Chapter Nineteen
Wednesday, a week later, Carson woke up in his bed on the ranch with Abby cradled in his arms and George snoring away at the foot of the bed. They’d arrived on the Weston farm late last night.
Looking down at the sleeping woman in his arms, Carson exhaled softly.
She’d been exhausted but had still insisted on unpacking and tidying the room before she went to bed.
Fortunately, he’d discovered a sure way to take his fiancée’s mind off her instinct to tidy everything in sight.
He’d simply picked her up, took her to the bathroom where he’d taken his time to undress her before he’d joined her in the shower.
By the time she’d crawled into bed, she’d forgotten all about unpacking. It had been a busy few days. He’d gone with her to see the doctor again, and fortunately the doctor in Seattle had been able to put Abby in contact with a colleague in Bozeman.
His phone made a noise. Slowly, he pulled his arm out from under her. Trying to make as little noise as possible, he grabbed his phone, T-shirt and pants before he tiptoed out of the room with George at his heels.
It was June on the line.
“June, hi.”
“I’m outside. Abby’s not going to relax before everything has been unpacked.”
“Just a minute.” Quickly he got into his jeans and pulled his T-shirt over his head before he opened the door.
“Oh, no, did I get you out of bed?”
“I was awake. Come on in. Abby is still sleeping. You know her well.”
“I don’t know how you did it, but I’m so happy you’ve brought her back with you.”
“I remembered what you said and did my best not to tell her what to do. Coffee?” he asked as he checked his watch. “I need to head out. I’ve been gone for a week, but let me make coffee first.”
“I’ll make the coffee, you go do what you need to do. I’ll start on these boxes,” she said, pointing to three boxes stacked in the corner.
“Those are the things Abby wanted to bring with her. She’s not selling the apartment just yet.”
Sighing, June nodded. “For in case things don’t work out here.”
Carson sighed. “I know. We have to get married as soon as possible so that I can show her this is forever.”
“So why don’t you?”
“I’m happy to get married tomorrow but I’ll have to check with Hayden and the rest.”
“What about Saturday?”
For a stunned second, he stared at his sister-in-law before he laughed. “Saturday sounds perfect.”
“Leave everything to me. The Weston women have taught me a thing or two about throwing a wedding.” June grinned.
Sounds from the bedroom reached them.
“Go and see if she’s awake.” June smiled. “I’ll make coffee.”
He found Abby in front of the framed photograph of her. The one that had been waiting against the wall to be hung.
She glanced up as he walked in. Her eyes were wet with tears.
Inhaling, he rushed closer. “If you don’t like it, we don’t have to hang it.”
Sniffing, she threw her arms around his neck. “It’s beautiful. I love, love how you see me. You missed me?”
“I couldn’t hang it. It would’ve been too painful to see you and not have you near me. Now you can show me where you want it.”
“Coffee’s ready!” June’s voice reached them.
Hugging her close, he kissed her forehead. “She’s here to help you.”
“I have to talk to her about her timing.” Abby grinned before she pulled down his head. “I need a kiss.”
*
Late Wednesday afternoon, Abby woke up in Carson’s bed, George lying next to her. She stroked the dog’s head. “Where’s everyone?”
Turning on his back, legs in the air, George smiled at her asking for more cuddles, clearly not bothered about anyone else. Checking her watch, she quickly sat up. It was nearly five o’clock in the afternoon already, she’d slept for hours.
When June had left this morning, everything had been put away, the house was neat and tidy as a pin and she had the strangest awareness—there was nothing she absolutely had to do right that minute.
That had never happened to her before. There was always a list, a plan, an appointment, but Sarah Lewis had taken over all her appointments for the time being, and for right now she could actually just relax.
Jumping up, she headed to the shower. Carson had said they were all having dinner at Hayden’s and Laura’s tonight. She didn’t even have to think what to cook for dinner.
In his bathroom, she stared at herself in the small mirror Carson used to shave himself. She was here, with no plans for the rest of her life and she wasn’t freaking out because of Carson.
He’d stepped in while they were still in Seattle, helped her pack what she’d needed here. He hadn’t pressured her to sell her apartment. He’d organized flights for them, had food delivered while she’d talked to Sarah Lewis.
She quickly got undressed and opened the shower door. As she opened the tap, the door opened behind her. Turning her head, she smiled. “Hi, cowboy, fancy meeting you here.”
“Hi, beautiful.” Carson pulled her closer. “You look rested.”
“I slept the whole afternoon, and I don’t even feel guilty about it.”
