And Sentence Examples
The boy laughed cheerfully and jumped out.
She stopped and gazed up at his face.
He laughed at that, and his laugh was merry and frank.
He parked the truck in front of the house and headed down the hill.
Then they turned bottom side up, and continued to roll slowly over until they were right side up again.
Dorothy grabbed fast hold of the buggy top and the boy did the same.
They have two fertilized eggs and they want final consent.
Dorothy sighed and commenced to breathe easier.
Carmen brushed them away and returned to her prayer.
Yes, and Jonathan is at school.
AdvertisementShe met his gaze and smiled.
The sky had grown darker again and the wind made queer sobbing sounds as it swept over the valley.
Humor danced in his eyes and twisted smooth lips.
At some point, that stopped bugging her and became an attraction.
The voice and words belonged to Josh, and yet he had been dead for more than two years.
AdvertisementHe glanced up and smiled.
The boy was startled and his eyes were big.
Taking her in his arms, he held her close for a moment and then planted a kiss on her forehead.
Reluctantly she pulled away, her pulse and respiration in a race.
All that did was to enwich the pwiests' sons and thieves and wobbahs....
AdvertisementThe kids are asleep and we're alone.
Dorothy and Zeb looked at one another in wonder.
Without answering, he headed for the fireplace and opened the wood box.
He grinned and waved.
Two children, brother and sister, were on their way to school.
AdvertisementZeb shook the reins and urged him to go, but Jim was stubborn.
Long dark lashes and black curly hair - he had it all.
She sighed and walked over to the window seat.
I loved him and he left me.
The speech he gave in September 1962, announcing that goal, spent a good amount of time justifying the expense and explaining the urgency.
People overwhelmingly believed the future would be better, and they were right!
It was indicative of dissipation and the exercise of authority.
Count Ilya Rostov smiled blandly and nodded approval.
He and Uncle Hugson have been having a fine visit.
They saw the mother robin flying about, and crying to her mate.
He was not going very fast, but on his flanks specks of foam began to appear and at times he would tremble like a leaf.
But I warn you, if you don't tell me that this means war, if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist--I really believe he is Antichrist--I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend, no longer my 'faithful slave,' as you call yourself!
And then her eyes grew large.
And you know what?
Then they rode on, talking and laughing as before.
He reached her and turned, walking beside her as they started back up the hill to the house.
Pulling his head down, she met warm lips again and surrendered to the passion he always managed to arouse.
It was a big horse, tall and bony, with long legs and large knees and feet.
She could count his ribs easily where they showed through the skin of his body, and his head was long and seemed altogether too big for him, as if it did not fit.
His tail was short and scraggly, and his harness had been broken in many places and fastened together again with cords and bits of wire.
She set down the bird-cage and poked the boy with her parasol.
Tomorrow Uncle Henry and I must start back for Kansas.
With a wild neigh of terror the animal fell bodily into the pit, drawing the buggy and its occupants after him.
So he moved the cars slowly and with caution.
He walked down the hill, pausing a reverent moment at the headstone, and then ducked under a limb as he continued down the hill.
The conductor helped her off the car and then the engineer started his train again, so that it puffed and groaned and moved slowly away up the track.
Next minute there was a roar and a sharp crash, and at her side Dorothy saw the ground open in a wide crack and then come together again.
There was a breath of danger in the very air, and every few moments the earth would shake violently.
With this thought in mind the girl took heart and leaned her head over the side of the buggy to see where the strange light was coming from.
He stooped and picked up a bird's nest that had fallen upon the ground.
I confess all these festivities and fireworks are becoming wearisome.
Later, she lay in bed, tucked warmly under the covers as his boots clicked away from her on the hardwood floor - down the hall and into the den.
It should have arrived at Hugson's Siding at midnight, but it was already five o'clock and the gray dawn was breaking in the east when the little train slowly rumbled up to the open shed that served for the station-house.
