Page 33 of One-of-a-Kind Bride (Home to Texas #1)

She ran over to him and gave him a hug around the waist. He held on to her extra tight this time. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation, but he’d take Taylor’s advice and tell her the truth, without too much sugarcoating.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Hey, Cass. How was school?”

She gave him her usual, “Okay.”

He smiled and grabbed her backpack as she climbed into the truck. After they were seated and she was latched into her seatbelt, he looked over at her. “Cass, I have something to tell you. Grandpa Joe is going to be fine, but he took a little fall today and I had to take him to the hospital.”

“Grandpa’s in the hospital?”

Coop held back his cringe. Cassie’s expression had gone from happy to worried in a split second. “Why? Is he going to be okay? What happened to him, Daddy?” Tears welled in her eyes.

Coop’s gut twisted even more. “He’s a little bit weak right now. He wasn’t drinking enough and he was working too hard. So, the doctor said we, meaning you and me, have to make sure he gets enough fluids and takes it easier. You think you can help me do that?”

“Yes, Daddy.” She bobbed her head up and down. “I can do that. Starting tonight.”

“Well, Grandpa’s not coming home tonight. He’ll rest up in the hospital and come home, hopefully tomorrow.”

“Can I see him?”

“Yes, how about we head over there now. Taylor was nice enough to stay at the hospital with him, so he wouldn’t be alone.”

“That’s because Taylor is nice, Daddy.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” He winked.

But his daughter wasn’t buying his good mood. She was petrified. Worried about her grandpa.

Once they arrived at the hospital, Cassie got out of the truck and stood frozen for a moment, staring at the large looming building. He could almost read her thoughts—Grandpa shouldn’t be here. He belonged at home with her.

“Cass, it’s going to be okay.”

Her voice cracked. “H-how can you be so s-sure, Daddy? Mommy was in a hospital and she never came home.”

Coop sucked in a breath. His emotions were a wreck, but he held strong for her sake. “Because it’s different, Cass. You’re just gonna have to trust me.”

She took his hand. Together they made their way into the hospital and rode the elevator up to the third floor.

They found his father, sitting up, conversing with Taylor.

Both had smiles on their faces. If anyone could make his dad smile, it was Taylor.

She had a natural rapport with him that, at times, Coop envied.

“Grandpa!” Cassie rushed over to the bed and looked him over from his head down to the toes hidden underneath the bedsheets. Tears welled in her eyes seeing him hooked up to machines and tubes.

“Hello, sweetie. How’s my big girl doing?”

His father’s voice echoed against the walls, an obvious overcompensation for Cassie’s sake.

Cassie glanced at Taylor, who sat on a chair pulled up next to the bed. Taylor gave her a reassuring nod. “I’m fine, Grandpa. But what about you?”

“Me? I’m doing better now that the doctors got a hold of me. I’ll be tip-top and coming home soon.”

“Daddy said you have to stay here tonight.”

“I do. They want to make sure all my bells and whistles are in working order. Which they are, so I’ll be home before you know it, sweetheart.”

Cassie didn’t look so sure.

“Climb up on the bed and give Grandpa a big kiss. Right here.” He pointed to his cheek. “That’s the best medicine of all.”

Cassie did just that and his dad closed his eyes, absorbing all her love. Then she climbed down, and grabbed on to his hand.

“Don’t you worry about me,” he told her straight out. “I’m not going to miss a one of your baseball games.”

Cassie chuckled a bit.

“Cass, how about you keep Grandpa company while I talk to Taylor outside,” he said.

“Okay, Daddy.”

Taylor rose from her chair. “Joe, it’s good to see you feeling better.”

“Your visit had a lot to do with it. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. You just get better now. I know Cassie will watch over you carefully.” She bent to kiss his cheek. The old man blushed and Coop had to admit, Taylor sure had a way about her.

“Okay, enough of that,” Coop said.

“My son’s jealous.”

“I doubt that,” she said, smiling.

“Don’t doubt it, Taylor. It’s a fact.”

“Glad to see you’ve got your ego back, Dad.”

“Never lost it.” He winked at Taylor.

Coop shook his head. Then he put his hand to Taylor’s back and led her out of the room. Once they were in the hallway, Coop stopped to face her. “Thanks for this, Taylor. I appreciate your help with my dad. Sorry I didn’t get over to fix that pipe for you.”

“You had more important things to do. I’ll call a plumber.”

He nodded. “You’re good in a crisis.”

“I am?”

“Yeah, you kept me calm, and—”

“Held your hand.”

“You did that too and kept my mind off, well, certain things.”

