Brutus followed her to the pile of hide and bones. It looked like a deer. There was no question in her mind that Brutus had been feeding on the carcass, but did he kill it? She glanced around nervously. Maybe the wild dogs were back. She made a circle around the carcass looking for tracks and finally found one. It was big enough to belong to Brutus…maybe too big. At any rate, she found no other tracks. Surely if wild dogs had attacked the deer, they would have left tracks.
She took Brutus back to the house and washed his muzzle off. What would Alex do if he found out Brutus was killing deer? Would he want her to put him down?
She got a large garbage bag out of the house and went back up to the deer carcass. Shoving the remains in the bag, she tied it up and tossed it in the burn barrel. Maybe other critters could get into it, but it was out of Brutus’ reach.
She fed Brutus again and left. Maybe he wasn’t getting enough to eat. Surely Alex was feeding him properly. Then again, as little attention as she paid him, maybe he was going feral. When she came back, she’d keep better tabs on him. Right now she’d better get back to Katie and Bill’s house before Alex came home.
She didn’t intend to say anything to anyone, but Katie was on her like a hen on a June bug the minute she came through the door.
“I know you,” Katie said. “Something happened today that has you worried. What was it?”
“I’m not sure what happened. I’ll figure it out later. Right now I need to stay focused on my wedding.”
Katie rolled her eyes. “You haven’t been focused on you’re wedding yet. Now, what’s going on?”
Carmen sighed. She might as well talk to Katie about it. She was the only one who would probably understand her concern for Brutus.
“I went by the house to pick up a picture and Brutus came to the house with blood on his muzzle. I looked around and found a deer carcass up by the tree line.”
Katie frowned as she considered the information.
“So you think Brutus is killing deer?”
“I don’t know…maybe.”
Katie shook her head. “No way.”
“I found a track. It was big enough to belong to Brutus.”
“So you’ve got a big wild dog. You’d better tell Alex what you found.”
“He’ll think Brutus did it. Besides, I’m not supposed to be out there without him until after the wedding.”
Katie’s eyes got big. “You actually disobeyed him? And you’re not even married yet.”
“I didn’t disobey him. He said not to be at his house.”
Katie’s eyes were twinkling with humor.
“Oh, so you got around it on a technicality.”
“It’s not funny. What if Brutus is killing deer?”
Katie laughed. “He guarded your dairy herd and he’s watching your goats now. Why would he suddenly start killing deer?” She shrugged and sobered. “Anyway, you don’t think he’s killing deer or you’d do something about it yourself. So what did kill the deer? I’m telling you, you’d better talk to Alex.”
Carmen nodded. “I know, but…after we get married.”
Katie threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. “Fine, but at least tell Bill about it…or let me tell him.”
“What could Bill do?”
“He could look at the track…maybe exonerate Brutus for you.”
Carmen let out a long sigh. “All right. Tell Bill…but tell him not to talk to Alex about it before I get a chance to.”
“Sure,” Katie said.
That was the last of their conversation. If Katie told Bill, he didn’t say anything about it, and if he knew about it, he obviously didn’t say anything to Alex or Alex would have been upset because she went to the house.
Friday morning Alex called and said he was picking her up to go out for the evening. He didn’t say where they were going and she didn’t care. She would be with him. She took extra care with her appearance, wearing a blue dress that somehow managed to bring out the violet in her eyes. The neckline plunged far enough to expose the beginning swell of her breasts. She pulled up the bodice as she observed her image in the bathroom mirror. The princess style made her waist look small, and the material fell softly from her hips. The white sandal heels gave the ensemble a dressy look. Satisfied that she would please Alex, she finally walked into the living room.
Katie glanced up and then did a double-take. “Wow!” she said.
Bill turned around and his expression assured her that a man would find it attractive as well.
Tonight she would keep her emotions in check so that Alex wouldn’t get so frustrated.
Within a few minutes, Alex arrived and claimed her for a few private hours. They took her car this time. Other than the test drive, it was the first time he had driven it. She relaxed in the luxury of leather seat covers and a smooth ride, content simply to watch him drive. He looked elegant in a light gray suit that accentuated his dark tan. He parked the car at the restaurant and turned to her.
“You’ve been quiet tonight.”
“I’m just happy to be with you,” she said.
He smiled. “Only two more nights.” He leaned toward her.
“Mmm, and then we’ll be together always.” She leaned forward and accepted his kiss. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
His idea of an evening out was dinner and a dance. Alex was an excellent dancer…strong, sure and fluid. Somehow she managed to keep up with him. His hand on her back as he guided her was electrifying.
“Where did you learn to dance so well,” he asked.
She grinned up at him. “My dad taught me. He used to dance with me and Mom when we were listening to the radio in the evenings. That was usually during the winter when he wasn’t so busy and had more energy.”
Alex chuckled. “He must have had a lot of energy to keep up with two women.”
Carmen made a face. “I was just a girl then.” She shrugged and sighed. “Josh wouldn’t dance. He said it was silly.”
