Chapter 4 [Later that Night—Rancho Rivertree]
Mercedes walked around the hacienda. She snuffed out every candle on the ground floor. She glanced out the window into the starry stillness. Pride warmed her heart. Her eyes spied the barn's and new bunkhouse's silhouettes against Nocturne's darkness. Luna sat completely dark overhead. "It happens." Contentment urged a sigh from her lips.
Dreams were now real.
Gracias, Papa, for your belief in Manolo and me. Soon we will have more friends to share it all with! She felt as if her feet floated off of the floor. She'd enjoyed the afternoon with her familia of course. As always, the food and fellowship cheered the men after their long day on the range.
"Hey, Mercedita! ¿Que pasa?" Manolito walked up behind her.
"Nada mucho, mi Manolo." She turned to face him. "How are the books?"
He shrugged. "They are good for tonight." He embraced her. "It is something special. Is it not?"
"I know of several such things. And our herd?" She snuggled into his chest.
"The cattle are very content, I think." He smirked. "My wife the businesswoman."
"I am your partner, Manolito, in all things. I do not expect you to cook however." Snark added a lift to her tone.
"Well that is a good thing. I do not think my attempts would be suitable for you." He raised her hand. His lips whispered Amor's soft notes across her knuckles. "And I do not care if you do not sew a stitch for me."
"Manolo, I should be able to!" she protested.
He shrugged. "You do far more than any other woman of our station, Chica. Let your mother keep up with you. I do not think she could even if she wanted to." He rolled his eyes at that thought. "I love you as you are. Maria and Pilar will respect that. I respect their vows to God. I have my vows to you before God. Eres la única mujer para mí." He kissed her forehead.
"Gracias, mi Manolo." Relief lightened her heart. Not that Doubt had any footing in her mind. She knew of his love for her. Still Affirmation made her feel better. "I would not wish to leave Sister Luke here if I left to visit Miguel overnight." She winked at him.
He rolled his eyes. "That woman! ¡Ay Chihuahua! She might slap my hand with a ruler for breathing wrong!"
"Then I might have to treat it when I get back?" She raised his hand and returned the kiss with one of her own.
"I would like that." He smiled. "I wish we could stay all night. We have to get up early. Vamanos." He took her hand. He led them up the stairs and into their room.
She hung her robe by the door. "It shall be a good day. We have our future."
"Si. We do." He stepped behind the changing screen. When he emerged, he wore his pajamas. He stifled a yawn. "That I believe was our cue."
She snorted. "I think our dreams await. Good night, my Love." She reclined back onto the pillows' and mattress' softness.
"Good night, Mercedita." Manolito blew out the candle. Then he got into bed and pulled the blankets over their heads.
And they slept a deep sleep indeed. Things could change around them. They would not hear.
Morpheus worked overtime on that night…or so it seemed….