Mama mia

by CMA6725

This is the third story of the series I have written as a could-have-been four-parts finale for the show (following Gilberto Risendo's death), and the developments in it might make little sense without reading the one titled The New Doctor. Without giving too much away, it is a story about motherhood, fatherhood and new relationships developing between the main characters.

Mama mia

Summary: NWZ – This is the third story of the series I have written as a could-have-been four-parts finale for the show (following Gilberto Risendo's death), and the developments in it might make little sense without reading the one titled The New Doctor. In it, I take advantage of the show not revealing much about what happened in the lives of Victoria's brothers during the time corresponding to the last two seasons, the lack of detail as to De Soto's own family in Spain and build on a premiss made clear in episodes such as Deceptive Heart and A Love Remembered, i.e. Don Alejandro's willingness to re-marry. So, without giving too much away, it is a story about motherhood, fatherhood and new relationships developing between the main positive and negative characters, building up to the finale.

Disclaimer: This story is inspired by the NWZ tv series and it is dedicated to all the fans out there. It is not intended to infringe on the copyrights held by Goodman/Rosen Production, New World Television, Zorro Productions, FAM, the estate of Johnston McCulley or on any others who might have a legal claim on the characters. The ideas, however, are my own Comments are appreciated!

ZZZ

Clarification: Like the previous two stories, this one also starts from the premise that Diego did tell his father that Gilberto Risendo believed him to be Zorro but his father, despite having just witnessed him fight, was unable to believe such an idea and dismissed it as some other nonsense cooked up by his lost son in his search for vengeance. Furthermore, at realizing how distressed Don Alejandro showed himself to be at the thought that his beloved son's life had come so close to an end, Diego saw it best not to correct his decision not to believe that he and Zorro were one and the same, agreeing instead with his father that the notion was absurd.

ZZZ

Further clarifications: As the series' timeline is quite a bit confuse (one of its rather limited number of flaws) I have decided on my own timeline, starting with Diego's return to Los Angeles in 1812, as he was born in 1788 and makes no sense to assume he went to university when he was in his late 20s (although Luis Ramon does mention in one episode that „these are the 1820s", which I chose to ignore considering Spain lost California in 1821, with a new Mexican governor being installed in 1822 and I do appreciate some realistic historical background, even in a story such as this).

Finally, I need to mention that these stories are meant to be considered as episodes for the show, rather than just short accounts.

Enjoy!

ZZZZZZZZ

An unusually hot afternoon of February 1822, after having spent all morning helping Don Alejandro and two of the vaqueros build some enclosures for their ever-growing livestock, Diego and Felipe were entering the Tavern.

Hola, Victoria! Greeted Diego

Buenos Dias, Senores! She replied, a big smile on her face at seeing them. You look like you could use some coffee! She added as if she could read their minds.

Coffee would be lovely. Diego confirmed. Looking at Felipe, he added: And some of your tamales would also be appreciated!

Senorita! Senorita! Exclaimed her helper as she was pouring coffee for Diego and his son. This just arrived for you! The woman continued handing her a letter. The currier who brought it said it is urgent.

Victoria took the letter and opened it, eager to see what was so urgent that it deserved a special currier. A minute later she almost plummeted to the floor, had Diego not caught her just in time.

What is it, Victoria? He asked, unsure of what had just happened to her.

It is from Ramon. She answered sobbing. Francisco and his wife...they had an accident! Ramon says they died a week ago.

Oh, no! I am so sorry, Victoria. He said embracing her. Francisco was a good and brave man!

I never even got the chance to meet his wife! They were supposed to visit a year ago but they had to postpone it. She said, her eyes fixed on the floor, her voice trembling as many people in the tavern turn their eyes towards her, leaving the room fall silent. They left their daughter an orphan. She is only 2 years old, Diego! She started sobbing even harder as she said that. Ramon wants to bring her here. How do I raise a child here, all by myself? I am not even married! As soon as she said that, another thought crossed her mind. What if she asks me about her mother? I never knew her! What do I tell a child about a mother I have never met? I want children one day, Diego, but right now I have no idea how to suddenly become a mother! And how do I raise her in a tavern?

You were raised here and you turned out "amazing", he wanted to say quite fine he ended up saying, fighting a sudden urge to propose and convince her to marry him before Ramon got there. If only he didn't lead a double life! If only he didn't have a price on his head! She will have a good mother in you, Victoria, you have no reason to doubt that! He tried to offer her some consolation.

