Chapter 3 [High Chaparral—An Hour Later]

John walked about the compound. Everything in the barn seemed in order. Sam and Joe watched over a few horses on the West Range. The other hands teamed up with Rivertree's hands on the South Range. The tack room and forge had everything in place. Satisfaction prompted a nod from him.

Sam was nothing if not thorough….

Blue still could fit right in….

Wish he could have stayed. I know he's ready to help out. He sure proved his chops as a foreman! John turned back toward the hacienda. Pride swelled in his chest. Lament though weighed on his mind. He walked through the front door.

Victoria finished washing the breakfast plates. A Mexican melody caressed the air and his ears. Her rag wiped each dish and cup clean. She turned. "Oh, John! I am sorry."

"I thought that everything looks great. You seem happy. Given what happened at Rancho Montoya, I thought…" He took his hat off and set it by the table. His eyes couldn't leave her. She wore his favorite pink house dress. Despite Toil's effort, Enthusiasm guided her actions. Her hands glided seemingly with little effort. His heart skipped a beat.

"You thought that I would be upset?" She sighed. "I am disappointed. I wanted so much more out of our visit. I am happy for Don Ricardo and the Countess. I am hoping Tio Santiago and Tia Carlotta will come north with Buck, Annie and Jenny. And we have the wedding to plan. I will occupy myself in that way. It will keep me from thinking about Papa."

"I like the way you think." He embraced her.

"Oh?" She grinned at him. "You do?"

"Yes. I do." He drew closer to her.

Just then, two shots came from the roof.

She pouted. "Who could that be now?"

"I'd like to know the same thing." He narrowed his eyes. He grabbed his hat and walked out the door. He stopped short three steps in front of the hacienda.

Manolito and Mercedes drove up in the buckboard. Ricardo and Maria rode on the seat behind them. Blue and Penny rode behind them on Soapy and Trixie respectively.

"¡Hola! We are going into Tucson. Dd you need anything, John?" Manolito offered.

"Well. Now that you mention it…." John rubbed his chin.

Victoria stuck her head out. "Manolito! I need to change clothes! I will go with you!"

"Now wait! I thought we were catching up…." John started.

"We are caught up. Everything is fine here. There are things that we need. I would help the Countess with another woman's opinion." Victoria patted him on the arm. Then she rushed off up the stairs.

Manolito shook his head and wagged his index finger.

"Don't you start too!" John ground his teeth. "I just hope Buck gets back soon with the other buckboard!" He headed toward the barn.

"Gosh! What's with him?" Penny stared at her uncle.

"Pa's mad because Victoria's not going to be around to help him. Kind of knew she would come with us." Blue smirked (even if he kept an eye out for his father in the process).

"Victoria cannot stop shopping. That is a fact." Manolito coughed into his gloved hand.

"Manolo." Mercedes tsked under her breath.

"What? She likes to shop. That is all I said." Manolito raised his eyebrow. "Several times I have tripped on the boardwalk in town. I cannot see over her packages."

"Such helpfulness! One might think it inspiring." Sarcasm dampened Maria's reply.

At that moment, Victoria came out in her white ruffled blouse, bright red blazer and matching skirt. Her hat sat primly atop her dark hair. "I shall let John know we are leaving. Then we can have a good day in town." She headed off toward the barn.

Manolito shook his head. This was going to be some day….