Then she looked at Zeb, whose face was blue and whose hair was pink, and gave a little laugh that sounded a bit nervous.
They have got to live a man's life, pushing all these things before them, and get on as well as they can.
She smiled to herself - and not always because he rubbed her the wrong way.
He nodded and smiled.
The buggy seemed almost new, for it had a shiny top and side curtains.
We've been away for a long time, you know, and so we're anxious to get home again.
Jim's ears were standing erect upon his head and every muscle of his big body was tense as he trotted toward home.
Dorothy had a green streak through the center of her face where the blue and yellow lights came together, and her appearance seemed to add to his fright.
Anna Pavlovna Scherer on the contrary, despite her forty years, overflowed with animation and impulsiveness.
She pushed the thought from her mind and turned to him.
His somber gaze met hers and then drifted to her lips.
Alex rolled over and faced her.
She walked toward it and found the horse tied to a tree and standing motionless, with its head hanging down almost to the ground.
I work for Uncle Bill on his ranch, and he pays me six dollars a month and my board.
They may have missed on specifics (such as each of us owning a personal jet pack and a flying car) but in general were dead-on.
We have, in fact, envisioned a better world and have made it happen.
It was true, and it brought color to his neck, but he didn't comment.
All the papers had been signed and the money provided.
Alex helped the man get the luggage into the trunk and then hurried to assist Carmen into the car before the man could touch her.
Alex climbed into the car beside Carmen and placed his arm protectively on the back of the seat behind her neck.
I have a mare; and we have a five-year-old mare with a colt, a four year-old filly, and a two-year-old filly... oh, and my mare is going to foal again in January.
Then the boy picked up the reins, shook them, and said "Gid-dap!"
The worst thing was their terror of reaching the bottom of this great crack in the earth, and the natural fear that sudden death was about to overtake them at any moment.
All this was so terrible and unreal that he could not understand it at all, and so had good reason to be afraid.
He lifted the nest gently and put it in a safe place in the forks of the tree.
He leaped into the saddle, and away he dashed with his officers close behind him.
It was the favourite haunt of humming-birds and bees.
Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell would find the first violets and lilies.
In addition to the assistance from the renters, the money finally gave her an income of her own, and the token independence that went with it.
Alex had destroyed it then with suspicion and accusations.
In a way, Carmen and Alex had adopted a family.
Alex got a relief when the conversation turned to something else and stayed there for the rest of the evening.
He rose up on one elbow and frowned.
He made a face and stopped his horse.
He turned from the mirror and gazed down at her solemnly.
You have the education, the experience in business and the personality.
Also, turning her head, she found that she could see the boy beside her, who had until now remained as still and silent as she herself.
But they continued to fall, all together, and the boy and girl had no difficulty in remaining upon the seat, just as they were before.
He got down from his horse and very gently took the little ones up in his big warm hands.
All cuddled down together and were very happy.
And you may even—reasonably, optimistically—think it to be quite likely.
He married Lucy Helen Everett, who belonged to the same family of Everetts as Edward Everett and Dr. Edward Everett Hale.
Such a house my father built after the Civil War, and when he married my mother they went to live in it.
There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass.
Well, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes.
They even agreed to take care of the animals while Alex and Carmen took their first vacation.
In the kitchen she removed two mugs from the holder and reached for the coffee pot.
He reached out with one arm and drew her toward him.
He wanted to protect her and preserve her innocence.
Carmen met his gaze for a moment - long enough to reunite, and then they both turned back to the others.
Her anxious gaze went from Carmen to Alex and back again.
Dulce stood and motioned for Alondra to follow her.
Apparently Señor Medena and his daughters had lived here all their lives.
Felipa and Alondra were there as well.
She pulled the covers up to her chin and met his gaze solemnly.
For a moment he simply gazed into her eyes, and then he drew a deep breath.
Outside of that time Señor Medena and Felipa were both present every minute that Tessa was there.
