Chapter 44

Moments later…

"What was that all about," Victoria teased as she came descended the stairs, "I awaken and come downstairs to find a younger woman kissing my gorgeous husband…"

"It was perfectly innocent. Why would I want another woman when such beauty stands before me," he said gallantly, "she doesn't hold a candle to you no other woman does…"

"Oh…you. What will I do with you, Diego de la Vega? I love you."

"The feeling is mutual. She wanted to talk to you as a matter of fact."

"I would have been glad to talk to her. Why didn't you wake me? It wouldn't not have been a problem…"

"You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake you up. She wanted some advice from you, my love but I talked to her instead."

"Diego de la Vega…involving himself in a matter of the heart…I thought that you were against . I matchmaking," she teased, "in fact, you discouraged me from interfering in other people's love lives."

"I did…but I could hardly turn her away. I didn't encourage her one way or the other toward accepting Rafael or turning him down but I did let her know about my past with Zafira…how hurt I was and that sometimes love means taking a risk," he confessed, "I hope I gave her something to think about. I believe that she will make the right decision."

"If she lets go of her fears, the two of them would be good together. Maybe there will be another wedding sometime soon," she smiled, "if that happens, maybe you could replace Dona Maria as the town matchmaker, Senor de la Vega."

"Being a husband and father will be more than enough to keep me occupied, Victoria de la Vega. I will leave that to someone more qualified…"

"I can think of other things to keep you occupied," his wife smiled, "as you once told Marisol, infinitely more pleasurable things…"

Don Luis' Study…

"You wanted to see me, sir," Rafael said as he shook the older man's hand, "Jose said that it was important."

"My wife and I would like to invite you to a small party Friday night…Your uncle and your cousin will be there. I thought it would be good to have friends and family together for a friendly little gathering," the older man stated, "We older folks will be there…sort of in the background as you young people enjoy yourselves."

"I am honored that you would like include me in your plans but won't Lolita mind that I will be there. I promised that I would not pressure her in any way…"

"It's mostly friends and acquaintances," Don Luis admitted, "Alejandro and Diego will be glad to see you…you and Lolita are on good terms, so I don't see a problem."

"I look forward to it, sir," Rafael stated sincerely. He is up to something….I just know it….It promises to be an interesting evening…

Later that evening…

"Mother said you wanted to see me. You don't want to talk about Rafael again. Do you," Lolita sighed, "I thought that you were going to let me make my own decision…"

"It wouldn't hurt to see other people socially if things don't work out with Rafael. There are many fine young men that you might find interesting," Don Luis admitted, "in fact, I have arranged for such an evening to take place Friday night. I have invited Don Hector…Don Eduardo…you know them…"

"You've done that without asking me. They are two of the most self-absorbed…egotistical bores that I have ever met," Lolita sighed, "Couldn't you have invited anyone else?"

"I am not asking you to marry any of them…"

"Why can't it just be family and a few close friends? I would enjoy that more…"

"I am not getting any younger and neither are you… just explore the possibilities…it won't be as bad as you think."

"I will do it for you, Father. I hope that this will be the last time you do such a thing. I love you but…"

"Even love has its limits…it won't be that bad, little dove. You will see…Trust me."

Hours Later…

"I hope you know what you are doing, Luis," Inez said as she turned down the covers, "our daughter is not too fond of this little dinner party. She was very upset with you."

"I know, Inez but someday she will thank me for this. I am only looking out for her best interests. This thing with Rafael has gone on long enough, in my opinion."

"I trust you, but you are taking a risk. This whole thing could backfire on you. I don't think that Rafael will stand by and let you parade potential candidates for the woman he loves in front of him. Do you," Inez glanced at her husband suspiciously, "that is exactly what you are counting on. Isn't it Luis?"

"If Rafael loves her, then he will not give her up without a fight. I am sure of it, my dear. By the end of the evening, I hope to have the whole matter settled. One way or the other."

The Bunkhouse…

Rafael tossed and turned as he recalled his conversation with Don Luis. He had thought the older man was on his side, but the don was also becoming increasingly frustrated with the entire situation. I wonder what the old fox is up to…and I know he is up to something. Just a friendly little gathering, my eye…I wonder why he specifically wanted me to be there…Another one of his schemes, no doubt…

Lolita's bedroom…

My father is up to something. I am sure of it, she thought to herself, he seemed to prefer Rafael over all the other men that I have known, and he has been pretty obvious about it… but to invite Don Hector and Don Eduardo of all people….It will be one of the most tedious evenings that I have ever spent. I prefer Rafael's company to anyone else's…Where did that thought come from? Maybe, Father has a point, after all.