Chapter 20

The de la Vega Hacienda

Days went by as work continued on the hacienda. Alfonso had returned and was doing an even better job than before…Things settled down at a predictable pace. The newlyweds were still on their honeymoon and Don Alejandro looked forward to their return in a few days' time. Rafael was settling in at the Quintero hacienda as well. He was doing well according to the reports that he had heard from Don Luis. Perhaps, there was hope for Rafael as he emerged from the shadow of his uncle and his cousin.

"It is a good morning. Is it not, Felipe," Don Alejandro stated, "Diego and Victoria should be returning soon….It doesn't seem the same without the two of them."

"I miss them, too," Felipe signed, "it's a little too quiet around here. I even miss Don Rafael a little bit."

"He is doing well. I think working at the Quientero's has made him more of his own man as long as he was here…he lived in my shadow and Diego's…He has a chance to grow in ways I could not have imagined…"

The Quintero Hacienda

Rafael stretched as he dismounted from the stallion. It was the beginning of a long day but surprisingly he felt good about the work that he was doing…He was allowed to be his own man…no uncle or cousin looking over his shoulder. He had bumped into Lolita on several occasions…She was unfailingly polite and treated him as any other hand…I deserve it after the way I treated her, he thought, if only I could take it all back but I can't…There's no use crying over spilled milk…I cannot change the past…I can only deal with the future…

ZZZ

"What is your plan for the day, daughter? A little shopping, perhaps," Don Luis inquired, "I know it is one of your favorite pastimes."

"Not today, Father. I have some items to drop off at the mission. I thought that perhaps, Manuel could take me if it wouldn't be too much trouble."

"Manuel is out today. I could get young de la Vega to drive you, I suppose. He is working out better than even I expected."

"I'd rather someone else drive me, Father."

"You cannot avoid him forever, little one. Whatever was between you was over months ago. You both have moved on."

"He used me to make Margarita jealous, Papa. I was surprised that you hired him at all."

"It was strictly business, my dear and the boy did need a job…I know he hurt you, but I also know that you will forgive him…in time."

"I know but it still hurts sometimes…I was hoping that his feelings for me were sincere, but they weren't."

"The boy is young and impulsive, but I think that with the right circumstances…he could be a diamond in the rough."

"You seem to have an affinity for Rafael. Why Father? What do you see in him?"

"He reminds me of myself at that age…young…impulsive with a bit of pride…I always led with my heart instead of my head…until I met your mother…My father in law was not pleased with me courting his daughter but it turned out well, fortunately for me…"

"And fortunately for me," her mother interrupted as she joined her family, "your father was not as bad as he claimed to be, Lolita."

"Your mother is being too kind…I am the one who was blessed with the most wonderful woman in the world."

"And I was blessed with the most wonderful man. It hasn't always been easy, but it has been worth it…I have two sons that I am very proud of and a daughter that I cherish….I want you to find someone to be happy with my dear."

"I will, Mama. Don't worry about me…I am perfectly fine…"

"I know…you will…A young man would be fortunate to have you."

The family enjoyed the rest of their meal, laughing and talking until Joaquin arrived with Rafael. The younger man had stocked the wagon with supplies to take to the mission. Lolita waited as he helped her into the wagon and Joaquin accompanied them seated on his faithful stead…

After the wagon was well on their way, Inez turned to her husband with a quizzical glance. "What exactly are you up to, Luis? You know perfectly well Joaquin could have taken Lolita to the mission today instead of Rafael. You seem intent on throwing him into her path."

"I cannot fool you, my dear. Can I? I like the boy…There is something about him…"

"He reminds you of yourself at that age. Doesn't he?"

"I had the perfectly good sense to fall in love with you despite your father's objections…maybe, Rafael will have perfectly good sense as well…I don't plan on pushing the issue but if it happens…then it happens and if not, at least, they can repair their friendship…"

"I hope that it will turn out well, my dear," Inez said as she sipped her juice, "or you might have a very angry daughter on your hands."

"I am counting on my daughter's kind and generous heart to overrule her head in this instance. She loves me and knows that I have her best interests at heart…"

On the way to the mission…

Lolita watched Rafael expertly handle the wagon as they rode to the mission. It was awkward to sit this close to him again. It had been quite some time since they had even talked. The young woman was still smarting from his deception but at least, Margarita was going on with her life and perhaps, it was time for her to do the same…Maybe, I will meet someone else….someone who will love me for myself…I wonder if that day will ever come…for me…

"We are almost there, Senorita Quintero. It should only be a few more minutes," Rafael volunteered, "I will help you unload when we get there."

"Gracias, I appreciate that, Señor de la Vega."

"You are welcome, Senorita." That wasn't so bad, Rafael thought.