Renewal (A Time to Love 8)
DJ Dubois
July 2020
Notes: The High Chaparral belongs to NBC and its copyright holders. Please send comments to dante0220 .
Prologue [Arizona Territory mid-1870s]
Victoria Montoya de Cannon writes….
It should have been a time of celebration for everyone. The wedding was beautiful. I agree with Don Ricardo that Miguel seems born to be a priest. Manolito and Mercedes seemed to dance on air. Blue became a true caballero for Penny. And Penny? Blue took her breath away. He accepted me as his mother! And to discover Mercedes' poetic talent! Her poems touch our minds, hearts and souls. In all ways, the Montoyas, Cannons and Vegas were one for a brief moment.
And then, Papa had to ruin it all. ìAy! ¿Por qué tenía decir eso? Why? He wanted a political marriage and alliance between John and me. He only tolerates my love for John? He cannot deal with my life at the High Chaparral? He cannot accept that Blue is second in line to inherit Rancho Montoya behind Manolito? And he could not spare twenty head of cattle as a wedding present for Manolito? He writes off more for Comancheros and banditos! For that, he spoiled our wonderful day?
I thank God for everyone's self-control. At least we all left before any more harsh words were said or blood spilled.
Well, despite Papa's stubborn outlook, we are coming together as a family. We all look to each other for support. We will help each other in future plans. Miguel prepares for his first mass in Tucson. Manolito and Mercedes look to Rancho Rivertree. Don Ricardo helps but invests for himself as well. And Buck? Well! It seems that Love brings a certain someone back into his life.
May we move forward and be happy on our own terms.