Carmen in A Sentence

    1

    A few days later when Carmen and Destiny were visiting Katie, the issue popped out of her mouth in another conversation.

    2

    A stop for lunch and then a drive over the biggest bridge Carmen had ever seen - and then they were in Galveston.

    3

    A strong hand grabbed Carmen's arm as the band started another song.

    4

    A week passed without word from Lori... at least Carmen didn't hear from her.

    5

    After flipping through a few channels, Carmen decided to take a long bath.

    6

    After her bath, Carmen dressed Destiny for bed.

    7

    After Mums left, Carmen and Alex headed for the barn again.

    8

    After she left the room, Carmen glanced down at her dress and then at Alex.

    9

    After the doctor left, Carmen stood over Destiny, looking down at her tiny body while she slept.

    10

    After the fitting, Carmen retrieved Destiny.

    11

    After they left, Carmen sank into the chair and picked up a horse magazine.

    12

    Alex and Bill had wandered off with Jonathan and the twins, as usual, which left Carmen with Katie and Destiny.

    13

    Alex and Carmen were the only parents Destiny had ever known.

    14

    Alex caught Carmen and they both tumbled to the soft grass.

    15

    Alex climbed into the car beside Carmen and placed his arm protectively on the back of the seat behind her neck.

    16

    Alex didn't look at Carmen, which was her first inkling that something was amiss.

    17

    Alex divided his attention between a very attentive Destiny and a reserved Carmen.

    18

    Alex excused himself early and Carmen stayed downstairs with the children.

    19

    Alex glanced at Carmen, his eyes twinkling.

    20

    Alex glanced at Carmen.

    21

    Alex glanced at Jonathan pointedly before his attention returned to Carmen.

    22

    Alex grabbed Carmen's waist and pulled her back a few steps.

    23

    Alex had already set aside a trust fund for both Jonathan and Destiny, and Carmen was listed as an equal partner in everything.

    24

    Alex had been so shocked when Carmen offered to take Destiny home unconditionally.

    25

    Alex helped the man get the luggage into the trunk and then hurried to assist Carmen into the car before the man could touch her.

    26

    Alex hesitated and looked at Carmen.

    27

    Alex hired someone to till the garden, refusing to let Carmen do it.

    28

    Alex hugged Destiny and kissed her before turning to Carmen.

    29

    Alex looked stern, and when Carmen met his gaze, he looked down at his plate.

    30

    Alex opened the passenger door and climbed into the car, his attention equally divided between the retreating figure and Carmen.

    31

    Alex pointed his fork at her and opened his mouth to speak, but Carmen cut him off.

    32

    Alex said something and Jonathan conveyed it to Carmen.

    33

    Alex shifted a faintly amused gaze to Carmen.

    34

    Alex shifted his attention to Carmen, his gaze covering her from toe to head.

    35

    Alex stood beside her, watching the nurse as she gave instructions to Carmen on how to nurse the infant.

    36

    Alex turned red when Carmen stepped forward.

    37

    Alex was lounging with one shoulder against the wall on the other side of the family room when Carmen walked in.

    38

    All I know is that Carmen had nothing to do with this.

    39

    Alondra and Felipa laughed when Carmen blushed.

    40

    Alondra leaned forward on the couch so she could see Carmen.

    41

    Alondra watched Carmen reflectively for a while and finally spoke.

    42

    As Carmen turned back to the kitchen, Jonathan looked up at her, his eyes large with fear.

    43

    As if they all didn't have enough to worry about, as soon as Carmen put Destiny down inside their home, she started calling for Alex.

    44

    As it turned out, Señor Medena had the same perspective on the situation as Carmen did.

    45

    At Carmen's startled gasp, he said he didn't think that was an issue because they brought him back quickly.

    46

    Back at the house, Carmen prepared the chicken for the oven while Destiny sat in her high chair playing with some cereal.

    47

    Bill dropped Katie and Jonathan off at their house before he took Carmen to the hospital.

    48

    Brenda had been handling all Alex's investments for years, so Carmen left that part to her.

    49

    But Carmen had better luck with Señor Medena.

    50

    By the time she finally fell asleep, both Carmen and Jonathan were crying.

    51

    Carmen abandoned the garden and followed him into the house.

    52

    Carmen accepted the outstretched hand and placed a foot in the vacated stirrup.

    53

    Carmen and Destiny dressed mother/daughter style in red/green/yellow plaid blouses and hunter green jeans.

