Page 61 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“That’s wonderful. I’m proud of you for sticking with it.” She tugged on Cassie’s braid. “Hey, would you like to meet my dad?”

Cassie bobbed her head up and down. Taylor spun Cass around to face her father.

“Dad, this is Cassie. She’s Ryan Cooper’s daughter. Cassie’s going to be the flower girl in the wedding.”

“You don’t say? Well, nice to meet you, Cassie.” Her father lifted his palm and Cassie high-fived him. Her dad was perceptive and knew the minute he laid eyes on Cass she was a high-fiver and not a hand-shaker.

Coop walked over and immediately put out his hand. “Nice to finally meet you, sir. I’m Ryan, but everyone around here calls me Coop.”

“Well, yes. Hello, Coop. I’m Jay. Glad to meet you. Of course, I’ve heard about you from Taylor. After she’d return from Last Stand, she’d have story after story to tell. Seems to me, you three had some wonderful summers together.”

Coop gave Julie a glance, then looked at her with a wide smile. “Yes, we did. That’s for sure.”

“Daddy is coach on my Tigers baseball team,” Cassie piped up.

“Well, isn’t that just fine. Seems your daddy has many talents.” Her dad looked over at the she-shed. “I hear you’ve finished up on the she-shed.”

“Isn’t it great?” Julie gushed. “Coop did an amazing job.”

“Thanks. It’s just about finished on the inside. You can pop your head in, but the paint isn’t quite dry so be careful.”

All of them took turns peeking in. Taylor loved the interior, with light wood and white bookshelves lining two walls, a counter space for her computer and plenty of room for seating. The exterior was equally impressive with a porch and sitting area, double glass door entryway and cottage-type windows that welcomed light.

Everyone sang his praises and rightfully so. Taylor loved what he’d created for Julie.

“It’s just perfect,” Julie said, rising up on tiptoes to kiss Coop on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“Hey, where’s mine?” Miguel gave her a crooked smile. “It was my idea.”

“And it’s a wonderful gift. Even if the two of you conspired behind my back to surprise me.” She gave her fiancé a kiss on the cheek too. “You’re both the best. Hey, why don’t you and Cassie stay for dinner?” she said to Coop. “We’d love to have you and there’s plenty of food. Your dad is welcome too.”

Taylor snapped her eyes to Julie. Of course, Julie could invite anyone she wanted to her house for dinner, but Taylor had been trying her best to steer clear of Coop. And she had for the better part of the week. She’d been on her computer searching for fabric and driving to neighboring towns, gathering the right material and sequins and lace for Nicole’s wedding gown. The project gave her something else to think about and she was anxious to get started. Julie had been thrilled that Taylor was going to stay on for two more weeks, and well, maybe her cousin had been hoping part of that reason was because of Coop. But it wasn’t. Not really. It was about figuring out her future and needing more time.

Coop eyed her and she couldn’t quite hide the deep frown on her face that saidno. Don’t join us.She was being selfish, or maybe just clinging to survival, but it was getting too darn hard to be around him.

“Thanks for the invite, but we can’t. Cassie and I have plans tonight.”

“Daddy! Why can’t we stay? I really, really want to.”

“I know, Cass.” His voice soft, he added, “We have that school project to finish. If you want my help, it has to be tonight.”

“But, Daddy.” Cassie gave Taylor a pleading look that saidhelp me. It made her heart hurt to see the little girl’s disappointment. But she couldn’t help. She couldn’t go against Coop’s decision even though she was fairly sure she’d played a part in him declining the invitation.

“I said no, Cassie. Sorry. Thanks again, Julie. But we’re gonna have to pass this time. You folks have a nice dinner.”

Cassie had a pout on her face, her lower lip quivering as she walked out the door with her daddy.

Taylor felt like a heel and after they left, she excused herself and went to her room, plopping down on the bed. She just needed a minute alone to gather her thoughts. But it wasn’t her thoughts that were bothering her. It was her feelings, coming from deep inside that unsettled her, making her rethink her every decision.

A knock at the door startled her and she sat up straighter.

“It’s me, Taylor,” her dad said.

“Oh, Dad, come in.”

He walked into the room and sat down next to her on the bed. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His presence was always so calming. He had a way of making people feel included and loved. She was always so proud of the work he was doing, the ministry that he helped.

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