"Don't tell Carmallita," Mr. Sanchez said with his back to the stable door. His stocky frame shielded the sight of Paco, the lead ranch hand.
"Yes, sir," Paco answered then turned to walk away.
"Don't tell Carmallita what?" Carmallita had walked up behind them as the two men were talking. She had overheard and her hand was on her hip with a sassy tone to her voice. Her long black hair flowed slightly in the breeze as she took a couple steps towards her husband, Benito Sanchez.
"Nothing, my pet, nothing at all." His smile was eluding but Carmallita's curiosity was already triggered. He began to walk into the stables when she grabbed his arm and spun him around.
"Don't give me that, I asked you a question and I expect an answer." Her serious note made Mr. Sanchez a bit nervous. He didn't like to see his wife upset to this degree.
"Ok, you're going to spoil it, but it might as well be today instead of tomorrow. Your birthday present." Benito smiled as he figured a way out of his predicament. "Emilio," He yelled as loud as he could. Carmallita was a bit surprised but not quite yet satisfied with his response, for Benito Sanchez was known for his trickery.
Emilio came running from around the stables. He was a handsome young man, medium build and slicked back black hair with a neatly trimmed mustache. "Yes, sir?" He asked.
"Bring me Mrs. Sanchez's present," Mr. Sanchez said.
"Yes, sir," Emilio said curiously, but not questioning his boss. He glanced a smile at Carmallita then spun around and went to get her present.
"What is it, baby," Carmallita said smiling and tilted her head with her seductive way. The sound of a truck pulling up outside the opening of the stables made them turn their heads. The truck was pulling a horse trailer. Emilio darted around the back and opened the back of the trailer as the truck stopped and began to guide a beautiful black Stallion from it. The prancing steps and glistening sun off it's back made the horse seem majestic.
"Oh, Benito, how marvelous. For me?" Carmallita put her hand to her lips in awe and was very pleased with her husband's gift to her. The stable hands had all known of the horse's arrival and gathered around the magnificent beast. Carmallita, kissed her husband then turned to admire her birthday present.
"Emilio, put Gypsy in his stall." Mr. Sanchez ordered.
"No, I want to ride him. Put a saddle on him, please," Carmallita order then looked back at her husband for his approval.
"Yes, by all means. I have to go and juggle the finances, I'll be in the study. Enjoy him, my pet." Benito said smiling then kissed his wife and headed to the big house. Carmallita was still in a bit of shock as she watched the Stallion being led to the hitchin' post where Emilio began saddling him. Carmallita run her hand along the horse's mane, then flank. Running it back and forth and even gracing Emilio's hand as she had many times in secret. Smiling, she stepped back as Emilio finished cinchin' the saddle.
"Shall I ride with you, Carmallita?" He asked with mischief in his voice.
"Sure," she answered smiling then mounted the spirited Stallion and guided him around the corral while Emilio got his gelding ready to ride.
The two took off in a gallop across the meadow. Gypsy's mane waved in fine strides with it's head's bobbing from their fast paced gate. Reaching the stream quickly they slowed their pace and allowed the horses to pace next to each other while Emilio leaned over and kissed Carmallita. Her smile was broad from mischief and pride of her new prize.