A warm hand caressed its way up her back and around to cradle her breast.
He held a hand up to her and then guided her down to his lap.
Carmen climbed off Alex's lap and took Destiny's soft little hand in hers.
Destiny's eyelids drooped and paused, then opened wide.
Even Katie noticed the change in him and asked Carmen about the cause.
I knew you'd be upset and there is nothing you can do... nothing I can do.
Probably because he didn't know how to handle the situation - and Alex always wanted to be in control.
You're Carmen, and that's a lot.
He wants you because you would do a good job, and because you are his son.
Jumping out of the buggy he put Dorothy's suit-case under the seat and her bird-cage on the floor in front.
The top of the buggy caught the air like a parachute or an umbrella filled with wind, and held them back so that they floated downward with a gentle motion that was not so very disagreeable to bear.
These they could not see, but they could feel them pelting the buggy top, and Jim screamed almost like a human being when a stone overtook him and struck his boney body.
Swiftly they drew near to the flaming colored suns, and passed close beside them.
Perhaps I don't understand things, but Austria never has wished, and does not wish, for war.
The nobility don't gwudge theah lives--evewy one of us will go and bwing in more wecwuits, and the sov'weign" (that was the way he referred to the Emperor) "need only say the word and we'll all die fo' him!" added the orator with animation.
She and Dad would have loved Alex.
A sudden gust of wind circled them and whispered words in her mind.
They entered the house and she glanced at the dark fireplace.
Alex stood and walked down the hall.
Her dark shining hair was pulled back loosely with bejeweled combs and hung in loose curls down her back.
He asked her to go back to Houston with him, enticing her with rides on the beach - and love all night.
She slipped eagerly into his arms and their lips met hungrily.
She shrugged and then walked away.
Carmen stared after her and shook her head.
She dropped the picture in his lap and watched his reaction.
He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
She squeezed him once more and then released him.
In fact, he'd probably be horrified to know he slipped and did it now.
We pop some popcorn and drink some eggnog - just enjoy each other.
Color stained his neck and spewed up into his face.
Choking down fear, she climbed inside and sat down in the luxurious leather seat.
Right now she'd like to kiss those smooth lips - and she might if she didn't know where they'd been last.
A strong hand shot out and grasped her arm.
He sat up and turned on the light.
His gaze traveled over her face and then found her eyes.
I pretend like I know what's right and wrong, but I don't.
All I know is what Mom and Dad taught me.
We're probably all a little hypocritical at times - and we're all sinners, so I hear.
I admire the effort and sacrifice you put into it.
Morino came in after Tessa left and Señor Medena left.
Carmen let go of the blanket she had been clutching to her chest and turned to shut her light off.
With Alex back at work and Jonathan at school, her attention turned to the nursery.
Alex and Jonathan wanted to help decorate, but there were some basic things that could be done.
Her savings and checking accounts combined had never exceeded $3,000 - not even before she paid the bills.
School was out and Jonathan was scheduled to start camp next week.
Then she used wild and long grain rice instead of stuffing.
Corn seasoned with red bell peppers and black beans made a colorful vegetable.
With the food warming, Carmen took Destiny to her room and dressed.
She helped Destiny into a frilly white dress with yellow trim and they both finished up with white sandals.
When Destiny wanted to wear a ring like mommy, Carmen tied a yellow ribbon around her finger and made a bow of it on the top.
With everything ready, they sat on the window seat and watched for Alex.
Together they went to the kitchen and began putting the food in serving bowls.
Alex divided his attention between a very attentive Destiny and a reserved Carmen.
Throughout the meal she led the subject a weaving path around the animals, the weather, and work on the nursery.
His lips held a faint smile and his eyes twinkled.
His laugh was sudden and short, engaging the dimple.
He sobered and slowly stood, gazing down at her.
He picked up the newspaper and settled into his chair while she checked on Destiny.
She walked behind his chair, leaning over it and putting her arms around him.
