An Ounce of Prevention

She pulled a tablet and pen from her purse and proceeded to draw a map of the area. When she finished explaining, she looked at Alex.

"You were looking for a camp ground. There are several good ones. I'll give you their location as well, but you are welcome to camp on my land. It has water and electricity on it. My husband takes his camper out there sometimes. He's away on a business trip right now and won't be back for a week. If you're interested…"

Everyone looked hopefully at Alex. He smiled and leaned back in his chair. "That must sound like a great idea to my family."

Mrs. Anderson smiled. "But not to you?"

He shrugged. "I'm here for them.

She looked at Carmen, but said nothing more. She gave them instructions on how to get to the land.

"It's a long drive over dirt roads, but I think you'll enjoy the seclusion. There are no houses around for miles." She indicated a point on the map. "There are some buttes about five miles to the west of my land. They are on public land. As you walk the trail around the butte here, it will take you to an observation point over a water hole. That's where we've seen the wild horses. They come early in the morning to drink and graze on the grass around it."

They talked for a while and when they left the restaurant they returned to their hotel room. While Jonathan and Alex studied the maps, Carmen read to Destiny and the twins. Finally Alex was showing some interest in the vacation.

The next morning they had everything packed in the van ready to go when Matthew said he needed to go to the bathroom. Alex and Jonathan took him while Carmen waited in the lobby with Destiny and Natalie.

Two women, possibly mother and daughter, were sitting on a bench near them admiring the men. They conversed with each other in loud whispers. It was difficult to determine whether the women were actually shopping for a man or simply playing a game. Whatever the case, Carmen was trying to ignore them. Destiny kept glancing their way and looking at Carmen.

"Oh, look at him!" the older one said. "I'll take that one."

Carmen resisted the urge to look.

The younger woman giggled "Don't be greedy. He looks man enough for both of us."

Both women giggled.

Destiny moved closer to Carmen and whispered softly. "Mama, they're talking about Daddy."

Carmen glanced at the women and followed their focus to see Alex reaching a hand out to Matthew, who was gleefully running from Jonathan.