    54

    Carmen and Felipa were engrossed in feeding the twins.

    55

    Carmen and I love it here.

    56

    Carmen asked in surprise.

    57

    Carmen asked, and then made a face.

    58

    Carmen asked, setting a freshly-wrapped present aside.

    59

    Carmen asked, trying to establish identity.

    60

    Carmen assigned responsibility for that to herself because she didn't notice early enough that Destiny was sick.

    61

    Carmen assumed Lori had gone back to California.

    62

    Carmen avoided his hands, turning to the closet.

    63

    Carmen called Mums, who said she would come over and pick up Destiny.

    64

    Carmen carried the basket of eggs to the counter beside the sink and watched as Alex took the lid off the roasting pan.

    65

    Carmen caught her breath - and the denial.

    66

    Carmen caught her breath and stared at him.

    67

    Carmen caught her breath, instinctively searching the sea of faces.

    68

    Carmen caught her breath.

    69

    Carmen choked out in a voice that didn't sound like her own.

    70

    Carmen clamped her mouth shut.

    71

    Carmen climbed off Alex's lap and took Destiny's soft little hand in hers.

    72

    Carmen continued wrapping gifts and didn't comment.

    73

    Carmen could hear her crying all the way down the hall to the elevator.

    74

    Carmen couldn't deny that fact.

    75

    Carmen couldn't make out more than a few words, but one of them was mare.

    76

    Carmen covered her mouth with her hands.

    77

    Carmen cuddled Destiny close while keeping her attention on Alex and Lori.

    78

    Carmen detached Matthew from her nipple and handed him to Alex, who sat down beside her.

    79

    Carmen didn't even know it existed.

    80

    Carmen didn't warm to people instantly, nor was she generally impressed by praise... which was why it came as such a surprise that mere words were such powerful tools.

    81

    Carmen disentangled herself from Destiny and urged her to lie down.

    82

    Carmen dozed in the chair a few times off and on until about midnight.

    83

    Carmen drew a slow breath and glanced self-consciously at Dulce and Alondra.

    84

    Carmen fed her a light lunch and she lay down to sleep for a while.

    85

    Carmen felt her face growing warm.

    86

    Carmen felt the full weight of a question that had no answer.

    87

    Carmen felt warmth flood her face.

    88

    Carmen filled out all the necessary paperwork and then settled down for a long wait.

    89

    Carmen finally found her tongue.

    90

    Carmen followed Dulce into the empty hallway.

    91

    Carmen followed her gaze and was surprised to find Señor Medena standing in the doorway.

    92

    Carmen followed his gaze.

    93

    Carmen forced her mind from dreamland again and stood Destiny on the floor.

    94

    Carmen found Alex relaxing in a chair next to the bed in their room.

    95

    Carmen gasped, her heart jumping into high gear.

    96

    Carmen gave her a sour look.

    97

    Carmen gazed down at Destiny inside the oxygen tent.

    98

    Carmen gazed down at Matthew, overwhelmed with the joy of motherhood.

    99

    Carmen gazed up at him innocently.

    100

    Carmen gazed up at him, shaking her head.

    101

    Carmen gazed up at his somber features.

    102

    Carmen glanced around the table, but everyone seemed to be more amused than disturbed... everyone but Señor Medena.

    103

    Carmen glanced at Alex again.

    104

    Carmen glanced at Alex and did a double take.

    105

    Carmen glanced at Alex, but he either didn't notice her attention, or he was avoiding her eyes.

    106

    Carmen glanced at Alex.

    107

    Carmen glanced at her in surprise.

    108

    Carmen glanced at him, but he was still deep in thought.

    109

    Carmen glanced at him.

    110

    Carmen glanced at Señor Medena, who was beaming as if they were his children... or as if they were his biological grandchildren.

    111

    Carmen glanced at the letter.

    112

    Carmen glanced up at Alex and he shrugged.

    113

    Carmen glanced up at Alex.

    114

    Carmen glanced up at her.

    115

    Carmen glanced up at him and he smiled.

    116

    Carmen glanced up at the nurse for reassurance.

    117

    Carmen glanced up from rinsing the pot.

    118

    Carmen glanced up to find him frowning down at her.

    119

    Carmen glared at her.

    120

    Carmen grabbed a napkin and began wiping the mashed potatoes from her hand.

    121

    Carmen grabbed a tissue from the table next to the bed and wiped Destiny's nose.

    122

    Carmen grabbed the thermometer from the counter and gave it to him.