He leaned his head back and smiled up at her.
You deserved it... and much more.
She stepped around the chair and stood before him.
Then she unbuttoned the first few buttons on his shirt and slipped her arms around his neck.
He turned his head and kissed her on the mouth.
She melted into his arms, eagerly returning his warm kisses and welcoming the feel of his fingers as they searched for the zipper on the back of her dress.
Carmen jerked her arms from his neck and sat up.
She ran the bath water for Destiny and helped her into the tub with her toy before rejoining Alex.
Without a word, she slipped into his arms and fell into the rhythm of his step.
She sighed and snuggled against him, feeling the beat of his heart... or was that her own?
He released her without objection and she walked away to get Destiny.
He was watching her, a wry smile on his face and an amused twinkle in his eyes.
She gave him her most fetching smile and stepped out of the hallway.
Carmen read to her from a book for a few minutes until she fell asleep and then turned the light off.
His gaze shifted to her as she sat down, and he smiled.
His fingers touched her chin and slid down her throat, exploring their way down to her bodice.
Reaching up, she turned off the light and then moved close to him, unbuttoning his shirt.
It was the first time they made love any place outside their bedroom, and it was way beyond exciting.
If you don't stand up and demand a change, he'll keep on doing it.
Katie sighed heavily and leaned forward.
Katie groaned and rolled her eyes.
Alex watched her fill the container and put the lid on.
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away.
Finally he took down a couple of cups and poured them some coffee.
She followed him to the table and sat opposite him, waiting for him to open the subject.
Is that what you and Dulce were fighting about?
Color crawled up his neck and his gaze shifted to the coffee mug.
The wound opened again and the salt he threw into it drew a sharp response from her.
He squeezed her hand and his voice sounded constricted.
You're a wonderful husband and father.
He lifted her hand and kissed it.
I just want to do my part, and I can't if I don't have all the facts.
He nodded, taking her hand and guiding her up out of the chair.
He shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck.
Why would she hide him from me all this time and suddenly ask for a fortune?
She tells you and it's automatically fact.
So what were you and Dulce arguing about?
She wanted me to tell him - and you.
Of course he would feel responsible for working it out and not troubling her with it.
Alex contacted his father and then made flight arrangements.
She lifted the blankets and crawled into bed feeling disappointed.
I never met Grandma and Grandpa Barret.
He spoke so clearly and with such conviction that Carmen wondered if he was thinking about Alex.
It was wandering in circles and looking around.
He paused and kissed her on the lips.
Mommy and me get pwetty for wou.
The horse had stopped short, and stood firm as a rock.
We are somewhere in the middle of the earth, and the chances are we'll reach the other side of it before long.
The four lawyers rode along, one behind another; for the pathway was narrow, and the mud on each side of it was deep.
I lived, up to the time of the illness that deprived me of my sight and hearing, in a tiny house consisting of a large square room and a small one, in which the servant slept.
He reached for her and she evaded his hands, playfully slapping him away.
When they finally got on the plane, she and Jonathan had a window seat - Jonathan in front of her.
His face looked pale and he rode with an alien stiffness.
Felipa kicked her horse into a lope and rode up beside him.
She said something and then rode ahead.
For another moment she hesitated, and then joined Alex.
Alex looked surprised for a moment and then his lips clamped together firmly.
Alex followed her and stumbled on the stairs.
She had an interesting perspective, and she made him think about things differently.
She snickered at the unintentional pun and Alex frowned, his gaze an unspoken question.
Dulce motioned to Carmen from a hallway, so Carmen told Alex to take the children up and she would be up shortly.
Carmen was looking at someone behind the camera and Alex was looking at a girl who stood about five feet from him.
And then another thought struck her.
A man takes ownership of his deeds and acts responsibly.
She sighed and turned away.
So I say the horses and chickens are mine and Alex says the other animals are his.
I went to college and studied animal husbandry.
I started the dairy and everything I had went into getting it into the black.
