Chapter 13

[A/N: I'm shortening the ceremony down a bit. The ambiance will still be there!]

Manolito looked about at the Lions' Gate in front of his father's hacienda. He tried to maintain Resolve's presence in his face and manner. His heart beat faster with each passing minute. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He sat on his father's most ornate saddle. "We will soon be in there." He patted Makadoo's neck.

Makadoo grunted at him.

"Si. Si. It is all part of the show. I know," Manolito assured his friend. He turned to Blue. A big smile spread across his face. For once, the younger man would outshine even Finery herself. "Breathe, Compadre. It will be all right."

"Says you." Blue exhaled a deep breath. "When are we going to start?" He shook his head at the silver saddle. "I still can't believe you guys snuck that down here right under my nose."

"You were most preoccupied with Penny. Were you not?" Manolito smirked. Impetuousness sparked in his eyes. "That is Victoria's handiwork. I believe we have made a caballero out of you." He nodded.

"Yeah well I still feel real overdressed. Just hope Penny likes this." Blue touched the glittering saddle's horn. He'd only used the saddle twice since his prize fight with Patrick years before. He admired how it caught Sol's rays.

"She will, Amigo." Manolito rubbed his arm. "It is our day! Enjoy!" He threw his hands up in the air. "HUY! HUY! AHH! HA! HA!"

Blue rolled his eyes. "I might say you were already drunk." Sass jabbed at the other groom.

Manolito chuckled. "I am not brave enough to deal with Victoria, Mercedes and her parents. It is not worth it." He shrugged. "We will have plenty afterwards." He made the 'ok' sign with his right thumb and forefinger.

At that moment, Guitar strummed its summons.

Blue gulped. "Guess that's us?"

"Si, Amigo. Vamanos. The ladies are waiting." Manolito started Makadoo into a brisk trot.

Yeah. Blue motioned for Soapy to follow.

The horses trotted to Dignity and Pagentry's cadence. They bore the grooms across the stones and toward the rose arbor.

For Manolito and Blue, the moment dragged on. Time slowed down. Each hoof beat boomed in their ears. The onlookers' eyes bore into Psyche's depths. Their hearts beat still faster. They relied on Makadoo and Soapy to make the trot.

Sebastian stared at the two caballeros riding toward him. His eyes watered. Wonder astounded him. "I cannot believe it. If I didn't see this with my own eyes…"

"I know." John considered Blue. He noted the nerves playing out in his son's eyes. "You doing all right, Boy?"

"Feel like my knees are about to melt like butter, Pa." Blue stopped Soapy at John's side. He dismounted. "Hope I play the part. I feel like I'm coming up short."

"No. You show respect. That's all anyone can ask. Now I believe Miguel's waiting," John assured him. He turned to Manolito. "Good luck up there. Rememher, you two, take care of them."

"Si, John. I shall." Manolito shook his hand. He offered a curt nod. "Vamanos, Blue. Miguel, he waits."

"Yeah." Blue followed Manolito over to Miguel. He took off his hat. "Padre."

"Blue. Manolo." Miguel smiled. "Welcome. Please stand to my left." He signaled to Pepe who stood by the door.

Pepe bowed and opened it. Then he moved off to the side.

Ricardo stepped out first. He looked around at the gathering. Then he saw the grooms standing beside his son. Approval coaxed a nod. "We are set. Are we ready? Bueno." He started toward the arbor.

Penny and Mercedes came next. Their veils obscured Anxiety's playing of its drama across their faces. They stepped in slow one foot in front of the other cadence. The sights of their caballeros nearly stopped them dead in their tracks.

"Look at Blue!" Penny whispered. "Gosh!" She sighed.

"Si. I told you to have faith. Did I not tell you?" Mercedes whispered back. Seeing Manolito hold his hand out to her strengthened Resolve's reserves. ¡Mi Manolo!

Lupe and Victoria held each bride's train up in the back. They said nothing. Instead they savored Pageantry's splendor. Their eyes swept the entire area. They beheld the two caballeros awaiting Daughter and Daughter-in-Law respectively.

"It is as you said, Doña Victoria." Shame blushed Lupe's cheeks.

"Si." Victoria whispered. She smiled. "We have our own celebration. I told you." She smiled at the older woman. Pride lifted her at the sight of brother, stepson and husband dressed in their best. Memoria would preserve the grooms' entrance into the compound forever. She leaned close to the brides. "There now! Your caballeros wait for you."

