The hay ride across the field with bison grazing was exciting. Their great hulking forms and throaty grunts enhanced the theme of western frontier. Carmen sighed.
"I wonder if this is what it was like for the pioneers crossing the prairie."
Alex looked down at her, but it was difficult to read his expression in the dim light. Finally he nodded.
"My life turned out so different than I expected."
Carmen studied his face. "Are you disappointed?"
For a moment he didn't respond, and finally he answered with a single word.
"No."
Aaron and Felipa were inseparable throughout the evening - a fact that didn't escape Alex. When he was able to do so privately, he leaned down and whispered in Carmen's ear.
"I thought you said Felipa was here because of Gerald."
She smiled and whispered. "I'm as surprised as you."
Whether he was pleased, upset or simply didn't care wasn't evident. Was this the first time he noticed the relationship? If so, he had certainly been distracted by something. What was troubling him? She tucked the thought away. Tonight they were enjoying the evening as a family unit. It was enough.