    123

    Carmen had already spoken to Mums about it.

    124

    Carmen had always looked forward to evening when Alex returned from work, but she was doubly relieved for the evening hours now.

    125

    Carmen had assumed breast feeding would be a natural thing, but as Matthew lay fussing in her arms, it seemed a major obstacle.

    126

    Carmen had been his soul mate for a long time.

    127

    Carmen had given Josh no encouragement.

    128

    Carmen had lost her parents before she met Alex.

    129

    Carmen had removed the nest box only a few days ago.

    130

    Carmen had shown little interest in their financial status.

    131

    Carmen had worked with Josh's parents to reserve both the money and the farm for Destiny.

    132

    Carmen handed Destiny the doll and she wrapped it in her arms.

    133

    Carmen headed for their room.

    134

    Carmen held out a hand.

    135

    Carmen hesitated, catching Alex's eye.

    136

    Carmen hugged her again.

    137

    Carmen hung up and looked at Alex.

    138

    Carmen hurried over to Destiny.

    139

    Carmen is a good wife.

    140

    Carmen is a very good cook.

    141

    Carmen is the only mother she knows.

    142

    Carmen jerked her arms from his neck and sat up.

    143

    Carmen kicked Alex under the table.

    144

    Carmen kissed Destiny goodnight and shut the door to their room.

    145

    Carmen lay still for a few minutes, soaking up the body heat from Alex.

    146

    Carmen leaned against the nursery window, gazing at them in awe - Alex at her side.

    147

    Carmen leaned against the stall and whispered.

    148

    Carmen leaned back in his arms and smiled up at him.

    149

    Carmen leaned on her pillow and watched him dress for bed.

    150

    Carmen led Felipa to the cafeteria and bought her lunch.

    151

    Carmen left her chair in one quick movement and circled his neck with her arms, kissing him on the temple.

    152

    Carmen let go of the blanket she had been clutching to her chest and turned to shut her light off.

    153

    Carmen let loose of his waist, moving away from the unclean thought.

    154

    Carmen let out a long sigh.

    155

    Carmen let the bed rail down and jerked the tent from under the mattress, allowing Destiny to crawl close.

    156

    Carmen lifted a brow.

    157

    Carmen lifted Destiny from the changing table again and turned as Alex walked into the room.

    158

    Carmen lifted her brows.

    159

    Carmen lifted her chin and studied his face.

    160

    Carmen looked up at Alex and he smiled, whispering to her.

    161

    Carmen looked up at her.

    162

    Carmen looked up at his face and found it as stern as his voice.

    163

    Carmen looked up at the nurse.

    164

    Carmen made a ball out of a pair of socks.

    165

    Carmen made a face.

    166

    Carmen mentally counted to ten before responding.

    167

    Carmen met a playful mocking gaze that reminded her of Alex.

    168

    Carmen met his gaze for a moment - long enough to reunite, and then they both turned back to the others.

    169

    Carmen met his mocking gaze.

    170

    Carmen nodded and stepped out the door.

    171

    Carmen once said she wasn't like Tess.

    172

    Carmen peeked out the window and saw the blue BMW.

    173

    Carmen picked her up and turned as Jonathan joined her.

    174

    Carmen picked her up, watching the skunk suspiciously.

    175

    Carmen picked up a potato and started pealing it.

    176

    Carmen pitched the disposable diaper in the trash and hefted Destiny from the changing table.

    177

    Carmen protested, but he insisted that he wanted to help.

    178

    Carmen pushed the button for the nurse and cuddled Destiny.

    179

    Carmen put a foot on the first step and then heard voices.

    180

    Carmen reached over and flipped off the light.

    181

    Carmen read to her from a book for a few minutes until she fell asleep and then turned the light off.

    182

    Carmen recoiled from her words and the hatred.

    183

    Carmen refrained from looking at Alex or displaying the shock she felt at the introduction of two more siblings he had never mentioned - an entire family.

    184

    Carmen remained quiet for a few minutes, allowing him to think about it.

    185

    Carmen rinsed a dish and sighed.

    186

    Carmen rolled her eyes.

    187

    Carmen rubbed her sore neck and searched the room for Alex again, but didn't find him.

    188

    Carmen rushed to him, but found that he was either asleep or passed out.

    189

    Carmen said with mock indignation.

    190

    Carmen said, grabbing her hand and kissing the chubby little fingers.

    191

    Carmen sat back down at the table.

