Chapter Fifteen
Carson’s phone that was lying face down, bleeped while he was in the darkroom. Finally, a text from Abby.
There was a text with two pink hearts and pictures. He reread her text before he scrolled up to the pictures. It looked like a page in an old scrapbook The first one was of a white house with a wide porch, black roof, and green shutters situated against a backdrop of mountains.
Baffled, he stared at the other pictures as well. If he wasn’t mistaken, it looked like his house. But how was it possible? Has she found a picture of a similar house online or …?
Frowning, he noticed something written at the bottom of the picture. Only when he enlarged it with his fingers, he saw the date written there. It was from ten years ago.
Exhaling slowly, he remembered the day he’d brought Abby to his house for the first time. She’d stared at his house as if she’d seen a ghost. Now it made sense. She had to have picked up on the uncanny resemblance between her dream home and his.
She’d also scolded him because his house was so untidy, and told him some people dreamed about a house like his. Told him he treated it like a house, not a home. Of course she’d been talking about herself, even though he hadn’t known it at the time.
He had to speak to her right now. Storming out of his dark room, he checked his watch before he phoned her. June and the family were having dinner at some or other fancy restaurant this evening, they’d said. If Abby was there, she probably wouldn’t answer, but he was going to try anyway.
Barking, George ran toward him from the direction of the bedroom. Crouching down, he tried to calm the dog while he waited for Abby to answer.
Seconds later, he ended the call. She wasn’t answering. Could be the noise in the restaurant. The Westons together were a bit overwhelming. Could be she didn’t want to talk to him.
“On the bright side, George, she sent us pink hearts, not a blue one.”
Yapping, George jumped up against Carson’s legs. Laughing he stood up. “It’s okay. We’ll talk to her eventually. I’m going back to the darkroom, okay?”
With a soft whimper, looking very down, George turned and walked back to the bedroom. He’d be on the pillow if anyone needed him, he seemed to be saying. The only times he seemed to brighten these days was when Cooper looked in to check on him.
With a smile, Carson entered the darkroom again. He wanted to send the final photos to Noah tonight so that they could be printed and framed in Spokane.
*
When Abby walked into the restaurant, she heard the Westons before she saw them. They were the group laughing and raising glasses, all looking very happy.
June noticed her and raced to her, arms outstretched. “Abs!” she cried before she hugged Abby tightly. For a moment Abby leaned against her friend. She’d missed her terribly.
“Come on, you’re sitting next to me,” June said as she took Abby’s arm. “I want to hear everything. You look beautiful by the way. Is that the dress you bought in Bozeman?”
“It is indeed. I won’t be buying any more dresses for a long time.” Abby grinned. “Shopping with you gals has seriously messed with my budget.”
“But it was fun, wasn’t it?”
“Oh, yes!” Abby said with a smile.
Frowning, June stopped and stared at Abby. “Are you okay? You’re very pale.”
“I’m fine, it’s probably just the light.” Abby laughed.
“You sure?”
“Positive. Come on, I want to say hi to everyone.”
At the table, she walked around to greet the rest of the family. Arlene had brought along her friend, Jeff. It was lovely to see everyone. Willow kept looking at her questioningly, but she made sure not to catch her eye. By the time Abby took her seat next to June, she was feeling quite faint.
“A glass of bubby?” June asked.
“Yes, thanks. And water please. With ice.”
The idea of bubbly or any kind of alcohol made Abby feel slightly nauseous, but she wasn’t going to mention anything to June.
Taking a few deep breaths, she looked around her. She and June had been here several times in the past but because it was winter, the doors were closed. Maybe that was why she was feeling so hot.
Picking up the glass of water the waiter had brought, she took a few sips before she pressed the cold glass against her cheek for a moment. The dizziness wouldn’t go away.
Leaning back in her chair she tried to follow the conversation around the table but within minutes she knew she had to get out of here and quickly.
“June,” she whispered as she got up. The whole room tilted and she grabbed on to her friend.
“Abby, what’s wrong?”
“I have to get home, please?”
“Of course.”
*
Carson had just spoken to Noah about the upcoming exhibition when his phone rang Friday night. It was Willow.
Frowning, he answered. Why would Willow phone him now?