Victoria looked at him, tears in her eyes but suddenly calmer.

Do you really think so, Diego? She asked

I am quite sure of it! He confirmed, his voice reassuring her. Does the letter say when they will be arriving? Diego asked her

She looked at him then back at the floor, reaching for the letter, which had fallen from her hand as she almost passed out. Finding it, she continued reading.

Two weeks! He says they will be here in two weeks! She answered

If the letter was posted a week ago, that means you are to meet your niece in a week, Victoria! He pointed out

A week! She whispered as he smiled at her.

Don't worry! You will make the best mother that little girl could ever ask for! Diego felt he needed to add.

If she could have looked at him with any sort of mental clarity in that very moment, she would have seen love in his eyes, the same she always saw in Zorro's. Victoria, however, didn't even look, too lost in her own thoughts. Francisco was dead and the only family she had left now was Ramon and the little girl she had never seen before in her life but who would now grow up as her own daughter.

ZZZZZZZ

A week later, the coach from Mexico City entered Los Angeles, just as Diego, his father and Felipe were exiting the tavern.

Life is filled with unforeseen events, son! This is why I always tell you to find a good wife. Have at least a child of your own, Diego! Don Alejandro was pleading with his son, having just had a long discussion with Victoria about Francisco.

Father, I already have the best son I could have ever hoped for! Diego replied, looking proudly at Felipe

I know, Diego! Felipe is a true De la Vega. Maybe even more so than you, my son, since this young man is much braver than you'll ever be! Don Alejandro stated

Felipe certainly is the bravest young man I know, father! Diego confirmed with no hidden irony and Felipe just looked at him, grateful for the compliment.

At the very moment, the couch stopped right in front of them and, a few seconds later, as the driver opened the door, a little black-haired girl emerged, heading straight for Diego who smiled at seeing the child, not sure as what to do. The girl, not expecting any indications, simply looked up at him and asked:

Are you my new papi?

Your new papi? Diego repeated, wondering if he had understood the question, as Ramon Escalante was emerging from the carriage.

You look just like Uncle Ramon described you! She said, raising both her hands as to indicate she wanted him to pick her up, and, as he obeyed as entranced, she secured herself around Diego's neck. See, Uncle Ramon? I told you I would know my new papi when I saw him!

Ramon! Said Diego as he was getting up, the little girl firmly attached to his neck. So this little princess must be Marysol. It is good to see you, my friend!

Don Diego, Don Alejandro, Felipe! Ramon greeted. I am also happy to see you all, although, I would have preferred it to be under better circumstances. How's my sister holding on?

It affected her a lot, Ramon. Said Don Alejandro. Losing a brother is never easy...

Ramon! Exclaimed Victoria at exiting the tavern! I am so glad you are already here, Ramon! Where is Marysol? She asked, not seeing her niece firmly attached to Diego's neck.

Well, dear sister, I tried to describe her future father on the way here – since I know he's the only man you would ever consider marrying - as a certain dashing, tall man with a mustache and she decided it was Don Diego! He answered smiling, indicating to Victoria to look back, as a shiver went through Diego at realizing he had just pointed out the resemblance between himself and Zorro.

She was surprised to see the girl in Diego's arms and she smiled full-heartedly for the first time since that letter reached her, not even considering how Ramon, having described Zorro, determined her niece to head straight for her friend.

Marysol! I am your Aunt Victoria, but from today I shall be your mother. Come, my sweetheart, I will show you to your new room. Diego, can you pass her to me? She asked

I want to stay with papi! Marysol answered. Let papi take me!

At watching the scene, Ramon, Felipe and Don Alejandro were very much amused.

Well, Diego, said Don Alejandro close to bursting into laughter, if the child wants you to be her papi, I really don't believe you have a choice, son!

Diego faked a resigned look for his father's benefit, then turned to Marysol and smiled. "What a clever child!" He thought.

I will accompany you to her room. He told Victoria who was grateful and amazed to see that Diego was so good with children. She never did think of him as a father, despite knowing he had raised Felipe and that their relationship was, quite officially, that of a father and a son.

Thank you, Diego! She replied

As they took the girl in, followed by Ramon, Victoria guided them to her chamber.

You will stay with me, for now, Maysol. And when you grow up, you will have your own room. Well? What do you think, my treasure? She asked, showing the girl the room she had just redecorated and refurbished with the help of the three De la Vegas.

Does papi also sleep with us? Asked the little girl and both Diego and Victoria blushed.

