She smiled and took his hand tugging him toward their room.
"Come on. We've still got an hour before we're supposed to leave."
He laughed and followed her.
The Medena chauffeur took them to the airport alone. Alex declined his help with their luggage and he left them to their own devices. The trip back to Arkansas was uneventful with the exception of the fact that Alex was more gallant than usual. They picked the children up at Katie's house and went straight home. It was great to be home again as a family unit. With the air cleared of all the secrets, and both of them making a concentrated effort to get along, even the children appeared to be happier.
The next morning, Sam caught Carmen up with the safari events. Another longhorn had been born in their absence. Princess was getting along in her new pasture and the other horses were all doing well.
"I have something for you," Sam said. "If you don't want it, don't feel obligated to take it."
Sam opened her truck door and made a kissing sound. "Come on girl." She lifted a puppy and turned, handing it to Carmen. "It's half Collie and half Golden Lab."
Carmen took the puppy from her and fell in love instantly. "She's beautiful. What's her name?"
"I've just been calling her puppy. She was one of a litter of six and they didn't want the puppies because they were mixed breed. Apparently their Collie had a secret lover." She looked uncomfortable. "I hope you don't mind. I noticed you didn't have a dog and I thought since you liked animals …"
Carmen smiled. "We had a Great Pyrenees, but he died about a month ago. He was getting old. I'd love to have this puppy, and thank you for thinking about us. The children will be delighted." The puppy snuggled against her. "She's so loving."
Sam nodded. "She is, isn't she? I hope you'll all enjoy her. I hope your husband doesn't get upset."
Carmen laughed. "I'm sure one more animal isn't going to upset him.
"I'm glad things are working out well for you now."
Carmen's first instinct was not to say anything, but too much had been said already and Alex deserved some defense.
"He promised a dying friend that he wouldn't reveal his health status. It was pretty tough on him - and so was I."
"I'm sure it was difficult for both of you," Sam said. "Have you been up in the new pasture since you came back?"