Chapter 45

Friday Night…

"Welcome…Alejandro…Diego. It is good to see you. Victoria, you look lovely as always," Don Luis stated, "Rafael is already here. Come, Inez is dying to see you." The don guided the family towards the courtyard where guests were socializing with each other. "It has been quite a while since we have come together socially. I have been looking forward to this evening."

The de la Vegas followed their host through the ballroom. The atmosphere was festive yet comfortable. The Quienteros were almost as well known as the de la Vegas for their parties and this one was no exception. "Inez, a pleasure to see you as always. Thank you for inviting us," Alejandro smiled, "My compliments. Everything looks wonderful as usual."

"Thank you, Alejandro. Diego…Victoria, welcome as well. We must go shopping when I am in town. It has been much too long since I have been to the tavern," Inez smiled.

"It's a date. I would love to spend time with you and Lolita. I could do for a little feminine companionship since I am outnumbered by men at the hacienda. If this baby is a boy, then I will most definitely be in the minority," Victoria laughed, "where is Lolita by the way?"

"over there. Oh dear, my daughter looks like she needs rescuing. Why don't we rescue her from the clutches on Don Hector," Inez teased, "my dear, Victoria and I were looking for you. Don Hector, will you excuse us, por favor."

"Thank you, Mother. I was bored to tears," Lolita admitted after the young man had left, "what was father thinking of when he arranged this little party?"

"Your father is unpredictable to say the least. He has some mischievous reason of his own, of that, I am sure. Let me leave you young ladies to talk while I keep the other 'gentlemen' at bay for a few minutes."

"I am sorry that I missed you the other day, Victoria. Your husband and I had a very eye-opening conversation…he has more experience with my current situation than I thought."

"Diego doesn't mention it often, but I know that he was deeply hurt. Zafira will never know what she missed out on…Diego is worth one hundred of Joaquin Correna, but her loss is my gain," Victoria confessed, "I have the best husband that any woman could wish for…"

"He helped me more than he will ever know…I cannot let fear rule my life, Victoria. I have made my decision…"

"Good evening, Victoria….Lolita….Lolita may I speak with you for a moment," Rafael interrupted. The young man had been waiting for the right moment to talk to the woman he loved. He had watched as numerous young men monopolized Lolita's time and he was not willing to wait any longer. "It's important. Will you excuse us, Victoria?"

"Has my cousin decided to make his move," Diego said as he approached his wife, "we were just talking when he decided to come and search for Lolita."

"It certainly looks that way. It is about time that he did."

"This calls for a celebration. May I have this dance, Senora," the caballero bowed gallantly.

"You most certainly may, Senor."

Across the Ballroom…

"I see that your nephew has decided to take action, Alejandro," Luis smiled.

"Exactly as you expected, Luis. I hope that by the end of the evening. You will have added a potential son-in-law," his friend added, "Lolita would be a welcome addition to the de la Vega family. I hope it works out as you planned."

"From your mouth to God's ears, my friend. I hope my daughter has the good sense to accept him…"

The Garden…

Rafael paced nervously. Now that he had captured Lolita's attention, he had no choice but to do what he had planned. "Lolita, some time ago I asked you to consider the direction that you wanted our relationship to go into…I have no doubt about my feelings for you…I love you and I want you to be my wife. I want to know if there is any hope for us. When we first met, I was engaged to Margarita, but she is not the woman for me…perhaps, she never really was…My heart belongs to you…I offer it to you…honestly and without reservation. Lolita Quintero…I want to spend the rest of my life with you," the young man knelt before her, "I love you above all others…will you marry me?"

"Yes, Rafael de la Vega. I will marry you," Lolita smiled as Rafael slipped the ring on her finger, "I love you and I would be proud to be your wife…"

The caballero smiled and hugged his new fiancée joyously. This felt right. This is where I was meant to be, he thought. The couple sealed their agreement with a heartfelt kiss.

"I take it that good news are in order," Don Luis smiled, "Inez, it looks as if we have a new member of the family, I hope…"

"With your permission, Sir…Dona Inez…I would very much like to marry your beautiful daughter, if you approve…"

"With all our heart, Rafael," the older man stated as his wife congratulated the couple, "I am happy for both of you. It goes without saying that you are gaining a treasure, young man. I expect you to take good care of my daughter. Welcome to the family, son."

"I will to the best of my ability," Rafael vowed, "Lolita will want for nothing. I will cherish her for the rest of my life."

"I expect nothing less, my boy. Lolita, I expect you to love and respect Rafael as well. I want the two of you to be as happy as your mother and I are."

"We will be, Papa," she smiled, "with your love and support…we will be…"

Hugs were exchanged all around and plans would be discussed later. The foursome went into the ballroom to share the good news with the assembled guests. It had turned out to be a wonderful evening after all…