Page 88 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

The girl nodded, but said nothing more.

“C’mon. I’ll walk you outside,” Coop said.

It was better to make a quick exit. “Okay.”

She turned and Coop guided her outside, his hand to her back. Once out of earshot of the others, she turned. “Well, it’s back to New York for me.”

“Seems like you just got here,” Coop said. “But it also feels like you never left.”

“It’s only been a few weeks, but I…”

“Yeah, I know.” He gave her a sad smile. “So, you took the job?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“It’s gonna be good for—”

“Daddy, wait!” Cassie bounded out of the house, her hands behind her back as she ran toward them.

“Cass?”

She stopped up short when she reached them, out of breath. “Daddy, just listen to me. Please. And I hope you don’t ground me for snooping. But if you do, it’ll be worth it.”

“What are you talking about, Cass? And what do you have behind your back?”

Cassie took a second to move, and then slowly put her palms out and unveiled what she held in her hands.

A walnut-stained wooden box, a little smaller than a cigar box with the initials TP and RC carved into the wood.

Stunned, Taylor stared at the box that had grown up with her. The box that had united her to Coop since childhood.

“Cassie, you did go snooping.” Coop’s voice held a dangerous edge. “Did you open it?”

“No, Daddy. I promise. But Grandpa told me about your promises to each other and I think there’s one in there still. I think Taylor shouldn’t leave until she sees what it is.”

Coop’s shoulders fell as if he was being hit by all sides.

“Can I see the box, Cassie?” she asked.

Carefully, Cassie put it in her hands.

“Thanks.”

“I think you should go inside, young lady,” Coop said, more bark than bite. She didn’t think Cass was shaking in her boots. “I’ll deal with you later.”

“Okay, Daddy. But please, please open it.”

Cassie had such hope on her face. And such love. She really was a special child. Once she walked into the house, Taylor studied the box for a few seconds and then turned to him. “You’ve had it all this time?”

“No. One of my crew found it when we were demolishing the gazebo. I, uh, I didn’t think it would be wise to—”

“Technically it’s mine, Coop. You promised to make it for me and you did.”

“I know.”

“I loved this box. I loved what it signified.”

“Yeah, we had a pretty great friendship.”

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