Chapter 30
"That was a wonderful meal, Maria," Don Alejandro smiled, "it has been a good morning…welcome to the family, Victoria. This house has long needed a woman's presence, my daughter."
"Thank you, father. I already feel at home…it's hard to believe that Diego and I are finally married and I have the family that I have always wanted…."
"This is the first of many mornings that we will spend together as a family…this hacienda was made for a family. And before you hint about grandchildren, Father. Give us some time together and we will be more than happy to fulfill your request," the tall caballero teased.
"Would I do such a thing, son? You are newly married…the thought never crossed my mind…"
"Father…I know how your mind works. There is nothing that you would like better…."
"That's true but I am just as happy to have a new daughter and to see the happiness on your faces. It makes me happy to know that my son has chosen an exceptional woman as his bride and the future mistress of this household," the old don confessed, "I have more than I ever hoped for….you and Felipe are safe…there will be no need for you to ever ride as Zorro. More grandchildren will be an added bonus…when the time comes…"
"I agree….What do you have planned for today, Father?"
"I was hoping that you would join me later this afternoon…if you can tear yourself away from your lovely bride. I have some important matter to discuss with you, Diego," the don sipped his coffee, "it won't take long…"
"That would be fine…." I wonder what he wants to discuss…
"Son, I know that you are wondering why I brought you out here…I was thinking…you and Victoria deserve a few days away…to spend some time together just the two of you," Don Alejandro began, "You dedicated time being Zorro…taking care of everyone else that I thought a change of scenery would be good for you…a luna de miel…just the two of you."
"Thank you, Father…that is a wonderful idea…"
"I have already taken care of everything…I want the two of you to enjoy yourselves…You need some time alone," Don Alejandro smiled, "it will be good for you. Consider it as my wedding gift to the two of you."
"You have already done so much, Father but Victoria and I graciously accept your offer. It will be good to spend some quality time together."
"Your mother and I had so little time together…with my time in the military and other responsibilities…I want your marriage to get off to a good start. I love you son and I am proud of you," the old don stated as they shared a hug, "the two of you will be very happy together."
"I am sure that we will be, Father," Diego smiled, "I will go and tell Victoria the good news."
Days later…
"The newlyweds are enjoying themselves, Felipe. I am surprised that we even got a letter from the two of them," Don Alejandro took another sip of his coffee, "I must admit that I miss Diego. It is awfully quiet without him here."
I miss him, too, Felipe signed, Toronado misses him, too.
"Make sure to give him a carrot or some extra oats. He is a magnificent animal and a wonderful addition to our stables. We will have many fine mares and stallions with his bloodline. Why don't we go for a ride, Felipe? There is much to discuss."
Minutes later….
"There have been many changes around here, Felipe. I have been thinking about not only Diego's future but yours," Don Alejandro stated, "You and my son have always been close…How do you feel about all the changes that have taken place?"
Felipe looked surprised about this latest development. I am happy for Diego and for Victoria, the younger man signed, but…
"But what, Felipe? Diego loves you and so does Victoria. Are you wondering about your place in this family? How things will change around here?"
It has been the three of us for a long time…What happens when they have their own children? Where do I fit in, the young man signed.
"Why didn't you talk to Diego about how you feel? I am sure that he would listen…."
"So many things have happened around here but my son is never too busy to listen to you. Diego loves you. I don't know what Diego or I would do without you," Don Alejandro admitted, "I cannot wait for you to become an official de la Vega."
You and Diego gave me a home when I had none. Love when I thought that it was lost… The de la Vegas are the only family that I have ever known…
"Do you have reservations about Diego adopting you? About what it willmean to you and your future?"
I always wanted to be a lawyer…to fight injustice in my own way, he signed, could I still follow my own dreams and be Diego's son…Wouldn't I be expected to take over the ranch someday?
"Not necessarily, Felipe. The oldest son inherits the hacienda and the surrounding lands but the de la Vegas are anything except traditional,"Don Alejandro admitted,"In Spain, a marriage between people of different classes would not be accepted…I am proud of my son for having the courage of his convictions…to marry for love no matter how much I wanted him to marry and give me an heir…"
You raised him to stand up for what he believes. That was one of the reasons that he became Zorro in the first place, Felipe signed, He is very much his father's son….
"Sometimes I wonder if that is a good thing…With all the changes it is understandable that you would have concerns…Diego wants you to be happy. Talk to him…Everything will work out fine. You'll see…."