Rob rode up beside her. "I'm sorry about your dog. Did you have him long?"
She nodded. "About eight years."
He frowned. "Did your husband give him something to put him down?"
She shook her head. "No, he was going to …"
Alex said he had given Brutus something before she came home. Had he already made the decision to put him down? Had he given Brutus something for that purpose?
She shook her head again. "I don't think so … probably not."
Rob gave her a strange look and then shook his head. "I'm sorry," he repeated, and then dropped back behind her.
If Alex had given Brutus something to put him down, it was because he was afraid she didn't have the courage to make that decision. She had put it off for a year and she tried to put it off for another day. How could she blame him? Someone had to act in Brutus' interest.
They rode the narrow trail up the side of the mountain single file and stopped at the spring to rest and water the horses.
Aaron glanced around the clearing and examined the forest beyond. Finally his gaze came back to Carmen.
"This is wild country."
She nodded. "Yes, we have 80 acres fenced in now. On the next ride, I'll take you further from the house."
Gerald groaned. "I hope it gets easier."
Carmen smiled at him. "It won't be as steep, but it will be easier as you become more accustomed to the gait of the horse. Maybe we'll just take a buggy ride tomorrow instead.
"That sounds good," Gerald said, and the other two agreed.
When they returned to the stable, Gerald dismounted and staggered. His expression indicated pain, but he managed a wry smile.
"Next time I think I'd rather walk."
Carmen smiled. "Take a nice warm bath and relax for a while. You'll feel better tomorrow."
Aaron dismounted and nodded toward the pond. "Do you allow your guests to fish?"
She nodded. "Sure, but the only thing in there is mud cats. I'll lock the bison out. Do you have a pole?"
"I brought a pole, but I don't have any bait for catfish."
"There are crawdads in the creek. I'll even help you catch some."
Rob dismounted slowly and stretched. "I'll help. I haven't caught crawdads or catfish since I was a kid."
Gerald groaned. "I'll forego the pleasure and take Carmen's advice." He eyed Casper. "Do you want me to unsaddle my horse?"