Warmth rushed to Carmen's face. "I hope it was meant for me. The girls said…"
The woman smiled. "Oh yes. He sent me to purchase it early this morning. He knew exactly the right size." Her gaze lifted to Carmen's. Now I see why he specified that color. You are so beautiful.
Her face burned hotter. "Thank you. Do you know where Alex is?"
"Oh yes. He went to the barn with Señor Medena to look at some horses. They should be back soon. Would you like some breakfast?"
"Yes please."
Carmen followed her to a room and took a seat at one of the stools in front of a bar. She helped Natalie and Destiny on a stool on each side of her. Karinda looked at her. "Could they each have a fruit yogurt parfait?
"If they want one."
Destiny and Natalie immediately informed her that they did and Karinda walked through some swinging doors into an area that looked like a kitchen.
Carmen looked around the room and spoke to the girls. "This is beautiful, isn't it?"
Karinda spoke from the kitchen. "Your home is not so nice?"
Carmen sighed. "No, we have a nice log cabin on some acreage in Arkansas. I like it there."
Karinda was silent for a few minutes. "I thought that Mr. Barnett owned a clinic."
"He does."
"He is a doctor?"
"A Veterinarian, yes."
She said nothing more until she brought the two girls a parfait and Carmen a plate of bacon, eggs and toast.
"I hope you like this," she said.
"It looks delicious. Anything would have been fine. I'm hungry enough to eat a horse."
Karinda looked startled and Carmen smiled. "It's just a saying."
At that moment Carmen heard Alex speak in the lobby.
"It isn't about quality, Dad. It's about emotional attachment."
"Son," Señor Medena responded. "I thought I had taught you to never purchase a horse that way. If you are to have a horse, why not select the best that money can buy?"
"I'm going to ride it Dad, not show it."
Natalie slid off the stool and ran to the door screaming "Daddy!"
Destiny leaned back and looked around Carmen at the door, but remained seated.
"Mommy is in here," Natalie said.
Moments later she arrived, Alex in tow by her hand around his finger. His gaze immediately found Carmen. He gave her an approving head to toe scrutiny before his gaze settled on her eyes.
"You look especially beautiful this morning, Carmen."
He slid onto the stool beside Carmen and eyed the half-eaten parfait. "Is this for me?"
Natalie looked up at him. "No. That one is mine."