Page 68 of The Cowboy’s Forever Promise

“You’re marrying a Weston,” Arlene said as if it explained everything. “You’re part of our family now.”

“But you can’t buy me a wedding dress,” Abby insisted.

Arlene got up. “I also got you shoes to match. They’re at my house. Why don’t you all come for lunch at my place tomorrow, then you can try on the dress and see if it still fits?”

“Thanks, Arlene.” Laura smiled. “That sounds perfect. So it’ll be the family and friends for the wedding? We can do the whole thing in the house this time, it’s too cold outside.”

“Your house?” Abby said, her mind reeling.

“Except if you’d rather do it elsewhere?” Laura said, uncertain.

“No, it’s just … you hardly know me …”

“You’re family,” everyone said simultaneously before they laughed.

June hugged her. “I’m so glad you found Carson in Spokane.”

“He’s much friendlier since you’ve come into his life.” Ellie laughed.

“And his house is neater,” Rose added.

“Oh, and Abby,” Ellie said, “you’re now also officially part of the book club, remember?”

“Ellie will also teach you how to knit,” June added.

“I just got the most gorgeous yarn for stuff for babies,” Ellie said, excited.

Everyone chimed in. With a sigh, Abby leaned back in her chair. An unfamiliar, warm and fuzzy feeling spread to every corner of her heart. This was her family. Weird and wonderful and loud and so full of love, she had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Chapter Twenty

Frustrated, Carson paced the bedroom. It was Friday night. The women had had a party for Abby over at Laura’s and Hayden’s house and the men had taken him out for a drink to Grey’s Saloon.

In between the work today, they’d moved furniture in the big homestead for the wedding, put out chairs, and helped the women where they could.

As with Dylan’s and June’s wedding, everyone had pitched in for the food and tantalizing smells from the kitchen had followed them all day.

He now wanted to be with his fiancée. Why did she have to stay at another house? It was ridiculous and outdated. Grabbing his coat, he stormed to the front door. George, who had already been sleeping, followed him sleepily.

“Stay, I’m fetching Abby.”

George cocked his head before he rushed toward the front door with a yelp.

“She’s not here yet,” Carson said, his hand on the door. “Go to bed, I’ll bring her back.”

But George wouldn’t hear of it, he kept barking.

“You don’t believe me?” Carson opened the door. “See?” he said pointing outside. It was only when he looked up that he saw Abby on the doorstep, dressed in a coat and boots.

Laughing, he picked her up and with George yapping at his heels, he took her into their house. “I was on my way to fetch you.”

“I’ve missed you.” She smiled. “I’ll sneak back later.”

“How are you feeling?” he asked as he walked back to his room.

“Much better, thanks. Must be the clean air and my fiancé who has been spoiling me rotten.”