Chapter 48

The Quintero Hacienda…

The party was going along swimmingly as the guests mingled easily. Don Luis and Dona Inez were understandably pleased and proud of the success of their celebration. They felt at ease with Rafael's parents and the other members of the family who had assembled for the nuptials. "The party is a success, my dear," Don Luis smiled, "Rafael and Lolita certainly seem to be enjoying themselves. I couldn't be happier. I know how Alejandro felt a few months ago but I couldn't find a better man for my little dove. At least, they will still be living in the area for a while…"

"I will miss her too, Luis but it is time for our little dove to spread her wings and fly. I feel good about their relationship and the possibilities. In time, we will have grandchildren to dote on. Life is good and we have many years to look forward to together."

"Yes, we do my dear," he said as he kissed her hand, "I can hardly wait."

Across the Ballroom…

"Well, Diego. Tomorrow your cousin will be a married man…Hard to believe, Isn't it," Alejandro teased.

"It is, Father but I am really happy for him and for Lolita…You were right…Marriage makes all the difference in the world. Especially when you are married to the right person," he smiled as his wife approached, "there you are, my dear. I hope you are having a good time…"

"I am, husband. Everything is going fine. Lolita is understandably nervous, but she is handling it well. I felt the same way, but I couldn't be happier," Victoria smiled, "After tomorrow, all her worries will disappear. Marriage makes all the difference…"

"Your husband said the same thing a few minutes ago," Don Alejandro laughed, "especially when it's to the right person…"

Across the Ballroom…

Marisol frowned as she watched the couples enjoying themselves. "How long do we have to stay here, Mother…All of this happiness is positively nauseating," she sneered, "if I have to dance with that bore Don Pablo, I will scream."

"Given your track record…you should be grateful that we were even invited to this party. Your choices are limited, my dear. The more desirable caballeros are already taken. Don Pablo may be your best option," her mother confessed, "unless we consider going to Monterrey for the social season."

"The man is an insufferable bore and Monterrey is filled with old men looking for a bride. I would rather stay here and take my chances."

Good luck, my daughter, her mother thought to herself, you are going to need it, I am afraid…

ZZZ

"In a few hours, you will be a happily married man," Diego teased, "any last-minute jitters…"

"A little, cousin but I know that I won't regret marrying Lolita. It is the best decision that I ever made. Thanks for agreeing to stand up with me…I appreciate the support."

"De la Vegas always stick together. We are family no matter what…I couldn't be prouder of you, Rafael and the choices you have made."

"That means a lot to me, Diego. I have always respected you even when I didn't seem to like you very much," he quipped, "these past few months have taught me a lot about myself…I was selfish and spoiled but this time in Los Angeles has changed me and I have you and Don Alejandro to thank for that…I didn't see it then but I am grateful to both of you."

"That means a lot to me, Rafael. I know that you will be happy no matter where life takes you. You have a wonderful woman and a future to look forward to. No man could ask for more….your parents are very proud of you and they approve of Lolita. I am sure that they will be hinting about grandchildren sometime in the near future."

"They are like your father in that way, cousin. Carry on the de la Vega line…I have heard that just as much as you have," Rafael smiled, "and it will be my great pleasure to fulfill their wishes…in the future, of course."

"At least, your father is a little more subtle about it," Diego sighed, "it helps to be a little younger than I am. I wouldn't trade the prospect of fatherhood for anything in the world. It will be more of an adventure than being Zorro, I suspect."

"That is true, son. Especially if your children turn out to be just like you," Don Alejandro interrupted, "you certainly kept me on my toes, Diego. Rafael, it has been a wonderful evening. You have a long day ahead of you so I am afraid we must take our leave. We will see you at the church…Good night, my boy. Get some rest if you can…."

"I will, Uncle….Good night. I will see you both tomorrow," he said as he hugged them both, "Thank you for everything."

Victoria's Tavern…

Rafael stretched contentedly as he thought about tomorrow. My last night as a single man…All of my dreams will finally come true. A few months ago, I could never have imagined that I would marry the woman of my dreams. In a few hours, I will have everything a man could ever want…The young man turned as the door to his room opened.

"Are you all right, son," his father wondered.

"Yes, Father. Just thinking about tomorrow. It has been a long time coming."

"It has, Son. Your mother and I approve of your choice. I hope the two of you will be happy together. She seems to be a fine young woman."

"She is everything that I have ever wanted in a woman. I love her very much," Rafael admitted, "I always wanted to marry for love…"

"You achieved that. I am proud of you…I just wanted you to know that I am happy for you," the older man hugged his son tightly, "Good night, son. Rest well."

"Good night, Father. See you in the morning."