Chapter 10 [Grooms' Prep Room—Forty-Five Minutes to Go….]
[Author's Note: Manolito's up to something….]
Manolito studied Mirror's image with a discerning eye. He smoothed his ruffled shirt. His gray pants had nary a crease in them. Polish gleamed on his boots. His tie's knot was perfectly centered. Horatio's best hair cut groomed his dark locks to perfection. It's going to happen. Anxiety jabbed at him. He had to take a few deep breaths. After Mama died, I did not think I would feel like this again!
"You okay, Manolito?" Blue asked. He wore his typical jeans. His boots' polish glistened in the light. A tie lent Formality's grace to him. His brown coat sat on the chair waiting for the moment.
"Si, Amigo." Manolito grinned for Blue's benefit. "And why would I not be? We are the most lucky men in all the world, Compadre! It is a lot to think on. Is it not?" He looked his nephew over. "Blue, we have to do something!"
"What?" Blue considered himself. Confusion numbed his thinking. "What do we have to do? I got my fancy clothes on!"
"Si. You do." Manolito's eyes sparkled. Mischief spread a grin across his face. His eyebrows arched as if they were about to enter a saloon on pay day. "There is better."
"Better? Now?" Blue scratched his head.
"Oh yes! There is better." Manolito walked over to the changing screen. "You will amaze everyone!"
Blue furrowed his brow. "You're up to something, Mano. Come on! What is it?"
Manolito put his hand on his chest. "I could be. Victoria, Papa and I believe you will like this." He reached behind the changing screen.
Blue shook his head. "What's back there? I…" His eyes widened.
Manolito revealed a blue pair of slacks and a matching jacket. A fine white ruffled shirt came next. Finally, he set a dark hat on the bed. "This will better suit you."
Blue stared at the outfit. "You…had this made for me? Manolito, I don't know what to say. It's so fancy!"
"Yes it is." Manolito held the coat in front of Blue. "You are to be married in a fine hacienda. You are the stepson of Doña Victoria Montoya de Cannon. Your father is a Don of the biggest rancho in Southern Arizona. Is he not?"
"Yeah." Disbelief left Blue slack jawed. "Your Pa had this made for me."
"We did. Your father has no idea. Nor does Buck." Eagerness danced in Manolito's eyes. "Get changed. Today you will be a fine caballero for the ladies." He smiled. "Go on." He motioned Blue toward the changing screen.
"Okay." Blue picked up the suit and shirt. His fingers glided over the smooth fabric under them. Top could not have spun faster than his mind did in that moment. He went behind the screen. "Be right out!"
"Take your time, Amigo. You will be el hombre!" Manolito assured him. He heard a knock at the door. He walked over. "¿Si?"
"Hey, Mano! You two ready in there?" Buck called through the door. "Victoria and John are with me. We wanna talk."
"Blue puts on his surprise." Manolito opened the door. He waved the trio into the room.
"His…what?" John looked at Manolito and then Victoria. "What in blazes?"
"What the heck are you two doing now?" Buck asked. "Blue Boy, are you okay? What are they doing to you?"
"It will be fine, Buck." She patted his arm. "Blue, how do you like it?"
"It's real nice, Victoria!" Blue called. "Kind of fancy for me. Thanks!"
"¡De nada!" She beamed. Delight lit up her face. "You surprised him?"
"As we agreed, my Sister." Satisfaction lit up Manolito's face even further if that was possible.
"And what is this 'surprise'?" John's eyes narrowed. "I still want to know, Victoria."
"You'll see in just a minute, Pa." Blue finished adjusting the pants' waistband. He tied his bow tie. He put the jacket on. He sucked a deep breath. "Here goes!" He stepped into view. "What do you think?"
The quartet stared at Blue. Victoria and Manolito nodded. Buck rubbed his eyes. John looked at his wife and brother-in-law.
"Dang, Blue Boy! Never thought I'd see this!" Buck looked his nephew over. Admiration pushed a whistle from his lips. "Where'd you get this?"
"It was a present from Papa, Manolito and me." She walked over to Blue. "Un minuto." She smoothed the jacket. She made sure no wrinkles could be seen. "Bueno." She took the hat and set it on Blue's head. "Now you are a caballero. Come and see!" She tugged him toward the mirror.
