Debra Clopton - Yukon Cowboy

Y ou want me to assist in a tour? Bethany Marlow asked, in disbelief. Surely her friend and ex-boss was joking. Youre kidding, right?

No kidding involved, Amy James said, and though she was smiling, the petite, blonde owner of Alaskas Treasures tour company looked like she wasnt taking no for an answer. Im so glad youve chosen to move back to Treasure Creek and open a wedding-planning business. It is going to be a wonderful addition to the town. I know Im springing this on you, and probably before youve even unpacked your suitcase. Im desperate, though. This is a family tour that I feel needs a woman guide assisting the lead guide.

Bethany couldnt believe her ears. Her plane had landed barely an hour agoand yes, her bags were still packed. Shed been in such a hurry to get outside and not waste any of the precious Alaskan daylight that shed simply slid them inside her hotel room and hurried outside. Shed been stopped several times by acquaintances who were as excited to see her as she was them. Seeing her old friend Amy coming toward her lifted her spirits even higher. But help lead a tour? This was the last thing she had expected to hear from Amy. She hadnt led a tour in years. The idea was kind of tempting, however, opening her wedding-planning business had to come first.

Amy, she said, feeling bad, Id like to help, but I have to put finding a spot to open my store first.

Amy smiled, her eyes twinkling. Got that covered already. Theres a space that opened up around the corner from The General Store just off of Main Street. Its just the cutest, quaintest storefront, with personality plus. I can see your name on the window right now. The location is great. Not that it will matteras soon as these women hear youre in town, I have a feeling youll be overrun with clients.

My word, Amy, youre like a steamroller! Bethany laughedmore from surprise than anything. Youve been thinking ahead on this curve ball youve thrown me. She sobered. And all before Ive even had time to tell you how sorry I was to hear about Ben. I am really so sorry. Amys husband, Ben had died in a tragic accident just a few short months ago. His death left Amy to raise their two young sons on her own, plus running the tour company business, Alaskas Treasures, by herself. You have a lot sitting on your shoulders. How are you holding up?

The entire town was reliant on the tour company to bring in the visitors that kept the town going. Tourist trade was the primary support for all the businesses in town.

It has to have been so hard on you. I cant imagine.

Amy pushed her red curls from her face with one hand, a softness coming to her eyes. It has been hard, but Gods been right there beside me. And the people of Treasure Creekoh, Bethanythey have just been wonderful. There isnt a better bunch of people in all of the world.

I agree, Bethany said, and meant it. Shed met some nice people in San Francisco and on her trips around the country, but her heart had a special fondness toward the people of her hometown. Shed missed them. Not that it really was her hometown. Her dads job in the oil industry had transplanted them into the community when she was in elementary school, but she claimed it as her own. Sadly, she hadnt really appreciated it until shed moved away and been gone for a while.

So, will you help out and take the tour? It will be good for you. Like getting your feet wet again with the way of life here in town. Youll be getting in touch with your roots.

You make it hard to say no.

I try. Ever since that Now Woman magazine article came out about all the hunky tour guides working for me, the tour business has really picked up. Its just been a blessing to everyone. And not just single women are coming to town looking for love, but also the family tours are picking up, too. Why dont you do this? The reason I need you so much is that the family on the tour has just adopted the little boy theyve been foster parents to. They really could use your help. The mom is nervous about the trip and feels like a woman guide will help her feel more at ease.

Amy was watching her intently. She was the type of person whod always tried to take care of everyone around her. She was still doing it. Bethany knew there was no way she could refuse to help her friend. Shed worked as an assistant guide all through high school. It had been a while, but she was pretty sure she still had what it took to get the job done. At least she liked to think that she still had it. She might have moved to the big city, but she hadnt gone soft.