I lost track of time until Alex came along and revived my interest in the ranch.
But we're married - and have been for a long time.
She lifted her head and looked into his eyes.
It was unrealistic to think two people could spend a lifetime together and never squabble about anything.
Her parents fought and forgave.
Finally he arched one brow and turned back to the roast.
That was the end of the conversation and neither of them brought the subject up again that night.
There was no immediate need for a van and if they did need one, they... he, obviously had the money.
A few days later when Carmen and Destiny were visiting Katie, the issue popped out of her mouth in another conversation.
Katie was peeling potatoes at the kitchen sink and Carmen was holding Destiny, watching her.
I was thinking about buying a new vehicle and wondered if we had the money, so I looked at his financial information on the computer.
Katie shrugged her shoulders and focused on cutting an eye from the potato in her hand.
Actually, I would have thought it was a lot more - but then, he did pay cash for the house and clinic.
She threw the potato into a pan and eyed Carmen reflectively.
Katie smiled knowingly and picked up another potato.
Katie glanced up and rolled her eyes.
Katie piled the potatoes in another pan and picked it up, along with the knife and a bag of peals.
Sit down and I'll fill you in a little.
Carmen sat Destiny on the floor and picked up the pan of pealed potatoes, along with a paring knife.
She sat the pan on the table and sat down.
Destiny followed her and Carmen pulled the chair beside her out so she could crawl into it.
Alex was secretive and he did like to be in control.
Carmen picked up a potato and started pealing it.
Katie snorted and grabbed a potato.
I did and I thought he was going to bite my head off.
The way I heard it, Grandma & Grandpa Barret were rolling in money and Dad wasn't up to their standards... financially.
Katie paused and mused.
I always wondered if that was why Mom and Dad split up for a while - because Mom was used to a different lifestyle and social circle.
That was when Mom and Señor Medena started hanging out together anyway - the first time.
She shook her head and continued.
Katie stopped talking and frowned at Carmen?
Mom and Dad named Alex after her.
Basically he tried to buy him from Mom and Dad.
He wasn't opposed to having it, but he insisted on sharing it in fair business - and with his wife, more or less.
Anyway, Mom had a brother and a sister.
Carmen grabbed the thermometer from the counter and gave it to him.
Alex patiently consoled and distracted her while the nurse taped a padded board to her hand and wrist so she couldn't move it.
When I told her about Destiny, she asked if she could come up and help.
It was almost three O'clock in the afternoon and her stomach was screaming for something to eat.
She shut the door and descended the stairs.
She was out, dressed and fixing supper when the bus stopped to let Jonathan out.
They went through their evening routine and then left for the hospital.
They have her in pull-ups now and she's not happy about that.
Now go home and get some rest.
The snow started shortly after they left and the wind blew it horizontal.
Morning dawned on about three inches of snowfall and it was still coming down.
Seven o'clock came and went without Alex.
Just keep thinking that... and praying.
Yeah, I'm just tired, and my throat is itching this morning.
You'd better stay in out of the weather... and get some rest.
She started crying and holding her arms up to Carmen.
Destiny clung to her neck, coughing and crying in turns.
Carmen pushed the button for the nurse and cuddled Destiny.
When the nurse arrived, she took Destiny's temperature and said something about the doctor.
A few minutes later they came in and got Destiny to take her for more x-rays.
The arm with the IV rested across her chest and the other hung limply.
The nurse put her down in the bed and covered her.
The other lung was infected and they had switched to yet another antibiotic.
Carmen sat down and put her elbows on the bed.
They did another x-ray this morning and the infection has spread to the other lung.
She wanted to tell him how much she missed him - how much she wished he was there, but he might jump in the truck and travel dangerous highways.
If he was coming down with a cold, he needed rest - and Destiny didn't need to be exposed to it.
You'd better get some rest... and take care of yourself.
His laugh was low, and she could imagine his mocking expression.
