Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Things didn't stay dull for long, though. As soon as Brutus saw them, he lunged to his feet and growled at Alex. The huge white dog lowered his head and bared his teeth at the stranger.

Alex halted, watching the dog cautiously. If he was frightened, he gave no indication. But then, why should he be afraid? It wasn't as if she was going to allow Brutus to attack their guest.

"Hush, Brutus," She said, stepping around the dog. Brutus ceased his snarling, but he continued to keep a wary eye on Alex. Behind her, she heard Alex let out a long breath.

"Now that's a dog. Great Pyrenees?" At her nod he continued. "Do you have a coyote problem?"

She glanced up at him and smiled. "Not now."

He chuckled. "I'll bet."

He moved through the herd, feeling a shoulder here, looking in a mouth there. "Teeth on the bottom only in the front, just like a cow. How much milk does a goat give?"

She plucked a piece of twine from the hay on the floor. This wasn't working out exactly the way she had planned. The worst of it was she was beginning to enjoy it. She wound the twine around her finger. "It depends on heredity, what you feed them, time of the year and a lot of other factors. I have some that give over two gallons a day and I've sold some that only gave a quart each milking."

He stopped beside Tessa. "Is this the one you took to the fair?"

She nodded. At least he noticed there was a goat in the picture. In fact, he must have given the goat a good deal of attention to be able to identify her from the other Toggenburgs.

"Her name is Tessa."

He glanced up sharply. "Tessa?"

Something about his tone put her on edge. "I know. You guys think it's silly to name farm animals, but it's easier for Katie and me that way. Anyway, I always liked that name."

The dark eyes searched her face suspiciously for a few more moments and then he shrugged. "There's nothing wrong with naming your animals. I have a horse named Ed."

She stared at him. "A horse? But I thought you lived in Houston. Where do you keep it?"

He rubbed Tessa behind the ears and his expression became distant.

"I board him at a stable and ride him on weekends. I'm afraid I've been neglecting him lately, though. I thought about selling him, but sometimes he's the only one I have to talk to." His attention shifted to the barn again and he glanced up at Carmen. His dark features brightened and his eyes twinkled with humor. "You'd be surprised at the things he's told me."