Once Bitten, Twice Shy

He frowned. “Well, what did you think I was talking about?” Comprehension suddenly invaded the dark eyes and he shook his head. “Let me start all over - in a way I know you’ll understand.”

He rose from the window seat and turned to face her. Going down on one knee, he fished in his shirt pocket and came out with a diamond engagement ring.

Carmen caught her breath and waited. Finally!

He gazed up into her eyes. “Will you marry me, Carmen?”

Her heart skipped a beat. She closed her eyes and said a prayer of thanks before she answered him.

“Yes,” she whispered.

He stood and pulled her into his arms.

“I promise you won’t be sorry, Carmen. I’ll make you happy. I’ll love and cherish you - protect you.”

She hugged him. “I know you will, and I’ll never betray you.”

He slipped the ring on her finger. “Now, I have something else for you.”

He tugged on his boots and led her through a large formal dining room. She peeked into a sparkling kitchen with a dishwasher and range - and an overhead oven. Then he led her out patio doors through a small courtyard, down steps and a concrete walkway to a tidy barn. There he introduced her to Princess, the horse he had been riding earlier.

“I bought her for you. She’ll be the first horse on your ranch.” He directed her to the next stall. She had this pretty little filly with her, and I didn’t have the heart to separate them.

Carmen gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. “Oh my gosh, Alex!”

She held one hand out and the filly nickered, stretching her nose out to touch the hand cautiously. She was mostly white with freckles across her haunches and a few spots on her neck and chest. Brown eyes with long white lashes stared at Carmen with obvious curiosity.

“She’s beautiful,” Carmen finally said

Alex chuckled. “Her name is Casper. The owner said she was friendly, but he hasn’t had time to work with her. She’s almost a year old. They’re both registered Appaloosa’s.