Page 37 of Cloud Nine Love

“Mommy!” Harper called out from the kitchen.

Taylor’s entire body tensed, and her eyes filled with panic.

“Go.” I released her arms and opened the door.

She walked out, and I waited so that if anyone was with Harper, they wouldn’t see us walk out together. Also, I needed a moment to get my body under control. My pants were a little tighter than they had been a few moments ago.

I took a deep breath and tried to think about anything other than how good it felt to be so close to Taylor again. How sweet her breath was, how soft her curves were, and how willing her body was.

I knew that she needed time and space to adjust to who I was, and I was okay giving her that. I just needed to look into her eyes and see whether she still felt about me the way that she had in the hotel room, and I’d gotten my answer.

Her cold and distant behavior toward me didn’t really have anything to do with me. She hated surprises, and the one we’d shared was a doozy. I was leaving on Sunday, so it’s not like I had a ton of time. But then again, I could always extend my stay. It’s not like I had anything to go home to.

16

TAYLOR

“There are no muscles in your fingers; their function is controlled by your palm and arm.” ~ Tim Rhodes

“Can we get a donut after we try on our dresses?” Harp asked as we walked, hand in hand, down the street towards Edith Scoggs’ shop for our fitting.

“Yes.” I easily agreed.

Today was the third annual “Yes Day.” It was something I started with Harp when she was almost three after reading the book of the same name by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, which was subsequently turned into a movie starring Jennifer Garner.

Everything Harp asked today, within reason, she got. I wasn’t going to buy her a car or take her to Disneyland, but if it was in town and I could afford it, it was happening. This morning, she’d asked if we could have a picnic in the backyard wearing our PJs for breakfast. So, we ate waffles in the grass at five a.m. She was an early riser.

The chime sounded above the door as I pushed it open. When we walked inside the cozy shop, I didn’t see anyone. Ruby was supposed to meet us here, but she might be running a little late because I switched my appointment time to an hour earlier.

During the barbeque/rehearsal dinner, I’d learned that Remi was coming for alterations as well, and his appointment was right after mine. It had been thirty-six hours since I’d seen him, and I was hoping to stretch it out to four days. The bachelor/bachelorette party was being held at The Tipsy Cow the night after tomorrow, and I knew there’d be no way to avoid him, although I would try.

“Can I ring the bell?” Harp asked as we approached the counter.

“Yes.” Thankfully, the things she asked for at nearly five were easing me into what I was sure would be bigger asks in the future.

Harper stood on her tiptoes and pressed her palm against the tiny silver bell on the bar-high countertop.

“I’m comin’!” Edith Scoggs called out.

I’d met Edith a few times around town but hadn’t really talked to her except by email. Since I was overseas, I’d had to send her my measurements online instead of coming in person. I hoped it all worked out, but I honestly wasn’t very concerned.

A dress was a dress. Who did I have to impress?

The Man of Honor, my inner voice piped up, but I quickly dismissed it.

The bell dinged behind me, and for some reason, I was sure that I’d summoned the man by just thinking about him. When I turned around, I saw that it was Ruby. I didn’t miss the fact that I was a little disappointed. Which was ridiculous, considering I’d gone out of my way so I wouldn’t run into him today.

“Sorry I’m late! Last minute things keep coming up.”

“No worries,” I assured her. “It’s my fault for changing the time. And you know, I can help you with anything. I don’t start work until next week.”

My first shift at the hospital was the day after the wedding. I’d hoped to have another week, since Kane and Ruby were taking a mini-honeymoon to Mexico for five days, but it hadn’t worked that way. Thankfully, my cousin Kenna was going to stay at my house to help me out. And the nights she had shifts at the bar, her mom, my Aunt Marcy, said she’d be happy to watch her. Several other people, including Destiny Briggs, Harper’s best friend Lilah’s mom, had offered to watch her anytime. It truly did take a village, and thankfully, in Wishing Well, that’s exactly what I had.

“No, I’m fine. I just want you to enjoy your time off.” Ruby glanced behind me. “Hi, Mrs. Scoggs.”

“Sorry to keep y’all waitin’ I was on the phone with my sister; she’s havin’ a crisis.”

“Oh, is everything okay?” I asked.

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