"Well, Señor de la Vega, were you serious about courting me or not?" Victoria asked with her arms crossed.
"Of course I was serious! I am just surprised, that's all." He paused for a moment. He gathered his rather scattered thoughts and asked, "But, Victoria, don't you want a big wedding with your family and friends?"
Shaking her head no she replied, "And how long would that take? Won't Don Alejandro want to invite all your relatives, even those from Spain? It could be late next year before we could be married."
"You're right. I just wish Father and Felipe could be here, though."
"I know. We'll have to find a way to make it up to them. After all, it's not our fault a storm came in, and there's only one room in the whole pueblo to stay tonight."
Nodding in agreement, Diego said, "Victoria, it would be my honor to marry you now." Then Diego got down on one knee.
Victoria spoke quickly, "Wait." Turning so her back was to the Padre, she reached underneath her collar. Hidden under her blouse was a gold chain. She pulled it out to reveal the emerald and diamond ring that Zorro had given her months ago. Taking it off the chain, she handed it to him and whispered, "You'll need this."
Taking the ring, he tenderly looked into her eyes. His deep voice resonated with love for his Novia. "Even though I asked you this once before, I am asking you again. Will you marry me, Victoria Rosa Escalante?"
Her heart bloomed with happiness. "Si, Diego. I will marry you."
Diego beamed at her, gently placing his mother's ring on her finger then kissed her hand.
Standing, he continued, "Victoria, when we return to the pueblo we can talk to Padre Benitez and Father about a party and possibly renewing our vows in front of our friends and families."
Diego next turned to the Padre who had stepped away discreetly to give them privacy to talk. "Padre, is it possible to arrange a special license to be married now?"
"Of course. We often have travelers who need a special license to marry and continue their journey together. Come with me, and we'll make the arrangements."
He led them into his study where they all took seats. He picked up an envelope from his desk and handed it to Diego. "Don Diego, this is for you."
Surprised, Diego took the envelope and opened it. Inside was a letter. He read it aloud, and then he chuckled.
ZZZ
My Dearest Son,
I have not always been the most attentive or observant father. And you know more than anyone else how many times I have let my temper rule my words. While you have always graciously accepted my apologies, I know that actions often speak louder than words. Today has been my attempt with my actions to show you how much I love you.
One of two things brought you here. Either the weather has kept you from traveling, or the harness for the horses needs repaired and there's no immediate replacement. How do I know? While I can't control the weather, I can arrange for a harness to be damaged—or to appear to be damaged—with no replacement readily available.
Since you are reading this letter, I assume Victoria and you have decided to either marry or become betrothed. If you want my opinion—marry her. The two of you have loved each other since you were children, although neither of you were willing to admit it publicly, and maybe not to yourselves either. Together we can handle any hint of gossip. Remember that the de la Vegas will never be divided again!
You both have my blessing. When you get back home, we can discuss the proper way to publicly celebrate the marriage of my son to my closest friend's dear daughter and to welcome her into our family.
In case you're wondering, the innkeeper, blacksmith and padre were all well compensated for having only one room available. Any stress or inconvenience you felt is my doing and responsibility, not theirs. Don't you think that having almost no room at the inn seemed very fitting for this time of year?
Your special license is fully paid. The padre also has clothes for you both and your mother's mantilla that I hope Victoria will wear.
If you feel badly about Felipe and me not being able to attend your wedding—don't. We are both in a nearby room, waiting to share your joy.
I have your grandmother and grandfather's rings should you need them. You can always choose your own rings later.
Love,
Father
ZZZ
Victoria sat in her chair, speechless. Diego gave her a moment, and then said, "Well, it's official because Father wants us to get married. After going to all this trouble, we can't disappoint him, can we?"
"No, we can't." She looked at him wryly. "Diego, I had no idea. Did you?"
"None. He must have been here last Thursday and arranged all this. I wonder if he and Felipe came together. They both were supposed to be fishing that day."
The Padre just sat and smiled.
