Page 44 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“Yes, that’s right, but I haven’t seen much else. I haven’t even been to Ellie’s yarn shop; there simply hasn’t been time. I have enjoyed spending time with June, though. I’ve really missed her, especially over weekends. That was the time she and I usually did things together.”

Stopping in the middle of the foyer, he turned to her. “Why don’t you stay another week?”

“I—”

“There you are,” June called behind her.

The next moment she and Dylan had reached them.

“Come on,” Dylan said. “The others are here already.”

Babbling, June grabbed her arm as they moved into the big hall in front of them, but Abby scarcely heard a word.

Why didn’t she stay another week? Yes, she had appointments, but if she really wanted to, she could ask Sarah to take them. Glancing up at Carson, who was smiling at something his brother was saying, her heart sighed.

She was going to miss this cowboy so much, but she couldn’t stay. It was going to be dreadfully hard to leave anyway, staying another week or longer would just make her departure so much more difficult.

Hopefully when she was back in familiar surroundings, working and helping other people organize their homes and life, this deep longing to be with him would fade. He would always be one of her favorite memories, though.

As they approached the table, a big, warm hand touched her back. She didn’t have to turn around to know it was Carson. He was the only man her body reacted to this way.

“What the hell?” Becket growled.

Abby looked up quickly to see all the Westons scowling at something or someone behind her. Cooper and Willow were also frowning but weren’t as stunned as the rest of their family.

Abby turned around to see what had caused the problem. Arlene and a tall, older man, with a crop of silver hair, hand in hand were approaching the table.

“Oh, my,” June said softly.

“Good evening, everyone,” Arlene called out gaily. “You all remember Jeff Thomas? For those of you who don’t know, your dads and we attended the same local school back in the day. He and I have been spending time together and well, he asked me to the dance. Let’s sit here, Jeff.” She smiled at the older man and waited for him to pull out her chair.

“Why is everyone upset?” Abby asked June softly as she and Carson took their seats.

“It’s an interesting story,” June whispered. “Want to powder your nose?”

Nodding, Abby moved to get up, but Carson touched her arm. “What’s wrong?” he frowned.

“Bathroom,” she said, pressing his hand before she got up and followed June.

To Abby’s surprise, Laura, Ellie, Rose, and Willow all got up and followed them.

*

The awkward silence left behind after the women had left, was only broken when Jeff got up. “I’m getting something to drink. What can I get you, Arlene?”

As he walked toward the bar, Hayden, Becket, and Cooper got up and followed him.

Rolling her eyes, Arlene groaned out loud. “That’s why I didn’t say anything before the time. I knew they’d all turn into protective mama bears.”

“They’re just worried for you,” Dylan said. “I think you know that. Do you really know this guy?”

Arlene nodded. “I know enough to know he’s one of the good ones. Life is so fleeting, you know? First my husband died and then, the one minute I had four sons and hours later, one was killed in an accident. At our age we don’t know how many sunsets we have left. Someone who makes you happy, who makes you laugh, doesn’t come around every day. I’ve learned to enjoy each day, to live in the moment. Jeff and I are friends, we enjoy each other’s company. I’m not sending him away because my boys don’t like the idea of me having a male friend.”

Just then the other men arrived back, all looking much more relaxed than before. When the music started, Hayden walked to his mother and held out his hand. Nothing was said, but it was clear he wanted to talk to her.

As they walked to the dance floor, the women returned. Carson got up and waited for Abby. Only when she put her hand in his, did his heart settle. He’d missed her.

“A hoard of women stormed poor Abby as we were leaving the bathroom,” Willow said with a laugh. “They all have kitchens and closets that need decluttering. She could be busy here indefinitely, if she chooses.”