Chapter 10

Victoria cleared the dishes with a smile on her face. She enjoyed her picnic with Diego even more that she had expected. She had seen glimpses of the mischievous young man that he once was…She suddenly sensed Zorro's presence in the shadows behind her and turned around to face him. "Señor Zorro," she hesitated, "what brings you here tonight?"

The masked man glanced at the look on her face and moved closer to her. "You look lovelier than ever, Senorita. I don't know if I have ever seen you look happier."

"Gracias, Zorro. It has been a wonderful day. I have been spending time with someone…a dear friend, Diego de la Vega and…"

"You are enjoying yourself. Aren't you, Victoria? I cannot blame you…for taking a little time to enjoy yourself," he stated, "The moments we get to see each other are few and far between."

"Diego and I have always been good friends but recently I have thought of him as more than just a friend…It has been happening so gradually. It was so unexpected. I…I am confused… I have always considered him as a dear friend until recently…."

"Do you love him, Victoria?"

"I have feelings for him, Zorro. Feelings that could turn into love…with time. I don't know where this may lead but I want the chance to see what could happen…"

"If you have feelings for Don Diego, then I think that you should act on them…See if this relationship is meant to be."

"I never meant to hurt you, Zorro…I thought that my feelings for Diego had disappeared but now, they have returned."

"Perhaps, they never left, Victoria. I am a wanted man. It may be years before I will ever be free. You deserve to be being loved by a real man of flesh and blood."

"You are a fine man…you deserve happiness…I want that for you. I will always respect what you stand for. I treasured the time that we had together. Be happy, Zorro."

"I will be, Victoria… You should have a husband like Diego. I wish you every happiness," he stated as he bowed and kissed her hand. "Vaya con Dios, Senorita."

"Vaya con Dios, Senor Zorro." The rational part of her knew that she had to be free to find the happiness she deserved...with or without her masked man...Victoria leaned toward the masked man to place a heartfelt kiss on his cheek.

ZZZ

The tavern was busier than ever. Victoria and her helpers found themselves constantly on their feet. The taverness was glad for the activity. Zorro had been so kind, so understanding about her newly rediscovered feelings for Diego. I am not surprised though…I liked him instantly…He is good man underneath that mask. His recent behavior had confirmed it… She had feelings for both men but a future with the masked man seemed remote. She would never ask him to give up his cause for justice and her need to get on with her life has caused her to think about her future...It was fortunate that Diego had gone to Monterrey on business. She missed him but it gave her time to think…to come to terms with what she wanted… She was not getting any younger and the pull to have a husband and family of her own that was getting stronger and stronger. Life was filled with possibilities that she had not considered…Life is good and I will make the most of it…

ZZZ

Diego signed the papers. The negotiated price was more than what his father had probably expected. He had been honored by his father's trust in negotiating the sale of some of his thoroughbreds to Don Vincente but he had been torn between his desire to please his father and to spend time with Victoria. He knew she needed time to process everything and so did he… their successful first date had taught him to hope as he had never hoped before. I will take it slowly… Her feelings for his alter ego had been real…She had been gentle in letting him know about the conflicts within her and he had tried to be equally gentle and understanding…I love you, Victoria Escalante…I want you to feel free to follow your heart…without any guilt or recrimination…What we have will be special…I know it….

ZZZ

"Welcome home, son," Alejandro said as Diego walked through the door, "How did the negotiations go? Did Don Vincente agree to our terms?"

"Even better than that, Father. I know that you will be pleased."

"Well done, Diego. I could not have done better myself," Don Alejandro perused the papers, Diego had negotiated an excellent price for his prize thoroughbreds. "I may have to send you on more buying trips, son. You did an excellent job."

"Thank you. Don Vincente was pleased with the terms. He may be interested in purchasing more of the stock from you. He will be writing to you in the near future."

"Excellent, Diego. I know you are tired and hungry. Maria has prepared a light supper for you. Manuel will draw you a bath after you finish your supper. I am glad to have you home, Diego."

"It is good to be home. Thank you for trusting me, Father. It feels good to have your support."

"I underestimated you in the past, Diego but I will never make that mistake again. This ranchero will be in good hands when that time comes."

"I hope that that time does not come for a long time. I am proud to be the son of Alejandro de la Vega," he said as he hugged his father tightly.

"I am proud to be the father of Diego de la Vega… Don't ever forget that. Maria will be upset if we don't come to dinner right now," he said as he hugged his son once more.

"Yes, Father. I have a lot to tell you," he began as they walked toward the dining room.