Page 1 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

Chapter One

“Oh, I can’t wait for you to get here,” June was saying over the phone. “I do want to mention again it’s the last week of September already, you were supposed to come in July!”

Abby smiled. June had been trying to get her to visit her in her new home on a ranch outside the small town of Marietta, Montana, since she’d married the love of her life earlier in the year. “It’s just been such a crazy year. But I’m finally on my way, and I’ll be there for the launch of your very first children’s book.”

“I still can’t believe that’s actually happening. I’ve dreamed about it for so long. It’s just so perfect that you’ll be able to celebrate the big day with me. Where exactly are you now?”

Abby quickly glanced at the GPS on the dashboard of her car. “I’m close to the Vantage Bridge. Apparently, they’re working on it and there’s just one lane, but I’m sure it won’t be too much of a delay.”

June sighed. “I thought you’d be closer to Spokane by now.”

“Finalizing my last project back in Seattle took longer so I left later than I’d hoped, but I should reach Spokane before dark. If all goes well, I’ll be in Marietta around lunch time tomorrow.”

“I wish you’d reconsider and stay with us?” June pleaded again.

“With newlyweds?” Abby chuckled. “No, thank you. But I promise as soon as I’ve settled in the guest house, I’m at your service and ready.”

“I’m glad you’re staying at Annie’s,” June said. “She and her husband Craig have become good friends. And you’ll probably meet her sister and—”

Abby laughed. “Wow, let me meet Annie first, okay? There is no way I’ll ever remember everyone you’ve talked about. Anyway, I’m only going to be there for a short time to help you declutter and organize your house and help you move into your new study. I won’t really have much time for socializing.”

“Well,” June said with a smile in her voice, “you’ll have to steel yourself because in Marietta, we socialize, a lot. Besides, you never know. Maybe you’ll decide to stick around. Marietta has a way of changing one’s mind.”

“Not happening. You know me …”

“Your life plan?” June chuckled. “I think you’ll find life plans tend to change at the foot of Copper Mountain.”

“My life is back in Seattle. As you very well know, it has taken me years to build my business. I’ve just bought my very own apartment, even if it’s tiny, so I’m finally at a place where I can relax and not work all the time.”

“You, relax?” June said with a laugh. “You’re always straightening things or decluttering. I don’t think you know how to relax.”

“I relax when I work. Nothing gives me more of a kick than when I sort out a mess. However, I have spoken to Sarah Lewis.”

“Oh, I remember you’ve mentioned her before. She’s also a professional organizer like you?”

“Yes, that’s right. She’s taking my appointments this week while I’m visiting you.”

“Really? I’m so glad to heart that. You haven’t taken a break in forever! Well, there is a big mess waiting for you here. You’ll be happy to know you won’t be without work! And wait until you see Carson’s house—you won’t be able to help yourself.”

“Who is Carson again?”

“My new brother-in-law, Dylan’s brother.”

“And they’re all living on the same ranch and have their meals together? Isn’t it a bit like being back in foster care?”

June laughed. “Not at all. The Weston Ranch is a huge enterprise that both Weston families manage together with Willow’s husband, Hunter. But you’ll see. Drive safely and let me know when you’re in your hotel room tonight, okay?”

“Will do!”

Rolling down the window, Abby inhaled the crisp fall air. She loved this time of year. Fall had always been her favorite season. Yes, Seattle was glorious during September, but she rarely had time to just enjoy nature. Ever since she’d left the city behind her this morning, she’d been treated to the dazzling display of earthy browns, deep reds, and tapestries of golds on the trees. It was breathtaking.

Exhaling, she closed her window again. Her mind went back to her conversation with June. By now, she was used to people teasing her about her need to tidy up any mess she encountered, but nothing gave her more of a kick than when she could show someone how easy it was to keep a home neat and organized when it had been decluttered.

Growing up in the foster care system, it was exactly this trait that had been her way of coping with her situation. Keeping herself, her closet, and her bed neat and tidy had been the only things she had control over. She liked order, liked knowing what was going to happen next. That was the only way she’d felt safe.

If that made her a control-freak, so be it. Of course, she also never, ever colored outside the lines. That was what lines were for. Stay inside, stick to the plan. That way you’d never be caught off guard.

When she’d discovered the KonMari method of decluttering and tidying, she knew she’d found her passion. While taking an economics course after school, she’d started her own business helping fellow students, their family members, and friends to declutter their lives. That was how her business had started. Since then, she’d never looked back.