Page 46 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“Why don’t you go into the bathroom and try it on. Then I’ll see if I need to make alterations.”

“Okay.” She marched away, head down.

“Let me know if you need any help,” Taylor called after she heard the door click shut. Then she focused on the pup, picking her up and tucking her close to her chest. Muffy wasn’t used to being ignored. “Come here, Muff.” Taylor stroked her under the chin and ran her hands through her fluffy fur. She whispered softly, “Something’s wrong with our little friend. I think we need to find out what it is, don’t you?” She set Muffy down and the pup circled an area in the corner of the room a few times before lying down, chin on her paws.

And a minute later, Cassie stepped out of the bathroom, the dress hanging off her shoulders.

“Here, let me zip you up in the back.”

Cassie turned around and Taylor zipped her up. “There, better. Don’t you look pretty,” she said, guiding her around to face her.

Cassie shrugged. “I guess so.”

Taylor studied the dress from all angles. “Looks good, but I think it might need a little tuck at the waist. I think the length is just fine.”

Cassie didn’t say a word.

“Hey, I wanted to thank you for inviting me to the baseball game the other day,” Taylor said. She hadn’t planned on bringing it up, but apparently something was still bothering Cassie and she wanted to ease her mind. “I really enjoyed it. Grandpa Joe taught me a little about the game.”

“But you got hurt,” Cassie said, stealing a quick glance at her fading bruise.

“Just a little bit and it doesn’t hurt at all. It was my own fault. I should’ve paid more attention when people shouted ‘heads up.’ Next time, I’ll be more careful, that’s if you’re willing to invite me again.”

Cassie gave her a slight smile. “Sure. We have a game next week.”

“And I’ll try to come. Would you like that?”

Cassie nodded.

“Wonderful then. Be sure to tell me when, okay?”

“I will.”

“Now it’s time for me to get to work. It’ll just take a few minutes.”

She put her hands upon Cassie’s shoulders and spun her around. “Here, hold completely still. I’m going to put a few pins where I need to tighten up the waist a bit.”

Taylor concentrated on pinning her, feeling Cassie’s tension come through the material of the dress. There seemed to be something more bothering Cassie and she hadn’t a clue what it could be.

“Cassie, don’t you like the dress?”

“I…do.” She practically spit the words out and then put her head down.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s just that…”

“Do you want to be a flower girl?”

“I thought I did. And Julie is so nice to me. But…” She shrugged, obviously struggling with something.

“But what, honey?” Taylor looked her in the eye, trying to assure her. “You can tell me.”

She was ready to accept anything Coop’s daughter had to say.

Cassie teared up, her eyes filling with moisture. “I don’t wear dresses ever. People will laugh at me when they see me in this.”

Stunned, Taylor didn’t know what to say initially. And she chose her words wisely. “I know you are more comfortable in your jeans and play clothes, so am I. But sometimes, we have to dress up for special occasions. Julie and Miguel’s wedding will be a special day, right?”

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