    192

    Carmen sat Destiny on the floor and picked up the pan of pealed potatoes, along with a paring knife.

    193

    Carmen sat down and put her elbows on the bed.

    194

    Carmen sat down, but Alex remained standing.

    195

    Carmen sat in a chair next to the bed and prepared for a long night.

    196

    Carmen sat one side of the bed and Alex on the other, each holding a tiny hand.

    197

    Carmen sat the butter on the table Your breakfast is ready and I packed a sack lunch for you.

    198

    Carmen sat with her hands clutched together tightly as the plane taxied out to the runway.

    199

    Carmen saw Alex's truck parked in the drive of an old vacant house where she had admired some healthy quince bushes.

    200

    Carmen scooted closer to him, wondering if he heard Felipa.

    201

    Carmen set Destiny on the floor and then sat down beside Alex.

    202

    Carmen set her jaw and challenged them each with a stern look.

    203

    Carmen shifted her attention to Señor Medena, who was focused on Alex at the moment.

    204

    Carmen shook her head and turned away.

    205

    Carmen shook her head in disbelief.

    206

    Carmen shook her head.

    207

    Carmen shot a glance at Alex, who was giving his meal undue attention.

    208

    Carmen shoved a wide-eyed Destiny into his arms and turned to follow Dulce.

    209

    Carmen shrugged again, plunging her hands into the warm dishwater.

    210

    Carmen shrugged, her face growing warm.

    211

    Carmen shrugged, not knowing what to say.

    212

    Carmen sighed as she placed a plate on the table.

    213

    Carmen slept fitfully in a chair in the waiting room all night.

    214

    Carmen smiled as she leaned over to kiss him.

    215

    Carmen smiled at her.

    216

    Carmen smiled at him.

    217

    Carmen smiled in a coy way and leaned toward him.

    218

    Carmen smiled to herself.

    219

    Carmen smiled up at Alex.

    220

    Carmen smiled up at him.

    221

    Carmen smiled, basking in the warmth of his attention.

    222

    Carmen stared after her and shook her head.

    223

    Carmen stared after him.

    224

    Carmen stared at her coldly.

    225

    Carmen stared at her in surprise.

    226

    Carmen stared at her.

    227

    Carmen stared at him, trying to follow his runaway thought train.

    228

    Carmen stared at him.

    229

    Carmen stared at the track.

    230

    Carmen started to laugh.

    231

    Carmen stiffened and looked up at Alex, but he found something interesting outside to look at.

    232

    Carmen stood and put her arms around him.

    233

    Carmen stood and took Destiny's hand.

    234

    Carmen stood looking after him and then sighed.

    235

    Carmen stopped at the corner, uncomfortable with the heat of the exchange, yet unwilling to interrupt.

    236

    Carmen stopped washing the dish in her hand and stared at Mary in mute silence.

    237

    Carmen stroked his cheek again and Matthew went back for another try.

    238

    Carmen studied the foal for a few minutes.

    239

    Carmen sucked her breath in and let it out slowly.

    240

    Carmen sucked in her breath and looked up at Alex.

    241

    Carmen swallowed a lump in her throat and blinked tears from her eyes.

    242

    Carmen swirled around, enjoying the feel of the skirt as she eyed her image in the mirror.

    243

    Carmen thought she wanted him to make the decisions, but she wanted to be involved with the process.

    244

    Carmen thought that might be the end of the conflict.

    245

    Carmen tied Destiny's curls with a yellow ribbon.

    246

    Carmen took a breath.

    247

    Carmen took her to the doctor, but he said there was no cure for the common cold and not to worry about it.

    248

    Carmen took the picture from her hand and studied it.

    249

    Carmen tried to focus on Felipa, but her mind was full of questions.

    250

    Carmen tried to hide her surprise.

    251

    Carmen tried to shut them out by thinking about something else, but her mind kept going back to the same thing.

    252

    Carmen turned and lifted a hand to shade her eyes from the sun.

    253

    Carmen turned and tipped her head back to look at the face of the man who towered over her.

    254

    Carmen turned the light off and shut the door.

    255

    Carmen turned to Alex.

    256

    Carmen turned to face him.

    257

    Carmen turned to Felipa.

    258

    Carmen turned to Señor Medena.

    259

    Carmen uncrossed her legs and stood.

    260

    Carmen waited until after the children were in bed before questioning him.

    261

    Carmen waited until he closed the car door.

    262

    Carmen wanted to shrivel out of sight.

    263

    Carmen was all about honesty and innocence.

