Page 77 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“Okay, great. I’m pleased with it too, for now. I should have the gown ready ahead of schedule, if all goes well.”

Nicole glanced in the mirror again. “You are so talented. This gown is very special and I’ll never forget your kindness in agreeing to stay on, just to make it for me.”

“It’s what I do…what I love to do.”

“Too bad you can’t stay on here in Last Stand. We don’t have a bridal salon and word of mouth of your work would spread like wildfire.”

“You think so?”

“I do. We’re a small town with a long grapevine reach.”

“Well, I wish I could. But I’ve been offered a job in New York. It’s a good offer, so I’m debating on taking it.”

“That’s good news for you, but bad news for Last Stand.”

“It’s bad news for me too.” Cassie came into the room, her eyes misted with tears. “Are you leaving?”

Taylor forgot that Cassie had eagle ears. She and Muffy had been so quiet, Taylor thought they were in another part of the house. “Oh, uh.”

“It’s okay,” Nicole said. “I’ll go in and change out of my gown now. We’re through, right? You two can talk.”

And after Nicole left the room, Taylor took Cassie’s hand leading her into the kitchen. “Have a seat, Cass.”

She sat at the table and Taylor sat too, facing her, still holding her hand. “I didn’t know you were leaving so soon,” Cassie said.

“I didn’t know either. And I haven’t taken the job yet. I’m thinking it over.”

“Does my dad know?”

Taylor blinked. “Your dad? No, he doesn’t know. Not yet. Honey, you know I don’t live here. You knew I was going to have to leave eventually.”

“Yes, but you like it here and we all like you.”

“I like you too. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She put her head down. “I think I’ll go home now.”

“I’ll walk you.”

Cassie wasn’t her jubilant self on the walk home. She kept her head down and didn’t say a word. “You know, that single you hit yesterday was pretty awesome, you brought two runs in.”

“Thanks.”

“And that double play you made won you guys the game.”

She shrugged. “I suppose.”

A knot formed in Taylor’s stomach. Cassie was hurting inside and it was her fault. She allowed the child to get close to her and maybe that was wrong, but it had happened organically. They’d become friends, and then more than friends, just like Taylor and her father. Now, she’d have to explain to Coop. He’d been right all along. Cassie did get hurt and it was the very last thing she wanted to have happen.

Once they reached the house, Taylor gave Cassie a big hug and the girl walked into the house. Taylor took a seat on the porch steps, her head down. She felt awful. The screen door opened and then flapped shut.

Coop took a seat beside her, their legs brushing. “Care to tell me what’s up with my daughter? She walked in, went right to her bedroom, and threw herself on her bed. Sometimes, she’s a drama queen, but I don’t think that’s it today.”

“No, it’s not. She’s upset.”

“Did she do something wrong?”

Taylor shook her head. “No, nothing like that. She overheard me talking to Nicole about a job offer I received from New York. I haven’t accepted the job, but she got wind of it and well, she feels bad.”

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