Chapter 21

Later that afternoon…

"The padre was pleased with the items, Senorita. The mission plays such a large role in the community," Rafael stated. The trip had been awkward at first but had turned out to be pleasant at the end.

"It does, Rafael. Father and Mother believe in supporting the church no matter how small. It has been a good day so far. How do you like working for my father?"

"It is hard work but that is expected…your father is a fair man ad I couldn't find better men to work with."

"Even compared to the de la Vegas," she teased wondering exactly what he would say. Will he say the expected thing or be honest?

"I enjoyed working for my uncle, but I also like working for your father. It gives me the chance to really be on my own…I don't have to compete with my cousin…no one judges me on my name or my family connections. The de la Vega name casts an awfully big shadow."

"Don Alejandro is a respected name in Los Angeles…it would be hard to emerge from his shadow even for Diego…if he hadn't been revealed to be Zorro, he would still be fighting to be his own man."

"I never thought of it that way…I have always thought that Diego had the perfect life…that he always had it easy…He has very big shoes to fill, I suppose."

"Some people have compared him to his father…some have gained respect for him now that they know he is Zorro…Mendoza has been the one person who has always liked and respected him for who he is…"

"Not even Victoria? I thought you would include her on the list…"

"She was in love with Zorro and thought of Diego as a friend. What woman doesn't want a man to sweep her off her feet? It is hard to compete with the myth of Zorro…but she loves Diego for himself and she has gotten the best of both worlds."

"Not much longer now, Senorita," Rafael said as they neared the hacienda. They stopped in front of the house and the young man assisted Lolita alight from the wagon.

"Thank you, Rafael."

"De nada, Señorita. I am at your service, as always."

"Someone looks like they had a nice time," her father smiled at the look on his daughter's face.

"I didn't see you standing there, Father."

"You were busy…I didn't want to interrupt the two of you…"

"Are you up to a little matchmaking, Father?"

"Would I do such a thing, daughter," he said nonchalantly, "I am surprised that you would think such a thing of your father."

"I know you, Papa. You would if it suited your purpose and if you thought that it would make me happy. Everything will be alright if you promise not to meddle."

"You have my word of honor, Chiquita. I will not push but I admit that I would like to see the two of you together...if it is meant to be…then it will be."

Days Later….

Diego smiled as he squeezed Victoria's hand. They were almost home…The honeymoon was wonderful. They had gotten to know each other a little better and it was time to get back to real life. Still, it was good to be home again and be with family and friends.

"Someone looks happy to be home," Victoria smiled, "does that mean you didn't enjoy our honeymoon? You were so anxious to get back home…"

"I thought staying a week past our time proved how excited I was to be alone with you," he said then kissed her deeply, "Does that answer your question?"

"I believe it does, Senor de la Vega but I may need a bit more convincing later."

"Your wish is my command, Senora. I will be more than happy to oblige you for the rest of our lives."

ZZZ

"They are almost here, Felipe," Don Alejandro stated, "I have missed them, son. The hacienda has been empty without them."

"I have, too," Felipe signed. It was the first of many changes to come for the de la Vega household.

The carriage door opened as Diego exited as then assisted his wife with her descent. The caballero hugged his father and then Felipe. "It is good to be to home. We have missed both of you."

"Not too much, I suspect. Daughter, you are positively glowing. Gracias a Dios que estás en casa. Welcome home."

"Thank you, Father. It feels wonderful to be home. Felipe, we have missed you."

"Not too much, I suspect," he signed.

"You rascal," Diego interrupted as he ruffled the younger man's hair, "we did miss you, honestly speaking. How are things been without us?"

"The usual…it has been pretty quiet here and your cousin is settling in well with the Quienteros or so I've heard."

"That is good to hear, Father. I hope he is happy there."

"And patch things up with Lolita while he is there," Victoria inserted, "well, I can hope. Can't I?"

"You are a true romantic, daughter. Things will work out for the best…"

"I believe so, Father," she said as she linked her arm though his, "I really believe that…"

"Juan will put your things in Diego's room. Consuela has prepared a special meal in honor or your return. She will be especially happy to see the two of you…"

"I have missed her as well. I am positively famished," Diego stated as he caught Victoria's eye. And not just for food…

His wifeblushed slightly at the look in her husband's eye. The adventure is just beginning, she thought. How can one woman be so blessed…Gracias a Dios..

"That was a wonderful meal, Consuela," Diego smiled, "the food in Monterey was delicious but it doesn't compare to yours…."

"I have missed having you around the house, Don Diego. It was much too quiet without you but now you are home. Once again, this house will have a woman's touch. It is wonderful to have you and Dona Victoria home where you belong."

"Thank you, Consuela," the young don smiled, "I am glad to be home again with friends and family."

"To the de la Vegas," his father said as he raised his glass, "we will never be divided again. To the de la Vegas…"