Chapter 51
The Church
"Dearly beloved, we are honored with the privilege of being present here today to witness and support in faith the christening of Alejandro Alfonso de la Vega and Diego Sebastian de la Vega, the sons of Diego Sebastian de la Vega and Victoria Escalante de la Vega," Padre Benítez began, "You have been invited here as family and friends as your prayers and spiritual support in the life of these children. We join our thoughts and sincere goodwill, asking that Christ's peace might embrace this family and an arc of God's light surround these children for all of their days. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructs us that all should come to faith with the eyes and heart of a child. Today, we dedicate these children to Our God in this christening."
Don Alejandro watched with pride as the padre continued with the ceremony. Diego and Victoria held each child firmly but gently joy and happiness radiating from each parent. The old don had his fondest wish fulfilled. He would enjoy each moment he spent with his grandchildren, but he was even happier that his son had found a wonderful partner to spend the rest of his life with….How could life get any better, he thought.
The de la Vega hacienda…
"May I have your attention, please," Don Alejandro requested, "I would like to welcome you to the de la Vega hacienda…I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate the christening of my grandsons Alejandro Alfonso and Diego Sebastian de la Vega. I want to thank my daughter and my son for such wonderful gifts to our family. Thank you, Victoria and Diego for presenting me with the most precious gifts any man could want…I couldn't be prouder or happier."
Diego and his wife raised their own glasses to participate in the toast. The de la Vega twins slept in the arms of Maria and Consuela respectively unaware of what was happening, but this moment would be forever etched into the minds and hearts of the rest of the de la Vega family…
"I would like to make a toast to my grandchildren," the old caballero said as he raised his glass, "To Alejandro and Diego Sebastian, may your journey through life be filled with happiness…your obstacles be few and far between…may you always feel loved and secure and may you forever be held in the palm of God's Hand. Thank you, my hija de corazon and my dear son…"
There was hardly a dry eye in the house after Alejandro delivered his heartfelt toast. Hugs were exchanged all around by friends, family and assorted guests….partygoers dined on their choice of fideua, cachopo or conejo con arroz followed by buñuelos de vientos and ponche segoviano for dessert. Don Alejandro took a sip of sangria while he watched Diego and Victoria interact with the various guests. The twins had been put to bed under the watchful eye of Maria and Consuela. Each guest commented on the twins and expressed congratulations to the happy couple and the excited grandfather…
"A wonderful party, Alejandro," Don Luis smiled, "you mustbe so proud and happy."
"I am, Luis. Diego and Victoria will be wonderful parents and have given me, God willing, what I hope will be the first of many grandchildren…Sometimes, I wondered if I would ever see this day, but it has exceeded all of my expectations. Someday, soon I hope you will feel the same joy…"
"Nothing will give me more pleasure, old friend. It is enough that Lolita and Rafael are happy," Luis smiled as he glanced at his Lolita and Rafael, "From your mouth to God's ears, Alejandro."
Hours later…
Victoria and Diego watched as the twins slept in their cribs. They were healthy and happy. The hacienda would be filled with laughter and activity for many years to come. "It has been a long day, Diego but one that I will never forget….I have more than I could ever hope for," she sighed as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder, "The tavern is in good hands…Francisco and Margarita definitely look happy…I wonder if we will have an announcement before long…"
"You sound like, Father," Diego teased, "Married life agrees with good them both…I could say the same thing for my cousin and Lolita…He has really matured over the past few months…"
"I am happy for both of them. Lolita has certainly been a good influence on him. Things turned out well for all concerned. It would be wonderful if our children grew up together."
"I always thought of Francisco and Ramon as the brothers that I never had," Diego agreed, "Father would gladly accept more grandchildren. My only concern is if Los Angeles could survive more Escalantes and de la Vegas…If Father ever knew about all of the stunts that I pulled, I would never hear the end of it…his hair would definitely be grayer, if he knew…."
"According to Don Alejandro, you were quite a handful even without him knowing the full truth…Los Angeles survived all of your escapades," she teased as she glanced at their sons, "given the way you turned out…I am sure that everything will be fine…nothing would please your Father more… "
"We are so blessed, Victoria. We have two healthy sons," he smiled, "I would like to hold you in my arms and thank God for my family. We are wealthy in what really matters…"
"I couldn't agree more, Diego. Everyone should be as happy as we are today…I am grateful for all that I have…Who could ask for anything more, husband," she said as they headed towards their bedroom.
"There is one more thing," he teased, "I just thought of…."
"And what would that be, Senor de la Vega," she smirked. His wife had an idea of what he was about to say…
"A daughter just as beautiful as her mother…."
"Maybe, we can work on that in a few more months, Senor. I would be more than happy to fulfill your request…."