Chapter 50

Months later….

"What is taking so long, Father," Diego sighed as he contemplated his next move, "I hope that everything is going well." Felipe watched from a nearby chair in the sala.

"Doctor Hernandez has delivered hundreds of babies. Victoria is in good hands, my boy. Since this is your first child, I assume that they take a long time," the old don surmised as his son made his move, "your mind really isn't on the game. Is it, son? Checkmate."

"I suppose not, Father. This pregnancy has gone so well. I suppose that I am just worrying for nothing. Maybe Felipe and I should go to the stables and check on Toronado. Anything to take my mind off Victoria and the baby, even if only for a few minutes."

The de la Vega men smiled when they heard a baby's cry. A smiling Doctor Hernandez approached the de la Vega with a smile on his face. "You have a fine, healthy son, Diego. Victoria is doing just fine."

"Thank you, Doctor. You have a grandson, Father," Diego shook the doctor's hand and then hugged his father and Felipe, "that is wonderful news."

"When can I see my grandson and my daughter, it seems like I have waited for this moment for a long time," Alejandro ventured.

"Not for a few more minutes, Alejandro. Victoria is still quite busy at the moment," his old friend continued, "be patient for a few more minutes."

"What is he talking about, Diego? Does he know something that I don't?"

"Father, Victoria and I wanted to surprise you…Doctor Hernandez heard more than one heartbeat during one of our visits," his tall son volunteered.

"More than one grandchild…that would be wonderful, son. Are you sure…I mean…I know that there have been twins in our family before…it is almost too much to hope for…No wonder, you were concerned that things were going well…"

"Victoria is strong…I may have been a little overprotective, but we trust Doctor Hernandez…It hasn't been easy keeping this from you, but we wanted it to be a surprise," Diego stated.

"Well son, you both kept the secret…I should not be surprised that you are good at keeping secrets," the old don teased, "after all, you did hide the fact that you were a certain masked man for several years…"

"Touché, Father…Naming one of the babies after you will make up for that…we couldn't think of a better way to honor the man that I love and admire so much."

The old don hugged his son tightly. "I couldn't wish for a better son than you, Diego. Nothing would make me happier. This hacienda will be filled with love and laughter…"

Diego and Alejandro parted as the sound of another babies' cry was heard. "You have another son, Don Diego just as handsome as the first. Your wife is doing fine," Maria smiled, "The doctor says that you can come see them in a few minutes."

"Gracias, Maria. You wanted grandchildren, Father," the tall caballero teased, "I hope that you are ready for all the excitement that children will bring…the hacienda will never be the same."

"I am looking forward to it, son. There was never a dull moment with you and I never regretted a moment of it and neither did your mother. She would be so proud of you, Diego and the woman that you chose for your bride. She loved Victoria. I know that Elena is smiling down on us…"

"I am sure that she is, Father."

"You can come in now, Diego," Hernandez beckoned.

"Thank you, Doctor."

Minutes Later…

Victoria was tired but radiant as she watched her husband enter their bedroom. The tall caballero kissed her lips gently and stroked her face. "I love you so much, Victoria de la Vega. I have never been happier in my life or more proud," he smiled as he embraced her once more, "I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. Father is over the moon and I am so proud of you and our sons…"

"I love you, Diego de la Vega," the new mother glanced at her sons sleeping peacefully, "I am sure that Father was shocked by our little surprise…"

"He was but I think he was pleasantly surprised…I have seen a prouder or more excited grandfather. He is absolutely thrilled," Diego stood and walked towards the cradle that held their sons, "they are so handsome, Victoria. I can hardly believe that they are finally here."

Diego gently picked up both babies and handed one to his wife. He gently touched each face almost overwhelmed with emotion. "They are absolutely perfect. This one reminds me of Father for some reason."

"You are holding Alejandro…Alejandro Alfonso de la Vega, after both of his grandfathers," she smiled, "and this is Diego Sebastian de la Vega…after you…."

The couple admired their sons for several more minutes before putting them back in their cradle. Diego kissed his wife once again then left to get his father and Felipe. The excited family members stepped into the room eager to see the new additions to the de la Vega family. Each man picked up a baby as the new parents looked on. "My grandsons…I wondered if I would live to see this day. They are so perfect…son. Victoria, you have made this old man very happy."

"Meet your new grandsons, Father. You are holding little Alejandro Alfonso and Felipe is holding Diego Sebastian," the proud father smiled as he squeezed Victoria's hand, "I hope you approve of the names, Father."

"I more than approve, Diego…I don't have the words…."

"Don Alejandro de la Vega…speechless….I never thought I see the day," his son teased.

"My fondest wish is a reality….my son is married to the daughter that I always wanted…I have more than I could ever hope for. I am so proud of you, Diego. Victoria, my hija de Corazon," the old don bent to kiss her on the cheek, "you have made our family complete."