Alex lifted a brow. “Why would he think that?”
Carmen shrugged again. “Who knows? I’m sorry I brought it up.”
Alex smiled. “I’m not.”
She let the subject drop. Any time Alex didn’t mind when she brought up Josh, it left her a little nervous.
By the time he brought her back to Katie and Bill’s, it was late and the lights in the house were off. He walked around the car and opened the door for her, helping her out. For a moment he simply stood there, looking down at her. Finally he spoke.
“Katie tells me you aren’t showing much interest in the wedding plans.”
Heat rushed up her neck. “I’ve been helping.”
He chuckled. “I don’t doubt that, but that isn’t what I said.”
She shrugged. “I guess I should be ashamed, but I’m more interested in getting married than the wedding.”
“Why should you be ashamed?”
“For one thing, because so many people are working so hard on it.”
He sighed heavily. “I have my work cut out for me, don’t I?”
She gazed up into his face. “Why?”
“You’re so independent. All this would be more fun for you if you were the one doing all the work. Do you really want me to make decisions, or will I be second guessing you all the time?”
She caught her breath. “I do want you to make the final decisions. You’re always so sure of where you are going and how to get there. You’re intelligent and always have the entire picture in perspective. If I ever get in your way, just tell me.”
He pulled her close and kissed her temple.
“You’ve got me up on a pedestal. What happens when I fall?”
She laid her head on his chest. “When either of us falls, the other will pick them up again, and then we’ll go on together. We’re only human, you know.”
His answer was a monotone and a hug.
It was so wonderful simply being held in his arms. At that moment there was
no excitement, only contentment. Was this what it would be like most of the time? She lifted her head and gazed into his eyes.
“I’m so glad I found you.”
“Right back at you,” he said, stepping back. “I have something for you.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. “Open it when you get inside.”
As she gripped the small box in her hand, he pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips in a way that was different than he had ever done before. Maybe it was because he was trying to control his emotions, but his kiss was measured. Possibly he was searching for a response. Whatever the case, she pulled away unsatisfied. More than likely, he did too.
“I’d better go,” she said.
“I’ll come get you tomorrow and we’ll go for a ride, alright? I want to check the fence line before I turn the buffalo into the north pasture.”
She nodded. “I’ll be ready.”
Hopefully there wouldn’t be any little surprise piles of fur and bones. Maybe Katie was right. Maybe it was wild dogs again. She should tell him. On the other hand, maybe Bill had already said something to him. Maybe that was why he wanted to check the fence line.
He pulled her close again and this time his kiss was passionate. Releasing her, he turned and walked away.
As she watched him climb into his truck, she decided that she could tell him in the morning. Again she watched his truck fade away into the darkness. One day and one night; then they would be together forever. She unlocked the door and walked into the house. In her room, she flipped on the light and looked at the box. It looked like a ring box, but they had already purchased the rings.
Inside the box was a note with only three words.
“Your something new.”
The box contained a pair of earrings - delicate filigree in white gold with sparkling diamonds. She gasped. He was spending way too much on her. First the wedding ring set, then the car, and now these earrings. The earrings would go well with her white lace and satin wedding dress…and her wedding ring, of course. She gazed down at the solitary diamond on her engagement ring. It wasn’t a large one, but it sparkled brilliantly. The wedding ring was white gold filigree with tiny diamonds. As usual, Alex went for quality, not show…and sentiment. The wedding set contained only Arkansas diamonds. He said they were for his Arkansas gem. Pretty talk. Mom always said to be careful of a man who was full of pretty words…but then, she probably never met a man like Alex.
The earrings were beautiful, though diamonds weren’t her number one choice of gems. There was no mirror in the bedroom, so she put the earrings back in the box. Day after tomorrow was her wedding day. There had been a time when she thought this day might never come. She lay back on the bed, imagining the wedding as she had done so often before. Only this time her focus spread out to other things; the arbor of forget-me-nots where they would exchange vows, the cake with its three tiers of cascading flowers. It was strange how something like those diamond earrings could stir her interest in the wedding, but it did. Did Alex know it would? Did Katie tell him?
She sighed and stood, removing her clothes and donning a night gown. Tomorrow she needed to get up early and dress. Alex liked to ride in the morning, so he would probably be over early.
The next morning, Carmen was up with the sun. Showering and dressing in jeans and a waist length blouse, she was in the Kitchen by the time Katie got up. Katie walked into the kitchen with her hair uncombed and her eyes looking puffy.
“I thought I heard someone in here. Do you realize it’s only 6:00 am?”
Carmen nodded. “I know. Alex is coming over to pick me up so we can ride this morning. He’ll probably be pretty early.”
Katie shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I doubt if he is as excited about it as you are. Honestly, Carmen. I’ve never seen you like this. Is he the only thing you think about? Most women would be in a dither trying to get everything just right for their wedding. All you can think of is riding on a horse with Alex.”
“Well,” Carmen said, ducking her head. “He’ll be on Ed and I’ll be on Princess. Do you need me for anything?”