“Get your butt up here,” Willow ordered without saying hello. “June and Dylan just took Abby back to her home. She’s not feeling well. There is a flight tonight just before midnight. It has one stop. Otherwise the only one tomorrow is …”
Willow’s voice droned on while Carson stared at his phone, his mind struggling to make sense of what he’d just heard. Abby had been fine while she was here. What could be wrong?
“Carson!” Willow called out. “Focus! When do you want to leave?”
Even while he was checking his watch, he was already on his way to his room. It was half past nine. “Tonight. And thank you.”
“Great. Sending you the details.”
Another text came in. This time from Cooper.
Leave George with Isabella, she’s expecting him.
Grateful for this crazy, wonderful family he got to call his own, but seriously worried about Abby, Carson quickly packed his bag.
George wasn’t sure what to make of the bag and got inside as well.
“I’ve got to go to see Abby, but you’ll be fine. Isabella will spoil you rotten.”
Within minutes, he was in his truck on his way to drop off George. Abby. Why was Abby not feeling well? Just the idea that she was not feeling well had him stepping on the gas the moment he was on the road.
*
“Promise me you’ll see a doctor as soon as possible?” June said, still looking worried.
“I’m telling you, I’m fine. I haven’t been sleeping well, but I don’t have any appointments tomorrow morning and will sleep later.”
“But you’ll see a doctor?”
“If I still feel unwell, yes, but I’ll be fine. I’ll see you at the book launch tomorrow evening. I’m so sorry I’ve ruined your evening.”
June gave her a hug. “Abby, you’re my only family, you can’t ruin anything for me. You haven’t eaten, let me order dinner for you?”
“Don’t be silly, I’m not ill. I can do that.” Moving to her front door quickly, she opened it. “Now, off you go and celebrate with the family.”
“You’re sure we can’t take you to a hospital?” Dylan asked.
Abby smiled. “I’m totally fine. It’s just been a crazy two weeks, but I’m really okay.”
After a few more assurances from her side that she was fine, Dylan and June finally left. With a sigh of relief Abby closed the door behind them. She hated to be fussed about.
Pressing a hand on her tummy that was still a bit unwell, she took out her phone to order something to eat, but just the idea of food had her running to the bathroom.
Minutes later, she was leaning against the toilet, groaning.
What on earth was wrong with her? She’d hardly ever been ill and had never even seen the inside of a hospital before.
Feeling faint in restaurants wasn’t something that had ever happened to her.
She couldn’t remember a single time in her life she’d felt this sick.
Okay, there had been that one time she and June had eaten something that turned out to be spoiled.
The mere memory had her leaning over the toilet again. Minutes later, she got up slowly. This was ridiculous. Shivering slightly, she undressed and got into the shower. Maybe she just needed to sleep.
*
It was about half past three in the morning when Carson knocked softly on Abby’s door. Maybe she was still feeling unwell, maybe she wasn’t sleeping, maybe she’d open the door, otherwise he’d wait right here until morning.
Willow had texted with her address. June texted to tell him Abby insisted she was fine, but he couldn’t relax before he’d seen for himself.
Pressing his ear against the door, he listened. It was quiet. He knocked again, a little louder this time. Noises from inside reached him, kicking his heart into gear.
The door opened, revealing a very pale Abby clutching the door. With one step, he was inside. Dropping his bag, he closed the door behind him.
“Carson? Am I dreaming? You’re really here?” The words were a mere whisper.
“What the hell is wrong?” He hadn’t been quite sure what was going to happen when he saw Abby, but instinct took over. Scooping her up into his arms, he cradled her close. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re sick?”
Slipping her hands around his neck, she dropped her head against his chest. “I probably ate something that didn’t agree with me.”
“Where’s your room?”
Without lifting her head, she pointed to the open door to his right.
As they moved toward it, he took in the small apartment.
There were only a few pieces of furniture in the living room, but Abby had managed to make the place look cozy and inviting.
And of course, it was neat as a pin, as was the small kitchen on the one side.
He stopped at the entrance of her bedroom. Now this room was his Abby, this was her haven. Neat and tidy in soft colors but with a hint of the passion he’d been lucky enough to discover.
