Page 49 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

The Friday after Abby left, June ran after him as he was leaving after breakfast.

Swallowing a groan, he turned to face her, George at his heels.

“You’re losing weight,” June said.

He shrugged. “Not hungry.”

“You also haven’t said a word all week.”

“Don’t feel like talking.”

“You miss Abby.”

He shrugged. “I’ll get over it. That all?” He turned to leave.

“Are you coming to Seattle with us next weekend?”

He shook his head. “I’ve bought one of your books, been to the launch here in Marietta, don’t see the point.”

“And you’ve stopped talking in full sentences, I gather,” she said wryly. “Why didn’t you tell her how you feel about her?”

“She’s a city girl. Not everyone is happy on a ranch.”

“Did she look unhappy to you while she was here?”

“She couldn’t wait to leave.”

Hands on hips, June glared at him. “Urgh, you’re so damn stubborn. I’ve seen the way you treat her, Carson. You have no idea how special it is for us foster kids to be regarded that way. And that’s why I know you feel something for her. Go to Seattle, look at the scrap books she’s made about her dream house before you tell me she’s a city girl.” Turning on her heel, she marched back to the house.

Why was June going on about Abby’s dream house? And why hadn’t she given him a straight answer when he’d asked?

As he drove away from Hayden’s house, his mind was, like always, filled with Abby. What kind of home would she like? She was happy on the ranch, happy in his home. Could it be he was wrong and she wasn’t quite the city girl he’d thought?

Grimacing, he stepped on the gas. Abby had left, there wasn’t anything else to say about it.

Chapter Fourteen

Thursday, nearly two weeks after her return to Seattle, Abby walked out of a very challenging client’s house. The client’s husband was a well-known businessman in the city, and the woman was obviously accustomed to getting her way. Even though the client had signed for the decluttering plan Abby had showed her weeks ago, the woman had waited until Abby was nearly finished before telling her she wanted to change everything.

Usually, Abby would smile and do what the client wanted, but today she’d realized the woman was never going to be happy. Not because it was not done properly but because nothing would make her happy.

As coolly as she could, she’d told the woman she’d return her deposit before she’d emptied all the storage boxes she’d brought with her and told her she’d send the number of another professional organizer. The client’s mouth was still gaping open as Abby had left.

The woman had a beautiful house, but that was all it would ever be—a house. The warmth and love needed to turn it into a home, would always be lacking, it wouldn’t matter who she got to declutter and organize.

Grimacing, she got into her car. She didn’t suffer fools gladly, but she usually had a tad more finesse. Today she didn’t have any patience. It was probably because she hadn’t been eating or sleeping well over the last two weeks because she’d been feeling nauseous and strangely woozy. The lack of sleep was probably also the reason why she was constantly so tired she could cry. What she needed was a long bath and her bed. Quickly she texted Sarah Lewis, who had taken her appointments while she’d been away, to expect a call from one of her clients.

As she drove away from the client’s house, her phone rang. It was June.

“June, hi! Are you in Seattle?”

“Yes, we are and I can’t wait to see you. Everyone, except Carson, is here.”

Abby’s heart fell to the ground.

“… and we’re having dinner in that place with a view over Lake Union. Seven o’clock and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Rubbing her forehead, Abby swallowed a groan. She would love to see her friend, but it was going to be so hard to see the whole Weston clan without Carson. “It will be great to see you. I may not stay that long, but I’ll be there at seven. Are you excited about the launch?”