“No.” Katie sat down at the table. “Everything is ready for tomorrow. Are you?”
Carmen laughed. “I’ve been more than ready for the last two weeks.”
“You’re not nervous?”
“About the wedding? What’s to be nervous about?”
“Everyone is nervous about their wedding, Carmen. Even men faint at them.”
Carmen stared at her. “I guess I never thought about it. We’re just going to exchange vows. It’s not like we will be reciting anything. Mr. Reynolds will walk me up the isle and give me to Alex. What’s so difficult about that?
Katie rolled her eyes. “Oh boy.” She poured a cup of coffee from the coffee maker on the counter and sat down at the table yawning. Did you tell him about the dogs?”
Carmen shook her head. “Not yet. If we see anything today, I’ll tell him about it. Did you tell Bill?”
Katie sipped her coffee. “Yes.” She made a face. “He told me to mind my own business.”
Carmen smiled. “There you go.”
Through the living room window Carmen saw a white truck slow down to pull into the drive.
“Here’s Alex. I’ll see you later.” Grabbing her purse, she ran out the door.
Alex was starting to open his door when she came out. He shut it and reached over, opening the passenger door for her. As she climbed in, he grinned.
“You’re up bright and early. Did you eat breakfast?”
She shook her head. “I don’t usually eat breakfast.”
He eyed her sharply. “Get used to it. Where do you want to go?”
He didn’t have to be so curt about it. She met his stern gaze. “I’m really not hungry yet.” When he continued to wait for an answer, she sighed. “Alex, whether or not I eat breakfast isn’t a decision for you. It’s my freedom of choice.”
His attention drifted away briefly in thought. Finally he looked back at her and shrugged.
“I suppose so.”
He was probably wondering where to draw the line. There wasn’t going to be a line. He would simply have to learn by trial and error. As he said, it was going to be a tough job for him.
She sighed. “I’m sorry, Alex. I know it’s not easy for you, but there’s bound to be a learning curve. Neither of us has ever done this before.”
His gaze wandered over her face and then his brows lifted. “That’s true.”
As he backed the truck out of the drive, a thought occurred to her.
“Have you had anything to eat?”
He nodded, his attention on the road.
“I guess it would have been nice if I had asked that before I jumped all over you.”
He glanced at her and grinned. “If that’s what you call jumping all over me, we’re going to get along fine.”
She laughed. “You might as well accept the fact that I’m a whole lot easier to lead than I am to push.”
He kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. “Thanks for the tip.”
He was silent all the way to the house, and when he came around to her side and opened the door, she allowed him to extract her with his hands on her waist. When her feet touched the ground, she gazed up at him.
“Are you angry with me?”
He shoved the door shut. “No.”
“I hurt your feelings,” she stated flatly.
His gaze fell on her face. “No.”
Her fingers crept up his chest, fearful they would be shoved away before they reached his neck. But he simply stood quietly watching her. When her arms surrounded his neck, he pulled her close and kissed her softly on the mouth. She returned his kiss and then pulled away, gazing up into his face again.
“Are you sorry you said you wanted to make the decisions?”
“No.”
She backed away from him, holding his gaze. “Then what?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, for…” She turned and headed for the barn.
“I just wonder what I got myself into,” he said softly behind her.
She swung around. “Alex, if you don’t want to make the decisions, then don’t. I’m not marrying you because I need someone to wipe my nose.”
He eyed her warily. “Then why are you marrying me? You could have had everything you wanted…a house, a family …”
“I have a family,” she said, interrupting him. “I have you.”
“Will that be enough?” His gaze wandered over her face, casting around for clues, no doubt.
“If I didn’t think it would be enough, I wouldn’t have become engaged to you.”
“You were engaged to Josh.” His gaze became accusing.
She stomped her foot. “I was NOT engaged to Josh!”
His expression drifted slowly from accusing to amused. A wry smile worked at his lips. “So you said before, but he thought you were.”
“He didn’t ask.”
She turned around and started marching toward the barn. Actually, Josh did ask her, but she had never answered…and she did eat breakfast, but usually not this early. Why was she being less than straightforward with him? First the place on the mountain, then Brutus…It was getting to be a habit.
Alex followed her with brisk steps. She walked Princess out of her stall and over to where the saddle sat on a rack. Alex did the same with Ed and they saddled their horses in silence. Finally they walked the saddled and bridled horses out of the barn, and mounted them.
Alex turned to her, his eyes reflecting humor, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Are you angry with me?”
“A little miffed,” she admitted, “but it’s awfully hard to stay upset with you.”
He held the reins in one hand and his rifle in the other. Pointing it down, he shoved it into the boot.
“Good,” he said with a grin. Straightening in the saddle, he winked. “I’d sure hate to spend the rest of the day with you mad at me.”
She leaned toward him and wrinkled her nose.
“Well, that would be one way to stave off passion.”
He laughed. “Anger is a passion, Carmen.”
He leaned down and opened the gate. When they were both out of the corral, he shut it again.
Something Old, Something New Page 10