Chapter 14 [Sunset—Halfway Between Tucson and the Chaparral]

Manolito sat against his new wagon's wheel. He gazed up at Sunset's reds, oranges and deepening purples darkening overhead. Satisfaction lent him a smile. His eyes danced about the campsite. He noted Blue talking with Dan Rondo by a fire. Several vaqueros patrolled the camp's perimeter.

Moos caressed his ears.

He smirked. His eyes caught a glimpse of two brown and white splotched cows alongside a fine white bull munching away on their feed. His fingertips brushed across the wheel. Contentment warmed his heart. Wait until Mercedes see them! She will have her milk and butter yet!

The dream was coming together….

The sale had gone well. Even after buying the wagon, supplies and the cows, he still put $2300 in the bank. He knew the bull was of great stock. The cows would give milk and give birth to members of the herd. Perhaps he'd even be able to sell some stock to the military.

"Perdona mi, Manolito."

Manolito looked up to find Ricardo watching him. "¡Hola! It is some sight. Is it not?"

"Si." Ricardo leaned against the wagon. "I am proud of you, Manolito. Your father and my wife did not think you could do business. You have proven them wrong." He regarded the stock. "Those cows will make for fine stock."

"Mercedes wants milk. Wait until she sees them." Manolito shrugged. Anticipation sparkled in his eyes. "I am sorry. I go on too much."

Confusion arched Ricardo's eyebrow. "I do not understand. You go on too much about what? Putting the rancho together? These animals? You should go on about such things. You love my daughter. Why would you not try to please her? I would expect you to." He rubbed his son-in-law's shoulder. "This is the first of many such days."

"I hope so." Manolito stood. "I would pay you the rest."

Ricardo shook his head. "The refined silver will take care of the rest. You should have money in the bank. As you have seen at Rancho Montoya and the High Chaparral, times will not always be good. You will need it at those times. Whatever money is left after the repayment, I shall put in an account for Mercedes and you."

"Gracias." Manolito nodded. "Winter will come soon. We will move the horses and cattle to John's ranges to graze. The trees need a few years to grow. We require resources until they have fruit."

Ricardo nodded. "You are already speaking like a Don. I believe you are ready. We will drive these animals to the rancho by tomorrow afternoon. Then perhaps three days from now, I shall take my leave. You are ready."

Manolito nodded. He'd expected to feel Oversight's chafing from being watched over. Instead he'd come to rely on the elder man's views on things. "I can hope. Now I understand John's and Papa's burden."

"You are now Padron," Ricardo reminded him. "Everyone will look to you. You should be patient. Do not act quickly."

Manolito nodded. "I think this is only the beginning. I will take time. It is a long road ahead. ¿Me entiendes?"

"I do indeed, Manolito." Ricardo rubbed his chin.

Security seemed to put everything on secure footing at that point….