September 17th(1)
Victoria approached Diego's room as soon as she got dressed. As she expected, Felipe and Don Alejandro were there, although Felipe was sleeping in an armchair and Don Alejandro occupied the chair next to the bed, holding Diego's hand.
"How is he feeling?"
"Still the same, although I actually think he's gradually fading away." Don Alejandro looked at Felipe, who was asleep. "I've been thinking about something all night." he added.
Victoria looked at him quizzically, and encouraged him to continue.
"I think we should say that the child you are expecting is Diego's."
Victoria sighed. "No one would believe it."
"But if you marry Diego, legally no one could dispute it. Gossip doesn't matter to me."
"How could I marry Diego? He hasn't woken up yet, and when he does I don't think he wants to." Victoria said trying to be reasonable.
"He has small periods of consciousness, and I think that would be enough, but they are becoming less frequent and we should have the wedding before he can't wake up again."
"Don Alejandro, don't say that..."
"No, it is useless to deny it. I have known the doctor since we were children. He has stopped giving me hope, he is preparing me for the worst."
"I don't think so." she said unwilling to accept that possibility.
"I know what I'm saying, I've seen it other times. I pray Diego pulls through, but I have more people to think about now." He looked up at her and gazed at her with determination. "That baby and you are my family, just like Felipe." he said, and turned to the boy, who was asleep on the couch in an awkward position. "I couldn't wish for a better grandson. I've learned from him that you don't need to have the same blood to be family."
Victoria felt a strange mixture of sorrow and joy at those words.
"I don't want to damage Diego's reputation. He is innocent in this matter, and he should not be burdened with my baby." she said.
"He loves you in his own way, I'm sure he will agree if we ask him. If you say he is the father I will raise your child as my own grandchild. No matter what anyone else says, if necessary I'll sell the hacienda and we'll go start over somewhere else."
"You can´t do that Don Alejandro, this hacienda was you father's and is your life's work."
"Nothing is more important than you." he insisted looking successively at Diego, Felipe and then at her. "Please, Victoria, think about it."
Victoria was touched by Don Alejandro's desperation. "I would have to lie to Father Benitez and I can't lie to a priest." she said. "I can't." he repeated more softly.
"I only ask you to think about it, but I won't press you any further. In any case I don't know if Diego will be able to understand and carry it out."
Diego began to stir and opened his eyes, bright with fever.
"Diego. Can you hear me?" Don Alejandro asked hopefully.
Diego nodded, and whispered one word "Victoria."
Don Alejandro moved closer to him to speak to him. "She is here with me, and she needs us to help her."
"We have to get married." he whispered.
"You see Victoria? He has heard us and he agrees."
Victoria looked at him with wide eyes, Diego raised his hand towards her and she took it. Then Diego's hand began to relax again.