A/N: Thank you all so much for your reviews and interest in the story! We're reaching the end, and I think I may have one or two more chapters posted before it's officially over. Thank you all again for taking the time to read and review, I hope the ending doesn't disappoint or seem too cliché. See you all next time!

Chapter Twenty-Five: El Zorro and his Vixen (Part 2)

One Month Later…

The sunlight bled through the stained-glass windows on that fine morning, filling the church interior with colorful light. Once again, the church was filled with people once again, all of them murmuring and whispering amongst one another in excitement and restlessness. No one had ever thought this day would come for Don Alejandro's rather flamboyant son, but nevertheless, they were thrilled to see him on this momentous occasion.

"I thought Ricardo said he would make it in time," Jorge whispered to Diego they waited with Bernardo at the altar.

"By my calculations, I estimate he and Carlotta will miss the ceremony, but he'll arrive just in time to eat," Diego smirked. "I can testify to this from experience. He was soon distracted by Bernardo, who motioned for them to be silent as the old organ groaned out a tune, signally for all to stand. With his eyes locked on the doors, Diego felt his chest fill with an indescribable happiness as Carlos and Lolita walked down the aisle.

Lolita was glowing as she slowly walked down the aisle to her beloved, clothed in a white lace gown that kept her modest but beautiful. Her shoulders were covered with short, puffed sleeves embedded with pearls, her collarbone just barely peeking out of the scooped neckline of the gown. The bodice had an intricate design, displaying the pristine laces that crossed over each other in the front to tie up together into a layered bow at the narrowed waist of the dress. The skirts of the snowy gown swished around her feet, delicate lace overlaying the satin skirt and trailing behind her about two feet. On her feet she wore dainty slippers with silver accents, with just enough heel to make her seem elegant. She had decided to wear her hair in a coiffed bun, with white blossoms pinned tactfully in place as a veil covered her beaming face. Hanging around her neck as her only main accessory aside from a pair of pearl earrings from Catalina was her mother's locket, shining as brightly as her eyes.

Diego felt a lump in his throat as he saw her coming closer, noticing how her hands tightened around the stems of the fragrant white roses and Californian buckwheat. He dared not try to loosen his white cravat in front of the masses, no matter how anxious he was. Feeling her eyes on him, he felt a prick of confidence surge through him. He was pleased to see that she eyed him mischievously and gave a coy smile under her veil, approving of his new black suit with a golden braid and embroidery that he had bought from a tailor who was visiting from Madrid.

Reaching out, he shook hands happily with the ecstatic Don Carlos before the old man kissed his daughter's hand and finally handed his baby over to Don Diego de la Vega. Curling his fingers around Lolita's hand, Diego felt her trembling and saw that her eyes were shining with tears. At first he assumed that she was heartbroken to be taken away from her father, but as she took the steps towards the altar and came to his side, his worries subsided as he saw that her beautiful smile never left her face. "She's just as excited and nervous as I am," he realized, patting her hand affectionately as he placed it on the crook of his elbow and led her to Padre Felipe.

Without wasting a moment, the priest began the ceremony. Diego did not hear a word of it, his eyes constantly straying over to Lolita. His lips tugged into a smile as he saw that she was fighting not to look at him also. At long last, dear Padre Felipe had the couple turn to face one another. "Do you, Don Diego de la Vega, take Lolita Pulido as your wife, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

"I do, Padre, with all my heart and soul, even beyond death," Diego declared gently, his eyes never leaving Lolita's face. He smiled as she squeezed his hands, a set of tears escaping through the corners of her eyes.

"Do you, Señorita Lolita Rosalinda Pulido, take Diego de la Vega as your husband, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

"I do, Padre, forever and always, even beyond death," Lolita vowed, her voice clear even though she was wracked with emotion. Doña Catalina could be heard sobbing at this, and the pair fought not to laugh as Consuela offered both Lolita's parents handkerchiefs to clean their faces.