    264

    Carmen was always willing to listen, whether it was something happening at work or his plans about the wildlife safari.

    265

    Carmen was as passionate as she was beautiful.

    266

    Carmen was at her side instantly.

    267

    Carmen was breast feeding Matthew and Felipa was feeding Natalie with a bottle.

    268

    Carmen was looking at someone behind the camera and Alex was looking at a girl who stood about five feet from him.

    269

    Carmen was making the bed while Destiny slept in.

    270

    Carmen was right... about the way I really feel... about... you.

    271

    Carmen was small and delicately built, but she had spirit.

    272

    Carmen was so exhausted that after Bill picked up Katie, she went to bed.

    273

    Carmen was so tired that the icy wind failed to keep her awake.

    274

    Carmen was up first, showering and dressing before Alex woke.

    275

    Carmen was waiting for Alex outside the clinic with Destiny one day when the red-headed man strolled up to the car.

    276

    Carmen watched him absently.

    277

    Carmen watched him silently, waiting for an explanation.

    278

    Carmen watched with Destiny while they waited anxiously for Alex.

    279

    Carmen watched with excitement as the foal's feet could be seen inside a thin sac... first one and then the other.

    280

    Carmen waved a hand.

    281

    Carmen went back to wrapping her present.

    282

    Carmen whipped her head around.

    283

    Carmen winked at Felipa.

    284

    Carmen wiped Destiny's face and eyes with the cool rag and used a tissue to wipe her nose.

    285

    Carmen woke suddenly and glanced around the room, half expecting to find him there.

    286

    Carmen woke to a crackling sound and sat up, trying to identify it.

    287

    Carmen wrinkled her nose at him.

    288

    Carmen wrinkled her nose.

    289

    Carmen, are you awake?

    290

    Carmen, don't bother to cook.

    291

    Carmen, get out of there!

    292

    Carmen, how long has she had this fever?

    293

    Carmen, I don't think you really want in the middle of this.

    294

    Carmen, remember what you said to me before we married?

    295

    Carmen, you're driving me crazy.

    296

    Carmen's first impulse was to snatch Destiny back, but the six months waiting period had long passed.

    297

    Carmen's mouth went dry with fear.

    298

    Carmen's mouth went dry.

    299

    Carmen's smile was wry.

    300

    Carmen's stomach squeezed into a knot.

    301

    Carmen's throat constricted and unshed tears stung her eyes.

    302

    Destiny followed her and Carmen pulled the chair beside her out so she could crawl into it.

    303

    Destiny giggled and looked up at Carmen.

    304

    Destiny glanced up at Carmen from her elevated chair at the table and then her attention swung back to Alex.

    305

    Destiny gradually relaxed and Carmen stopped reading.

    306

    Destiny had finally reached the point that she would tolerate being held by Lori, but after a few minutes she was ready to get down or go to Alex, Carmen or Jonathan.

    307

    Destiny let go of him and reluctantly transferred to Carmen.

    308

    Destiny ran to Carmen, her eyes large.

    309

    Destiny sat on Carmen's lap and Alex held her arm while the pediatric nurse inserted an IV.

    310

    Destiny stared at Alex over Carmen's shoulder and Jonathan was so focused on Alex that he nearly ran into Alondra.

    311

    Destiny was still asleep when Carmen and Katie left the hospital.

    312

    Destiny woke several times during the night, but went back to sleep when she saw Carmen was there.

    313

    Destiny's little fingers wiggled on Carmen's ribs and she laughed.

    314

    Dr. Worthington took responsibility for the clinic and Carmen found the accountant's number in the desk drawer.

    315

    Dulce appeared at Carmen's side, dressed in a dark blue gown with a high collar.

    316

    Dulce glanced at Carmen, her expression unreadable.

    317

    Dulce glanced at her father and then at Carmen, her dark eyes barely veiling contempt.

    318

    Dulce handed Carmen a picture, her face a study of emotion, but her lips revealing nothing.

    319

    Dulce motioned to Carmen from a hallway, so Carmen told Alex to take the children up and she would be up shortly.

    320

    Dulce turned, and for a moment Carmen thought she might strike her.

    321

    Ed merely looked at them and then back at Carmen.

    322

    Even Katie noticed the change in him and asked Carmen about the cause.

    323

    Exhaustion from the ordeal was taking its toll on Carmen as well, but she tried to stay awake.

    324

    Felipa and Alondra see how it is with Carmen.

