Page 21 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“I’m sure your daddy’s happy to have your help today.”

“He promised me I could come.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

“I have an idea,” she said, looking from Julie to Cassie. “Why don’t I make your flower girl dress for you?”

The girl gazed up at her. “You can do that?”

“I can. And I’d love to.” Taylor met her cousin’s eyes. “I don’t know why you didn’t mention it to me before.”

“Well, because you were busy in New York and I didn’t want to put too much pressure on you.”

“But now I’m here and I’m happy to do it. If that’s okay with Coop?”

The three females looked to him. He put up his hands. If he had any objection, he wouldn’t stand a chance. “Okay by me. That’s if it’s not too much trouble for you, Taylor.”

“Not at all. Would you like that, Cassie?”

“Does that mean I don’t have to go shopping for a dress?”

“Cass,” her father warned.

“Sorry, Daddy, but I don’t like to shop. It’s boring. I’d rather practice batting with Grandpa Joe.”

Taylor laughed. “You know what? When I was your age, I didn’t like shopping either. I’d rather play with my friends. Why don’t you come see me after your work is done? I’ll take a few measurements and Julie and I will do all the shopping for the material for your dress.”

“Really?” Cassie smiled wide and began nodding.

On a sigh, Coop narrowed his eyes on her. “Cassie, what do you say?”

“Thank you?”

Coop cleared his throat and Taylor stifled another laugh.

“Yes, thank you, Taylor, Julie. We’ll see you later in the day. C’mon, Cass, let’s get to work.”

Cassie saluted. “Aye, aye, captain.”

The two walked toward the gazebo, where the crew was hacking away at it.

“She’s pretty cute,” Taylor said.

“Yeah, she’s the apple of Coop’s eye. And her Grandpa Joe’s too. It’s a good thing that Coop came back. He’s happier here.”

“I can’t imagine what it was like for him.”

“Yeah, Coop’s quiet about it, but I know it ripped him up inside.”

Taylor pursed her lips. “I guess he’s been hurt enough for two lifetimes. First, I abandoned him, and then he loses his wife.”

“He’s pretty shut off when it comes to women. I should know, half the unmarried staff at the school asks about him all the time. What’s he like? Does he date? I think if he ever wanted a relationship, he wouldn’t have any trouble.”

“That’s too bad, you know? Shutting himself off like that.”

“Is it?” Julie eyed her suspiciously. Her eyebrow arched in true detective style.

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