"Take it easy, Carmen."
Alex assisted with hands on her waist as she climbed into the buggy. She smiled down at him coyly.
"Maybe you should come along in case I need help."
His smile was wry. "I'm sure you'll do fine without my help."
Her smile faded and for a moment she gazed down at him. Had she offended him? It hurt to think he didn't want to help her.
He turned to assist Felipa into the buggy and then stepped away, watching as the men boarded.
Carmen looked up to find Rob turned around in the front seat, watching her with a strange expression. He glanced at Alex and then turned around to face the team as Aaron settled down beside Felipa. Gerald sat down in the seat next to Carmen, his gaze searching her face.
She smiled. "I guess we'll have plenty of room back here."
Felipa started the team of horses forward and Carmen watched Alex all the way up the stairs and through the door. He never looked back. She blinked back tears and tried to swallow a lump in her throat.
Gerald patted her on the hand. "Give him time," he whispered.
Of course the buggy ride would remind Alex of Ed, but there was more. Something else was troubling him. Deep inside she had a gnawing fear that he regretted moving to Arkansas - maybe even marrying her. He was disappointed in her. It was in his tone and his eyes. Well, why wouldn't he be? She killed his best friend. Maybe Gerald was right. Maybe he simply needed time to get over it.