"You know," Carmen began as she handed a sandwich to Destiny. "I've been thinking about making more trails - maybe putting some markers up so people can ride on their own."
"Oh, this would be an excellent idea!" Felipa said.
They ate in silence for a few minutes and then Carmen announced her good news.
"I have a girl coming out here this afternoon for an interview. She sounds like she might be exactly what we need."
Felipa frowned. "This is for help with the horses? Alex will not mind that you hire a girl?"
"Why would he care whether it's a male or a female - as long as they're qualified?"
Felipa looked uncertain and then shrugged. "You would know how he likes it."
At 3:00 pm on the dot, Sam arrived at the door for her interview. Sam was a tall redhead with large blue eyes and a sprinkle of freckles over an upturned nose. She was an attractive girl with a quick smile and a perpetual twinkle in her eyes. It didn't look like there was an ounce of fat on her muscular frame. She was dressed in indigo jeans and a white cotton shirt with turquoise piping. Her western ensemble was complete with boots and a black Stetson hat.
Felipa watched the children while Carmen took Sam to the office. Carmen shut the door and crossed the room, sitting at the desk and indicating a chair for Sam. She had made a list of questions, but after asking half of them, she wound up setting them aside and letting instinct guide her. Sam was an interesting person. Her accomplishments included farrier skills and equine care.
About time she was thinking Sam might be the one she wanted to hire, Sam threw a kink into the process. She picked up a picture of Carmen & Alex and pointed to Alex.
"Is this your husband?"
Carmen nodded, thinking Sam was going to comment on his past.
Sam whistled and spoke softly. "Wow! He's really good looking!"
Carmen was instantly relieved and then equally concerned. It wasn't something she had often heard. To her, Alex was the best looking man she had ever seen, but so far no one had agreed. Watching Sam drool over him - especially during a job interview - left Carmen feeling uncertain about the girl. If she openly admired him in front of her prospective employer, what would she do when she was alone with him?
Carmen cleared her throat. "He's my husband," she reaffirmed.