"The rings, por favor," the priest said. Jorge tapped at Bernardo's shoulder, accepting the little cushion upon which Bernardo had laced two simple golden bands. Handing over the cushion, the mute servant took out his own handkerchief and dabbed at his eyes, sniffling as he watched on with a smile. Jorge Fernandez gave the rings to Padre Felipe, who blessed the thin bands before tugging them free and offering them to the couple. After blessing the couple once the rings had been slipped on, he looked out to the congregation and announced, "I now pronounce these two man and wife." Winking at Diego, he nodded and added, "You may kiss your bride now."

Grinning brightly, Diego removed the veil from Lolita's face and took her in his arms, pulling her close and whispering, "Te amo," before claiming her lips. Alejandro was the first man to rise to his feet and applaud, bursting with happiness and pride for his dear son. Everyone followed in close suit, murmurs of approval filling the church. Diego had to force himself to pull back, fighting his desire to ravish his new wife with his gentlemanly morals instilled by his honorable father. He settled for a kiss on the cheek and a heartfelt smile from his wife before he shook hands with Padre Felipe, who giddily shooed them away. Locking arms, the two walked down the aisle as man and wife, followed by the crowd s they exited the church and moved to the waiting carriage, where two handsome Arabians awaited their arrival. Assisting his bride into the vehicle, he waved off the crowd as they insisted Lolita toss the bouquet. "Your public awaits," he jested, gesturing to the people.

Turning away, Lolita closed her eyes and tossed the bouquet over her head, holding her breath. Hearing a loud laugh from her husband, she spun around to see what could have been so funny. She, too, found herself laughing uncontrollably as she saw that it was Bernardo who held her flowers, his face covered with shock and embarrassment as everyone gawked at him. Consuela pushed her way through the crowd and saw this, a gentle smile growing on her lips as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, instantly earning a smile out of the mute. Saluting his servant and friend, Diego winked at Bernardo and gave the order to the driver, placing his arm around Lolita's shoulder as they drove away to the de la Vega hacienda. "I'm glad that's over," he grinned. "Now the real fun begins."

"The fiesta?" she asked.

"No…our new life," he whispered, dipping his head down and claiming her mouth once more.

~Z~

The de la Vega hacienda was ready and waiting when its guests arrived. Once more, everyone from the pueblo turned up to partake in the momentous occasion. Diego and Lolita walked around the courtyard greeting their guests as wine was poured. Consuela took charge of the kitchen and directed the servants in preparing the tables for supper. Whilst everyone was relaxing and waiting for the meal, musicians played their tunes and encouraged couples to come forth and dance. Just as Diego had predicted, Ricardo and Carlotta arrived just in time to be one of the first guests to attend the reception.

Diego was occupied thanking the Torres family for coming when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Excusing himself, he let Lolita continue to talk to Elena and Don Nacho as he turned to face the guest. His eyes widened and his smile waned upon seeing a familiar face he thought he would not see again. "Magdalena," he murmured. "…you're still as beautiful as when I last saw you."

"Gracias, Diego," the woman replied, accepting a kiss on her hand as she smiled sadly at him. "I didn't mean to intrude. Father told me about the wedding…I just had to stop by and wish you well."

"I'm glad you did…the last time we saw each other, there were some things I didn't say…and others I shouldn't have said to you-"

"Who is this charming lady, Diego?" Lolita asked, joining in the conversation. She was smiling sweetly, without a hint of malice or jealousy as she saw that such a gorgeous woman had approached Diego and looked at him so. She could not fault any female for acting coy or shy around him for she was the same way, and after all, Diego was a handsome and dashing man.

"Lolita, mi amor, this is Magdalena Montez, son of Don Francisco," Diego introduced them. "Magdalena, this is Lolita…my wife."

"Diego's told me about you, and I see he's right – you have an impressive presence," Lolita said kindly, hoping that she could befriend the elegant woman. She looked to be just a few years older than herself, and though Diego had admitted his long list of possible admirers and lovers as both Diego and Zorro, she hoped that any and all of these women might be friends and allies. What sense did it make to get defensive and spiteful? After all, Diego was now wed to her, and she did not doubt his love or fidelity. "I'm delighted to meet you! Will you be staying in Los Angeles for good?"

