Chapter 8 [Randolph Hotel—A Couple of Hours Later]

[A/N: Mercedes Henche Villero is from "New World Zorro" which belongs to the Family Channel.]

Mercedes frowned. Concern would not allow her to relax. She peered over toward the door. No. He is all right. Does he still think about that vision? She sighed.

Manolito slipped back into the room. "Ah! ¡Bueno! You are still awake!" He sauntered into the room. "I was just thinking about the Mass. Miguel was excellente!"

"Si. Miguel works so hard for Tucson. I am so proud of him." She sighed. "I am glad to see you smile, Manolo. I might think I did something."

"What? NO!" Shock froze him in place. His eyes widened. His jaw slackened. "¿Por qué piensas eso?"

She bowed her head. "You keep to yourself for the past two days. Then Pilar and I heard you at the mission. Then you pray by yourself." She exhaled. "I am concerned, Manolo."

He shrugged. "It is something I must deal with." He walked over to her. His arms encircled her waist. "We are blessed, Mercedita. We have our rancho. We have our family. Your parents are well. We are well. Are we not? I saw someone in a vision who was not as fortunate. She sacrificed for her love. It was quite tragic. I prayed for her to find happiness."

She shook her head. "I have been foolish, Manolo. I should have known better. I am sorry for doubting you. Can you forgive me?" Ardor shone in her eyes and smile.

"Mmm…" Mischief strung out his grin and expression for a few heartbeats. "Why yes I believe I can. There is nothing to forgive, mi Mercedita." His lips whispered their balm across her forehead. "You are upset for my sake. I thank God for your presence."

"Oh, Manolo!" She squeezed him tighter than Python's coils. Her grin spread ear to ear. She understood him. Once again, she could not believe Fortune's incredible gift in her marriage to her caballero. "And this love story? Is it about my namesake and great, great grandfather?"

Amazement widened his eyes. "¿Como adivinaste?"

"Papa has told Miguel and me her story. She had problems with her parents. She was engaged to my great great grandfather." She shook her head. "She left Los Angeles. She married poorly. Her husband spent their money. She returned to Los Angeles to sell our family's rancho. She and my great great grandfather fell in love all over again. Sadly her husband found her. She was shot saving him." She shook her head. "I cannot believe she had the love of such a man but left. She redeemed herself."

"Indeed. Your great great grandfather and your great grandparents cared for her, Mercedes. I can tell you this. Seúora Villero loves him still. I am glad you did not do what she did." Manolito kissed her cheek.

"I told you I would only travel until I found love. I only needed to find that little boy who tried to pull me from the tree again." Her eyes twinkled into his.

"That boy has grown."

She snorted. "The boy is in a man's body, Manolo. I can see him even now. This remains between us?"

"Si. Victoria nags. I do not wish her to know yet. Miguel and I will speak in the confessional so it will remain between him and me. Blue, Buck, Sam and Pedro have also had this vision. I am afraid Penny does not know. I am sorry." He frowned.

"I will keep this between us and them. Gracias for sharing this secret with me." She kissed him.

"I love you. Never forget that." He touched foreheads with her.

"Never. You said I was changing you. You have changed me as well, Manolo. You are my greatest present." She took his hand. "You could make me feel better though."

"Oh?" Expectation raised his eyes.

"Shall we see what magic there is tonight?" Mischief glinted in her eyes now.

"Oh I see I have created a monster. No?" He grinned.

Her smirk widened. "I am what you make me."

"Oh so now you blame me?" He laughed. "Ah!" He kissed her forehead again. "Si. I believe you have a point. Vamanos." He blew out the candle on the table and turned the lever on the oil lamp.

Magic was definitely in the air….