"Victoria, gosh!" Penny tried to keep her voice down. Giddiness shook her up.

"I understand now." Mercedes took a deep breath. She took another step. And then another. She saw her brother waiting in his robes for them. Tension relaxed in her shoulders.

Blue stared. He tried not to. Truth be told, he really did attempt not to. Still Beauty's splendor held him in thrall. "Dang," he whispered.

Manolito cleared his throat. "I know. Intoxicating, are they not? Poise, Compadre." He fought down his own butterflies. He rubbed Blue's arm for Support's measure. His eyes met Miguel's for a heartbeat. He motioned toward the approaching brides.

Miguel nodded. Even with Official Poise, he allowed Brotherly Love its moment. His eyes met Mercedes. His smile spread wider beckoning her forward in Welcome's service.

Ricardo reached the arbor. He stepped up to Miguel. "Have faith. Let God guide you, Father. Your sister's dream is in your hands."

"The Lord makes it possible for us, Papa. Gracias." Miguel nodded giving Respect its due. Then he stepped back toward the waiting grooms.

The brides reached their spot. Each gazed upon the waiting grooms.

Frankly Preparation, Pageantry and Pomp knocked the quartets respective boots, shoes and socks off….

Ricardo allowed them their moment. Then he stepped to their side. He raised his daughter's left hand. "Manolito, take care of Mercedes. Por favor." Firmness set his tone and look.

"Si, Don Ricardo." Manolito gazed into his Mercedita's eyes. He nodded. "I shall now and forever."

Mercedes felt her knees quake. She sighed deeply.

Ricardo placed Mercedes' hand in Manolito's and closed them together. Then he stepped over to Penny. "Since your father cannot be here, I will on his behalf." Getting a nod from Penny, he did the same for her hand. "Blue, I trust you will take care of Penelope."

"She sure is, Sir. I will." Blue expressed. He held his hand out.

Ricardo placed Penny's hand in Blue's. Then he closed the younger man's hand around hers. He stepped back to Lupe's side.

Buck took his place alongside Blue and Manolito. He nodded. A small smile crossed his lips. Maybe Freedom wouldn't be around as much. Still, Family was getting bigger. That's all that mattered to him. "What Don Ricardo just said to you both. You got it, Blue Boy?"

"Yup, Uncle Buck," Blue affirmed.

Manolito motioned to Miguel. Then he squeezed Mercedes' hand and cleared his throat. Hint dropped in not such a subtle way.

Victoria nodded to Miguel from where she stood to Penny's left.

"Very well. We are set to begin!" Miguel proclaimed. "We are gathered here today in this place and in the Sight of God. We are here to join this man and this woman." He pointed to Manolito and Mercedes. "And this man and this woman." He motioned to Blue and Penny. "Would you kneel?"

The quartet and their companions did so.

"Shall we pray?" Miguel folded his hands. "Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together on this day. Thank You for blessing these four special people with love and bliss. May You bless them with strength and courage to follow Your Path." He crossed himself. "In Your Name! Amen!"

"AMEN!" the assembly responded.

Miguel looked out over the assembly. "Does anyone have reason why these couples should not be wed? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

The group looked at each other. Silence hung like Humidity's mid-summer stagnant pall over the area. Admittedly a few eyes gravitated toward Lupe.

She let Accusation's sting go by. She kept her eyes riveted on the ceremony.

Miguel did not make any eye contact. He nodded. "Very well. Marriage is a sacred trust. It represents a bond once forged by God Himself cannot be broken by man's hand. Blue and Penny, are you ready?"

Blue and Penny looked at each other. Then they affirmed together, "We are."

"Very well." Miguel recited the vows to Blue first. Then he did the same for Penny.

"I do," Blue vowed.

"I do too. Forever, Blue." Penny squeezed his hands.

Miguel turned to Manolito and Mercedes. "Are you ready, Manolito and Mercedes?"

Mercedes could barely breathe. Nerves and Anxiety threatened to close her trachea.

Manolito squeezed her hand in hers. His eyes sparkled. His grin calmed. "It is all right. Estoy aquí para ti por siempre."

"Gracias, Manolo." Mercedes took a deep breath. "Forgive me, Mi…Padre Miguel." She looked to her Manolito. "I have been ready since we were young. We discovered those feelings in the tree's shade. Now they come into the light."

