He followed her into the barn. Fortunately, Gerald and Sam had escaped. She swung around and faced him.
"We have a survey, Alex. I showed them the pegs and I have been watching them. They are doing exactly what I instructed them to do. I'm sorry I didn't discuss this with you first."
He scowled down at her. "Why are you always trying to humiliate me?"
She caught her breath. "Humiliate you?"
He turned and stalked out of the barn without waiting for an answer. If he had been humiliated today, he gave no indication. Actually, he had done a pretty good job of humiliating her in front of her guest and hired help. Why would he act like that? This morning he seemed to be back to normal. Was he humiliated because she had made the decision without asking him - and why was he home at this time of the day? It wasn't even noon yet.
She closed the barn door and headed for the house. She wasn't ready to face his wrath, but neither was anyone else and they had less reason to do so.
She found him in the kitchen, brooding over a cup of coffee. He didn't give her time to say anything before he started talking.
"I think we both need some space, Carmen. I've decided to take an extended vacation. I've arranged for someone to take my place at the clinic until I return."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Carmen staring after him. Finally she revived from the shock of his words and followed him to the bedroom.
"You're leaving me?"
Without looking at her, he pulled a suitcase from the closet and opened it on the bed. Going to the dresser, he pulled out some clothing.
"I don't want to fight over this. We fight about everything now. I don't want to live like this."
Her stomach felt tight and she licked dry lips.
"I love you."
He paused only briefly at the dresser with his hands on the drawer. He responded in a controlled tone without looking at her.
"I know, but that isn't enough."
He continued packing.
Her stomach rolled a warning as nausea gripped her middle. Turning, she headed for the other bathroom. She leaned over the stool, expecting to lose the little she had eaten for breakfast. Nothing happened, though.
Grabbing a wash cloth, she moistened it with cold water. The cool rag on her face helped to master the nausea. Her face in the mirror was almost devoid of color except for the eyes that looked large and round. She had dark circles under her eyes. No wonder he wanted to leave. She looked a mess. No, that wasn't it. What was she thinking?