Chapter 5 [Parlor—Five Minutes Later]

Sebastian emerged from his office. Questions plagued him. Details escaped him. He rubbed his chin. His eyes looked over the servants' preparations. Pastries and treats awaited the guests on silver plates. Pitchers with coffee and water accompanied mugs and glasses on the next table. He nodded to Pepe. "This is satisfactory. Gracias."

"Si, Padron." Pepe bowed. He shooed the other servants from the room and shut the passage door behind them.

Sebastian turned toward the window. His eyes wandered over the compound's far wall. Vistas ensnared his vision. The landscape and mountains' outlines on the horizon beckoned to him. Manolito could have this. Why does he not bring his fiancée back here? He would not have to start from scratch! He shook his head.

"Papa, you are dreaming again I see." Manolito walked into the parlor. "The others will join us in a few minutes. I wished to see you before."

"Oh you did? Well that is nice." Sebastian did not turn to face his son. Rather he kept looking toward Horizon's promise beyond the compound. "This could be all yours. You do realize that."

Manolito rolled his eyes. "Papa, I know. As I have said, Perspective changes things. Who is to say I am not interested? I could be."

Sebastian coughed. He raised an eyebrow. "Oh you could be? Could be…maybe….should be…." He shook his head. "Manolito, your mind is wandering again."

"How is it, Papa? I am committed. I am marrying a woman of my station. Together we will build a fine rancho. Much as Victoria does with John, the new rancho will extend our holdings further." Manolito shrugged. "I thought you would be pleased."

"That you are finally coming to your senses? That you're taking on a Don's true responsibilities? You're about to marry a suitable woman rather than waste your attentions on the tavern?" Sebastian nodded. "I could not be more happy. Finally! But do you need to do as the Americans say…reinvent the wheel? Manolito, you do not have to build a new rancho. You have a rancho here! You are my son!"

"Oh so now I am your son?" Manolito smirked. Caution urged him to reassess the Old Lion's motivations with care. "Before you'd want me to work and appreciate the toil and sweat of building a rancho from the dirt. I am beginning to understand. It is not easy. I have watched John and you. I know."

"Oh you do, do you?" Sebastian frowned. "At least you admit that you are the beginning of understanding. You are not ignoring the burden of a rancho. Did you think though that part of why I built this was for you? Your sister has the High Chaparral with John Cannon. This could be yours when I am gone! It is your legacy!"

"And who is to say it might not yet be?" Manolito saw his father stiffen. "Papa, I do not take that for granted. Practicality is your best friend in this. Is it not?"

"It can be," Sebastian conceded.

"Muy bien. It guides Don Ricardo, John and me. The rancho compliments the High Chaparral. Each can stand on its own. Each benefits from the other. At least the stock will have good grazing and water."

"Oh?" Sebastian considered his son again. Intrigue drew his attention akin to a moth toward the flame. "And where is this land?"

"Jeff Patterson sold his rancho to Don Ricardo and me. Papa, you should see it! I know it will be hard work but…." Manolito informed him.

Sebastian nodded. "That is the land to the northwest of the High Chaparral? If so, I tried to buy it from that Patterson. He would not sell to me." Approval gleamed in his eye. "Now I understand."

"You approve?" Manolito hoped.

"Of the land and its potential? Si. It has potential. I would like you to be your own man, Manolito. Don Ricardo and I are friends. We have known each other for twenty years. I trust him. He has his own holdings. Do not just take gifts without considering the strings attached."

"He has said it is not a gift. He is investing in our future. Victoria's marriage was an investment. Was it not? Why can't it be the same for Mercedes and me? Papa, this marriage will unite two more families! Three…if you count the Cannons! Think on that!" Manolito pointed out.

"Such connections need to be nurtured. I do hope you are ready for that. John Cannon is your brother-in-law. At times, he will be your rival. Consider that as well," Sebastian reminded him.

"I know. Gracias, Papa. I think working together…it holds everyone in check. I know he wanted that land for himself." Manolito shook his head. "It is in the agreement. John Cannon cannot buy it."

"¿Es verdad?" Sebastian coughed. "Muy interesante. And your sister?"

"Victoria? What of her? She is invested in the High Chaparral. Mercedes and I will focus on our own rancho. You are focused aqui. I know you too well. You want to have your hand in that too." Manolito sighed. "Papa…"

"It is too far north for me to run my cattle up there to graze. Si. I know that place. It is as you say. I just do not want you to bind yourself too tightly. Be your own hombre. Be a respectable hombre as well." Sebastian patted his son on the shoulder. "Look at Miguel. His is the example. Think on that."

"Si, Papa. The others are waiting outside. They should come in?" Manolito supposed.

"They should. Where are our manners?" Sebastian hustled toward the stairs. "Please! Please! Join us!"

Father-Son understandings did take their time after all….