Bill made arrangements to move in with Katie after they were married. There was plenty of room in the old house and Katie would continue helping with the chores until they found a place to live.
Alex called on Thursday to see if Carmen still wanted to keep Ed. She agreed and he made arrangements to drive up Friday. They were so busy with wedding arrangements that Carmen couldn't afford time to miss him - but somehow she managed to do it anyway.
Late Friday evening she was returning from the barn when he drove into the yard in a white Dodge Ram Pick up. It was a late model 4 x 4 with an extended cab, exactly like the one in Rogers that she had been drooling over the last three months. Behind the truck was a one-horse trailer - old, but in good condition. She got a glimpse of the horse in the trailer. It was an Appaloosa - her favorite breed. And to think she once thought she and Alex had nothing in common.
He was climbing out of the cab as she came around the front of the truck. He grinned and reached for her, drawing her close in an embrace. His kiss was ardent and she returned it with equal passion. When they finally drew apart, they were both breathless.
"I didn't know you were a pickup man," she teased.
He grinned and slipped an arm around her waist as they turned toward the trailer. She put an arm around his waist and together they strolled back to take a look at Ed.
Carmen stepped back as he unloaded the horse and then she put her hand out to it. She moved too quickly and the stallion snorted.
"Easy boy," Alex said gently. "You're going to have to get it into your head to like her. You're expendable."
Carmen punched his arm playfully. "Alex. You're terrible."
He chuckled and handed her the reins.
"Here. Hold him a minute while I park the trailer and unhitch it. Where do you want me to put it?"
"Over there by the trail leading to the pond."
He nodded. "Are you sure it won't be in the way?"
"If it is, I can get Bill or Josh to move it."
He glanced at her sharply and then shook his head. Hopping into the cab he turned the truck around, expertly backing the trailer into the spot she had indicated. One thing was for sure; if anything needed moving, he was the one she was going to get to do it. She turned her attention to Ed.