Yukon Cowboy. Debra Clopton
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It was the same question Bethany had been wondering about Amy. “He loved you and I’m sure he was thinking only the best for you.”
“Yes, I know,” she said, looking distant. “But even Ben can’t make me fall in love with someone—he isn’t an easy act to follow. How about you? Why haven’t you ever married?”
Bethany shook her head, unable to admit that she felt the same way about Nate McMann. Well, it wasn’t exactly the same thing. Ben James had loved Amy with his whole heart and soul. Not being able to forget a man like that was understandable. But feeling that way about a man who’d basically kicked her to the curb made her feel foolish. And she hated feeling foolish.
“I just haven’t had the time to really search for the right guy. I’m sure he’ll come along. But if he doesn’t, I always have my work. What would we do without work?”
“I don’t know. But it’s my boys who have gotten me through. I’m here at work because I have to be, but it’s Dexter and Sammy who have gotten me though their daddy’s death.”
Bethany’s heart caught with longing. “Yes, I can imagine they’ve been little blessings.”
Amy smiled proudly. “Oh, yes. They are constant sources of joy. Their daddy would be so proud of them.”
Bethany knew this was true. Ben was the kind of man who took pride in his family. He’d been a great guy.
“He’d be proud of you, too, Amy. What you are doing takes such strength.”
“God has given me that. Besides, this tour company was Ben’s passion. I want to help the town and also carry on his legacy. The boys may want to carry on their daddy’s business one day. I want it to still be here when they are able to do that, if they choose.”
“From the looks of things, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
Amy’s brows dipped. “I don’t know. The attention from the article has helped us turn a corner economically for now, but we have to keep them coming. We can’t afford to make a misstep. Every tour counts. Every positive word and great review matters. I mean, all these women are great for excitement and the attention they’re bringing us, but in the long run it’s the same, regular tourists who will carry this company for the future. Families like the ones on your tour.”
She was absolutely right. Bethany would have to focus on that, and not on the brooding cowboy who could very easily stomp on her heart again during this tour. “I’ll do my best to give this group a great experience. Now, who else is on this tour? Usually there’s more than one family.”
Amy took a refreshing breath and smiled excitedly. “There is. It’s the cutest newlywed couple. Can you imagine wanting to take an Alaskan tour for your honeymoon? Especially one this late in the season.”
It was Bethany’s turn to look at Amy in horror. “Newlyweds.”
Amy laughed. “Hold on, they’ve taken an Alaskan cruise here. So it’s not like they got married yesterday.”
“That’s a relief!” Bethany exclaimed, making Amy laugh again.
“I think it’s adorable, really. And since it’s one of the last tours of the season and a little bit cold—they’ll have plenty of snuggle time.”
Bethany thought about it. “You’re right, but, um, did you tell Nate about them?”
Amy looked appalled. “Are you kidding! He’ll hate it if there’ll be any mushy stuff going on. You should see how uptight he gets watching all this sparking and romancing that’s been going on around him. It’s like the guy has forgotten that love makes the world go round.” A mischievous twinkle sparked in her vivid blue eyes. “I booked him specifically on his tour. I for one think Nate McMann needs to open his eyes and see that if he doesn’t change he’ll grow old alone. And it won’t be pretty.”
Bethany didn’t know how to take that. “I hope you don’t have any ideas about me and him—”
“And what if I did?”
“Then you’d need to get rid of them right away.”
“So you don’t have feelings for him?”
“No, Amy, I don’t. It’s taken some time,” she admitted. “But I don’t.”
Amy stood up and came around the desk. “Good. I was a bit worried that old feelings might cause problems on the tour. I’m relieved to know that won’t be the case. And the sparking and romancing of the newlyweds isn’t going to get to you?”
“Nope. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” She would be fine. She would.
As Bethany left the building she felt relief. For a minute there, she’d feared Amy might be matchmaking. Bethany had eaten supper at Lizbet’s Diner last night and had heard all about how Amy had been matchmaking over the last few months. She was more than a little relieved to know that this wasn’t one of those instances. Yes, it had crossed her mind the first moment she’d walked into the room, and Nate had practically knocked his chair over bolting out of it. But then she’d found out there was a child involved, and she knew Amy wouldn’t use a child.
“No, Amy, I don’t have feelings for him.” Bethany’s words came back to her as she walked down the sidewalk. If only she could be sure those words were the truth….
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