Chapter 5 [Next Morning]
First Light set the eastern mountain in luminescent glow. Cool rustled through the air. Cattle bayed under Vaquero's watch in the valley below.
And a group set to depart….
[Rancho Montoya]
Manolito set his bag in the back of John's wagon. Sleep came easier for him on the previous evening. Contentment has eased his mind. He surveyed the courtyard. You are in good hands now. Now I can run Rivertree as a true Padrón. Papa, you should be pleased. Rancho Montoya remains in our family's hands. Mercedes and I look to the future. Soon your grandchild will be with us. I believe even you would be content.
Pepe and the servants carried Victoria's trunk out into the courtyard and toward the wagon. They slid it into the wagon's back.
Alfonso led Teresa, John and Victoria toward Manolito. He shook John's hand once again. "Gracias, John. Our alliance will be a good one."
"Yes I believe so." John nodded. "You should come to the High Chaparral."
"We will see you soon." Teresa embraced Victoria. "It is good to see you!" She embraced her niece.
"¡Sí, Tia Teresa! John and I want you to see our home. You will see Rancho Rivertree. Mercedes will be very happy to meet you." Victoria hugged Teresa.
"We will be happy to show you the ranchos, Tia Teresa." Manolito raised her hand and kissed the back of it. Tengan Uds. buen éxito y salud aquí. Mercedes sends her regrets. Our baby will come soon."
"Es verdad. We shall meet her. Be safe, Manolito." Teresa smiled. Affection sparkled in her eyes.
"Don Martin will stay here. Then we and Don Alejandro will take the train north to Tucson." Alfonso shook Manolito's hand. "Thank you for your good wishes."
"De nada, Tio." Manolito offered the smirk. "Hasta luego." He waved and got up onto Makadoo's back.
"I think that's our cue." John motioned to the ranch hands to mount up. He walked Victoria over to the wagon. He helped her up onto the driver's seat. Then he climbed up beside her. "You ready, Mano?"
"Vamanos." Manolito waved to his aunt and uncle. He urged Makadoo on toward the gate and the road beyond. He nodded to Rafael as he passed by the latter. Then he rode onto the dirt road and toward the lions' gate.
"Are you all right?" John turned to Victoria. He raised an eyebrow toward her. "This was your home."
"It is still a home, John for us. Our family is here." She rubbed John's arm. "My home is the High Chaparral. That is our home."
He patted her hand. "Our home." His eyes met hers.
"Our home." She leaned close to him. Her lips brushed across his cheek. Her eyes went back and forth between John and Manolito. They pressed toward Tucson and their homes beyond.
Transition had passed….