No, honey! Diego doesn't sleep with us and he is not your new papi either. He is my friend. Answered Victoria

No, he is not! He is my new papi. Uncle Ramon said so! Protested the child

Marysol, said Diego in a sooting voice, your Aunt Victoria has been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time now. Don't you want to give her a hug?

I guess...she said resigned and let go of Diego, who gave her to Victoria.

I am never letting you go, my treasure! Victoria exclaimed, embracing her niece, tears starting to pour from her eyes. She had never in her entire life felt about another person the way she was feeling at that very moment about Marysol.

I think I should be on my way. Said Diego, smiling at seeing Victoria with her niece in her arms. Goodbye, Marysol. I will see you soon! Victoria, Ramon.

Goodbye papi! The child replied yawning.

ZZZZZZZZ

You know, Diego, said Don Alejandro a little later, as they were riding home, it might not be such a bad idea!

What father?

You and Victoria! That child needs a real family and you have already proven yourself a good father to Felipe. You might harbor just brotherly feelings towards Victoria but, given the chance, I cannot see why they would not grow to, someday, become something more. You would make such a beautiful couple, son!

May I remind you, however, that Victoria is in love with Zorro? Asked Diego. What chances do you think I have against him?

Well, son, if Jessie Kent chose Ignacio De Soto over you, maybe Victoria will chose you over Zorro! I really do believe you should think about it, although, you might be right...You probably have fewer chances against Zorro than De Soto had against you. But miracles do happen, Diego! Concluded Don Alejandro.

Jessie never had to choose between me and Ignacio, father. I never courted her and neither one of us ever saw the other as anything more than a friend! Diego muttered.

Keep telling yourself that, Diego, if it makes you feel better! Don Alejandro ended the discussion and rode ahead, eager to talk with one of his men who was waiting for him in front of the hacienda.

As the old don was far enough not to hear their conversation, Felipe looked at Diego and asked by gestures why wasn't he proposing to Victoria.

I already have, Felipe. And she agreed to marry me. The only inconvenience is that she doesn't know that and, as long as there is a price on Zorro's head, I am not sure she should. He answered pensively as Felipe continued gesturing. Yes, you are right, Felipe! That child does change some things...He added

ZZZZZZZZ

Later that evening, Zorro decided to pay Victoria a visit. He entered through the kitchen, leaving Tornado outside, and stopped in her room's doorway, just as she was lovingly caressing the hair of her sleeping niece.

She may have lost both her parents, he said watching her but she is still very lucky to have you, Victoria!

Zorro! She whispered, careful not to wake the little girl. Isn't she lovely?

She looks a lot like you and I am sure she is just as smart as she is beautiful! He replied taking in the scene

Should I wake her up? Victoria said suddenly. I do wish for her to meet you!

No, Victoria! Let her sleep! She must be very tired and seeing a masked man may only cause her confusion, even distress. He decided to reply, partly because he thought the child might start crying, but mainly because he had the strange feeling that the little girl would take one good look at him and know exactly who he was.

Victoria agreed and, slowly, got off the bed where she sat next to the child and came to him, carefully closing the door behind them, as to let the little one sleep.

You don't mind, do you, Zorro? She asked, although what she was truly asking was whether he could learn to accept Marysol and love her as if she was his own. She knew she would be heartbroken if he wouldn't be able to feel that way. I so wished we would raise our own children one day. But that day seems further and further away and she does need me! She added as if to try to convince him to accept her niece

Mind? But, Victoria, how would I ever be worthy of your devotion if there was any doubt in my mind that that beautiful little treasure of yours is to grow up as my own? He answered her thoughts, his words reassuring her that the moment she was dreaming of, the moment when they would finally be together, was almost at hand.

Am I to assume you are to fulfill your promise soon, senor? She asked almost teasing.

Yes, Victoria! I will. He confirmed. One way or another, by the end of this year you will know exactly who I am and, if you still want to marry me, I promise to be as good a husband to you and as good a father to Marysol as I possibly can, my love.

You mean that, Zorro? She asked, unsure she heard him right. Because you never have to doubt I will marry you, no matter who you are and how you look! Even if you are very ugly and scarred, I will still marry you and I will still think you are the most wonderful man I have ever known!

As she said that, he took her into his arms and kissed her, a long passionate kiss neither one of them wanted to end. Alas, it did when Ramon, getting out of his room to fetch some water, surprised the two lovers.

