Chapter 7 [Tucson-Rancho Vega Road]

John drove the horses northward at an even pace. Morning's planning and discussion had left him in a much better frame of mind. At least he didn't have to hire new servants or vaqueros for Rancho Montoya. He, Victoria, Manolito, Mercedes and Ricardo would meet with Sebastian's accountant after the funeral. Question pressed him about Rancho Santiago y Amistad's land between the Chaparral and Rancho Montoya. Frankly, Don Fernando and Anita were the last people he wanted to deal with.

Details weighed on the deal. At least though, he didn't have Ricardo's organizational nightmare.

"Are you all right, John?" Victoria considered his mood. Despite reassurances offered around the table at Rosie's, she could see his heavy mood.

"Huh? Oh yeah. I'm fine, Victoria. I was just thinking about your father's rancho. We have to find someone to oversee the day to day operations. It should be someone who's familiar with it." He shook his head. "Manolito already has Rivertree. Ricardo has all of that other land to deal with."

"It is a great deal of responsibility. It has to be someone completely trustworthy. I would prefer it to be someone that Manolito and I both know." She rubbed her chin. Inspiration struck at that point. "He is perfect!"

"Perfect?" He narrowed his eyes. "And who are you thinking of?"

"Vaquero! He was overseeing his village. He is an able mayoral around a hacienda. ¿Por qué no?" She smiled. "Manolito and I both like and trust him."

"Helping around a house like ours and running that rancho are two completely different things!" He sighed. "Besides we have to ask him."

"Oh I plan to…after Manolito and I talk." She nodded. Idea fixed itself in her mind.

He shrugged. He wanted to find a place for Vaquero around Chaparral. He knew Manolito thought the same way. Maybe Ricardo has his own ideas. Still it is a thought. He looked at the wagon, vaqueros and Angelina riding ahead.

Just on Horizon's edge, two horses galloped toward them…fast.

"Now what?" John frowned. He motioned to Joe. "Hey, Joe!"

"Yeah, Boss?" Joe raised his hat. Then he saw the approaching riders. "You want me to see what they want?"

"Just be ready in case." John handed the reins to Victoria. He took his pistol from the holster.

Angelina had her rifle in hand. She rode up beside the vaqueros. Her eyes watched the horses as well.

Wind and Bart galloped toward them. They pulled up about twenty yards in front of the convoy.

"Wind? Bart? Where are you going?" Mercedes leaned out of the carriage's window.

"Pardon us, Mrs. Montoya! Martha sent us to Tucson for the Doc!" Bart curled his lip. "Sorry to scare you all. It's Ms. Penny! She's got them pains! The babies are coming!"

"The babies…?" Mercedes' eyes went wide. "¡Ay! ¿Ahora?" Panic numbed her mind. She trembled.

Ricardo patted her on the arm. "It will be all right, Mercie." He motioned toward Tucson. "Where is she?"

"She's at Rivertree, Don Ricardo." Wind fidgeted in his saddle. "Sorry but we do have to keep moving."

"Por supuesto. Van Uds." Ricardo nodded.

"Thanks, Sir!" Bart shot Wind a dirty look. Then he spurred his horse on to a full gallop once again.

"We'll get the doctor. See you all back there." Wind galloped after his fellow ranch hand.

"John, Blue and she need us!" Victoria grabbed onto John's arm. "The babies!"

"Victoria, I know." John sighed. "Ricardo!"

Ricardo leaned forward. "Rafael, vamanos a Rivertree. ¡Mas rapidamente!" Then he rubbed Mercedes' arm. "Blue and Manolito are there. Martha will manage. You will see. Todo saldrá bien."

"Eso espero, Papa." Mercedes bowed her head and recited a silent prayer.

Rafael and John sped up the horses to full speed. The road vanished under the widening horse lengths.

Urgency brewed up the road….