    325

    Felipa leaned around him to look at Carmen.

    326

    Felipa led Carmen to the top of the stairs.

    327

    Felipa left Carmen at the foot of the stairs, striding off without another word.

    328

    Felipa lifted a steady gaze to Carmen.

    329

    Felipa looked to be in her early twenties and had a sunshine smile that made Carmen feel welcome.

    330

    Felipa smiled at Carmen's inquisitive look.

    331

    Felipa took Carmen by the arm.

    332

    Finally Alondra guided an Amethyst necklace around Carmen's neck.

    333

    Finally Carmen looked at Felipa.

    334

    Finally Carmen picked up Destiny and stood.

    335

    Finally her sober gaze came back to Carmen.

    336

    Finally his gaze found Carmen as they walked toward the car.

    337

    Finally she wiped her eyes and glared at Carmen.

    338

    Focusing on the present, Carmen straightened Destiny's frilly yellow Easter dress and brushed the thumb from her mouth.

    339

    For a moment Carmen thought Lori was going to cry.

    340

    For Carmen, it was an enlightening experience.

    341

    For the first time, it crossed Carmen's mind that he was kind of cute.

    342

    Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, Carmen straightened her dress.

    343

    He even delivered Dawn while Carmen was visiting Mums.

    344

    He handed the doll to Carmen.

    345

    He handed the phone to Carmen.

    346

    He hesitantly announced to Carmen one evening that he wanted to learn to play a guitar.

    347

    He looked pleased with himself until he saw Carmen.

    348

    He paused in the dining room doorway, watching as Carmen stretched to put a glass in the cabinet.

    349

    He pealed Destiny from his neck and handed her to Carmen, his voice softening as he spoke to Destiny.

    350

    He scowled at his father and rode up beside Carmen.

    351

    He sighed heavily and rolled over, putting an arm around Carmen's waist and snuggling close to her.

    352

    He spoke so clearly and with such conviction that Carmen wondered if he was thinking about Alex.

    353

    He took Carmen by the hand and leaned close to her ear.

    354

    He was probably thinking years ahead and wanted Carmen to handle it in event of his death.

    355

    He worked quietly for a few minutes and then finally turned his attention to Carmen.

    356

    He'll pull out of it, Carmen.

    357

    Her anxious gaze went from Carmen to Alex and back again.

    358

    Her calculating gaze ran over Carmen from head to toe and she smiled.

    359

    Her dark eyes fixed on Carmen, eagerly waiting for the rest of the story.

    360

    Her gaze drifted off in contemplation, finally returning to Carmen.

    361

    His attention was distracted momentarily as the feeding tube was switched to Carmen's other breast.

    362

    His brows drew together as he glanced up at Carmen.

    363

    His contemplative regard fell on Carmen.

    364

    His gaze flitted to Carmen as they passed.

    365

    His gaze lifted innocently to Carmen.

    366

    His gaze shifted to include Carmen.

    367

    His gaze sought Carmen and the sides of his mouth turned up in a warm smile.

    368

    His soft chocolate gaze went from the car to Carmen.

    369

    His voice was a monotone as he informed Carmen about Alex's condition.

    370

    I don't pity you, Carmen.

    371

    I want to be that way, Carmen.

    372

    I wouldn't lie to you, Carmen - not intentionally, anyway.

    373

    I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning to relieve Carmen, so I'll drop you off at Katie's.

    374

    If he'd married Tess, he wouldn't have met Carmen at all.

    375

    If he'd met Carmen any later, she probably would have been married to Josh.

    376

    If she had realized he put her in his will, Carmen would have said something then.

    377

    If they wanted what he and Carmen had, why didn't they go out and find it?

    378

    It had never been his intention to hide his past from Carmen.

    379

    It was a picture taken at the party and the focus was on Carmen and Alex.

    380

    It was possible that he never had the will changed from the time that he considered Carmen his only choice as a partner.

    381

    It was the first time Carmen had seen Alondra actually laugh.

    382

    It would probably satisfy Carmen.

    383

    It's nothing you want to be involved in, Carmen.

    384

    Jonathan asked Alex excitedly as they joined Carmen and Felipa.

    385

    Jonathan came in as Carmen was setting the table.

    386

    Jonathan grinned and Carmen glanced at Alex.

    387

    Jonathan tugged on Carmen's arm.

    388

    Josh just wanted to humiliate me by giving it to Carmen.

    389

    Josh's mother and father lived on a farm within walking distance of Carmen and Alex – and from the farm where Lori and Josh lived when Josh died.

