Page 60 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

He lifted her chin with his fingers. “I don’t know anything about babies, either, but together, we’ll figure it out. The babies can wait a little bit, I want you all to myself for a while. Any more questions?”

“Just one. What time is lunch?” Slipping her hands under his shirt, she leaned against him.

“Lunch? What lunch?” Laughing, he scooped her up in his arms.

*

They were more than an hour late for lunch. Carson had texted Dylan they’d be late with a photo of his ring on Abby’s hand.

As they entered the restaurant, the whole family cheered and shouted as they joined them. The women were all over Abby, fussing about the ring.

Arlene patted Carson’s shoulder. “It’s a beautiful ring. I’m so happy you two have found each other.”

“Thank you. What about you and Jeff?” he asked.

“We’re good friends. It’s nice to have someone to do things with.”

“Why don’t you marry him, Mom?” Willow asked as she approached.

“Don’t be silly,” Arlene grinned. “I’m way too old for that.”

“Says who?” Willow laughed. “Remember how you pestered all of us to get married? Now it’s our turn.”

Looking slightly alarmed, Arlene shook her head. “Jeff and I are just friends.”

“If you say so, Mom.” Willow turned to Carson. “It’s a beautiful ring. And about time. I’m happy for you.”

“Does that mean you’ll butt out of my head now?” He grinned.

Willow laughed. “Not a chance.” As she walked away, she glanced at him over her shoulder. “Oh, and I would suggest you marry Abby sooner rather than later.”

“We haven’t discussed details yet, but I hope so too.”

The waiter arrived with a bottle of bubbly and he forgot all about Willow’s remark.

Minutes later, he lifted his glass. “To my beautiful fiancée. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, thank you for agreeing to marry me.”

Her green eyes darkening, Abby walked into his arms. His heart just about bursting, he gathered her close.

Chapter Eighteen

Monday and Tuesday were crazy busy. As Abby moved from one appointment to the next, she found it difficult to concentrate on what she was doing.

One moment she was ecstatic. She was engaged. To a cowboy. In Montana. Carson’s suggestion that she spend a week out of every month in Seattle was all she could think about. But then in the next minute, all she could see were problems. How could this work? Wouldn’t Carson get fed up with the whole situation at some point?

On top of that, she was struggling to keep her eyes open around lunch time each day. The nausea was better, but it hadn’t disappeared completely. Maybe if she didn’t hear from her client, the doctor, she should look for another one if she wasn’t better. She’d give it another week.

There was of course also another question keeping her awake at night. Why didn’t she just stop working and move to the ranch?

Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. She had a nest egg. Of course, it wasn’t enough to keep her going in the long run. Everyone she’d met while she was visiting Marietta had said they’d wanted her services but from experience she knew not everyone who was interested would necessarily pay for her service.

One week in Seattle would not really be enough time for her to make enough money. Maybe if she stayed for two weeks out of every month it could work? The two weeks she’d be on the ranch, she could use to find new clients.

As Abby walked back to her car on Tuesday after her last appointment, her phone rang. It was the doctor. She had a cancellation and could see Abby now. Abby looked at her watch. It was already five o’clock, she just wanted to go home and sleep, but she’d better go. June kept phoning to ask whether she’d been.

*

Carson was grumpy on Tuesday evening when he arrived at the homestead for dinner. He didn’t feel like talking, but he was hungry and his fridge was empty, otherwise he would’ve stayed at home. He missed Abby with an intensity that took his breath away.