"Sí. I arrived just yesterday from Mexico City…I admit, I've been…hiding myself, so to speak, for some time. But I decided it was time to come home," Magdalena said cautiously.

Taking her hand in his again, Diego looked into her eyes and said sorrowfully, "Magdalena…will you forgive me-?"

"I forgave you a long time ago…the question is, will you forgive me…?" Leaning towards him, she whispered in his ear, "Zorro?" She smirked a little as she saw him stare at her in disbelief, before glancing at Lolita. "Does she know…?"

"Sí…sí, she knows," he nodded, still stunned. "How did you-?"

"Please, Diego, you and he both had the same look of anger and frustration in your eyes, and the same tone in your voice," Magdalena said, cocking her head at him. Her eyes softened as she whispered, "Can you forgive me in return?"

Diego remembered his short time with her, how she had enchanted him, only to disappoint him when he found out about her involvement with the Eagle. She was reluctant to continue her association with the villainous man, but there was nothing that could be done. Misinterpretations and misunderstandings drove Diego and Magdalena apart, and now here they were again. He nodded to her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I forgive you."

Her eyes became misty with tears as she forced a smile on and began to walk away. She was startled when Lolita grabbed her hand and tugged her back. "Please, don't go," she pleaded. "I don't want you to feel unwanted…whatever happened is in the past. It's time to look to the future. I hope that my being married to Diego doesn't stop us from at least being good acquaintances, possibly even…friends?"

Magdalena's smile became earnest at this as she took Lolita's hands and squeezed them. "I would very much like to have a good friend…gracias."

Diego felt as though a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders as he watched and listened to them, a soft smile appearing on his face. So far, Lolita had been able to connect with Rosarita and Elena, and now Magdalena was accepting her. He was grateful that she was able to reach out and befriend the women of his childhood and past. He wondered how Ana Maria would react if she met Lolita and knew she had won Zorro's heart…?

"Food! At last!"

Sergeant Garcia's bellowing voice made the three jump in surprise and look to see the plump soldier running over to the tables, only to be shooed away by Consuela with a broom. The trio laughed at the man's antics, the ice finally broken between them. "Come, we'd best console the sergeant before he tries to sneak anything," Diego chuckled, waving the women over.

After much whining and grumbling on the sergeant's part, the guests were finally allowed to sit and help themselves to the bountiful meal once a prayer of thanks was said. Cooked vegetables, soup, meats drenched in succulent sauces, rice and beans, and fresh tortillas were placed at each table, and all who were present ate heartily to their stomach's content. Once the plates were taken away, fresh fruits and a rich butter cake soaked in sweet milk and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

"Sergeant!" Fernandez called out, immediately earning Garcia's attention. "Didn't you promise you would sing for the happy couple?"

A cheer arose from the masses, making the chubby man smile sheepishly and shrug. "Oh, please, mi Commandante, I cannot sing now. I was just going to eat this delicious dessert made by Consuela-"

"Sing, or I shall give that dessert to your horse," Consuela said sweetly through her teeth, making his eyes go large in fear as he jumped up and hurried to join the musicians.

"Go and dance, my son!" Alejandro urged Diego. "Your first dance as a married couple, and with Sergeant Garcia's gift of song!"

Rising to his feet, Diego grinned and offered his hand to Lolita, who beamed as she accepted and let him guide her to the cleared courtyard. While the pair occupied themselves by standing ready at attention and gazing into each other's eyes, Demetrio Lopez Garcia cleared his throat and told the musicians, "Eh, let's see…ah! Play 'Balada del Ruiseñor'!" The guitar was strummed softly and slowly at first, the other players still as Garcia sang:

"When the moon arose outside, she heard him at the window,

'How you make me cry, whenever you have to go…

Listen to my plea, mi Reina, listen to my song,

My voice cries out to you, all night long!'"

The trumpets piped up, a slow, melodic beat joining the instruments as the drummer played. Diego led Lolita around in swaying circles, her skirts swishing around them as they moved as one. Garcia continued, his rich baritone voice floating over the audience's heads as they watched on in admiration.

