Page 34 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

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On Monday morning,Taylor woke with a start, sharp pounding grating in her ears. She rose and walked over to the window, peeling the curtain back. Down below, the crew was already at it, hammering away at the foundation for the she-shed. The clamoring faded in her head as she spotted Coop, hard hat on his head, dressed in his work clothes, jeans and a chambray shirt, sleeves rolled up. Was there ever a more appealing man?

He’d held her in his arms on Sunday, carrying her away to safety after she’d been hit. He’d come to her rescue, hopping the fence to get to her, and she couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather have save her. Though the whole thing had been totally embarrassing, Coop didn’t make her feel like a fool. He’d made her feel safe and protected.

She kept her eyes on Coop as he picked up a hammer and began working along with his crew. Old tender feelings stirred in her belly. She really couldn’t afford the way she was beginning to feel about him, but that didn’t stop her from eyeballing him, thinking of the what-ifs, in her life. What if she hadn’t broken up with him? What if they found a way to be together? What if she hadn’t let the fear of failing her promises, ruin the life she could’ve had with him?

Her mother claimed it was puppy love, a summer of awakenings in her heart. What she felt for Coop was just a passing fancy. Her words. Her mom always claimed she was too young to know real love. Deep down, Taylor always felt it had been her mom’s way of telling her to focus on her own dreams, to stay true to her course.

And she’d heeded her wishes.

But now, seeing Coop again, she wasn’t entirely sure she’d made the right decision.

She sighed and backed away from the window.

Turning around, she faced the dresser mirror. “Ugh.” The bruise on her forehead screamed, “Hello! I’m here. You can run, but you can’t hide.”

It only hurt when she touched it, but boy, was it ugly.

Julie called up. “Taylor, breakfast.”

She walked over to the doorway. “I’ll be down in five.”

Taylor took a quick shower and dressed in casual clothes, denim jeans and a cream blouse, then ran a brush through her hair. She found if she parted it to the side, the strands hid some of the lovely eggplant-colored wound. Luckily, most of the swelling was down.

One last glance in the mirror and she whispered, “As good as it’s gonna get.”

Then she made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Julie was waiting, handing off a coffee mug to her as she entered the room.

“Thanks, but you didn’t have to cook breakfast,” Taylor said. “You know I’m fine with cereal or toast.”

“I was in a cooking mood this morning. French toast and bacon for us. Then I’ve got to get to school. The kids are excited for the Bluebonnet Festival. Each classroom is doing a poster as an art project, so I’m going in a bit early to set it up. The theme this year is kindness.”

“I like that. Sounds like fun. I’d always heard about the Last Stand festival.”

“Well, this year you’ll be here to see it in person.”

“When is it?”

“Coming up this Saturday.”

“Oh, so close to your wedding. Are you sure you have the time?”

“I’ll make the time. It’s important to the kids. And the whole town loves to get involved. You’ll see.”

They both sat down at the table and dug into the food. Julie munched on a piece of French toast as she glanced out the window. “Looks like Coop’s gotten off to a good start this morning.”

She nodded and bit into a crisp piece of bacon. “Yeah, I heard.”

Julie laughed. “Sorry. He wanted to start earlier, but I told him seven was early enough.”

“Smart move.”

“It shouldn’t take them too long.”

“I’m teasing, Jules. You’ve been to my apartment in the city. You know how loud it gets, horns honking, trucks rumbling by, loud conversations going on in the building. Believe me, I can take some hammering in the morning. It’s second nature to me.”

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