Carmen woke to a crackling sound and sat up, trying to identify it.
Destiny coughed and sat up with a wale that sounded more like a broken growl.
Destiny coughed again and then retched.
Carmen let the bed rail down and jerked the tent from under the mattress, allowing Destiny to crawl close.
Destiny stiffened with a fit of coughing and then drug a deep rattling breath.
Carmen disentangled herself from Destiny and urged her to lie down.
Destiny cried harder, clinging to her hands and trying to get back into her arms.
She backed out of the tent and tucked it under the mattress.
Carmen swallowed a lump in her throat and blinked tears from her eyes.
Destiny suddenly stopped crying and stared at the door.
Carmen followed her gaze and was surprised to find Señor Medena standing in the doorway.
He lifted his hand and displayed a doll to Destiny.
Carmen handed Destiny the doll and she wrapped it in her arms.
Every breath rattled, and she coughed in her sleep.
The nurse injected the medicine into the IV and left the room.
Señor Medena glanced at Felipa and shrugged again.
Señor Medena colored and stepped over to the window, looking out.
Mom used to say that children and dogs weren't fooled by people.
He certainly had Destiny's approval - and the admiration appeared to be mutual.
Wet auburn curls were plastered around her pale face and the back of her neck.
She looked small and vulnerable.
There was a long silence and then Señor Medena spoke.
Destiny probably wouldn't wake before they returned, and even if she did, Señor Medena would keep her occupied.
Carmen led Felipa to the cafeteria and bought her lunch.
Carmen asked, and then made a face.
There was a fine line between protecting and smothering, though.
For a moment she envisioned him and felt a pang of loneliness.
It rang three times and then Jonathan answered.
It was the middle of the day, and Alex never took a nap.
Alex said something and Jonathan conveyed it to Carmen.
He asked, and then coughed.
Warm him some chicken soup and make sure he drinks plenty of water.
And take care of yourself, too.
He was rarely sick, and even then it was hard to get him to go to bed.
When she and Felipa returned to the room, the doctor was there.
He said Destiny's fever had broken and if she continued to improve, they would take the tent off her bed in a few days.
It was great news and she should have felt relieved.
After he recovered from the stabbing, the Doctor said he had scar tissue and would be susceptible to pneumonia in the injured lung.
She couldn't be with Destiny and Alex at the same time.
He's at home with Jonathan and he can't come in because Destiny might catch what he has.
Señor Medena would take care of him and see that he got to the hospital if he needed to go.
She shook her head and sighed as she sat down.
Destiny got well and came home.
Señor Medena and Felipa returned to Texas and life returned to normal.
They moved Alex's office upstairs and began work on the nursery.
Jonathan rarely asked for anything and the idea of having someone in the house playing music was appealing.
She was cleaning the coffee pot and Alex was reclining in a chair at the table, enjoying the last cup of coffee.
There was a fine line between being frugal and being a miser.
She wiped the pot with a dishtowel and carefully placed it on the coffee maker.
Slowly she turned and met his intent gaze.
He knew exactly what he wanted and I told him we would buy it for him.
Finally he leaned forward and stood, rubbing the back of his neck.
Nor did he say anything when she exchanged the guitar for a violin and paid for lessons.
Carmen uncrossed her legs and stood.
Alex hugged Destiny and kissed her before turning to Carmen.
His face was flushed and his eyes were bright.
She met his gaze and nodded.
The babies were healthy and by mid-August, they would have two new family members.
Katie found some material to match and made quilts for the cribs.
Even Mrs. Reynolds pitched in with some stuffed animals - a giraffe and horse.
She gathered it in a hug and smelled deeply of it.
She started to put the pillow down and caught the movement in the mirror from the corner of her eye.
Finally Alex kissed her neck and released her, stepping away as he spoke.
He had a lot on his plate right now... the twins, his father and who knew what else?
He had been unusually quiet and solemn lately.
It's wandering around in circles and it's not at all afraid of us.