Victoria and Diego were surprised at the thoroughness of Alejandro's arrangements. He had created both a plan and a backup plan depending upon the weather. Diego suspected that his father and Felipe had worked together.
After a moment he turned to her and grinned. "Victoria, I'm sure Father would be honored to give you away in the absence of your brothers. I have always hoped Felipe would stand with me as my best man."
"That sounds wonderful. Let's get them so we can get married right away."
"Padre, where are my father and brother?"
"They're in a room down the hall. I'll get them and be right back. And before you ask, they can't hear you."
A few moments later the Padre brought Don Alejandro and Felipe to the room then he stepped out and closed the door behind him to give them some privacy for their discussion.
"Diego and Victoria! You are about to make this old man very happy."
With her eyes twinkling Victoria replied, "What old man? I don't see an old man in this room."
"Ah, Victoria! You make me feel young again. I am so happy for you and Diego."
"So, Father, just how did you come up with this plan?"
"Well, son, you know I have some experience with complicated strategies from the army." He looked directly at Felipe and continued, "And as you can guess, I had some help from someone with experience in clandestine operations."
"We never suspected, Father. You both went to a great deal of trouble to put this together. Gracias."
"Just so you know, Diego, there is more than one sly fox in this family."
Victoria blushed prettily, and Diego's face drained of color. After collecting himself for a moment he whispered fiercely, "Father! I can't believe you said that!"
"Get used to it, son. You're not alone any more."
"I never was, you know. Felipe knew. Victoria and you supported me. Even when you didn't know you were supporting me, you were."
Victoria interrupted, "But we also said things that hurt you when we didn't know what you were really doing."
With a wave of his hand, Diego dismissed her concerns. "You both helped me keep the secret. If the two closest people to me who also are the most intelligent in the pueblo didn't discover the secret, it was safe from the Alcaldes, lancers and bounty hunters. It's all in the past. All is forgiven and forgotten, right Felipe?"
Felipe smiled and nodded vigorously.
The Padre knocked on the door and suggested it was time for Victoria and Diego to get ready for the wedding. He showed them to rooms where they could change.
When she was ready Don Alejandro escorted Victoria to the chapel. She wore a beautiful full-length wedding gown that was in a style popular about thirty years ago. Taking his arm, she asked, "Where did this gown come from? It's magnificent."
"Victoria, there wasn't time to make and fit you for a new gown. So I had Señora Sastre use your measurements to alter my dear Felicidad's wedding gown. I know it's old fashioned and out of date, but I thought you might overlook that and accept it with love. It's my way of welcoming you into the family."
"Oh, Don Alejandro, it's perfect! Its age doesn't matter. I treasure that you allowed me to wear it."
"You wearing that dress makes me very happy. And it's your dress now. Please call me Father, not Don Alejandro."
"Would Father Alejandro be all right, too?"
He beamed with pleasure, "Of course it would."
Diego was waiting with Felipe at his side at the altar. Diego turned as Victoria and Alejandro entered, and his face lit up with joy at seeing her. After she joined him he whispered, "Victoria, you look beautiful and radiant! I have never seen a more beautiful bride."
"Thank you, Diego. And you look very handsome, too."
With no further delays, Victoria and Diego were quietly married. At the end of the ceremony, they had their first kiss as newlyweds. Gently Diego kissed his new wife, and Victoria returned the kiss with growing passion until they heard Alejandro softly clear his throat behind them. After another moment, they broke apart, wearing identical expressions of love and joy.
Turning to Alejandro with tears in her eyes, Victoria spoke, "Father Alejandro, I can't thank you enough for arranging all this. It's my dream come true and so amazing."
"My dear, it had been my wish for years that you and Diego would marry. Despite what my son may think, it isn't just to have grandbabies. It's because I can see the deep and abiding love you both have, just like my dear Felicidad and I had."
Alejandro had arranged a carriage with a driver who was waiting outside the mission. Diego helped Victoria step into the carriage, and all of them rode back to the inn.
