Chapter 21

Mendoza paced the floor of the garden. I hope that Amanda will accept my proposal. The sergeant bowed as he saw the object of his affections enter the garden. She was so beautiful and gracious. "Amanda, there is something I want to ask you. These past few months have been the happiest of my life. I never thought that I would meet someone like you. Will you marry me? I do not own land or property but I would be a good and faithful husband. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy!" The sergeant bent down on one knee and held out a beautiful yet elegant ring...

"I would be honored to be your wife."

"You have made me the happiest man in the world!" The sergeant kissed her hand gently. "Let's go tell everyone our news. They will be so pleased." Mendoza walked into the hacienda with Amanda on his arm.

"Congratulate us, Don Diego, Senorita Victoria, Amanda has consented to marry me."

"That is wonderful news, amigo," Diego shook the sergeant's hand, "I am certain that we will be very happy together."

"There would be no wedding at all if it were not for you," Mendoza smiled, "and Senorita Escalante, of course."

"Congratulations. When is the wedding? I would be glad to offer my tavern as a place for the reception or to provide refreshments..."

"We would be pleased to accept your offer, if it is alright with you, Amanda."

"We can discuss the arrangements at the tavern tomorrow."

"Gracias, Senorita Victoria. Amanda and I will go talk to Padre Benitez tomorrow to discuss posting the banns," Mendoza smiled. "If all goes well in four weeks, we will be man and wife!"

ZZZ

Pilar wiped the table as the customers finished their meals. Victoria was spending the evening with the de la Vegas as usual. I should be accustomed to her spending so much time there. What will it be like when she finally marries Don Diego? The waitress looked up as a tall handsome stranger entered the tavern. He was definitely a caballero due to the stylish cut of his clothes and the way that he carried himself...I wonder who could that be?

"Excuse me, Senorita. Do you have a room available for this evening?"

"Si, Senor. We do."

"Gracias, I am Javier Rodriguez. Delighted to make your acquaintance."

"My name is Pilar and I will be happy to serve you, Senor Rodriguez. The first room at the top of the stairs is available. I hope that your stay in Los Angeles is a pleasant one."

"Gracias. Senorita, por favor. I am sure that the accommodations will be more than adequate. I am looking for Senorita Amanda Herrera. Is she here?"

I wonder why he is looking for Senorita Herrera? I will wait and see what he says...

"I am acquainted with her father, Don Miguel, a good friend of Don Alejandro de la Vega."

"She is staying with the de la Vegas until her father returns from the northern territories."

"I will wait until tomorrow to contact her. Do Don Alejandro and his son frequent the tavern as well?""

"They come in almost every day, Senor."

"I look forward to meeting Don Alejandro and his son," he smiled at the young woman, "My man will take my bags to my room if you will kindly direct us."

"Right this way, Senor."

Javier looked at the accommodations as his man put away the remainder of his belongings. "Gracias, Manuel. That will be all tonight."The room was very nice for a provincial little town such as Los Angeles. My stay will not be that long. Just long enough to reclaim the woman he had been engaged to so many months ago...

ZZZ

Diego and Don Alejandro sipped their coffee thoughtfully. "It has been a fine morning, son. It looks like your lessons were very successful. I hope seeing the two of them together inspires you to action, Diego."

This is my father's not so subtle way of suggesting that I propose to Victoria. I can hear it now...Grandbabies, Diego. I want grandbabies. Soon, father. Just be patient a little longer. His father had no idea that he had already proposed in a manner of speaking.

"Good morning, Don Alejandro. Don Diego. It is a beautiful morning. Is it not?"

"Si, Would you and the sergeant like to join us for breakfast?"

"Gracias, Don Alejandro. It would be our pleasure." The sergeant was about to seat his lady when a stranger approached them. The man was slightly taller than the sergeant with dark hair, dark eyes and a medium build. He was good looking but nothing out of the ordinary..."There you are, my dear...It is good to see you again, Amanda. It has been much too long."

"Yes, Javier," she was decidedly pale but attempted to regain her composure. What is he doing here? I thought he was out of my life for good..."May I present Sergeant Jaime Mendoza, my fiancée?"

"I owe you my gratitude for saving Amanda's life."

"Would you excuse us gentlemen? I would like to speak to my fiancée alone."

"Amanda, you look a little pale...Does it have something to do with Senor Rodriguez? Is there something going on that I don't know about?"

"There is something I have to tell you."

"Aright, Amanda. The garden at the mission would be a good place. No one will disturb us there."