Chapter 1 [Rosie's Café—Three Days Following "Decision"]
The café bustled with customers. Travelers pleased their taste buds and filled their stomachs. Gossip and News both flowed around the room. Eyes turned toward the group in the corner.
Interest remained high whether it was their business or not….
Mercedes set her cup down on the table. Loyalties tore at her. On the one hand, she wanted to support Angelina at every turn. On the other hand, Rosie deserved the occasional business as well. Worry over Manolito's latest business at Rancho Montoya disturbed her. Tension seemed to burn from Reverend Jackson toward Miguel.
The baby kicked.
She winced and rubbed her stomach. Sé. Lo sé, mi Preciosa. A heavy sigh pressed past her lips.
"That baby is healthy. I thank God daily for that." Miguel chased Sentiment with a forkful of enchilada. "Have faith, Mercie. It will work out."
"I know, Miguel. I just do not understand! ¿Quién es este Don Domingo Montoya? Papa nunca habló de é1."
"Have faith. God tests us. Lamentablemente Don Domingo es el hermano de Don Sebastián. También se le debe su parte de la propiedad." Miguel shrugged. "Manolito and Doña Victoria will pay him a share. Perhaps he will leave."
"And if he does not?" She bit her lip. "Manolito cannot continue as Padrón for both ranchos. I do not want him to get sick."
"Manolito will be all right. I trust in that." Miguel waved to Brother Benjamin and Sister Mercy. "Ah! Our friends!"
"Good morning, Brother Miguel and Mercedes!" Mercy smiled for her friends' sake. Mood sank over Reverend Jackson's refusal to eat with Miguel. Just that morning, they argued (again) about her volunteer work at the Catholic mission. She'd simply left without another word. "How much longer?"
"Dr. Plante says the baby will come at Christmas. I cannot wait for him or her," Mercedes motioned to the empty chairs. "Brother Benjamin, muchas gracias for your help."
"You are very welcome, Mercedes. We pray for your health and the baby's. How is your father? We have not seen him recently." Brother Benjamin looked at the menu.
"He rides to the tavern. He and Doña Maria plan for the future. There is a great deal to do." Mercedes considered the menu. "The enchilada is muy bien. I will have that."
"It is." Miguel looked toward Rosie across the room. "I was going to get a refill on my coffee. Would you like some?"
"Yes please, Brother Miguel. Gracias." Mercy nodded. Why is Matthew so opposed to meeting with Brother Miguel? He is very nice and concerned about his congregation as we are ours! "After we order, we wanted to ask about something."
"Of course." Miguel accepted his coffee refill. "Muchissimas gracias, Rosie."
"De nada, Padre." Rosie filled Benjamin's and Mercy's cups. She topped off Miguel's and Mercedes' cups. "How is Reverend Jackson, Sister?"
"He's well and very busy! The new church is taking up so much of his time. He travels from ranch to ranch. He's spreading the Word."
"Such is all of our work," Miguel agreed. "I do wish he would talk with me. There are matters that we can work together to do."
"Es verdad." Rosie held her pad up. "I am ready."
"I'll have the huevos." Brother Benjamin offered her back the menu.
"I'll take the chili please." Mercy returned the menu. "Thank you, Rosie."
"The enchiladas look great, Rosie. Por favor. Gracias." Mercedes held the menu up to return it.
"De nada." Rosie nodded. She enjoyed her conversations with Brother Benjamin. She considered Sister Mercy to be like Sunshine's warm beams in her midst. Outlook, however, soured when it came to Reverend Jackson. That one could learn from Padre Miguel. She trudged back toward the kitchen.
"I have a request, Brother Miguel." Mercy cleared her throat. "Brother Matthew…well…wants to do it on his own. I declare! It would be better if we could all work together!"
Miguel sighed. He leaned back in his chair. Impatience had weighed on his heart where Matthew was concerned. "I would like that. What is your request? Perhaps we can all work together?"
"Manolito and I can help. So would the Cannons. What do you need?" Mercedes saw her brother's face dragging from some hidden burden. Now what? Surely Padre Matthew is not still being difficult?
"Go on. I think it's a great idea." Brother Benjamin urged Mercy onward.
Hesitation dogged Mercy for a few heartbeats. She set her cup down. "I'll admit Brother Matthew doesn't agree with me asking. I'm going behind his back in doing so." She sighed. "I want to do a citywide Fiesta on Thanksgiving Day. I know it's a lot of work. But we have so many good people willing to help others."
Rosie set Mercy's meal in front of her. "Es una buena idea, Sister." She nodded. "Angie de la Vega would agree. You ask her?"
"Not yet. I haven't been to her tavern yet." Mercy grimaced. Embarrassment streaked her cheeks.
A chuckle escaped from Miguel's lips. "Go to the tavern. Angie will do it. Rosie?"
"My husband and I will help por supuesto, Padre. I will talk with Angie. She and I want a task como eso." Rosie nodded. "Gracias, Mercy. We celebrate as a town." She went back to fetch the coffee pot once again.
"There! We have nuestra fiesta!" Mercedes raised her cup. Triumph gleamed in her eye.
If Matthew will go along with it. Dread ate at Mercy in that regard.
Miguel drank from his coffee. He wanted the town wide celebration's success for all concerned. His mind, however, rested with the brewing mess to the south. Lord, please give Manolito patience!
Fortune hung in the balance….
