Chapter 39

Los Angeles….

Victoria smiled as she wiped the countertops. Diego would be home tomorrow. I have missed him so much, she thought. Rafael's father was recovering nicely and according to Diego's letter, the older man would be back on his feet in no time. I cannot wait to see him…I have quite a welcome planned for him…

"You certainly look happy today, little sister," Francisco smiled as he placed the chairs on the table, "it wouldn't have to do with a certain tall caballero who is returning tomorrow. You are practically glowing…"

"Doctor Hernandez says that I am perfectly healthy. Everything is right on schedule…."

"Diego and Don Alejandro will be pleased with that news," her brother continued, "I am glad that the wedding is soon…"

"It's not like the baby will arrive in the middle of the ceremony," she teased, "although it would certainly make things interesting…besides, we have several months before the newest de la Vega makes his or her appearance…"

"We wouldn't want our wedding to be upstaged by a birth. Would we? I will be nervous enough as it is that day…."

"My calm…cool self-possessed brother, nervous. Imagine that. Once, you are married all of your nervousness will disappear," Victoria stated, "enjoy the time leading up to the wedding. It is very special…If I remember correctly, you told me the same thing some time ago."

"I did. It is different when the shoe is on the other foot, little sister. I appreciate your sage advice…especially from someone who has been married such a long time…"

"Our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks and we plan on celebrating it in style. Knowing my husband, it will be special no matter how we celebrate it…"

"I hope that Margarita and I will be just as happy as you are. We have so much to look forward to. If only, Mama and Papa were here," her brother sighed, "there is still so much of them in this place…"

"They are, Francisco. You remind me of Papa with your practicality…your efficiency and Margarita cares about the customers and she has become a wonderful cook. I never thought she would fit it so well here…that she would ever enjoy working here."

"Neither did I…it took a little time but once she makes up her mind to do something…she does her best. She reminds me of you in that way," he admitted proudly, "I am glad that I came home. It feels right…"

"I would never have imagined saying such a thing when I first met Margarita. I feel safe leaving the tavern in your hands…both of your hands…I trust her, and I trust you."

"You almost make it sound like you won't be involved with the tavern anymore, little one. That you are abandoning it completely…Is there something that I should know about…"

"I am not giving up the tavern but with the baby coming and the possibility that Diego and I will have more children…My time will be limited…For so long, this tavern has been my entire life…A legacy from our parents…a way to keep their memory alive…it will always be important to me…a part of me but…"

"I understand, Victoria….Your priorities have changed….You are a de la Vega now. You have always wanted a houseful of children…a family of your own. That was Mama and Papa's dearest wish. They always liked Diego…they would have approved of your marriage. You were meant for each other and who knows maybe one day our children will run it together," Francisco surmised, "or maybe someday, Ramon will return, and we will all be together again…"

"That would be a dream come true…Family has always been important…I want to watch my family grow. Diego and I lost precious time and I want to make the most of it," Victoria admitted, "I spent so many nights…wondering about Zorro…whether he would return to me safe and sound...I don't have to worry about Diego's safety with or without the mask…we are together… I have the man that I have always loved…and more…"

"It is time for us to accomplish our dreams. I think our parents would agree," Francisco hugged her gently, "we both have a lot to look forward to…"

The Next Morning…

"Good morning, Father," Victoria reached to kiss her father-in-law's cheek, "it is a wonderful day. Isn't it?"

"It certainly is, daughter. Diego is finally coming home. I must admit that I have missed him. The hacienda hasn't been the same without him. I am glad that Rodrigo has recovered," Don Alejandro continued, "As for my nephew, I am hoping that he is getting his life back on track. It would be nice to have more de la Vegas running around this hacienda. I couldn't think of anything that would please me more."

"Be careful what you wish for, Father. Don't get me wrong but have you forgotten what a handful Diego was or myself for that matter," she teased, "you didn't think he would survive his adolescence intact."

"He did…Fortunately for all of us and turned out to be more of a de la Vega than I could ever have hoped for. Your child will have the best of both of you…spirit, compassion and hopefully, his mother's temperament."

Victoria laughed at the expression on his face. She was becoming accustomed to the older man's sense of humor. I see so much of Don Alejandro is his son. The younger woman kissed his cheek impulsively surprising her father-in-law…

"What was that for," he enquired enjoying her spontaneous display affection.

"For being the best father, any woman could hope for…I love you more than you could ever know. I hope that you know that…"

"If I didn't…I do now….the feeling is mutual. I always hoped that Diego would chose you…you are so much like my Elena and so good for my son…My grandchildren will blessed to have such a wonderful mother," he admitted, "now, let's get started with our day….the sooner we start…."

"The sooner….we can prepare to welcome Diego home."