Without comment, he went outside and shot it.
Finally he came back to the house and put his gun up.
He nodded and looked at Destiny as he spoke.
He picked up the bag and smiled.
Maybe she was right, and if Alex hadn't been such a perfect husband in every other way, she might have done it.
You spring something on me and then you just shut me out - like what I feel isn't important.
He put the book down and slowly stood.
He reached down and took her hands, pulling her into his arms.
When he gazed into her eyes, his voice was deep and warm.
He had a family to support - and two more children on the way.
She reached up and stroked his cheek.
I know, sweetheart, and that is a comfort, but it won't be that bad.
Later that night she woke and lay awake thinking about the way he had responded.
She rolled over and jerked the covers up.
Alex would never cheat - not on someone he respected and admired more than anyone he knew.
Alex was gone four days and was as solemn on his return as he was when he left.
All that time and he was unable to solve his financial problem.
She practiced while he was at work and removed it before he came home.
She applied light colored lipstick and then put some on Destiny's lips.
She gently broke the embrace and stepped away, smiling up at him in an inviting way.
She hugged him and kissed his temple.
He folded the newspaper and placed it on the lamp stand.
Carmen leaned back in his arms and smiled up at him.
He glanced up and caught her watching him.
He's always been secretive, and whenever I ask him, he just tells me it's something I don't want to be involved in.
I mean - does he tell you what to cook for supper and what to wear?
Then he just makes all the important decisions - and you have no input?
He had a lot of investments and...
She was slicing some left over pork roast for a recipe tomorrow when Alex walked in and announced that Destiny and Jonathan were asleep.
Tonight he divided his attention between the knife and her face - no doubt waiting for her to broach the subject.
Finally she put the knife down and started putting the sliced meat in a plastic container.
He took a few sips and finally broached the subject.
Her stomach contracted and then twisted into a knot.
They had been married almost five years, so... that meant the baby was conceived long before they met - about the time he and Tessa were going to get married.
Alex reached across the table and put his hand over hers.
Alex's head jerked up and his jaw dropped.
His mouth snapped shut and shame filled his eyes.
As he absorbed her words, his expression went from tense to relieved, and then on to something sweet and sad.
He caressed her arms and leaned into her hug.
She gave him a final squeeze and released him.
She returned to her chair and sat down, gazing up at him.
He stood, and when she looked up at him, he leaned down and kissed her lips.
He grabbed her waist and drew her close.
He planted a lingering kiss on her lips and drew back.
He opened his mouth to speak and then clamped it shut.
Carmen caught her breath and stared at him.
What was this sudden obsession with her ability to run the ranch, and what made him think she was qualified?
The only business experience she had was the goat dairy, the non-functional farm and a horse ranch that had been in the fetal stage for years.
You may come to America and be poor, but if you work hard, your children will have a better life and a better opportunity.
It was completely covered with vines, climbing roses and honeysuckles.
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and imagination--what Wilberforce is there to bring that about?
Alex unbuckled her from the bumper seat and carried her into the house.
And I'm a hypocrite.
He worked quietly for a few minutes and then finally turned his attention to Carmen.
He married and decided to stay there.
Aunt Paulette, (we all called her Aunt Paulie) married a real estate agent and moved to Arkansas.
Mom always had a good relationship with her sister and brother.
She finished pealing the potato and threw it into the pan before continuing.
Dad was an only child and his Mother died in her twenties.
Katie made a face and then winked at Carmen.
Considering her own feelings about Alex, and the fact that he was a lot like his father, it wasn't hard to imagine that his mother never got over Señor Medena.
All this time I thought the company was interested in him because he could speak both Spanish and English.
She shrugged and her gaze became distant.
I'm sure that had a lot to do with it - that and the connections.
She considered that thought and then amended.
And yet, Katie and Alex were close siblings now in spite of their age difference.
He must have been overwhelmed with the responsibility - and guilt.
