Page 39 of A Texas Hero

“I can take care of myself. You’re just going to have to accept that.”

“Just make sure you leave room for the man you love to feel wanted, as if you need him to protect you, even if you don’t.”

“Is that romance advice from my father?”

“I think it’s what your mother would say.”

He was probably right.

* * *

“I have an appointment today,” Zoey announced as she and Archer were opening the store.

“Where are we going?”

“Nowhere. She’s coming to us.”

Someone wanted a wedding dress! The timing could not be more perfect, as it was September, when to Zoey it seemed like everything was right and proper with the world.

Rachel, the bride-to-be, worked as a paralegal at the law firm belonging to Michelle LaCroix, now officially Michelle Sheridan, although she hadn’t changed her last name for professional reasons. Rachel had booked the appointment six months ago, right after she’d been proposed to by her police officer boyfriend, Cameron.

“What should I do?” Archer asked, probably worried she’d want him to give his opinion on wedding dresses.

“Just stand down, if you don’t mind. These bridal fittings are by appointment only, and Sundays are usually so slow that it’s not a problem.”

“How many wedding dresses do you usually sell in a month, say?”

“This is something new, and I’m still working on getting the word out. I’ve been working at building up my inventory. A few months ago, I scoured online estate sales looking for vintage gems.”

Her business plan was very specific as to how much she could spend and she’d honored it, but that meant she had a ways to go before the wedding dress side of her boutique was what she’d like it to be. Nevertheless, she’d managed to collect dozens of beautiful gowns and was confident she had something here for Rachel.

Rachel showed up right on time, and Zoey greeted her client with open arms. Fortunately, Rachel, too, was a hugger. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”

“Hello,” Archer said from next to Zoey.

He, on the other hand, wasn’t a hugger. Zoey made the introductions.

“So it’s true that you hired help,” Rachel said to Zoey.

“I help the men who come in and also the women at times, when they have questions,” Archer supplied.

Damn, he was a good liar.

“It’s been nice having someone else around when it gets really busy,” Zoey said, feeling only a little bit bad about lying to a customer.

“That’s great,” Rachel said, her gaze pausing as she seemingly admired “the help.”

“Archer, why don’t you order us some lunch? We’ll just be in the back.”

Zoey led Rachel to the annex and the dressing area with a large mirror and pedestal that she’d bought from a store in Austin that was going out of business.

“I know I have something in here for you.” Zoey had already chosen a few dresses to begin with. “I’ve set aside a few choices—sweetheart collar, long train, short train, strapless. All first-rate designers. But you tell me, what did you have in mind?”

Rachel set down her purse and turned in a circle. “Oh, my gosh! So much white!”

“I have some off-white, too, and maybe two that are a sort of beige. But yes, the designers do seem to be sticking to the tried and true.” Zoey walked over to the dresses she’d picked out. “Were you thinking white or off-white?”

Rachel worried a fingernail between her teeth. “Oh, um… I’ve been looking through all the magazines and searching online for hours. I love so many of the styles, but what I want—all I really want—is a dress that will make him realize he’s made the best decision of his life!”