Page 60 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“I can’t promise you, it depends on a lot of things falling into place, but I’m going to try my hardest. That Icanpromise you.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

And after she said goodbye to Nicole, she stood on the porch a long time, deep in thought and surprisingly, felt darn good about her decision.

*

On Thursday evening,Miguel, Julie and her father, Zachary, welcomed Taylor’s dad to their home with heartfelt hugs. “I’m so glad you’re here, Uncle Jay,” Julie said, hugging him tight. “I’ve missed you.”

Her dad looked Julie up and down and shook his head. “It has been a while since we’ve seen each other. Julie, you’re as lovely as ever.”

“It’s good to meet you, sir.” Miguel stuck out his hand and the two men shook. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Same here,” her dad said. “And where else would I be when my favorite niece is getting married?”

Everyone chuckled.

But then, her uncle Zachary looked at her dad and that quick glance acknowledged what they’d been thinking—their wives should be here too, to witness Julie’s marriage. Both women died way too young and in that one moment the sweeping pain in their fathers’ eyes, the resigned fall of their shoulders, the slight tight twist of their lips spoke of their great loss. Heartbreak was universal and, right now, it touched each and every one of them silently. The women had been great wives and mothers, and not to recognize them in this instant wouldn’t have felt right. Julie and Taylor exchanged glances and knew that this moment was sacred, meant only for thoughts of their moms.

Taylor’s dad was a strong man, steeped in faith and devotion, but when her mother died, it was as if his light had dimmed inside. Slowly, over time his light had begun to glow again and he was able to enjoy life. Taylor had grieved for her mom just as hard so she knew what he’d been going through. She was sure it was the same for Julie.

Muffy pawed at her dad’s legs, begging for attention, and he bent to pick her up and give the fluff behind her ears a good scratching. The dog practically cooed. “You’re a good girl, Muffy,” her dad said. All eyes riveted to the dog and the solemn moment was broken.

“You think she’s good? You should’ve seen me chasing her in Julie’s wedding gown on my first day here. This girl,” Taylor said, looking at Muffy and speaking in her baby voice, “will keep you on your toes if you’re not careful.”

“She’s gotten better. Taylor’s a good influence on her,” Julie said.

“Taylor always is,” her father said proudly. “But how on earth did you catch her in a wedding gown?”

“She had help,” Julie explained. “Coop spotted a vision in white running down the street and couldn’t believe his eyes when it was Taylor. He went after Muffy in his truck and then brought them both safely back. It was quite the homecoming.”

And Coop’s first words to her, stuck in Taylor’s head.What poor guy are you running away from this time?

If she was running, she wasn’t going fast enough to stop Coop’s image from flashing in her head at odd times during the day. She wasn’t going fast enough to halt her emotions from taking a wild and dangerous turn. And if she was running, then why was the thought of leaving Last Stand piercing her heart so badly?

“So, your friend Coop lives here again?” her dad asked, giving her a glance. Taylor nodded but said no more.

“He does. Matter of fact,” her uncle Zachary said, “he’s outside putting the finishing touches on Julie’s wedding present. He and his crew have built her a she-shed.”

“A she-shed,” her dad repeated. “What a concept.”

“It’s going to be my reading room and library. Would you like to see it?” Julie asked. “That is, if you’re not too tired from your trip, Uncle Jay.”

“I’m fine, and would love to see it.”

“Let’s all go out and take a look, why don’t we?” Miguel suggested.

The pack of them walked out the kitchen door. Coop turned his head away from the structure several yards away and found Taylor first, his stark blue eyes landing on hers. Wearing a tool belt over faded jeans, a white T-shirt stretched tight across his chest and his mountainous biceps exposed, Taylor’s breath hitched in her throat. His eyes alone, when piercing hers, was enough to make her dizzy. The rest was just a bonus.

She put her head down as the group walked over to the shed, yet she sensed his gaze on her still.

“Taylor!” Cassie’s voice broke the moment, thankfully, and she came running over, all smiles.

She wrapped her arms around Taylor’s waist and hugged tight. Taylor’s heart melted just a little bit more.

“Hi, Cass. Working with your daddy again?”

“Yep. I have enough to buy my new mitt now.”

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