Taking the soap, he moved behind her and washed her back. “Have to make sure you’re clean,” he joked before his hands slipped around her waist to rest on her tummy. “How’s Peanut?”
She leaned against him. “Oh, you’ve given our baby a name now? Glad you’re home.”
As his hands moved up to cup her breasts, he buried his face in her neck. “I love coming home and knowing you and Peanut and George are waiting here.”
When those stupid tears started falling, she didn’t even try to stop them. She had a fiancé, a dog, and a baby growing inside her.
For the first time in her life, she was part of a family.
*
As Carson helped Abby from the car Wednesday evening for dinner, happy noises from inside Hayden’s and Laura’s house reached them even before they’d entered the house.
“That’s Arlene’s car.” Carson put George down. “I’m glad she’s here as well.”
The front door burst open, and all the women with Arlene in front stormed out to envelope Abby in a hug. At their heels were the dogs, yapping as they charged toward George. Overwhelmed, the schnauzer lay down and turned on his back.
Laughing, Carson stepped aside to watch his soon-to-be wife. This kind of love, this kind of family wasn’t something he’d known as a child, and he knew neither had Abby and June.
Minutes later when they entered the dining room, the men were waiting for them.
Dylan was the first one to congratulate Abby. “Welcome to the family,” he grinned as he hugged her. “And congratulations with the new Weston on the way! We haven’t been able to celebrate the good news with Carson yet, so we’re going to steal him away after dinner if you don’t mind?”
“Of course not.” Abby grinned.
Dinner was loud and noisy, the dogs barking and yapping and everyone was smiling.
As they finished, Dylan, who was sitting next to Carson, touched his shoulder. “You happy about the baby?”
Carson grinned. “Oh, yeah. Neither of us knows what we’re doing but I’m sure with everyone’s help, we’ll figure it out.”
“I’m always there for you, bro, but I have to warn you—no dirty diapers for me. Those things are nasty!”
Laughing, Carson shook his head. “I guess it’s different when it’s your own flesh and blood.”
Dylan’s smile slipped. “We didn’t have the best of mothers, but at least we had one. Your wife will need a lot of support. You up for it?”
“I love her, so, yes I am. I may not do everything perfectly right but I’ll do anything to make her happy.”
“As long as it’s not a dirty diaper, you call me, okay?”
“What diaper?” June asked as she leaned across Dylan.
“He’s warning me that he’s not up for diaper-changing duty.”
“Is that so?” June said. “We’ll have to see about that.”
Just then, Arlene clapped her hands. “We have a wedding to organize,” she called out.
“Wedding?” Abby asked.
“You didn’t tell her?” June asked.
“There hasn’t really been time,” Carson said, looking at Abby. “You have said you’ll marry me, right?”
“Yes.”
“Is this Saturday okay for you?”
Abby’s eyes widened. “Is it even possible to get married so soon?”
“We can wait if you want to,” Carson said.
It was silent around the table while Abby’s eyes found his. After long minutes, a beautiful smile lit up her face and she nodded. “Well, looks like we’re getting married on Saturday.”
“Okay, this is where we take our leave,” Dylan said, and all the men got up. “Come on, bro, we have a lot to celebrate.”
“Don’t worry about Abby and George,” June said. “I’ll take them home.”
*
As the men left, Abby sagged against the chair. “We’re getting married. And I’m having a baby.”
“And we’re all here to help,” Laura said as she opened her phone. “Is there anyone in Seattle you want to invite?”
Abby shook her head. “No, not really. June is my only family and best friend and she’s here. Annie and Craig were so nice to me when I visited …”
“Oh, the Millers and O’Sullivans will be invited anyway,” Arlene said. “We’re all friends.”
Abby nodded. “Yes, I’ve met all of them. And Janice.”
“I hope everyone is ready to go dress shopping tomorrow,” June grinned.
“I’m sure I have something …” Abby said.
“Don’t you have something to say to Abby, Mom?” Willow asked.
Arlene laughed. “Willow was with me that day, she knew what I did.”
Bewildered, Abby looked at June. She wasn’t quite sure what Arlene and Willow were talking about.
June touched Abby’s arm. “All will be revealed, just wait,” she whispered.
“Abby,” Arlene said, “you remember the tulle skirt and top you tried on in Bozeman?”
Abby inhaled but shook her head. “That would be the perfect wedding dress, but I’m sure I’ll have something to wear.”
“Well,” Arlene said, “I’ve already bought it for you.”
Abby wasn’t sure she was hearing correctly. “I’m sorry?”
“She bought dresses for all of us,” Ellie said. “Long before we even knew we were in love.”
“But you hardly know me,” Abby said, stunned.
“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.