But Alex didn't come back - not that night or the next three. He didn't call to say where he was and when she tried to call, he didn't answer his phone. At first she cried almost non-stop. She avoided church because she was too embarrassed to face everyone. They all thought she was sick and she let them believe that. As far as she knew, Felipa said nothing to anyone, but Gerald and Sam probably suspected.
To make matters worse, today was the fifth anniversary of the day Alexia was born - and died. Alex had stayed with her even when he thought she had betrayed him. They had worked through what she thought at the time was her darkest hour. It was, but this came in as a close second.
Katie visited after church to check on her and demanded to know the entire story. There was little point in trying to hide it, so Carmen confessed. Katie shook her head and sighed.
"I don't know what's going on with him, but I know one thing. He would be devastated without you. He'll be back, and when he does come back, I hope you really give him what-for."
"Something is troubling him," Carmen said. "He told me he promised he wouldn't tell anyone. It's eating him alive."
Felipa joined them. "Alondra called. She says Morino is not well." She turned to Carmen. "She also says Alex is there and he does not look well."
Katie rolled her eyes. "Neither does Carmen. Small wonder. I hope they give him a tough time."
"Katie!" Carmen gasped.
Katie looked chagrined. "Well …" She shook her head and waved a hand in dismissal. "How are the kids taking it?"
Carmen glanced at Felipa and then sighed. "Destiny and the twins think he's on a business trip. Jonathan hasn't said anything, but I think he knows."
"Probably," Katie said. "I thought your guests were supposed to leave Sunday."
"They decided to stay another week. Sam, Felipa and I have been running the safari business. The men finished the fence and the goats are running in the south hills. We've taken the men up there a few times."
Katie eyed her suspiciously. "Do they know?"
Carmen nodded. "I think so. I don't know how Gerald could help but know. He and Sam were standing there when Alex blew up at me. I've been a mess ever since."
Katie sighed. "Well, try to pull yourself together. He'll be back."