    390

    Josh's sister had made a few comments to indicate that she thought Josh might have ended his life purposely because he still loved Carmen.

    391

    Katie arrived an hour later to pick up Jonathan and Destiny, and thirty minutes later Carmen and Alex were in the car headed for the airport.

    392

    Katie glanced up at Carmen, her attention still not complete.

    393

    Katie made a face and then winked at Carmen.

    394

    Katie made a face as she sat in the chair opposite Carmen.

    395

    Katie picked up the plate, her focus on Carmen.

    396

    Katie raised a hand when Carmen opened her mouth to protest.

    397

    Katie said that was because Carmen had been raised poor and had become frugal.

    398

    Katie stopped talking and frowned at Carmen?

    399

    Katie was peeling potatoes at the kitchen sink and Carmen was holding Destiny, watching her.

    400

    Later that evening in their room Carmen asked him about the exchange.

    401

    Later that evening while they were alone, Carmen and Alex decided that the next time Lori came by or called, Carmen would talk to her and tell her that the option to take Destiny back had passed.

    402

    Later that evening, Carmen was reading a book to Destiny and Jonathan was sprawled out on the window seat, reading a book about horses.

    403

    Later, as they walked back to their room, Jonathan looked up at Carmen.

    404

    Leaning his head close, he whispered into Carmen's ear.

    405

    Like her father, the dark eyes that examined Carmen revealed little emotion.

    406

    Lori and I aren't having an affair, Carmen.

    407

    Lori said Josh wanted Carmen and Alex to have the baby if anything happened to him.

    408

    Lori tested the name and glanced from Carmen to Alex.

    409

    Lori's gaze implored Carmen.

    410

    Lori's voice brought Carmen's attention back to the visitor.

    411

    Morino's uncomfortable gaze shifted from Señor Medena to Alex, and then to Carmen, but he said nothing.

    412

    Most of the time they did, but in the case of Lori, each time Carmen asked him about it, he simply said they would discuss it later.

    413

    Movement outside the window caught Carmen's attention.

    414

    Mums, as everyone called Mrs. Reynolds, had been like a second mother to Lori and Carmen.

    415

    Natalie needed little encouragement - or maybe it was because Carmen was a little more relaxed and experienced.

    416

    On Saturday Carmen left Alex with Jonathan and Destiny, heading for the old house.

    417

    Once she asked for daddy, but went back to sleep when Carmen told her he was asleep.

    418

    One night after chores, Carmen, Jonathan and Destiny were eating supper when Brutus started barking.

    419

    Only after both Destiny and Jonathan fell asleep did Carmen take her shower and go to bed.

    420

    Pulling Alex's pillow from the bed, Carmen caught the faint whiff of his cologne.

    421

    Random eyed Carmen silently.

    422

    Running a hand through his hair in a way that Carmen had grown to recognize as a nervous habit, he addressed Lori in a tone that was both stern and conversational.

    423

    Señor Medena asked Carmen and Alex to come to his office with him.

    424

    Señor Medena glanced at Carmen and then back at Alex.

    425

    Señor Medena was watching Alex, but from the corner of her eye Carmen could see Alex was looking out the window.

    426

    Señor Medena's reflective gaze rested on Carmen.

    427

    Setting Destiny back on the changing table again, Carmen pushed a shoe back on her foot and tickled her under the arm.

    428

    Several nights later the telephone rang and Carmen answered it.

    429

    She gave Carmen a quick kiss and then kissed Mums.

    430

    She glanced at Carmen.

    431

    She had been lying around all day catching up on her sleep while Carmen worked on her bedroom.

    432

    She helped Carmen into the new dress.

    433

    She hugged both Alex and Carmen.

    434

    She looked so cute that Carmen took a few pictures of her.

    435

    She patted Carmen on the shoulder and left the room.

    436

    She shut the door and waved at Carmen and Alex before getting into the driver's seat.

    437

    She smiled as Carmen put hands to her mouth in surprise.

    438

    She sobbed and begged them to let her out until Carmen felt like her heart was being brutally wrenched from her body.

    439

    She started crying and holding her arms up to Carmen.

    440

    She threw the potato into a pan and eyed Carmen reflectively.

    441

    She turned to Carmen.

    442

    She was the prettiest Appaloosa Carmen had ever seen.

    443

    She waved a hand at the house and leaned toward Carmen.

    444

    Shutting the door after her, Alex reached for Carmen.

