Page 13 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“Why does that sound ominous?”

“Not ominous. The word the people of Marietta use to describe the Westons is weird. I didn’t understand why until I met them.”

“So what do you want to tell me?” Nothing could possibly be stranger than what had happened to her last night.

“Well, some of the members of this family are … fey. Something they’ve apparently inherited from their grandmother.”

Staring at her friend, Abby tried to make sense of what June was saying. “Fey?”

“Yes,” June giggled. “It is a bit disconcerting, I know. You need to be very guarded about your thoughts, especially around Willow. She, Cooper, and Luke, Hayden’s son, all have the ability to know what you’re thinking or feeling. Literally. Don’t ask me how it works. Willow apparently also knows when something bad is happening to people close to her. Cooper talks to animals and he’s a healer. He helped me when I was ill earlier this year and when Dylan was charged by a bull …”

“What? Charged by a bull? Does that happen?”

“It’s a ranch. There are cattle and these things happen, I’m told.”

Stunned, Abby stared at June. There was weird and then there was what June had just told her. “And you’re okay with all this weirdness?”

“Oh, yes. It took some getting used to, but they’ve welcomed me with open arms into the family. I found my home, Abs, just when I’d given up hope of ever doing so.”

Abby hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. You look very happy.”

“They all mean well, I promise you. Come on, I want to show you the rest. The house has two bedrooms.” She walked into the first door on their right. “This one I’ve used as a temporary study, but Dylan has added a huge office for me to the house. I’ll definitely need your help when planning what I want where. Ooh,” she hugged Abby again. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

Taking Abby’s arm, June moved down the corridor. “And this is our room.”

Abby peered inside, already making plans to declutter the space. “I know what we should do here. Is there a place where we can get stackable storage baskets or boxes? I’ve brought a few foldable closet organizers, but it won’t be enough.”

“I knew you’d know what to do. We can go to Bozeman, maybe make a day of it. It’s just about half an hour’s drive. Oh, Abs, Dylan is just wonderful. Kind and caring and a great lover.” She giggled. “I love living and working here. You know I had no idea what life on a ranch was like but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

As they walked back in the direction of the living room, June looked at her. “You don’t want to try and find out who your mystery guy is?”

Abby shook her head adamantly. “Of course not. I’m very happy with my life. Come on, show me your study.”

“And you’ll join us at Grey’s Saloon tonight?”

“Okay, yes, thanks. Maybe I’ll stop thinking of what I did last night!” Burying her face in her hands, Abby groaned.

June laughed. “Well, I’m very proud that you finally forgot your life plan, even if it was only for one night. Life happens, Abs, whether you have a plan or not.”

“I’m not ever giving in to impulses ever again!”

“Well, this town has quite a few attractive single men, you never know.” June chuckled.

“Can we please not talk about men anymore? Annie mentioned Grey’s Saloon and offered to give me a lift. I could meet you guys there, if that’s okay?”

“Okay, great. This way.”

Feeling slightly relieved that they’d stepped off the topic for now, Abby followed her friend.

*

Everyone else had already left by the time Carson had showered and put on clean clothes Saturday evening. Picking up George, he headed out. “It’s better to drive myself, anyway. I didn’t get much sleep last night and will probably only stay a while.”

George just yawned. Sniffing his new home had been exhausting. Laughing, Carson put him in the truck. “I still have to tell you about this blonde I met last night.”

George listened to his voice for a while, but by the time Carson parked in front of Grey’s Saloon, the puppy was asleep. He picked up the puppy, cuddled him under his jacket and got out of his truck. Well, maybe finally telling someone, even if it was George, about the woman who had been on his mind all day long, might help him put her out of his thoughts.

As usual on a Saturday night, Grey’s Saloon was busy. As he looked around trying to find his family, friends greeted him and he was stopped a few times to talk. Finally, he caught sight of his brother and hurried closer. Their good friends, the Millers and the O’Sullivans, were sitting at an adjacent table.