Chapter 52
Three years later…
Victoria watched from the doorway as the twins played happily with their cousin Ramon. The boys truly enjoyed being together. Diego and Francisco laughed as the children played with their toys. "This brings back memories," the tall caballero laughed, "they are just as energetic as we were…the hacienda is filled with the laughter of children. It has been a long time."
"Here is your lemonade, Diego, Francisco," Victoria smiled, "Maria says that lunch will be ready in a few minutes…"
"Gracias, my love. We have built up quite an appetite. Let me take that tray for you," he said as he seated his wife gently.
"Thank you, Diego. I hope that it is not twins this time," she teased, "I don't know if we could handle that again…"
"We have done pretty well with these two, Senora de la Vega. It would make things even more interesting, Victoria…"
"I think that two energetic boys especially de la Vegas and Escalantes would be a challenge for almost anyone including Zorro himself…"
"Especially since they are the sons of Zorro," Margarita teased, "but given their bloodline on both sides who would expect anything else."
"True. I love my nephews and Ramon is just as active even though he is several months younger," Francisco agreed, "What was keeping you my dear…you were gone for several minutes…"
"I convinced Maria to share some of her famous recipes….I wanted to try something new for the tavern."
"Diego has a sweet tooth like all of the de la Vega men…it is good that we went into the kitchen instead of him."
"Maria's flan is delicious, but my wife's flan is just as good…with all of the wonderful cooking that I am exposed to…I have to discipline myself…to keep up with my sons…with another little one on the way I will need all the energy that I can get…"
"There you are, son. I have wonderful news. Lolita had her baby last night. She and Rafael have another son…The future looks very bright for our family," Don Alejandro stated as the twins ran to hug him, "it gives me hope…"
"It does, indeed, Father," Diego agreed as he embraced his wife, "we have much to look forward to…"
Years later…
Don Alejandro looked on with pride at his family. His son and Victoria had added another son and two daughters to their ever-growing family in the past few years. The children played happily in the garden along with Lolita and Rafael's son and their own daughter, Rafaella. They along with Francisco's and Margarita's children brought great laughter and joy to the hacienda. The caballero considered their children as part of his growing brood of grandchildren. With Felipe and his wife living as his own hacienda located a few miles away, the de la Vega home was a preferred gathering place for family events large and small. The older man was pleased to see Felipe happily married with a son of his own…His family was growing by leaps and bounds.
"There you are, Alejandro," Don Luis stated, "Did you forget about our meeting, today?"
"Forgive me, Luis. I lost track of time. I…I was just thinking…"
"So many things have changed, old friend…We are very fortunate men, Alejandro. I used to tease you about wanting grandchildren…but there is no better feeling than seeing your children and grandchildren happy and thriving," his friend smiled.
"Diego and Victoria…happily married and with fine children…Francisco and Margarita….Rafael and Lolita as well….I couldn't agree more, Luis. God has been very good to us."
"So, it would seem, Alejandro….so it would seem, my friend."