John blinked. "How did you get him fitted for this suit? And what did it cost? I…."
She grinned at him. "I believe I have sewn enough shirts to know Blue's measurements, John." She positioned Blue in front of the mirror. "There! You see?"
Blue considered Mirror's image of himself. "I look good. I actually look good like this!"
"Si, Amigo. You do. Who is to say we hombres cannot dress up for the day? Las chicas cannot have all of the fun. Now can they?" Manolito shrugged.
Blue sucked in a deep breath. For some reason, he felt none of Discomfort's stiffness. "Nope. I'm actually like you now." He nodded. "We're actually going to do it."
"Blue, we made sure! Today will be special." She kissed his cheek. "Come! Let your father see!" She led him back toward John. "We wanted it to be a surprise for you as well, John."
"Yeah. I'm surprised." John nodded. Regard raised an eyebrow. His eye inspected his son with care. "That really suits you, Boy."
"Glad you think so, Pa." Blue exhaled. "I know how you feel about fancy duds. I just can't believe these are for me! Victoria, I sure appreciate this. What do you think, Uncle Buck?"
Buck nodded. "I got to say, Blue Boy, that…I say that…is a fancier suit than I've ever worn! You look real good in it." He wiped back a tear. "Still can't believe my Blue Boy's getting married. That time sure flies!" He shook his head. "You got John and me real good, Victoria. Mano, you too."
"That makes the whole thing worthwhile, Buck." Manolito smirked. He put his hand out to John. "Gracias, John."
"Oh? For what?" John glanced at Manolito.
"For your friendship and the opportunity." Manolito extended his hand out further.
"Well it wasn't much trouble." John shook Manolito's hand. "You keep your head on straight up at that new spread. Remember you're in charge. Got it?"
"Yes, John. I get it." Manolito rolled his eyes. "Blue, remember that for us both. ¿Si? He has been around Victoria too much."
"Someone has to remind you, Manolito," she noted. "I believe, John, you wanted a moment with Blue?" She motioned Manolito and Buck from the room.
"Yes. I did. Thanks, Victoria. We'll be right out." John told them. He waited for the others to leave the room. Then he shut the door behind them. "This is it." He took his hat off. "How're you feeling, Blue?"
Blue shrugged. "I'm a bundle of nerves. Part of me just wants this to be over with. The other part of me wants the ceremony and just to look in Penny's eyes forever. Kind of silly ain't it?"
John shook his head. "It sounds pretty normal to me. I felt exactly that way when I married your mother. Victoria and I have found those feelings for each other." He rubbed his son's shoulder. "I'm sure glad you and Penny feel that way for each other. You take good care of her."
"Yes, sir." Blue bit his lip. "Pa? I know sometimes things get really messy between us. Sometimes I got mad at you. Then what you're saying sinks in. I'm just trying to be a better man."
John considered those words. "That's all any of us can do, Blue. I know you are. I am so proud of you. Every day I see you try."
"I know Manolito and Victoria are thinking of their mother. Sorry but I wish Ma was here today," Blue expressed.
"She's watching from Heaven, Boy. I'm sure she and Moon Fire are both happy today. They both, like your Uncle Buck, Victoria, Mano and me, have seen what you're becoming. Just remember something. No matter what, you always have a place at High Chaparral. The door is open," John affirmed. "That's true for Penny and you both. You're family."
"Thanks, Pa." Blue sighed. He saw Moon Fire's smile and earnestness through Memoria's lens. Then he could feel Annalee's warmth around him. I'll always love you both. Miss you. I love Penny. I'll never forget you, Moon Fire. "Guess we need to be going?" Jitters burned at his spine and mind.
"Guess it is. Come on, Blue. Let's go." John opened the door. "We're ready." He led the group down the hallway and toward the staircase.
"I will be there. I want to see Mercedes and Penny." Victoria rushed down the hall toward the room in question.
"We got something else to show you, Blue," John told his son.
"Now what?" Blue saw Manolito and Buck grinning like they'd won a big poker game.
"Just trust us, Blue Boy." Buck nodded. "It's gonna go real good with them duds. Real good."
Surprise though wasn't done just yet…as we shall see….