Zorro! He said with enthusiasm! My friend, he continued as Zorro turned towards him smiling and Victoria turned away, unwilling to look her brother in the eyes after he had just witnessed that kiss, I see you are still courting my sister but you have yet to marry her! I expect you are getting a little closer to making an honest woman out of Victoria? He added encouraged by Zorro's big smile. With Don Alejandro as Alcalde, you must certainly be considering retiring that mask, soon! I highly doubt he would ever decide to hang you!

I am quite certain there is no risk of him doing that! Said Zorro, almost adding "He might still decide to disinherit me, though". But there is still a price on my head, Ramon, men intended on collecting it and people who need my help. I may be of use to others even without this mask, but I could never endanger these two senoritas of yours, by taking it off before the time is right.

Now, he added regretfully, since I am actually out chasing the bandits who robbed the bank in San Diego, I believe I should be going...It was good to see you, Ramon! Have a good night, Victoria! He added, kissing her hand.

He did not have any bandits to catch since he had already made sure they were in jail at that very moment, but Zorro was not going to give Ramon any reason to prolong that conversation.

As he said his goodbyes, he left the same way he came in and disappeared into the night.

ZZZZZZZZ

A week later, another coach stopped before the tavern, this time, one coming from Monterrey. From it, exited three passengers among which a distinguished woman with long, white hair and beautiful features. She was well in her late fifties and possessed a kind, genuine smile.

Diego, Felipe and Jessie were having their meal on the Tavern's terrace, Marysol firmly attached to Diego's neck and Victoria teasing him about her niece's fondness of him. Don Alejandro, who was coming from the church in an elegant black suit decided upon joining them for lunch, almost bumped into the senora and they both remained there, looking at each other for a while.

Excuse me, Senora! He apologized, staring at her.

No need for apologies, Senor! She replied. This voyage tired me so that I was probably not even looking where I was walking.

Are you coming from far away, senora? Asked Diego

Quite far, yes, young man! She confirmed. I come from Madrid. But right now I only come from Monterrey. Pray, would you be so kind as to tell me where is the office of the Alcalde?

It is right across the plaza, senora! Answered Don Alejandro. And I am the Alcalde, Alejandro de la Vega. Is there something I might do for you, kind lady?

You are the Alcalde? She asked surprised. But, this is Los Angeles, is it not? I...I thought my son, Ignacio, was the alcalde here.

Ignacio de Soto? Your son? Asked Diego in disbelief

Yes, do you know him? She asked, happy to see the name was familiar.

You are Dona Maria de Soto? Asked Jessie reflecting Diego's disbelief.

I am. The woman confirmed

I am your daughter in law, senora. Ignacio is currently tending to our vineyards at our hacienda, North of the pueblo. We were not expecting you to arrive before mid-March, but I am sure Ignacio will be very happy to see you!

Vineyards? And you are my daughter in law? The woman asked almost shocked. Oh, my dear, Ignacio did write me you were beautiful but I had no idea! You are gorgeous beyond my dreams! And a doctor? Ignacio must have become quite a good man if a woman like you accepted to marry him! She concluded. Then you...you, young man, she said looking at Diego, you must be Don Diego de la Vega, his best friend.

"Ignacio's told his mother that I was his best friend?" Wondered Diego . "Maybe he had written her I was Jessie's best friend and she read it wrong!" He easily dismissed the idea.

And this, no doubt is your beautiful family! The woman continued looking at Victoria, Marysol and Felipe. Ignacio never told me you had a daughter. I am so happy to meet you all!

Don't frown Diego! Said Jessie expecting to see Diego's embarrassed look, although not finding it. I will clarify all on our way to the hacienda. Senora, if you would be so kind as to follow me? She invited her mother-in-law.

You don't need to call me Senora, my dear. Dona Maria will do for now, until you may find it in your heart to call me "mother"! I always wished I had a daughter! Goodbye, everyone! I am sure we'll have ample opportunity to meet again soon! Ignacio's mother said, directed with Jessie towards an elegant coach parked near the Doctor's office.

Goodbye senora! They answered as in a choir

Well, Diego, De Soto's mother doesn't seem to be exactly what I was expecting...Confessed Don Alejandro whose eyes were still following the two women.

She seems like such a nice lady. How can Ignacio de Soto be her son? Asked Victoria expressing the question going through everyone's mind.

ZZZZZZZZ

That very evening, as Don Alejandro was finishing some paperwork in town, Felipe burst through the main door of the Hacienda.

