Page 37 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“Let me help with the ordering,” Abby said. “If you give me names and numbers, I’d love to do that.”

“Are you sure?” Ellie asked.

June laughed out loud for the first time. “I’m telling you, Abby is a miracle worker when it comes to organizing and executing lists.”

“We know what to get where,” Arlene said with a smile. “But Abby, if you could organize the flowers, that would be great.”

*

It was after six on Tuesday by the time Carson finally stopped in front of Dylan’s house to get Abby and George. Dylan’s truck was already parked in front of the house.

It had been a long day. The lack of sleep had caught up with him by late morning, but on a ranch, you keep going no matter what. They’d all had to skip lunch because two cows had jumped the fence to be with their babies.

In between the chores of the day, Noah, the curator at the gallery, had also contacted him. They were in the process of sending out invitations to the exhibition and he wanted a list of names from Carson.

In another three weeks, his photographs would be on a wall in a gallery among other well-known artists’ work. He still couldn’t quite believe it was really happening. When he’d started posting his photos of beautiful Montana landscapes on social media a few years back, the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind. Even when Willow offered to mention his photography to a friend in Spokane, he’d barely thought of it. It was only when Noah Felix, the gallery owner, had phoned him that he’d allowed himself to get excited.

When they’d spoken earlier today, Noah had seen his email but hadn’t had time to look at the few new pictures he’d sent of George. Initially he’d thought to include the photos he’d taken of Abby, but those were way too personal. One particular photo he’d taken had captured the essence of Abby—her wide smile, the little bit of wariness in her eyes, her beautiful, long hair a bit messy. They were good, he knew that, but some things were not meant for sharing.

The picture he’d taken of her and George, Abby’s back turned to the camera, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, he’d included. He’d have to wait and see whether Noah liked it.

As he walked to the front door, it opened and Dylan stepped out, George and Daisy on his heels. Yelping, George ran toward him.

“Look at you,” Dylan said as Carson picked up the puppy. “All domesticated with a dog and I’ve heard Abby is decluttering your house.”

“I had to start at some point. I’m also here to pick up Abby.”

June appeared behind her husband. “I took Abby back to the B & B, Carson. I discovered late yesterday we don’t have a caterer for the book launch, but thanks to Abby and my new family, we’ll be ready. Abby also cleaned out the closets in our bedroom. She’ll be back early tomorrow morning, she said.”

Disappointed, he nodded. “Okay thanks. Let me know if I can help in any way.”

“That’ll be great,” June said. “There’ll be a lot of stuff to get to the library Thursday afternoon. We start at six so that it won’t be too late for the children.”

“Of course, you let me know when and where. See you tomorrow.”

Turning around, he headed for his truck with George in his arms.

“Carson, wait …” It was June.

He opened the door and put George inside. “Yeah?”

“I’m interfering, but you and Abby …?”

“What about us?”

“I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

“Neither do I. Anyway, she’s obviously rethinking the whole thing. I told her I’d pick her up this afternoon but now she’s left.”

“Has she told you anything about herself?”

“She told me she was left at a church and grew up in foster care and you’re her best friend.”

“You and Dylan didn’t have an easy childhood, he’s told me. Growing up, Abby and I quickly learned not to expect anyone to stay in our lives. It took me a long time to believe that Dylan really wanted to be with me.”

“Thank you for telling me.” He shrugged. “There’s not much to be done, she’s leaving on Sunday.”

June nodded. “So she says. Ask her about her dream house at some point, won’t you?”