Page 46 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“I’m really looking forward to it.” June smiled. “Although we had such a fun launch here in Marietta, I don’t know if anything can top that.”

“You sold so many books,” Abby said. “I think everyone who was there, bought a copy. I’m so happy for you. You’re living your dream.”

“I know. The only sad thing is that you’re returning to Seattle. You and Carson …?” she added softly.

Abby shook her head, the sudden lump in her throat making it impossible to talk.

“Do you remember what you told me when I went back to Seattle?” June asked.

“Not sure what you’re referring to.”

“You reminded me that we’re not those helpless little girls we were way back when anymore. We’re allowed to leave Seattle if we want to, we’re allowed to be happy. From what I can see, Carson makes you very happy.”

Abby couldn’t talk and just nodded.

The talk at the table became general. Abby tried to follow the conversations around her, but she was so aware of Carson beside her, it was difficult.

“You okay?” he asked as he put a hand on her shoulder.

“Yes, thanks.” Picking up her fork, she tried to eat, but he didn’t take his hand away and within seconds, she was burning up.

Turning her head, she caught his eye. Of course, he knew immediately what she wanted. He didn’t blink, just threw down his napkin and got up. “Excuse us, please.”

With a small wave, Abby got up too. Carson grabbed her hand, and she followed his long strides without question. Tonight, she’d go where he was leading her. There was no place else she wanted to be.

Her plan had been to say goodbye to everyone, but right now she wanted to be with her cowboy. They had one more night and she didn’t want to miss a second of it. Tomorrow, while driving, she’d leave voice messages for everyone.

Chapter Thirteen

It was nearly eight o’clock Sunday morning when Carson was finally able to race back home but as he took the turn off, his heart dropped. Abby’s car was gone.

The sound of dogs barking had woken him up around four this morning. He was still getting into his jeans when he’d heard the sound of moving cattle close by and he’d known that either the gate to the pen hadn’t been securely latched or some other wild animal, like a mule deer, had broken the wires when jumping over the fence.

He hadn’t wanted to wake up Abby, she was sleeping so soundly, so he’d texted her, asking her to please wait for him to return before she left. Obviously, she’d ignored his plea.

Without getting out, he turned around and drove to his brother’s house. He had to pick up George. Maybe, just maybe, Abby was with June.

Her car wasn’t parked in front of the house, though. Quickly, he got out. Maybe she’d parked in the back, maybe …

The front door opened and June stepped out, Daisy and George at her heels. With a yelp, George rushed forward, skidding down the steps in his haste to get to him.

He picked up the dog. “At least you’re happy to see me,” he muttered.

“So Abby has left?” asked June as she walked closer.

He nodded. “I texted her and asked her to wait for me before she left, but she …” Shrugging, he sighed.

“Have you asked her about her dream house?” June asked.

Frowning, he nodded. What a strange question right now. “I did. All she said was that she loves a wide porch.”

Frowning, June stared at him. “I wonder why she didn’t want to tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“I’m not going to tell you. Are you coming to my book launch in Seattle?”

“I’ve thought about it, thinking it would be a good time to see Abby, but now I’m not so sure she even wants to.”