The sheets on her bed were slightly rumpled, indicating she’d probably been asleep when he’d knocked.
Gently he put her on the bed. “I’m sorry I woke you up, but I had to make sure you’re okay. Is there anything I can get you before I leave?”
Frowning, she stared at him. “Leave?”
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said. “I have to find a place to stay.”
“You can’t leave. Stay with me, please?” Sighing, she turned on her side. The next moment she was fast asleep.
For the first time since Willow’s call, his heart settled. Abby was still way too pale for his piece of mind but at least he was here with her.
Minutes later, he was lying next to her. Gently he pulled her against him, pressing his face in her hair. Inhaling her scent, her softness, he relaxed. Here, with her, was where he needed to be.
*
Abby opened her eyes. She was spooned against Carson, his big hands cupping her breasts. This was the way they’d slept while she’d stayed with him on the ranch. She’d so missed his touch since she’s been back.
Moving her head, she looked over her shoulder at him. Naked chest, hair mussed, the dark shadow of a day-old stubble, his beautiful face relaxed. Her heart opened up, spreading a warmth to every nook and cranny of her being. How she loved this cowboy.
His eyes opened. For a moment he stared blankly at her before he smiled. “Hey beautiful. I thought I was dreaming, but I’m really here, with you.”
Turning to face him, she traced his face, letting her hand slip over his cheek, down his neck and further down to his chest. “You’re really here.
” For a split second, she hesitated. Nope, she had no idea how people did this, but she was going with what felt right to her. “I want to tell you something.”
His hand slipped down her back. “I’m listening.”
“Before I tell you, please know I don’t expect anything in return. I only realized it yesterday. Don’t ask me why it took me this long to understand what it is, it’s been on my heart the whole time.”
Frowning, Carson cupped her face. “What are you talking about?”
“I … uhm … I wanted to send you a red heart.”
He stilled, his eyes darkened. “Why did you want to send me a red heart?”
Taking a deep breath, she blurted out what was on her heart. “Because I love you. Because I fell in love with you the moment I met you in the bar in Spokane. Deeply, irrevocably, forever …”
Before she could finish, he was hauling her in his arms. “Will you say that again?” His voice was hoarse, his eyes—both colors—filled with a light she’d never seen before.
“I love you, Carson Weston.”
Barking out a laugh, he lifted her so that she was lying on top of him, their faces millimeters apart. Combing her hair out of her face, she was treated to one of his thousand-watt smiles. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that because, you know what?”
With her breath stuck somewhere in her throat, she stared at him, her heart beating like a runaway train. “What?”
“I discovered the exact same thing yesterday.”
Stunned, she stared at him. Was it possible? Could it really be that he felt the same way? She’d better make sure. “What thing?”
“That I love you—deeply, irrevocably, forever. That I fell for you in a bar in Spokane.”
As joy exploded inside her, a huge lump got stuck in her throat. “I’ve”—she had to swallow a couple of time before she could continue—“I’ve waited my whole life to hear those words,” she whispered brokenly.
Hugging her close, he sighed in her ear.
“Of course I love you. You’re beautiful and sexy and a sight to behold when you’re in organizing mode.
I’ve missed you every minute of every day since you left.
Poor George has been moping over the last two weeks and refuses to sleep anywhere else than on your pillow. ”
Placing kisses on his jawline, she sighed. “I’ve missed him too. I don’t know how this would work, though. I’m here and you’re on the ranch.”
With a groan, he turned, rolling her under him. “I’m not sure either, but we’ll figure it out. We could take turns visiting or something. I hope our first visit could be in Spokane, next weekend. I’ll get you a plane ticket. What I do know is that I want to be with you whenever I can.”
“I like that idea, and I can get my own ticket.”
He kissed her. “I know you are capable of doing everything for yourself, but I need you to be there, so please let me do this for you?”
She touched his face. “You’re not always going to get your way, but okay, thank you. On one condition?”
“And that is?”
“Can we please get the same hotel room?”
Laughing, he bent down to kiss her. With a sigh, Abby slipped her arms around his neck. The situation wasn’t ideal, but he really loved her. She could see it in his eyes, both the blue and brown one, and feel it in the way he touched her.
The way he’d always touched her.