Alejandro and Felipe had rooms next to each other. Before leaving the newlyweds at their room, Alejandro told them he would take care of Victoria's tavern and Diego's newspaper until their return. He also would give their regrets to the hosts of any festivities they would miss. Alejandro hoped they would stay at least a week for their honeymoon. After explaining all this, he and Felipe went to the dining room to eat, planning to leave the next morning after the storm passed.
Victoria and Diego's room was the largest and best the inn had to offer. Alejandro had paid for both it and their meals. A wedding dinner complete with champagne was delivered to their room. They enjoyed it while they talked about all the surprises Alejandro and Felipe had arranged. After the meal was over, Victoria grew quiet. Her nervousness showed on her face. Diego watched her as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Diego quietly took her in his arms and with tenderness wiped away her tear with his thumb. "Preciosa, what's wrong?"
Started, she looked at him. "It's going to take me a while to get used to you calling me that."
"Does it bother you? Would you prefer I not call you that?"
"Oh, no. I love it!" Taking a steadying breath, she continued, "My father was a tavern owner, and that's what I have been since my mother died. I don't know what you expect, or how to make you happy." Then she burst into tears, "I don't know how to be Doña de la Vega!"
Diego held her close as she cried on his chest. When her sobbing stopped, he handed her his handkerchief. "Oh Diego, I got your shirt wet."
"It will dry. Now come, and let's take this one step at a time." He guided her gently to sit on the loveseat. Kneeling beside her and looking at her with love, he continued, "Victoria, know first that I will always love you. My love is not dependent upon what you do. As far as making me happy, I am more than happy."
He took her hands and tenderly rubbed her palms. "Today, you not only told me you love me, Diego de la Vega, you also married me. Words cannot describe how I feel. Ecstatically happy is the closest I can come to right now.
"Victoria, you are exactly what I need to make me happy. As far as what comes next goes, I'm not sure I know how to make you happy either. And I'm sure there are things I will need help with during our marriage. We will find our way together."
She dried her eyes and looked into gentle twinkling blue eyes that were full of love. "You are serious aren't you?"
"I am completely serious. We have the rest of our lives to discover what makes each other the happiest. I never expected we would figure that out in one night."
"Oh Diego, I love you."
Moving to sit next to her, he gathered her in his arms and held her. He kissed her hair and waited until she seemed more relaxed. "And about being Doña Victoria. Just be yourself—that's all you need to do. Oh, there may be some things that you don't know how to do, but Father and I will be glad to help you. And you made a good impression with the other caballeros' wives. They were very friendly towards you, which is remarkable. You won them over by being yourself. Usually they are reserved in accepting someone new. And if we don't know something I'm sure one of them would be pleased to help you."
"But each of them grew up in a caballero's home, so each would know more than I do."
"Not all of them. Doña Luisa's father is a merchant."
"I didn't know that. She always seems so knowledgeable and confident."
"Most people don't know that. You see it doesn't matter what you do or don't know today. None of the other caballeros' wives have experience running a tavern, which gives you a great advantage in running the hacienda. Managing the hacienda is not that much different than managing the tavern. Actually, I hope it's easier because I'll be at your side. Father and Felipe will be there, too. Today has been the most amazing day of my life. And the most beautiful and wonderful woman in the world married me and is beside me."
"You really mean that, don't you?" she asked in wonder.
"Of course I do."
"Diego, the matchmaker was so wrong."
"About what?"
"Don't you remember? She said you were not romantic. You, Diego, are the most loving and romantic man I have ever met." With that, she kissed him with passion that she had never shown Zorro. He returned her kiss as they kissed for the first time without either an audience or his mask coming between them. They were both overjoyed in finally knowing each other as husband and wife.
While their unexpected wedding day had started out with a routine trip, it continued with both of them receiving their Christmas wishes early. And it ended in the privacy of their room where Diego showed Victoria just how romantic he could be.
Author's Note: This story is not finished. I wanted to get to this place before Christmas. The story will continue after the holiday. Merry Christmas!
