Chapter 40

Later that day…

"Welcome home, Diego," Victoria smiled as Diego embraced her warmly, "I have missed you."

"It is good to be home. It seems like I have been away forever…I have missed your smile…just being with you…both of you. You look beautiful….how are you feeling?"

"Wonderful…even more…now that you are back. How was your trip? Your letters said that Don Rodrigo had completely recovered. I am sure that Rafael is pleased."

"He is…where are Father and Felipe by the way? I thought that they would be here to greet me…"

"They wanted to give us a little time alone…I have quite a welcome planned for you, husband," she teased.

"I am looking forward to it, wife. You don't know how much I missed holding you in my arms…"

"I think I have an idea, Senor de la Vega," she said as they kissed once more, "that is just a sample of what you have been missing."

"If that is a sample, I cannot wait for the main course."

The Quintero Hacienda…

"Welcome back, Rafael," Don Luis shook the younger man's hand, "I am glad to hear that your father is well. I am pleased to see you as well. So, what was so important that you felt the need to talk to me?"

"Father and I discussed quite a few matters while I was home. He wanted to see if I was still interested in taking over the hacienda someday…my brother in law generally deals with matters when my father does not…."

"And what did you decide, my boy and what does it have to do with me?"

"Don Luis, I am interested in returning someday but that all depends on how things turn out with Lolita. I am in love with her, but she is afraid that I will disappoint her somehow…I was a different man then…"

"The past is the past and it is time to move on," the older man replied, "if she wants a life with you, then she should say so not leave you hanging, so to speak…I was young myself…I made a lot of mistakes but I learned from them and I believe that you have, too. Are you thinking about proposing to her, young man?"

"I have even brought her a ring… she is everything that I could want in a wife," he sighed, "but if Lolita decides that she would be better off without me…then I will accept her decision."

"I would like nothing to better than to have you as a son-in-law. I hope that my daughter will come to her senses," Don Luis admitted honestly, "if she refuses, then both of you should go your separate ways…"

"I hope that it doesn't come to that, Don Luis." The young man was sincerely in love with the lovely senorita and wanted the best for her…whether it was with him or someone else….

Later that night…

"You should let those two young people work things out for themselves.", Luis," his wife exclaimed, "meddling never turns out well, in my opinion."

"I am just like any other man. I want grandchildren before I am too old to experience them….""

"You sound like Alejandro, my dear. We are still young…. have plenty of time to experience grandchildren," Inez interrupted, "I want our daughter happy and married but it may take time for her to find the right person…I hoped that Rafael would be the one for her…but what if that is just wishful thinking…"

"Maybe it would be good to see other possibilities if it doesn't work out with Rafael," her husband interrupted, "it would be good for her to socialize…to be around some other young people…take her mind off her troubles…"

"Why don't we have the de la Vegas over for dinner? I have always been fond of Victoria and we haven't seen Alejandro socially for a long time…"

"That sounds fine, my dear. It will be a wonderful opportunity for Lolita to meet new people her own age. Just a friendly little gathering for the young people in our community…we could still socialize with Alejandro," Don Luis stated, "and serve as unofficial chaperones…We can discuss all the details in the morning. Good night, Inez."

"Good night, Luis," Inez snuggled closer to her husband. I hope this party is not a complete disaster…

The Next Morning…

"That was a wonderful meal, Victoria," Diego smiled as he took the last bite of his breakfast, "I really needed that especially after your welcome last night."

"You deserved it after being gone for so long," his wife teased, "when is Ramon's stage due? Shouldn't it be here by now?"

"It is always on time, Victoria. Your brother always had a flair for the dramatic. You didn't think that he would miss Francisco's wedding," Diego stood as he heard the stagecoach stopping in front of the tavern. "Right on time as usual…Shall we, my dear?"

"With pleasure, husband," Victoria greeted her brother as he departed the stage, "Ramon…I am so happy that you're finally here."

"It is good to see you, little sister. Even though you're not quite so little anymore," he teased, "married life looks good on you."

"You are incorrigible, Ramon Escalante. What I am going to do with you? Be glad that I love you so much…"

"Diego, it is good to see you again. I can see that you are taking good care of my sister by the glow on her face and the sparkle in her eyes."

"For that you are forgiven, big brother," Victoria kissed her brother on the cheek and hugged him warmly, "come inside, Ramon. Francisco will be so glad to see you and you can finally meet your future sister-in-law."

Minutes later…

"You have chosen well, Francisco," Ramon said approvingly, "welcome to the family, Margarita. Are you sure that you want to marry into such an outspoken family?"

"I am, Ramon. I cannot wait to marry him…I am fortunate that we found each other," she smiled, "I cannot wait to be his wife."