’s a dangerous thing.”

“Are you talking about Francine? Or Cassie?”

“Both, I guess. It’s been rough, being a single parent. Often, I had to hide my grief so Cassie wouldn’t feel it. And, lately, I’ve been forgetting to remember Francine. I know that sounds crazy.”

“It’s not crazy at all. But, is it because of me?” she asked softly.

He nodded. “I think so. When you’re around I feel good inside, but at the same time, I’m guilty. I worry about Cassie’s young heart too.”

“I get that. When I lost my mother, I wanted to hold on to all the memories, so she’d be alive in my heart forever. But even if my memories fade, my love for her won’t. I figured that out a while back and it’s really helped me.”

He smiled then, and moved a strand of hair off her cheek. Even his slightest touch meant something profound to her. “That’s because you’re smarter than me.”

“Am I?”

“Yeah, or else I wouldn’t be doing this.” And then his mouth covered hers, and the kiss surprised her and pulled her in at the same time.

A little moan escaped her lips as a thrill ran up and down her body. She could go on kissing Coop all night, but too soon, he backed away. Once her head cleared, she found him smiling at her. She blinked, smiling back, sure she wore a dreamy-eyed expression.

“I’d better wish you good-night.”

She cleared her throat. “Yes…um, good night, Coop.”

He started walking away, and when he was halfway down the street, he turned and waved.

She wiggled her fingers back, her heart full, and stared at him until he rounded the corner.

The trouble was she understood what he was feeling.

She understood his pain and doubt. It didn’t make things easier knowing he was mentally keeping his distance from her.

Every so often, he’d let his guard down and she would see the Coop she used to know.

She liked that Coop best of all.

Taylor took Muffy into the house and removed her leash. “There you go, girl, all free now.”

Muffy turned around in circles, ten times at least, and then bounded into the kitchen for her meal. At least someone knew what they wanted.

She took a seat on the sofa, her mouth still tingling from Coop’s kiss. She touched a finger to her upper lip and her eyes closed, remembering the glorious sensations. Not ten seconds later, her cell phone rang and she picked up immediately, wondering who’d be calling at this hour. It was Simone.

“Hi, hon. Is everything okay? It’s almost midnight in New York.”

“Yes, everything’s okay. More than okay. Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you. I left you five voice mails.”

“You did? Sorry, I didn’t see them. I was at dinner with friends.”

“Well, hold on to your hat, I have something to confess and I hope you won’t be too mad at me. Pretty, pretty please don’t be mad.” Her voice squeaked.

Taylor had never heard such a high-pitched plea coming out of Simone’s mouth before. “Simone? What’s going on?”

“Well, remember how you sent me your résumé to edit? Well, that sucker was in great shape and I…I sent it in under your name to Swivel Bridal along with your latest designs. And before you say anything, they loved, loved, loved your designs. They just got back to me…I mean you…today. And I thought I’d better tell you, before you saw it in your email. ”

“Simone, are you telling me you went behind my back, used my email account and sent in my résumé?”

“I did. I’m sorry. Is that horrible of me? I mean, I love your work and I knew this would be a perfect fit. Oh, please, forgive me. They want to do an interview with you ASAP.”

“Simone, I can’t just hop on a plane back to New York. I have obligations here.”

“That’s the best part, they love you so much, they’re willing to interview you over the phone first. It’s good news, right? I mean, it’s what you’ve been hoping for. You’ll be working for a company that appreciates you and your designs.”

“I guess. I don’t know. I, uh, I still can’t believe you did this.”

“But you’ll forgive me. Please.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Simone. I know your heart was in the right place. But now I’m going to have to think about this. How long do I have to get back to them?”

“I think ASAP does mean as soon as possible.”

“Do me a favor? Don’t respond for me again. I’ll take it from here. I’ll have to contact them tomorrow, I suppose.”

“Are you angry with me?”

“I’m…neutral. But I can be pushed, so don’t press your luck. And, Simone…thanks for believing in me.”

“I always have.”

They ended the call and Taylor sank into the sofa, stunned.

Muffy picked up on her mood and jumped up, curling her body next to Taylor, all fluff and fur.

She didn’t have to ask herself why she wasn’t jumping for joy right now.

She should be on cloud nine. This was what she was hoping for.

This was what she’d promised her mother. To have her dreams come true.

But was it what she truly wanted?

Dreams can change.

The image of Coop and Cassie at dinner tonight came to mind. If she landed this job, she wouldn’t be any part of their lives anymore. It hurt to think it. But she knew the drill, all work and no play, if she wanted to further her career.

“I guess I have to see what this job is all about,” she told Muffy. And with unusual reluctance, she opened her computer and read the Swivel email glowing with praise for her work.

*

On Friday, Cassie showed up a bit early to play with Muffy. She’d had a half day of school and no homework. It worked out perfectly for Nicole’s preliminary fitting. Muffy wouldn’t get underfoot with Cassie keeping the dog busy.

“Nicole, what do you think?” Taylor asked as they both looked in the foyer mirror. “How does the material feel?”

“Oh, my gosh, this feels like heaven already. It’s soft and the perfect color of rose.”

“Okay, great. I’m pleased with it too, for now. I should have the gown ready ahead of schedule, if all goes well.”

Nicole glanced in the mirror again. “You are so talented. This gown is very special and I’ll never forget your kindness in agreeing to stay on, just to make it for me.”

“It’s what I do…what I love to do.”

“Too bad you can’t stay on here in Last Stand. We don’t have a bridal salon and word of mouth of your work would spread like wildfire.”

“You think so?”

“I do. We’re a small town with a long grapevine reach.”

“Well, I wish I could. But I’ve been offered a job in New York. It’s a good offer, so I’m debating on taking it.”