    445

    Since Carmen had been the one to initiate that adoption, it was safe to assume she was over her adoption phobia.

    446

    Some might think Dulce didn't know what she was missing, but Carmen suspected she did.

    447

    Sunday morning had always been a contemplative time for Carmen, but Easter Sunday was something special.

    448

    Sure, they needed to clear the air about the inheritance issue, but that wasn't enough for Carmen.

    449

    Taking a deep breath, Carmen started down the stairs.

    450

    Tess needed someone to take care of her, but Carmen didn't.

    451

    That evening after Destiny and Jonathan were asleep, Carmen was picking up in their room.

    452

    That idea was troublesome to Carmen as well.

    453

    That night after Jonathan was in bed, Carmen turned to Alex.

    454

    That should have been no big surprise, but Carmen would have thought he would welcome the idea of a willing heir.

    455

    The expression on his face when he took her from the nurse was one Carmen had never seen on his face before – not even with Jonathan.

    456

    The money and the farm meant nothing to Carmen.

    457

    The next week they got the restraining order, but as Carmen witnessed one day on her way home, it didn't stop Lori.

    458

    The truth was, Carmen lacked the confidence to make decisions.

    459

    Then there was the money he left to Carmen.

    460

    There's nothing wrong with dreaming, Carmen.

    461

    They mingled with the guests a little longer and then Carmen excused herself.

    462

    They rounded the corner of the building to see a group of men lounging against the fence, watching a display that made Carmen's blood run cold.

    463

    They shared a lot of dreams, the way Carmen and Alex did.

    464

    They still hadn't caught the red-headed man, but they had a regular patrol, so Carmen took Jonathan and Destiny home with her.

    465

    They talked for a few minutes and then Carmen left to take Destiny to their room.

    466

    They want what you give Carmen.

    467

    They were so synchronized and fluid that Carmen asked Alex if they danced often.

    468

    This time Señor Medena greeted Carmen with a hug.

    469

    Thursday morning when Carmen was taking care of the horses, she noticed that Casper's nipples were dripping.

    470

    True, but her answer left Carmen's stomach tied in a knot.

    471

    Waiting until they were out of view from the men at the corral, Carmen rode up beside Alex.

    472

    Warm fingers clutched Carmen's hand and she looked down to find Jonathan watching her anxiously.

    473

    We can stop right here if you want, Carmen.

    474

    We're so fortunate, Carmen.

    475

    What part have I got wrong, Carmen?

    476

    When Alex approached Carmen about giving Tessa some money, she said it was up to him, but keep in mind that the issue could have been something like drugs.

    477

    When Alex came home for lunch, Carmen picked up Destiny and followed him to the barn.

    478

    When Alex came home that evening, Carmen told him about it.

    479

    When Alex returned to the table, he sat in the chair Carmen held for him.

    480

    When Carmen continued to watch her, she rolled her eyes.

    481

    When Carmen continued to watch her, she shrugged.

    482

    When Carmen turned, Dulce was watching her with the same expression.

    483

    When Carmen's father died, she thought she was alone in the world, yet all these people had been there for her.

    484

    When Carmen's gaze returned to Dulce, the woman had a smug smile on her lips.

    485

    When Destiny wanted to wear a ring like mommy, Carmen tied a yellow ribbon around her finger and made a bow of it on the top.

    486

    When Lori didn't respond, Carmen continued.

    487

    When Lori ended the phone call, Carmen invited her to eat supper and was surprised when she accepted.

    488

    When Morino rode far enough ahead so that he couldn't hear their conversation, Carmen finally spoke to Alex.

    489

    When no one said anything she sighed, her attention on Carmen.

    490

    When Señor Medena introduced the girl as his daughter, Carmen caught her breath and looked at Alex for an explanation.

    491

    When she paused, Carmen yelled at her.

    492

    When she spotted Carmen, her eyes widened, but she kept walking.

    493

    When she woke, shortly before Alex arrived, she played quietly with a doll while Carmen prepared supper.

    494

    When the band took a break, Carmen was looking for something cool to drink.

    495

    With everything going on, Carmen didn't have time to worry about flying, but when they were all sitting at the airport, she finally had time to stew over it.

    496

    With the food warming, Carmen took Destiny to her room and dressed.

    497

    You have a right to know, Carmen.

    498

    You're Carmen, and that's a lot.

    499

    You're one in a million, Carmen.

    500

    You're trying to live like your parents, Carmen.