Chapter 43

The Tavern…

Days went by as work continued at the tavern…Things settled down at a predictable pace. The newlyweds were still on their honeymoon and Victoria looked forward to their return in a few days from their luna de miel in Monterrey and things would return to normal. The tavern was busy as usual, and she enjoyed greeting her customers as well as cooking. Victoria sighed as her husband wrapped his arms around her. "How do you always manage to sneak up on me," she stated, "not that I am complaining of course."

"An acquired talent, my love," the tall caballero smiled as he kissed her cheek, "you and Pilar have everything well in hand. I finished today's edition of The Guardian and I wanted to spend some time with my family."

"We are glad to see you, Senor. Our son has been active today. He takes after his father already," she teased.

"And how do you know it's a boy…it could be a little girl who will be just as beautiful and spirited as her mother. I would be pleased either way and so would my father."

"It's just a feeling that I have, Diego. Whether we have a boy or a girl, our child will be bold and adventurous…He or she will definitely be loved…especially by Father," Victoria admitted, "I only wish that my parents could be here to share our happiness."

"They will live on in us and in our child. We will keep them alive by letting our children know about them."

"We definitely will," Victoria agreed as they finished the general cleaning, "all done. You are a man of many hidden talents..."

"Anything for my beautiful wife," he teased back, "Why don't you go upstairs and get a little rest? I will take care of things down here. I will check on you later..."

A few minutes later…

"Is there anyone here," Lolita looked around the nearly empty tavern, "Victoria? Victoria?"

"My wife just went upstairs to rest, Lolita," Diego said as he emerged from the kitchen, "Was she expecting you?"

"No…I was in town doing some shopping…I just wanted to talk to her. Perhaps, I can come back later," she stated, "I don't want to be a bother. It wasn't really that urgent, Diego."

"Why don't I get you something to eat or drink since my wife isn't available at the moment? A glass of lemonade, something to eat. I am pretty handy around the kitchen, thanks to Victoria," he smiled, "why don't you sit down…while I get you something. It will only take a few minutes."

"Gracias, Diego. That was wonderful," Lolita smiled, "so…how are things going at the newspaper?"

"Fine but did you really want to talk about my newspaper," he said perceptively. The tall caballero was a pretty good judge of character. He sensed that something the young woman needed someone to talk to given her situation with his cousin. He normally wouldn't do such a thing but he wanted to help Lolita if he could. "I know that you don't normally come to town unless it is something important…"

"All those years as Zorro made you pretty good at reading people…I needed to get a woman's perspective…I don't know…I am so conflicted about my relationship with Rafael. I need to make a decision."

"I am sure that you have gotten lots of well meaning advice from your parents...your friends. My father couldn't resist the opportunity to give me advice about my love life or lack thereof. He didn't think that I would ever marry or give him grandchildren."

"My father has made no secret of the fact that he is fond of Rafael and would love to see us married," Lolita confessed, "I know that he means well but sometimes, I wish that he would let me live my own life...I want to marry for love not just because my father wants grandchildren."

"That sounds familiar but your father is not the one marrying Rafael or anyone else for that matter," Diego smirked.

The younger woman laughed at his remarks. It felt good to laugh again. "Who knew that beneath that polished exterior lay such a mischievous spirit? There is definitely more to you than meets the eye. No wonder you had us all fooled for years…"

"People sometimes see only what they want to see…Appearances can be deceiving, Lolita," he confessed, "the de la Vega men can be temperamental and stubborn but underneath it all…we want to be loved like everyone else…"

"I know…sometimes, Rafael can be so exasperating but underneath it all, he cares about people."

"My cousin has learned some hard lessons but he has changed for the better," Diego admitted, "he can be impulsive but underneath it all is good man…Love is risky but nothing worth having is without risk. I should know…"

"This is my life that we are talking about, Diego. You have a wonderful wife...a child on the way everything that you have always wanted..."

"I risked my life as Zorro, but I have been hurt when it comes to love. I was engaged in Spain not many people know about it," he confessed, "she left me at the altar, and it took me years to accept it."

"I am sorry to hear that. What woman in her right mind would leave you standing at the altar? The women in Los Angeles would give their right arm to have a good man to spend the rest of their lives with..."

"That is very kind of you. No matter what your parents think…Whatever you decide…you have to be at peace with it. I have faith in you…I trust your judgement."

"Thank you, Diego," Lolita stood and kissed his cheek, "you have helped me more than you will ever know."