Chapter 14

Diego and Victoria rode along the edge of the ocean, their horses splashing gracefully through the water. The young caballero was eager to get home to share the news with Don Alejandro but his traveling companion had other ideas. "Why couldn't we have stayed in Santa Paula, Diego," she asked, "I think it would have been better if we had spent the night there."

"I promised my father I'd bring him news of the meeting right away," the tall caballero replied.

"I think we're riding into a storm, Diego," Victoria remarked as she heard a clap of thunder and looked at the darkening sky, "We should have taken rooms for the night in Santa Paula."

Diego looked at the changing sky. "But we didn't. There's an old abandoned windmill about a mile up that way. I think we can make it there before the storm hits." The couple made it to the windmill just as the rain began to fall. Once inside, Victoria sat and warmed her hands near the fire. She hugged her jacket tighter as Diego came in, carrying an armload of firewood. "I think it's getting worse out there."

"I'm glad we brought these blankets. We are going to have to spend the night here."

"You mean we're actually going to spend the night here?"

"The storm doesn't give us much choice," Diego confirmed, "We will have to ride out the storm here and leave in the morning." After placing the bench lengthwise between the blankets he had spread on the floor, he placed a bag of flour on the blanket to his left and to his right.

"And what is this?" What exactly is Diego doing? We really are going to spend the night here in this…this windmill...

"Your side. My side," he commented waiting to see Victoria's reaction.

The young woman was amused by Diego's solution to their sleeping arrangements. "How very proper."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"And neither would I," the taverness watched as Diego laid down on 'his' blanket, his back to her. She hated to admit that she was secretly insulted that he had not shown any interest in her…The proper caballero, such a gentleman. I wonder if he is really asleep….Victoria turned back to the fire then quickly turned back to look at Diego who tried to close his eyes before she noticed. He is definitely not asleep, she thought. "Diego, something happened today. Something I've never noticed before. When you stood up to the King's emissary, there was something about you. . . You were very impressive today."

There is no sense in pretending that I am asleep, he thought. "Was I? Oh, thank you."

"Speech-making is very different from action, isn't it? Why don't you ever do anything?"

"Oh, I do lots of things. I read, play the piano, write poetry. . . "

"I know all about those things. You were different today, Diego. Almost like the Diego that I once knew. Why don't you show that side of yourself more often?" This was not the first time that the young don had done something out of the ordinary she recalled…

Victoria struggled then looked worriedly at the fuse as do Mendoza and Don Alejandro. Diego looked over at a table and saw a cork sitting on it. He looked up and see an open bottle of wine. If he could just…Diego stretched his legs toward the table nearest to him and hooked his toes around the table leg, moving the table closer to where he sat. He drew back his legs and thrusts them powerfully at the table leg causing the first table shove into the second table, knocking over the bottle of wine. The wine poured onto the burning fuse just mere inches from the powder keg extinguishing the fuse. No one could have done better that day, even Zorro…The young woman's thoughts were interrupted as Diego continued to talk…

"I care about the pueblo just as much as the next man. I prefer to help behind the scenes… at the mission...working at the Guardian. Some people may not consider those actions as brave or heroic but they are necessary."

"I have been guilty of not seeing the good that you do for the people of Los Angeles. The pueblo needs your intelligence and your willingness to help others. That is just as important as fighting with a sword," she stated.

I am not as dashing as my alter ego but at least, she notices me.

The wind howled outside as a gust forced the door of the windmill to blow open. Diego rushed over to close the door. Victoria hugged herself, shivering. The tall caballero secured the latch then turned around. "Oh, you're chilled. Here. Let me put this around you," Diego stated as he draped his jacket around her shoulders and rubbed his hands up and down her arms as she huddled inside his jacket. Diego stopped suddenly and stared at the taverness allowing his love for her to shine through his eyes.

Victoria was surprised at the tender look in his eyes. Am I the woman that you are love with?

The moment was broken as the caballero stood and went to his side of the blanket... I hope I did not give myself away. For a brief moment, he had let his guard down…

Maybe I can get him to talk…to open up to me, Victoria thought. "The fire reminds me when my mother used to read me poems and adventures stories of love and courage. 'Love has no rhyme and no reason. It strikes with a passionate fire, engulfing the hearts in flame."

"And only your cool, sweet lips will quench my burning desire."

"Isn't there something you want above everything else? Something you must have?"

The caballero stood and paced as he struggled with his decision. If I tell her of my love…How will she react? I capture bandits…defy the alcalde at every turn…yet I am afraid of one beautiful, petite senorita. I will be as honest as I can with her….I need to know what she wants….her hopes and dreams."Yes, Victoria. I want a wife who is the better half of me…someone that loves me…who is willing to be my partner in life…I want children. Is there something that you must have, Victoria?"

Victoria never expected him to answer so openly and honestly. Their goals were so similar. You should have a husband like Diego…. "You have a good heart and you care about people that is part of what draws me to you. I want a real man of flesh and blood...someone who loves me...someone I can love in return. I thought that I would have those things with Zorro once but now…."

Diego kissed Victoria's forehead gently. "You can have those things with me, Victoria…I have treated you like a little sister but that is not how I feel about you, Victoria."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner, Diego?"

"I did not think that I had a chance with you, Victoria because..."

"Because of Zorro. I…I don't know what to say, Diego. I am attracted to you, I admit," Victoria stated, "I have wondered what it would be between us..."

"Do you have feelings for me, Victoria? Could those feelings turn into love if given the chance?"

"I could easily fall in love with you, Diego. but I need time. I want to get to know the real you."

"Then we will take the time to get to know one another." She had not refused him out of hand…only asked for more time….I will give you the one thing that I cannot give you as Zorro time….

"Gracias, Diego," she whispered. "Good night, Diego."

"Good night, Victoria."