“Don’t forget the muffins I baked. I mean, as long as you’re complimenting me, might as well get it all in.”

“Right, you make a mean banana muffin, lady.”

“I know.”

“I, uh, took your advice about telling Cassie the truth. She was upset, but it was the right thing to do.”

“She would’ve known if you tried to cover it up anyway. She’s a smart girl. And I’m sure you’re both relieved it wasn’t anything real serious.”

“Yep, that’d be right.” Coop sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, thinking. This is where it got real sticky. He had to say goodbye to Taylor. She’d be leaving soon anyway. “So when do you go back to New York?” he asked.

She blinked, and color drained from her face. “What?”

“You know, that dream job you were offered. You are taking it, aren’t you?”

“Oh, um, I haven’t promised them anything yet.”

“No?”

“No.” She shook her head and all that dark lush hair moved over her shoulders.

“I thought for sure you’d snap it up.”

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t snap it up?” Hope filled her eyes and her smile awaited a return.

“I mean, are you giving me a reason?”

Oh, God. This was what he feared. He didn’t want to hurt Taylor.

She was amazing, and he probably was deeply in love with her, but he couldn’t chance it.

He couldn’t trust that she’d stay this time.

That she wouldn’t resent him for holding her back from her dream.

If she left, it would crush him and devastate Cassie.

“I can’t, Taye. You saw how Cassie was with my father.

She’s worried sick over him. And if you and me didn’t work out, Cassie would bear the brunt of it.

She’s already been hurt so much. She couldn’t stand to lose someone else in her life. ”

“So, it’s better to just exist? And not really live? There are no guarantees in life, Coop. Remember that. Every time we step outside, we take a risk. Only you won’t take one on me.”

“It’s not that, Taylor.”

She backed up a step and shook her head. “I hope you get what you want out of life, Coop. I really, really do.”

Then she turned and walked away. He watched her until she disappeared down the hospital corridor. There was no doubt she was out of his life now.

He’d pushed her away as hard as he could.

Tears formed behind his eyes.

And every cell in his body ached from the loss.

*

Two days later, Nicole stood facing her reflection in the mirror at Julie’s house, a big grin on her face.

Lindsey stood on one side of her and Taylor stood on the other scrutinizing the pale rose wedding gown.

It was the final fitting and Taylor scrutinized her work with an expert eye.

She’d put her heart and soul in this gown, and she was happy with the results.

The fabric, lace overlay and cut of the gown suited Nicole to a T.

“It’s beautiful, Taylor. Just like I’d envisioned it and worth every penny. How can I ever thank you?”

“Just wear the dress in good health, Nicole. That’s all I want.”

Funny, she’d never thought of designing wedding gowns to be so ironic.

She made other women look gorgeous on their wedding day, but Taylor wasn’t to have her own happy ending.

She’d never design a gown for herself, even though she already knew exactly how she’d create it. The picture was clear in her mind.

“Hmm, I think I’m jealous,” Lindsey said good-naturedly. “You get a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, Nic. And it’s perfect on you.”

“Thanks,” she gushed, an infectious smile spreading across her face. “I think so too.”

“Well, then. All you girls have to do now is walk down the aisle.”

“It’s coming so fast, I can hardly believe it.” Nicole’s mouth formed into a pout. “I sure wish you’d stay on, I’d love to have you come to my wedding.”

“So would I,” Lindsey said. “You’re getting an invitation anyway.”

“I’ll track you down in New York, if I have to,” Nicole added.

The girls welcomed her with such warmth, it almost made her forget her problems and the heartbreak that was wrapped up in one stubborn Texan. “You guys are gonna make me cry.”

A group hug came next, all three of them tearing up and being super careful not to crush the dress.

“Are you leaving as soon as Julie gets back?” Lindsey asked.

“I’m afraid so. I do have a job waiting for me.”

“You do? So you took the position?” Nicole asked.

“Not yet, but I’m going to. I have no choice.”

Nicole and Lindsey exchanged glances. Then Nicole pursed her lips. “Someone ought to hit that Coop over the head with a baseball bat. Wake him up a bit.”

It was so unexpected, they all laughed. But the truth was, Taylor had put herself out there with Coop a couple of days ago and he’d rejected her. Her pride could only take so much. Nobody had to hit her over the head to figure he wasn’t going to change his mind.

“I will be back, though. I’m determined to see my family more. Job or no job, I’m not going to let my career get in the way of seeing the ones I love.”

“That’s great,” Lindsey said. “So, we’ll be seeing you?”

“Yes, I promise.”

“Well, a promise from you is good as gold.”