Chapter 4 Kidnapping

Victoria stayed with the De La Vega's for a few weeks and recovered quickly. While she relaxed and healed from her injures, they planned a Wedding, and put a plan together to convince the people that Victoria was no longer waiting for Zorro. Diego showed her Zorro's cave. "Diego this is amazing, and now we can hide here when we want some privacy." She winked at him and kissed him on the cheek. Diego liked the idea of spending some time alone with the woman he loved, so he made it a point to take her to the cave so they could enjoy each others company with out interruptions.

The alcalde was not happy to hear that another one of his plans failed to result in the capture of Zorro. De Soto stayed in his office for several days, and came up with nothing that could capture Zorro. Not even a new tax on crops and water.

Pilar was happy to see Victoria return to the Tavern and even happier to hear that she was getting married to Diego.

Alejandro was very surprised to find out that his son, Diego, was Zorro. Diego explained his reasons for hiding behind a black mask to his father over tea one evening while sitting in the library, and Victoria was working on Wedding plans at the desk in the corner of the room, "I wanted to keep my family and loved ones safe, so I felt it would be safer if I carried this secret on my own." Diego explained to his father.

"I understand that you wanted to keep us safe, but why then did you have Felipe helping you? What if he got caught?" Alejandro questioned his son.

"With out Felipe's help, I do not know where I would be today," Diego clapped Felipe on the shoulder and smiled, "he has been my eyes and ears when I was not able to learn of the alcalde's latest plans on my own."

"What a minute," Alejandro paused to gather his thoughts, "are you saying that Felipe can hear?" Alejandro looked at both Diego and Felipe.

"Yes father, he can hear, and with out his sharp ears, I would probably be dead by now." Diego finished with a look of thank you as he looked at Felipe. Felipe gave Diego a hug and signed something slowly. "Yes, and we have more news to share with both of you." Diego and Felipe looked at Alejandro with excited eyes. "Victoria could you please come over here for a minute, this news will also make you very happy," Diego called Victoria over to sit next to him. When she sat down he reached for her hand and held it tightly. "Felipe will soon be a part of our family; I am adopting him as my son." Both Diego and Felipe eagerly waited for Alejandro's and Victoria's reactions.

"This is wonderful news," Alejandro expressed with a huge smile and a few tears slipped down his cheek. "You amaze me Diego. First you protect the people of Los Angeles, and now you bless me with a grandson and daughter-in-law. I love you son." Alejandro pulled Diego into a big hug and both men had tears of joy in there eyes.

The great news of Diego adopting Felipe made Victoria very happy. Not only was she marrying her masked hero, but she would also have a son that she considered family, but now it would be official. "That is wonderful news," Victoria gave both Diego and Felipe a huge hug. She kissed Diego on the cheek and said, "thank you for blessing me with a wonderful family, I love you."

"You are welcome, and I love you so much," Diego kissed her forehead.

They talked for a little while longer, and when it was late, Diego and Felipe took Victoria back to her Tavern.

Zorro was only needed a few times after the courtship between Diego and Victoria was announced. When asked about why she chose to marry Diego instead of Zorro, Victoria replied, "I have seen a side of Diego that I did not see before, but I have also been attracted to him for years. When Zorro showed up, I became blind to my feelings toward Diego. Zorro and I would never really be happy together, and his work does not seem like it will ever end. I need someone who can be a father, husband, and best friend. I have all three of those needs met with Diego." She smiled happily each time she was questioned about her engagement to Diego. They were to be married in three months.

Diego wanted to be with his family more often, and ride as Zorro only when he was really needed. Alejandro and Diego called the town's people together and showed them how to stand up and defend themselves against the alcalde, instead of always counting on Zorro to rescue them. Zorro's help was not needed very much after about a month. The people fought for their rights and De Soto was shocked at how strong the people of Los Angeles were when they banded together. He soon gave up his search for Zorro, and realized that he needed to watch his back. The people of Los Angeles were a bigger threat to him, than his enemy in black ever was. "A town full of angry people is much more dangerous than one man dressed in black." De Soto was heard telling Mendoza one day while eating lunch. Diego retired his alter ego one month before the wedding, and was happy to see that he could live a normal life. He showed more of his true personally, but was careful to keep his swordsmanship skills hidden. He still wanted the true identity of Zorro a secret, just in case he needed to come out of retirement.

The Wedding was beautiful and joyous. Family and friends helped celebrate with food, drink, and dancing. De Soto even came, but he was still confused as to why Victoria would want to marry someone like Diego.

Three months after their Wedding, Diego and Victoria had some joyous news to share with Alejandro. "Father, can we have a word with you please." Diego could hardly hold back the smile that teased the edges of his mouth.

"Sure son." Alejandro gave Diego a wondering look and noticed that he was trying to keep from smiling, "I will be right there. I need to finish this letter to your cousin."

Diego left his father's office and let his father know that he and Victoria would be waiting in the library.

Alejandro finished his letter, and went to see what his son and daughter-in-law wanted to tell him. "I hope they are planning on telling me that there will be another Grandchild soon." He thought to himself as he entered the library. There was a smile on his face, just thinking about his future Grandbaby.

Diego and Victoria noticed he was in the room, and asked him to sit down.

"Father," Diego held Victoria's hand and gave her a smile and nodded, "you are going to get that Grandbaby you want in a few short months. Victoria went to the doctor today, and he confirmed that she is pregnant." A huge smile spread across Diego's and Victoria's faces.

"Grandbaby, I am going to have a Grandbaby. This is wonder news, and now we need to celebrate." Alejandro was smiling so big, his eyes glowed with life. He jumped up to hug them both. Diego and Victoria could only smile back and tears of happiness were shed. "I am going to have another Grandchild." Alejandro thought out loud to himself.