Felipe! What is it? Asked Diego who was writing a letter at the time. Bandits? Burning down De Soto's Vineyards? Come Felipe! As he said that, he opened the sliding pannel and they headed for the cave where Tornado was eagerly awaiting its master.

Four masked men were at the De Soto Hacienda, armed with torches and swords. Ignacio and two of his men were trying to fend them off but he was no match for them and one of the vineyards was already on fire. Dona Maria and Jessie also tried to intervene and Dona Maria was almost injured by one of the bandits when Zorro came riding to their aid. He cast the torches aside with his whip and cut the saddles from under two of the outlaws, making them fall off their horses. He then proceeded to disarm the other two as Ignacio de Soto was fighting the ones on the ground and his men were hurrying to extinguish the fire.

Do you need any help, De Soto? The masked man asked as he had defeated the two bandits on horseback, while Ignacio was still fighting.

I am perfectly capable of defeating two bandits, Zorro! He replied as he disarmed one of the men but was immediately disarmed himself by the other as he stumbled and fell on his back.

Zorro used his whip to take the sword out of the man's hand, just as he was preparing to kill Ignacio.

I can see that! Said Zorro

I didn't need your help! Replied De Soto

He just saved your life, Ignacio! Shouted Jessie. Thank you, Zorro! I am certainly too young to become a widow! She added as she was heading for a bucket of water to help their men put down the fire.

At your service, as always, Doctor! Zorro replied, dismounting to give her a hand. After a few minutes, when the fire was already put off through a collective effort, Zorro put the already-tied-up men on their horses. I will take these men to Los Angeles! He added as he was mounting back on Tornado. I don't believe you'll need to worry about them anymore. Adios, senoras! De Soto! He saluted taking his right hand to his hat.

Adios, Zorro! Said Jessie

I don't understand! Dona Maria told Jessie as he was riding away. That man is Zorro? Ignacio wrote me that Zorro was a criminal, his archenemy. Why would such a man come to help us?

Is that what he told you? Asked Jessie barely deterring a laughter. Well, I believe we'll need to have a long conversation about Ignacio's definition of archenemy.

ZZZZZZZZ

Diego was away to San Francisco for the next two weeks (well, only for one, as he used the other to investigate, as Zorro, some sudden deaths at a nearby Indian camp and bring a greedy land-owner to justice) and only re-started helping Jessie a few days after he returned.

How's life with your new mother in law? Diego asked her when there were no more clients and they were cleaning the medical tools.

She's a Godsent, Diego. The kindest, most modest and fair woman I have ever met. Jessie answered, almost unable to believe what she was saying.

My father told me Dona Maria has also been helping Victoria run the tavern. With Marysol around, I guess she needs all the help she can get! He mentioned casually.

Yes, it's true! The woman loves cooking and, from what I am given to understand, your father loves her food. Jessie replied with a subtle wink.

Yes, I have noticed that. Diego confirmed. He hardly ever eats at the hacienda these days. Which is a shame, since Maria's food is excellent!

Really? But I always thought you tend to prefer Victoria's cooking, Diego! Jessie pointed out. I really don't understand how in the world did Ignacio turn out the way he did with a mother like her. Jessie continued, suddenly changing the subject.

Maybe he takes after his father? Suggested Diego, relieved his friend decided not to press him into a confession about his feelings for Victoria.

Not from what I hear. Jessie rejected the idea. He was a farmer, who spent all his life working hard to provide for his family. Dona Maria was an heiress and she was disinherited for marrying him but, the way she tells the story, it was the best decision she had ever taken since the man was kind and loving to her, also proving a wonderful father. Changin again the subject, she added: I confess, I really enjoy my married life to Ignacio much more than I have ever expected I would. A mother-in-law who spends her time cooking, spoiling me and always taking my side in any argument – not that I need support to win them - is quite an unexpected bonus!

ZZZZZZZZ

A few weeks later, at the Tavern, Diego, Felipe, Ignacio and Jessie were taking their lunch together when Don Alejandro and Dona Maria, who had been spending quite a lot of time together lately, came in, her hand on his arm.

Diego, Ignacio, how good you are both here! There is something we wanted to tell you! Said Don Alejandro.

Diego noticed it was for the first time his father had ever called De Soto by his given name. He also noticed the way Don Alejandro was holding Ignacio's mother's hand. Just like Jessy, he had difficulties in understanding how could such a gentlewoman be De Soto's mother. He had grown to like the woman as she had been treating him like a son and she was always kind and generous with everybody. But the excited expression on the two parent's faces meant something he had never imagined. Was his father actually serious about courting the mother of a man who once tried to have him hanged?