"Sing Ruiseñor, sing…

Sing Ruiseñor, sing…

She will be your queen, and you her king!

La Balada del Ruiseñor pierces through everyone's soul,

The nightingale won her heart with a voice like gold,

Telling her the wind would sigh until she looked outside,

Her eyes like shining stars and glimmering at night!"

Lolita let herself become limp as her husband spun her around and dipped her down, almost as if he was carrying her as the song guided them in their dance. Twirling as he spun around once more, Lolita felt as though she was walking on air. Her eyes locked with Diego's and she could see the tenderness he felt for her. She let her hand rest on his face for a moment, managing to press a kiss to his cheek before he continued to lead the way in their first dance.

"Sing Ruiseñor, sing to your one true love,

She's such a dainty thing, a sweet little dove-

Win her wild spirit and her gentle heart…

Then no one can ever tear you two apart!

Sing Ruiseñor, sing…

Sing Ruiseñor, sing…

She will be your queen, and you her king!"

Coming to a halt with a flourish of Lolita's skirts, the two stood still and breathless for a moment, their eyes locked once more. Just as he dipped his head and she tilted hers, the people applauded and cheered, snapping them out of their almost-passionate moment and bringing them back to the modesty of reality. They blushed and pulled away from each other, facing the sergeant as he thanked the music men for their assistance. Guiding Lolita over, Diego shook Garcia's hand firmly and patted him on the shoulder.

"Gracias, amigo – that was the best gift we could have ever received from anyone," he said with a genuine smile, making the sergeant duck his head and scuff the toe of his boot on the ground.

"Oh, it was nothing, Don Diego, really…" He blushed as Lolita pressed a kiss to his cheek, a goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Gracias, Sergeant," Lolita giggled, shaking her head as Garcia covered his cheek and sighed. Glancing to Diego, she noticed how his eyes lingered on her, a mixture of adoration and desire shining through. Her blush returned at this, a prick of pride filling her. She had never imagined she would cause Diego to look at her like that. The message he was sending was quite clear: "We will be finishing that kiss later tonight." She only hoped that she wouldn't disappoint him.

~Z~

It wasn't for some time until all the guests had gone, finally leaving the de la Vegas in peace. Lolita had kissed and embraced her family, wishing them a good night and promising to see them in the morning. Consuela was already accommodated in her new room, and the servants had finally finished cleaning up the mess left behind. Don Alejandro wished them a good night and kissed them both, walking away with a knowing smile as he left the couple in Diego's room. He had already ordered that no one in the household was to disturb the newlyweds.

"I'll just be gone a moment," Diego promised. "I want to make sure Tornado is all right."

Lolita kissed his cheek and waved him off, winking mischievously. "Don't stay away too long."

He chuckled and promised he would return shortly, leaving through the secret door hidden beside the fireplace.

Lolita decided to take this opportunity to get undressed and ready for bed in the dim light of a lonely candle, letting her hair fall free and cautiously unlacing her stays. As she worked on her shoes and undergarments, she fought not to blush as she remembered what Carlotta had teased her about. "Be ready, Lolita, because these handsome caballeros turn into beasts on your wedding night," she had snickered. "All of them are like that. I never imagined Ricardo would be so…feral." There was something lustful about the way Carlotta had spoken about her supposedly perfect first night with her new husband, to who she had only been married about two weeks already. It made Lolita scared, though she didn't dare to admit it. She had never gotten the chance to speak about anything like this with her mother, considering she was only a child when she lost Maria Pulido, and Catalina thought it was improper to speak of such things. This was one subject, however, that Lolita preferred not to have as a surprise.

Pulling on her nightdress, she shivered and hugged herself, despite the everlasting heat that seemed to sift through the walls and into the room. She wasn't sure whether to be excited or petrified as she paced the wooden floor, losing all track of time whilst she sat on the bed and curled her hair in her hands, then got up and opened the window only to close it again, then sat on the bed again. She was so preoccupied that she did not hear her husband enter the room behind her, yelping when he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Princesa, it's just me," he said, holding his hands up in surrender. She had discarded his jacket and waistcoat since he had left, and his shirt had been unbuttoned so that his chest was visible. His brows furrowed as he noticed how suddenly skittish she was. "Lolita…is something wrong?"