"The river's stream cooled our skin on those hot days. The tree provided a bit of mischief. Your eyes gazing down on me from their branches stirred me. My heart has travelled far. It now returns to you, my source and love. I am ready, Mercedita." Manolito assured her.

Miguel read the vows to Manolito and his sister.

"I do," Manolito agreed.

"I do," Mercedes concurred without Hesitation's stumble.

"Can we see the rings please?" Miguel requested. "For Blue and Penny."

"Oh yeah." Buck fished around in his pocket. He checked the single diamond ring over. "Dang! Where is it?"

Manolito glared at his friend. He clenched his teeth.

Victoria gaped. She couldn't believe Buck would leave Penny's ring behind. Somehow, she stifled a verbal response. Still, a long string of choice Spanish words spouted off in her head.

John sighed. He stepped forward. "Pardon me, Father." He cleared his throat. "Buck, I believe you're looking for this?" He held up Annalee's wedding ring. "I made sure it got here."

Buck narrowed his eyes. Confusion confounded him. How'd that…? "Thanks, Big Brother. Should've got that." Nerves forced a grin on his face to cover matters up. He cleared his throat. "Now we're good! This one's for you, Blue." He placed the ring firmly in his nephew's hand. "There you go."

"Thanks, Uncle Buck." Blue turned to Penny. "Penny Fox, I know I should wait for him but I want to say it. I promise to love, honor and cherish you forever. I take you for good and bad. No matter what, I'm here for you. That's as long as I'm living. This here's my Ma's ring. And now it's yours. Can I?"

Penny nodded. She batted back Joy's tears as she held her hand out. Reassurance's weight from the ring on her hand buoyed her spirits up. "Victoria?"

Victoria handed her a wedding band. "There you are." She beamed with Pride at them.

"Thanks." Penny turned to Blue. "Guess it's my turn. Billy Blue Cannon, I promise to love, honor and cherish you forever. I take you for good and bad. No matter what, I'm here for you. That's as long as I'm living. This here's my Pa's. As with your Ma's ring, it's one of the most special things I have. And now I give it to the best man I know. Just promise me something?"

"Sure."

"No more duels. You scared the snot out of me that morning against Johnny Keough. Don't you worry me like that again! You promise?" Penny pressed.

Blue stared at Penny. "Wow. I….Sure. I promise."

Penny weighed those words for a heartbeat. She exhaled sharply. Then she held up the band. "Thanks, Blue." She slid the band onto his hand.

"Muy bien. Doña Victoria, por favor." Miguel motioned.

"Si." Victoria took out a second wedding band. It held several small gems around its circumference. "Mercedes, this is for Manolito." She set the band in Mercedes' hand. Her eyes locked on her brother.

A few coughs and some eye rolls circulated around the gathering.

You would just have to make a point. Do you not? Manolito kept a straight face. He would not upstage his Mercedita in any event. He shut out the world to look into her entrancing eyes.

Mercedes shrugged. "I know you will be true to your promise, Manolito. I appreciate all that you have done for me. And I will thank you in advance for all that you will do for me." She turned to her brother. "I am ready."

"Repeat after me. With this ring, I, Mercedes, marry you, Manolito," Miguel started.

"With this ring, I, Mercedes, marry you, Manolito," Mercedes repeated.

"For richer and poorer. In sickness and health. As long as you both shall live," Miguel continued.

"For richer and poorer. In sickness and health. As long as we both shall live," Mercedes continued. "I seal that promise with this ring. Much as with the others today, it comes from someone special. My Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother made their vows on this band. Their love was something to behold. Our love shall be like theirs, mi Manolo." She slid the band onto his hand.

"Gracias." Manolito squeezed her hand. "I have heard the accounts. I would be so honored to be half the man he was, Mercedes." He looked to Buck. You had best have her ring, Buck. So help me…. He mused what his father would do if Buck had misplaced that one.

Buck produced a diamond encrusted ring with a particular large emerald in its center. "Here you are, Manolito." He put it right in his friend's hand.

"Gracias, Buck." Manolito nodded. Gratitude beckoned from his eyes. Appreciation prompted a nod to Sebastian. Then he turned to Miguel. "I am ready."

"Repeat after me. With this ring, I, Manolito, marry you, Mercedes," Miguel started.

"With this ring, I, Manolito, marry you, Mercedes," Manolito repeated.

"For richer and poorer. In sickness and health. As long as you both shall live," Miguel continued.