And yet, this latest contention was about inheritance, not love.
He wasn't involved in anything illegal and you have no reason to be concerned about spending any of the money he acquired.
Katie sighed and threw the last potato in the pan.
Katie stood and carried the pan of potatoes to the sink.
He came back from a trip down there one time and was upset because he said Uncle Fabrice treated him like a dunce in front of customers.
Alex will be home soon and I have to get supper on.
Sometimes, but it's a long way to a restaurant and a lot of hassle to go.
And then there was Alex's pride.
If Alex liked being in control, and she liked him being in control, then there was no problem.
It was a pleasant escape from the dust and noise of the building going on above them.
Carmen took her to the doctor, but he said there was no cure for the common cold and not to worry about it.
Carmen fed her a light lunch and she lay down to sleep for a while.
Alex stroked her head and then leaned forward to look down at her.
It's been almost a week and she hasn't been coughing today.
He stood and lifted Destiny, putting an ear to her chest.
Jonathan came into the room and watched until he finished.
Jonathan, help your mother put the food up and I'll get Destiny into her coat.
The x-rays were conclusive and indicated a bad infection in the lower lobe of one lung.
Destiny sat on Carmen's lap and Alex held her arm while the pediatric nurse inserted an IV.
Carmen's throat constricted and unshed tears stung her eyes.
If only she could take Destiny's pain and fear.
Her eyes were large and imploring as she was wheeled down the hall to a room in the pediatric ward.
She sobbed and begged them to let her out until Carmen felt like her heart was being brutally wrenched from her body.
Carmen sat one side of the bed and Alex on the other, each holding a tiny hand.
Carmen sat in a chair next to the bed and prepared for a long night.
Nurses came into the room off and on all night to check on Destiny, but she continued to sleep.
Of course - and he wanted to be there as much as she did.
She has to talk to father about it and she will call back later this morning to let me know when she will be here.
Destiny was still asleep when Carmen and Katie left the hospital.
She woke later and looked at the clock.
They ate and then she put the remaining food in the refrigerator for Alex.
Jonathan helped her feed and water the animals and then she took him to the hospital with her.
Alex looked up and smiled when they walked into the room.
Jonathan and I did the chores.
We ate supper and put the rest in the refrigerator for you.
I've spoken to the school and you can take the bus from there.
Alex stood and squeezed his shoulder as they turned toward the door.
After they left, Carmen sank into the chair and picked up a horse magazine.
Someone from the church or clinic must have been by and brought it for Alex.
Carmen dozed in the chair a few times off and on until about midnight.
By that time she was hungry and decided to make a deal with the night shift.
She'd buy the pizza and have it delivered if they would bring her some.
Destiny woke and ate a few bites before going back to sleep.
That wasn't easy to do when a person was physically and emotionally exhausted.
Carmen woke suddenly and glanced around the room, half expecting to find him there.
She threw the covers back and went down the hall to the stairway.
Climbing the unfinished stairs she opened the door to the new room and looked around.
The sheetrock was up and mudded, but not painted.
Covers needed to be put on the electrical outlets and the windows still held their tags.
It started with Crocus and Jonquils and then the fruit trees as the weather grew warmer.
As April slipped into May and the last threat of frost passed, she began planting them in the garden.
When she was close enough to the house, she ran to the courtyard and slipped in through the back door.
Once inside, she locked the door and ordered Destiny to stay in the house while she called Alex.
It didn't take long for him to get home, and when he came in from the garage, he went directly to his gun cabinet and took out a rifle.
Pulling gloves and a bag from his pocket, he proceeded to collect the grisly specimen.
It was sweet and amusing by turns.
Alex was in the family room and Jonathan was still in his room, so she went searching for Alex to help her with the zipper.
He lowered the newspaper and eyed her sarcastically.
And your point is?
Alex said it might not have made any difference, and reminded her that she needed to think positive.
He lowered the paper and methodically folded it.