Page 40 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“Yeah. Her life is in Seattle.”

“How do you feel about that?”

Shrugging, Carson looked away toward the mountains. “It’s not even a week since I met her. Besides, even if I wanted her to stay, she may not like life on a ranch. She’s a city girl; her life and clients are back in Seattle. There isn’t anything for her here.” The thought of her leaving was ripping out his heart, but he didn’t have anything to offer her.

Dylan chuckled as they got into the truck. “I don’t know if there is something in the water around here, but as far as I know all the Westons have fallen in love within days of meeting their significant others. I know I did. The moment I laid eyes on June, I just knew she was the one for me. Of course, it took a while for my head to catch up with my heart, but when you know, you know. Rose, Ellie, and June all come from a city, remember?”

“They chose to come to Marietta. Abby is just visiting.”

As Dylan drove away from the ranch, Carson stared out of the window. “She’s thrown out most of my clothes and organized my closet.”

Dylan glanced at him. “That I have to see. You’re glad she’s leaving then?”

“No!” It came out sharper than he’d intended and he inhaled deeply. “The house is neater, tidier. George also seemed to like it.”

“I’m not sure I’m following. What are you saying?”

“I like being around her, even with all the tidying and … stuff. It should irritate me that she’s forever picking up and folding things, but it doesn’t. Okay, if I’m honest, there are times it’s a bit much, but she’s funny and sexy and she”—inhaling, he struggled to catch his breath—“she makes me happy.”

“From where I’m sitting, it’s obvious you feel something for her.”

“How do you know what it is you’re feeling? Could be temporary. I hardly know her. I mean, I do know a little about her, obviously, but can you really know someone in less than a week?”

“So why don’t you ask her about herself?” Dylan asked.

“She’s talked about it. Not much though.”

“From my experience with June, I know people who grew up in foster care are wired a bit differently because of the way they’ve been brought up, but if you love her, it won’t bother you. You and I didn’t have a happy home growing up, but at least we had a home—something Willow reminded me of. And yes, because of our childhood I was determined never to fall in love or get married. But …” he said with a grin, “as I’ve learned, love finds you whether you’re ready or not.”

For the rest of the way into town, Carson had to listen to his brother talking about June. He was happy for him, of course, but it was difficult to listen to happy endings when Abby was leaving soon.

Dylan parked in front of the library. “Come on, I want to get back to the ranch to make sure June is okay.”

“It’s easy to see just how crazy you are about her.” Carson smiled as he got out of the truck.

“Oh, yeah. I can’t imagine a day without her.”

As they moved the food from the truck to the library, Carson’s mind was busy. Dylan’s words echoed in his mind—I can’t imagine a day without her. Waking up without Abby beside him? Spending the rest of his life without her? His heart lurched.

What was this feeling that was driving him crazy? It couldn’t be love, could it? Would he even know if it was? Anyway, he still found the idea that someone could fall in love in a few days’ time a bit ridiculous.

As he looked up, Willow, who was standing nearby, smiled. “It’s possible.”

Taken aback, Carson turned away quickly. Weird didn’t begin to describe his cousin. Cooper usually minded his own business, but Willow was like Luke, Hayden’s son. They had no filters.

As they returned to Dylan’s truck to get the rest of the food, his brother slapped him on the back. “My suggestion for what it’s worth is trust your gut about Abby.”

Carson picked up more boxes from inside the truck. “It all happened so fast. What if what I feel changes? I don’t ever want a life like the one Mom and Dad had.”

“Abby isn’t our mother. June loves her and my wife has very good taste in people. I mean, she chose me.” He chuckled. “Seriously, I’ve never seen you like this over anyone. I think you should trust your instincts. Okay, let’s take these boxes inside, we have to get back to the ranch. June is a bit nervous about her first book launch, and I want to be there for her.”

“That I can understand.”

Dylan glanced his way. “You have an upcoming exhibition. We’ve all received an invitation, thank you. It’s a week after June’s book launch in Seattle. Have you decided which photographs you’re sending to the gallery?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve sent what Noah’s asked for as well as a few new things. I’m not sure whether he’d be interested, though, he’s specifically asked for landscapes.”

“New things? Dylan asked.