"What? Oh, no…I'm just…" She shyly looked away, blushing as she remembered Carlotta's playful innuendos.

Walking around the bed, Diego made his way over and sat down beside his young wife, placing one arm around her and using his free hand to cup his fingers under her chin and lift up her face. "Lolita…you can tell me whatever it is that's bothering you…you know that, don't you?" he said, resting his forehead against hers.

"Mm-hmm," she mumbled, her hands trembling as she placed them on his shoulders. "Diego…Carlotta teased me about…the wedding night…what to expect, I mean. She wasn't cruel about it, it just…scared me, I suppose. I don't know what to expect, and I'm nervous." She accepted his comforting embrace, resting her head on his shoulder. "I don't want to upset you-"

"Why would you ever upset me?" Diego murmured, kissing her head and stroking her hair. "I love you, Lolita, no matter what…you loved both sides of me, even when you weren't certain why you felt the way you did…we don't have to do anything, amor, we could stay up all night talking, or I could serenade you-!"

"I don't think Alejandro would appreciate that," she smirked, regaining her confidence as Diego laughed. Placing one hand on his cheek, she used the other to brush his wavy hair from his face. Smiling at him, she said softly, "I love you, Diego."

"And you know I love you," he whispered, closing his eyes as he lowered his head and claimed her mouth. His embrace tightened around her gently as he felt his heart race. Her soft, lithe body was soon pressed against his, and he could feel her heart beating rapidly also. He felt goosebumps rise all over his skin as she ran her fingers through his hair, a soft moan passing through her lips. Caressing her reverently, he silently promised her that he would treat her kindly and lovingly, for that moment, and every moment they would share since that night.

~Z~

Bernardo yawned as he trudged into the secret passage through the library to go into the secret tunnels and visit Tornado. He was certain Diego had tended to him last night, but he would rather be safe than sorry. It was nearly eight o'clock that fine early September morning and though the servants were already up and about, finishing putting the tables away from last night, he had not seen or heard from his daring young master. He had received orders from Don Alejandro not to disturb them for any reason whatsoever, so he faithfully obliged. Besides, being around Consuela definitely kept him busy. After seeing so many weddings, he was starting to wonder when would be the right time to ask Don Alejandro for permission to wed the motherly but feisty Indian woman.

Arriving at the stables, he saw that Tornado was already awake and eating a fresh bale of hay that had not been placed beside his pen before. Patting the black stallion's neck, he waved 'good-day' to the steed before waddling back up the steps again, mindlessly walking up to Diego's room as he usually did. He wondered what the couple would want for breakfast as he turned the knob to open the room when his eyes widened in horror. He quickly remembered that Diego was now married with Lolita in his room, making him throw his arms up in a panic before lunging for the door. He soon found himself tripping and collapsing face down, a familiar masculine laugh filling his ears. Raising his head, he saw Diego standing before him wearing only his dressing robe and raising an eyebrow in amusement.

"Did you forget something, Bernardo?" Diego grinned, offering a hand and helping the mute up. He held up his hands as Bernardo frantically began to gesture. "It's all right, we're awake and getting ready for breakfast."

A girlish giggle made Bernardo lift his head to see Lolita walking towards them, also wrapped up and concealed in her own robe. "Buenos dias, Bernardo," she waved. "Please tell Consuela to make a huge meal. We're famished."

Bernardo gave Diego a knowing look before offering him the same mocking salute that Zorro would perform. Taking off down the secret staircase, he felt himself smiling. He was certain Don Alejandro would be receiving grandchildren sooner than he expected.

A/N: The cheesy lyrics to 'Balada del Ruiseñor' are mine, sorry ^_^; I blame JuliaBC for getting me interested and sympathetic for Magdalena Montez ;) Hope you enjoyed!