Chapter 46

Friday Night…

"Congratulations, nephew. You couldn't be getting a better woman for your wife," Alejandro hugged him after kissing Lolita gently on the cheek, "you will be a welcome addition to the de la Vega family. I couldn't be happier. Our family has certainly been blessed this year with more to come…"

"Thank you, uncle. She is the woman of my dreams. My parents will be very pleased when they finally meet Lolita…Mother will absolutely thrilled. They have heard me talk about her so much about her that they feel like they know her already," he smiled.

"Congratulations, cousin. Victoria and I are so pleased for you…married life will certainly agree with you. I highly recommend it. Welcome to the family, Lolita."

"Thank you, Diego for everything…Victoria, I will need lots of help preparing for the wedding. I have some ideas and would appreciate your opinion along with mother's," the young woman admitted, "there is so much to do…so many plans to make but all that really matters is spending my life with the man that I love…"

"I couldn't agree more," the taverness slanted an appreciative glance at her husband, "marrying the right man makes all of the difference in the world."

The party continued for several hours as the guests celebrated. Wine and refreshments flowed freely. The de la Vegas bid the family goodnight and headed home…

On the way to the hacienda…

"The party was a success, my children. Luis was pleased with the success of his plan," Don Alejandro stated, "I could not have done better myself."

"We have your son to thank for that," Victoria teased, "he has turned into quite a matchmaker if I say so myself. Even better than Dona Maria."

"My Diego…a matchmaker…Diego who hates when we try our hand at matchmaking….you must be joking. You know how he feels about such a thing…"

"You two are really enjoying yourselves at my expense…Aren't you? All I did was talk to Lolita….give her a listening ear when she needed one. I don't call that matchmaking…I call that being a friend," her husband countered, "what the two of you consider matchmaking is an entirely different thing. All that matters is that they are both happy and will spend the rest of their lives together."

"My son…the matchmaker…who would have thought such a thing…we couldn't resist a little teasing…I am proud of you, son. Another wedding on the horizon…what could be better?"

The next day…

"I hear that congratulations are in order," Joaquin stated, "I guess your days in the bunkhouse are over, Rafael."

"I am sure that you'll be glad to be rid of my snoring," he teased in return, "I will certainly miss riding with you and Jose. I learned a lot from both of you…especially when I comes to hard work."

"Enjoy your last few weeks as a single man….but considering your choice of wife…it won't be too big of a sacrifice. I wouldn't trade my life with my Rosita for anything…marriage can do that for a man. Treat our Lolita right…cherish her…you won't find another woman to match her."

"I will, Joaquin. I know just how blessed I am to have her…I won't forget…''

"I had my doubts about you at first, Rafael but you proved me wrong. You succeeded because of your work ethic not your name. You should be proud of yourself…you are a good man, Senor de la Vega."

"Thank you, Joaquin. I really appreciate that. We have a long day of work ahead. Let's go see what Jose has in store for us today."

The Quintero hacienda….

"Good morning, my dear. How did you sleep last night," Inez asked, "It was a very interesting night."

"Very well, Mama and looking forward to starting the day. There is so much to do. Where is Papa by the way?"

"Out taking care of ranch business. What are your plans for today, daughter?"

"The banns need to be read this Sunday. I have a wedding shirt to embroider…there is the reception…the food…your dress and guests to invite…"

"The reception can be held here. Our cooks are accustomed to handling big events. We can see the seamstress in town about wedding clothes. We have several weeks to take care of those details. We have invitations to send out. Everything will be beautiful…"

"Rafael's father has recovered. I would like for his family to come to dinner so we can get to know them a little better. I can't wait to meet them in person," Lolita smiled.

"They will love you and I am sure that you will love them in return. You and Rafael will be just as happy as your father and I am. You have our blessing. Many years of happiness are ahead of you…I am not saying that there won't be rough times but if you are honest and open with each other…then you can make it…"

"I believe we will, Mama."

The Tavern…

Victoria sat down for a few moments. She smiled as Rafael and Lolita entered the tavern. "How may I help you," she teased the happy couple, "It is good to see both of you. Last night was certainly interesting. Everyone is talking about it…"

"This is a small town and news certainly gets around. I am surprised that Diego hasn't published it in The Guardian," Lolita teased, "We have been to the good Padre and he will read the banns this Sunday."

"The wedding will be here before you know it. If you need me for anything, I will be glad to help."

"Thank you, Victoria. I might have to take you up on the offer…there is so much to do…"

"I felt the same way…Don Alejandro was glad to handle everything for me…"

"Father was glad to do it," Diego said as he walked into the tavern, "he is a romantic at heart even though he tries to hide it, at times. The only person happier than my father is yours…"

"You may be right, cousin. My parents will be just as happy when they finally meet the woman, I love…"