Dona Maria has just accepted to marry me! Said Don Alejandro, causing Ignacio de Soto to spill out the juice he had just drank, Diego to sink in his chair imagining spending the holidays with Ignacio de Soto, Felipe to pretend he did not hear that, wondering how his father must be feeling at the thought of being related to someone who had tried so hard to have him killed, and Jessie to burst out laughing.

Are you sure about this, father? Asked Diego

You think my mother is not good enough for your father, De la Vega? Asked Ignacio, unsure as to why since, although he had started to consider Diego his friend (his only friend), he was also living in constant fear that one day his wife will wake up, decide she was wrong to marry him and run straight into the man's arms. Finding more reasons for her and Diego to spend time together clearly would not be beneficial to stoping that scenario from happening, he realized.

No! I mean, of course she is, Ignacio. Diego replied suddenly finding himself at a loss of words. Your mother is a good and gentle woman whom I appreciate with all my heart. He added as he glanced towards Dona Maria. I am just surprised at hearing the news.

I believe what your sons are trying to say, Don Alejandro, Dona Maria, Jessie decided to step in seeing the confused looks into their eyes, is "Congratulations!"

Yes, of course! Said Diego getting up and heading towards the pair. Congratulations!

Yes, Congratulations! Repeated Ignacio, firmly attached to his chair

We will be married within a month. I have already talked to Padre Benitaes! Said Don Alejandro

So soon? Asked Diego

A month is not that soon, Diego! And, at our age, son, time is a resource that is becoming rather scarce, don't you think? Said Dona Maria with a kind, big smile on her face

Come, my dear, let's give the news to our friends! Decided Don Alejandro

So...Jessie concluded as they left to talk with some of the other dons there...you two will be brothers in a month. My father always said God has a strange sense of humor!

Right. Brothers...said Diego less than enthusiastic by the idea, raising his eyebrows in resignation. He did want Don Alejandro to be happy and it did look as if he had finally found the right woman to brighten his life. It just disturbed him that the woman was also Ignacio de Soto's mother.

ZZZZZZZZ

The next morning, while Diego was tending to some of his father's flowers in the courtyard while he was away, riding with Dona Maria, a bull escaped his enclosure, entered the yard and was about to attack Diego, who had his back turned to the animal. Felipe saw the bull but he was too far away and had no chance to reach Diego in time to save his life. As the bull charged, Felipe gathered all his strength and yelled „Father!", his first word in over three years. Diego turned and was able to get out of the animal's way, eventually managing to calm it down with the help of several of his vaqueros.

As it was all over and just him and Felipe were left in the courtyard, he turned towards his son.

Say it again! He asked. Say "Father"!

Father! Felipe answered with tears in his eyes. Father! Father! Father! He repeated as Diego embraced him.

ZZZZZZZZ

Don Alejandro and Dona Maria married and celebrated with a party at the hacienda. The wedding was meant to be a small one but the new alcalde of Los Angeles was a popular man and so they ended up with almost a hundred guests.

Who would have said, Don Diego, said Mendoza, while munching a tamale, that your father will, one day, marry Don Ignacio's mother?

Yes...I assure you, Sergent, the irony of the situation doesn't escape me. Diego answered

Dona Maria is a very good woman, Diego! Victoria, who had grown to see Dona Maria as a second mother, tried to assure him. I am certain she will make Don Alejandro very happy!

I do hope so, Victoria. He replied. Although, I must confess, being in any way related to Ignacio...

Papi, will you dance with me? Interrupted Marysol, standing at his feet

Of course, my princess! Climb up! Diego added, taking her into his arms and starting to spin her around.

She is right, Victoria. Said Ramon as Diego took Marysol a few meters away, mixing among the pairs already dancing. Diego would certainly make a good father for our niece.

So will Zorro! She replied. He is so wonderful with children, Ramon!

I am sure he will, Victoria, should he survive long enough to become one. Said Ramon. You know, Senorita Escalante, he added, suddenly realizing he was upsetting his sister, somehow I always thought you would, one day, become a De la Vega.

My former helper, Paula (1), told me the same thing when she left for Monterrey. Admitted Victoria. Diego is quite handsome, and he has always been the best of friends but, unless he is Zorro – and, trust me, that is quite impossible - I don't see how that will ever happen!

This is a reference to the story called The Hund, the only one of the ones I have published to chronologically take place before the end of the tv show.