Carmen took a deep breath and let it out slowly. How could she explain her mood to Katie when she had so little understanding of it herself? At any rate, Katie was right. It was too late to change her mind now - and what difference did it make why Alex was coming? At least he was finally making an effort to see his sister - and Katie was actually excited about his visit. Didn't they know how fortunate they were to have each other - to have any family? She headed for the door, tossing a grumpy reply over her shoulder.
"I'm not backing out. But he's going to miss the telephone and television -- and that tiny bedroom upstairs isn't exactly the Hotel Hilton."
Katie rolled her eyes. "Oh Carmen, just because he's wealthy doesn't mean he's a preppie." She shrugged into her coat. "Anyway, I suppose I owe him something for the three years he bossed me around. Especially considering the way I deserted him after graduation."
Carmen paused with her hand on the doorknob. Inviting Alex to visit this farm sounded more like a payback than a gesture of appreciation.
"I know you think he was high handed about it, but as your guardian, it was his responsibility to encourage you to get a good education. After all, didn't you say your parents left a will dedicating money for that purpose? You said he quit college to take care of you. Obviously he thought . . ."
"I cheated him out of his chance at a good education?" Katie cut in defensively.
"Obviously he thought family ties were more important than education," Carmen persisted. "Anyway, there's nothing stopping him from finishing school now if he's still interested in becoming a veterinarian. The truth is, he probably likes being a salesman, and why not? He travels all over the world and makes enough money to do it in style. He has everything."
Katie contemplated Carmen with eyes wiser than her twenty years. "Not everything. Money can't buy love."
Carmen sighed impatiently. "Neither can poverty."
The last thing she wanted to hear this morning was how poor little Alex had been jilted at the altar. Alex had a lot going for him. If he was having problems finding a virtuous mate, fault more likely lay in a character flaw than his looks - as Katie had so often implied. Being ugly as a mud fence hadn't stopped Alex from becoming a financial success. And being attractive hadn't improved her life much. Carmen jerked the door open and gasped at the rush of frigid air.