"For richer and poorer. In sickness and health. As long as we both shall live," Manolito pressed on. He gazed at her again. For several heartbeats, he soaked in Ambiance's glow and radiance. "As you have, so I put my belief into this ring. You remember how Mama valued our relationship?"

"Si, Manolo. I remember." Mercedes smiled. She took a deep whiff of Rose's scent.

"This was her ring. Much as with her roses, it stands for my mother's love and support. I want to love you and perhaps our family someday in that way. We should be like Doña Esperanza. That is how our love should be, Mercedita." He slid the ring onto her hand. "Nunca olivides mi amor por ti."

Her heart soared at his words. Her eye beheld the ring's sparkle on her hand. She blinked back tears.

Miguel maintained Resolve's purpose. He allowed his sister and her Intended their moment. "Shall we pray once again?" When everyone had bowed their heads, he implored, "Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing our friends together. We pray that Manolito, Mercedes, Blue and Penny will honor and cherish each other. Please foster the feelings in this place. Please protect them from life's storms. May they be loved and love in return. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

"Amen," the group chorused.

Miguel cleared his throat. "Can the couples please stand?"

Blue and Manolito stood first. Then they helped their brides to their feet.

"There is one last matter. I declare you husband and wife and husband and wife. Congratulations! You may kiss your brides, Señores," Miguel bade them.

"YAHOO!" Blue cheered. He eased Penny's veil back to see her face. "Sorry but love you!" He embraced her.

"Come here!" Penny pushed her lips onto his.

Mercedes tapped her foot. Impatience shone even through Veil's cover. "Manolo, por favor." Her heart ached for him to do her brother's bidding.

Manolito smiled. His eyes sparkled into hers. "It is but a minute longer. We wait years for this day. There is the right way." He lifted her veil. "Ah! There you are! Doña Mercedes Vega de Montoya. La Doña de mi corazon. Mi esposa." He leaned in. His lips brushed Amor's most delicate of strokes across hers. "I love you now and forever."

"Ahora y siempre, mi Manolo, el Don de mi corazon. Mi caballero. Mi esposo," Mercedes affirmed. She touched foreheads with him.

Eternity stood still in that heartbeat. Not a puff of wind blew. Not a bird sang. The onlookers barely dared to breathe.

Miguel set his Bible down. He'd discharged his duty. Now, Priest could rest. Brother could enjoy his sister's achievement of Heart's Desire. Discretion kept him at a proper distance.

"Miguel? We know you are there, Amigo." Manolito bade. "Vamanos."

"íGracias!" Mercedes pounced on her brother. She seized him in a bear hug. "You did it! I am so proud of you!"

"De nada, Mercie. You will no longer wish for Manolito. He is yours. You are his. I played a small part. God saw fit to bring you together," Miguel deflected. He grabbed onto her. "You are a pleasant sight. I cannot congratulate you enough." He peered over toward his now brother-in-law. "Mano, I am now Hermano."

Manolito rolled his eyes. "As if I would forget?" He embraced both siblings. He saw Blue and Penny embracing Victoria and John. He beheld Victoria's tears over Blue's including her. "You talk of miracles, Miguel. There is your miracle." He pointed to the scene.

"Lord, be praised!" Miguel rubbed his sister's arm. "You see? Your feelings carry over. Let your faith speak out."

"Dang straight, Miguel. We is all one big familia now. That's even though you're moving. Can't rightly figure out why," Buck affirmed. "C'mere!" He grabbed onto his Compadre next.

"Si, Buck. We are even if you cannot remember all of the rings." Manolito shook his head. "I am glad you did not forget Mama's ring."

"Yeah. I know. I'm sure lucky Big John had my back." Buck saw Blue shaking hands with Ricardo and Lupe. "I'm gonna congratulate Blue Boy. Coming?"

"Un minuto. There is something I need first. Mercedes, por favor." Manolito took Mercedes' hand. "Perdona nos." He led her toward Victoria and John. "Victoria. ¿Que pasa, my Sister?" His eyes twinkled.

"Mano, I am so happy!" Victoria seized onto him and Mercedes. "I have my sister! And Blue accepts me! He accepts me!"

"It has taken far too long. I am glad." Manolito held Victoria tightly. "We take too long at such things. Do we not? As Miguel has said, we have miracles today. We should enjoy them." He kissed her forehead. "May your days be so blessed, my Sister."

