Anita plucked at Diego's guitar strings. As she played, she looked around the room. She and Alejandro were sitting in his office, which doubled as the library. A fire was going in the hearth. Alejandro was seated at the big desk, his glasses on his nose as he read through some paperwork. Anita's legs were tucked up underneath her skirt as she sat on the lounger.

"You play beautifully," Alejandro said after a moment, looking over the top of his glasses at her. He chuckled. "Except that is a Christmas carol…and it is August."

Anita smiled. "Mama taught it to me," she said. "She used to sing it to me. Year round," she added, her eyes sparkling.

Alejandro nodded, remembering. "Diego's mama used to sing that to him as well." He smiled softly. "Year round," he added quietly.

She set the guitar down. "I'm sorry, Don-Father," she corrected. "I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory."

Alejandro set his glasses down carefully and stood up, moving to sit next to her. She slid her skirts over so he had some room and set the guitar down on the floor. "My dear, you have nothing to apologize for," he assured her. "Talking about Diego's mother is…well, it is difficult, but it is not bad."

"Diego said talking about her is hard for you." Anita bit her lip. "Talking about my mother is hard, too, sometimes. She was gone so suddenly."

"I felt the same way about Paula," Alejandro replied. He took her hand. "You know the one thing I remember about your mama was how she smiled."

Anita smiled. "Just like that," Alejandro said, tracing a finger gently up from the corner of her mouth to her eyes. "You have her eyes. And her smile."

"Does Diego have anything of his mother?"

Alejandro laughed. "Her compassion. Her fire. And her hands. When he plays the guitar, you can see it. Those long fingers of his are all Paula."

Anita glanced at him. "Do…do you think I have anything of yours?" she asked him, and then stared down at her hand.

"Well, now." Alejandro thought for a moment. He looked at her. "I am afraid to say, you may have gotten my nose. And for that, I apologize." He smiled. "But you have your mother's eyes, so that more than makes up for it."

"Did you love my mother?" Anita asked him.

Alejandro was taken aback at the question. "I…" He stroked his goatee thoughtfully. "Your mother was a great comfort to me when I was alone. She was a wonderful conversation partner." He looked at his daughter. "I don't know if love is the right word but…I liked your mother. Quite a bit."

The two of them sat in silence for a moment. "Do you think Diego will be back soon?" Anita wondered.

There was a knock on the door, and the two of them looked up to see Bernardo standing on the landing. He smiled, and waved them both to come with him. "I think you have your answer," Alejandro said. He helped her to the floor. "Go on, you first." Anita slipped into her shoes and rushed after Bernardo.

Alejandro took a moment to gather his thoughts. Then, he followed after them. He found the rest of the family in the sala. Diego was sans jacket, but he was holding his Zorro hat against his chest. He was hugging Anita with one hand, and for a moment, Alejandro thought he was injured. He asked the question with his eyes, and Diego shook his head with a twinkle in his eye.

"I know the two of you worry when I am out as Zorro," he began, looking between his father and Anita. "And I promise you that I am always cautious."

Bernardo snorted.

"Oh all right," Diego amended with a shake of his head. "I am not too reckless." He smiled. "But I think I have found a way to keep the two of you distracted, especially Anita, until I am safely home again. One that perhaps will tire out even you, Father."

Alejandro's eyes narrowed. "Diego, what-"

Just then, Zorro's hat mewed. Anita's eyes widened, and her hands flew to her mouth. "Was that-" she breathed.

Diego grinned, and turned out his hat. The white kitten poked its head up from inside the hat, looking around the room. "Oh, it is!" Anita gasped. She plucked the kitten from the hat and it settled instantly against her blouse, purring contentedly.

"Diego, what on earth-" Alejandro stared at the newest, fuzzy member of the family, who was currently trying to play with Anita's new earrings.

"I rescued him from a tree from some boys tonight," Diego explained. "He looked as if he could take care of himself, but I knew he'd be better off with someone here, to look out for him," he added pointedly, looking at his father.

Alejandro smiled.

"Does he have a name?" Anita questioned.

"Well, I thought I would perhaps leave that to you," Diego replied. "I am sure you'll come up with something perfect."

Anita thought a moment. The kitten was rolling around on her lap, and she tickled his belly. "Andres," she said. "Because he is brave, just like my brother."

Alejandro looked at Diego. "I agree," he said warmly. "I think it's perfect."

The kitten yawned, and the three of them laughed. "Don't worry," Anita laughed. "I'm sure he'll grow into it!"

"As long as he is not too much like Diego," Alejandro teased. "Calm and docile during the day but a hellion at night?"

Diego shook his head. "Well, I can see that Andres is already doing his job. You two enjoy yourselves; I'm off to bed!"

Fin.