Page 27 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“I am actually,” Abby said, surprised herself. “When I’m working and rushing from client to client, there isn’t always time to think about it.”

“Well, here we are,” Arlene said as she opened her door. “This is where Hayden and his wife, Laura and their son, Luke live these days. This used to be the house where my husband and I lived. The arrangement that we all eat together way back when the kids moved out, was my idea, mostly because I missed them so much. Of course, they all do their own thing at times and even though I seldom join them these days, I love to think about them having meals together as a family.” She got out of the car.

Her eyes on the house, Abby got out as well. “It is a beautiful house.”

“Probably not as clean as you’d like it,” Arlene said. “Little boys with dogs tend to make a mess.”

“That’s a beautiful mess,” Abby said, realizing for the first time how true it was.

As they went up the stairs to the porch, the front door opened and Laura stepped out. “Come on in, everyone else is already here. Isabella has outdone herself this morning. Welcome, Abby, I’m so glad you’re here. Come on, we always have breakfast in the kitchen.”

As she followed Arlene and Laura down the corridor, the sound of deep male laughter reached them. Her insides shuddered in anticipation. Oh, my goodness.

As she stepped into the kitchen, her eyes zoomed in on Carson who was talking to his brother. She was still staring at him when he turned his head.

His eyes widened before a big smile lit up his face.

Oh, my. If she wasn’t mistaken, she was in deep trouble.

Before she could take her next breath, he was walking toward her. Lifting his hand as if to touch her, he grimaced, dropping it again. “This is a nice surprise,” he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “There’s an open chair next to me.”

Following him, she had to swallow her disappointment. She was craving his touch. Well, she had been the one who’d told him not to touch her.

“Hi, Abby, welcome.” Hayden smiled, as Carson pulled out the chair for her.

As everyone greeted them, she quickly took her seat next to Carson, overly aware of Willow’s eyes on her.

“Morning, Abby,” Willow said, her eyes sparkling. “There’s a rumor doing the rounds you’re also going to declutter and organize Carson’s house?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Oh, my goodness, Abby,” Laura finally said, still chuckling. “You have your work cut out for you.”

“I’d love to see the end result.” Rose grinned.

“Well, then I assume you’ll be staying another week?” Ellie asked.

Abby shook her head quickly. “Oh, no. I’m flying back on Sunday. I’m only here to help June and to celebrate her first book launch.”

“So then when are you going to declutter Carson’s house?” Willow asked.

“He’s mostly going to do it himself,” Abby said. “He’s promised to start with his kitchen. Throw away what can’t be used, give away what doesn’t give him joy, and keep the things that do give him joy.”

“That,” Willow said, laughing, “I have to see.”

“Just because I don’t always put everything away,” Carson said, “doesn’t mean I don’t know how to tidy up. For your information, I decluttered my kitchen last night to make it easier for Abby. It’s probably not quite up to her standards, but I’m giving away a lot of stuff I’m not using. And …” he said as he took out his phone, “Abby wanted proof.”

With a dramatic gesture, he showed her the picture on his phone. He’d taken a before and after. Even the photo he’d taken with the camera of his mobile phone was artistic.

“Great,” she said and took a piece of toast from a plate close to her.

“That’s all I get?” Carson asked.

She didn’t dare look his way, Willow’s eyes were moving between the two of them like she was watching a tennis game.

Arlene fortunately came to her rescue and changed the subject by talking to June. “June, is there anything else we can do for your book launch on Thursday?”

“I don’t think so, Arlene, thank you. Barry, my boss and editor of the book will be here. Jill, the new publicist Barry has appointed, is helping with this launch and the one we’re having in Seattle in two weeks’ time. According to Barry, she has organized a caterer for Thursday. Carson kindly offered to take pictures, my husband will be holding my hand, my best friend is here, my new family, all of you will be there so I think we’re all set.”