"We no longer have to pretend. Now we are sisters!" Mercedes cheered.

"And we are all family," John insisted. "That was a splendid ceremony. Everything was well done. Congratulations!" He shook Manolito's hand. Then he embraced Mercedes. "Buck's already said it. I'll say it again. We are now one big family."

"We may have two ranchos. We still work together," Manolito confirmed. "Blue! Penny! Come! Come!" He waved the other newlyweds over. "You are now married, no? Feeling better?"

"What do you think?" Penny hugged her uncle and aunt. "Just like you two! We're really married!"

"Si. You are indeed. Now we will need to keep Blue out of trouble," Manolito gibed.

"Oh really?" Blue cleared his throat. "And who's to say that ain't the other way around?"

"I believe, Manolo, that Blue has a point," Victoria agreed.

"You are not helping, Victoria." Manolito shook his head. At that point, however, he did not care. He grabbed onto Blue. "Congratulations!"

"Yeah you too! You're going to be real happy, Manolito." Blue returned the hug. Then he did the same for Mercedes. "Not that you weren't before but welcome to the family."

"I know. Gracias, Blue." Mercedes hugged Blue. "You and Penny found me in Towns' End. You made all of this possible." She kissed him on the cheek.

"You're welcome." Blue smiled. He motioned toward where Ricardo, Lupe and Sebastian talked amongst themselves. "They're waiting."

Manolito nodded. "Si. Papais always waiting." He sighed.

"Mama and Papa wait for us," Mercedes urged. She led Manolito toward the trio.

Sebastian's eyes lit up. Enthusiasm and Pride beamed toward the couple. "And there they are! You would think we did not matter."

"Don Sebastian, por favor," Ricardo protested. "Should not the couples in a double wedding congratulate each other? I believe Miguel can share a moment with his sister as well?" He shook Manolito's hand. "Congratulations. Gracias."

"De nada." Manolito nodded to his father-in-law. "It is a family task. We all did our best." He smiled. "Gracias, Doña Lupe. I hear that you made sure Mercedes and Penny looked beautiful today." He bowed slightly to her.

"Gracias, Mama." Mercedes hugged her mother and then her father in turn. "I cannot believe it! ¡Estoy casado!"

"Oh but you are." Manolito raised his wife's hand. He kissed it just above the wedding ring. "And it is my privilege." His smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled.

"I am so glad! Perhaps you might have a child. I am still waiting for grandchildren." Sebastian shook his head. Lament dampened his mood.

"You have one, Don Sebastian." Mercedes motioned across the courtyard. "Blue is Victoria's son by marriage."

"But he is a Cannon! Mercedes, I appreciate your outlook. But…." Sebastian started.

"But what?" Manolito shook his head. "Mercedes is right, Papa. Is Blue not John Cannon's son? And since he is, would that not make him Victoria's son by marriage?"

"It does," Lupe conceded. "I spoke with Penelope. She surprised me. I like her attitude."

Sebastian winced. He could never have imagined a Cannon inheriting his rancho.

"Besides, Papa, we really would not want Uncle Domingo inheriting the rancho." Manolito grimaced. "I do not think that would be a good idea."

"Domingo Montoya?" Ricardo coughed. "¡Nunca! Don Sebastian, por favor!"

Sebastian sighed. "Yes. I suppose Blue Cannon is preferable. He even looked and acted like a caballero today. He may impress me yet."

"He rescued me. He and Penny are family. Does that not make him family to you?" Mercedes pressed.

"Papa, do not argue with the ladies." Manolito urged.

"Why, Manolito! Can you already be tamed by this young lady? And you are not even married for fifteen minutes!" Sebastian clapped his hands. Jest jabbed at his son's ego.

"I know how certain things work, Papa. Perhaps you have forgotten?" Manolito cleared his throat.

"Yes well…I see John Cannon. I should speak with him." Sebastian left the others abruptly. He disappeared into the crowd.

"My father never changes." Manolito shook his head. "Ah. I am glad that we are family. It is my great pleasure. I shall do my best in every regard."

"I am sure you will do so," Ricardo agreed.

"Treat Mercedes like una regina," Lupe insisted. "Keep that Blue and Penelope close. I see potential."

Manolito nodded. "I believe I shall." He saw Pepe open the door to the dining area. "That is dinner."

With that, the small gathering flowed into the hacienda and toward the dining room.

There, the warm wishes would continue….