To Thine Own Self

They talked until Alex returned and then all retired for the evening. The house was quiet and happy again.

The next morning Katie arrived early to collect Destiny and the twins. She and Bill were taking them to a birthday party at church. That left Alex, Jonathan and Felipa to accompany Carmen and her guests on a ride. Felipa fell in love with Dawn, who appeared to be equally smitten. Alex rode Ed and Jonathan rode Random, so Carmen let Aaron ride princess. That gave her a chance to work with the newest horse she had bought. It was a sorrel gelding named Red.

They left Eureka and Adora with the younger horses. Both were two-year-olds in training. Eureka belonged to Random and Jonathan, equally - heart and soul. She whinnied the loudest when the group left them.

Six people left the corral that morning. It was more like a professional tour, especially with Alex directing. At first he expected Carmen to lead the tour, but she reminded him that he was equally responsible for the business. He looked surprised, as if that thought had never occurred to him before. Even so he agreed without argument. That left her to relax and enjoy the ride. Today they would be back in their element - Alex in control.

Alex led them on a different route - through the wild country they rarely explored. There they saw the tracks of peccary. That was when Carmen realized Alex was a natural tour guide. Maybe it was his years as a salesman, or maybe his personality was attracted to the salesman job. Whatever the case, he seemed thoroughly at ease in the role.

"Peccary?" Aaron asked, glancing around. "I thought that was a South American animal."

Alex nodded. "Their natural habitat is from Argentina on north through Central America and into parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. These are Collared Peccary. Sometimes they're called Javelina, Tayaussa or Musk hogs."

Rob grinned. "I've heard of Musk Ox, but Musk hogs?" He laughed. "Only in Arkansas."

Alex glanced at him, his expression bland. "They have a musk gland on top of their rump that produces a smell when they get upset."

Gerald lifted a brow. "Are you sure it isn't a skunk?"

Alex shifted his attention to Gerald and his face melted into a smile. "Pretty sure. Skunks are black and white, aren't they?"

Gerald grimaced. "Not always."

Alex chuckled.

Were they talking about Rob? Probably not. Having worked together, they probably shared an unpleasant experience with a difficult customer. Still, it was obvious to her that Alex didn't like Rob. Hopefully, it was obvious only to her. Did people often respond that way to Rob? Was that why he felt it necessary to invite himself?