Chapter 7

Alejandro's expression softened when he saw Victoria sleeping on the edge of his son's bed. A spark of hope grew in his heart at the sight. He might just get those grand babies very soon.

Alejandro smiled when Diego reached over to gently tap Victoria on the forearm. "Let her rest for now, I will have Maria prepare a guest room for her." he finished with a quiet chuckle.

"Father, can I have a word with you please?" Diego asked quietly and gently played with a few locks of Victoria's soft hair absent-mindedly.

"Sure Son. What's bothering you? You look worried." Alejandro pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down.

"I need to share something with you that has been safe until now. Something that has caused us to grow apart in many ways, and I feel now is the right time to share it with you." Diego looked down at Victoria and a small smile curved his lips.

"You can tell me anything Son." Alejandro sat up straighter and watched his son closely with an inward smile.

"I am in love with Victoria. I have loved her since the day I returned home from Spain. I wanted to tell you sooner, but then Zorro came to your rescue a few days after I returned home, and she fell in love with him." Diego spoke quietly enough so only he and his father could hear. He didn't want to disturb Victoria.

His father smiled happily, "Son, I knew there was something more than just friendship between you and Victoria. I can see it in your eyes and behavior when she is around." He reached over and patted his Son's forearm lightly.

Alejandro was hoping his secretive son would tell him about another side of himself, but he figured he would let him know when timing was better. " Let's get Victoria to a guest room so she can rest more comfortably." He stood up slowly and went to the door. He looked at his Son and Victoria, a grin split his face with joy. He went to get one of the house keepers to prepare a guest room for Victoria.

Victoria slowly looked up at Diego when Alejandro was gone. "That was close." She stretched her legs and sat up slowly. "I heard what you said about loving me since you returned from Spain. Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could have lived happily together for the past five years." She looked at him closely and squeezed his hand. His expression unreadable, and that worried her. "I also felt a strong connection between us when you returned home." His eyes were watching her closely, he looked a little more relaxed after he heard she had the same feelings toward him five years ago.

" I would have told you sooner, but when you fell in love with Zorro, I felt that was my only way to your heart. You loved Zorro, and not the man under the mask." He lightly brushed his thumb over her knuckles.

"I love the man under the mask." She gave him a cheerful smile.

"Oh, Victoria, I have waited a long time to hear those wonderful words come from you." Diego pulled her gently over to him and kissed her lips softly.

They parted reluctantly when they heard Alejandro's foot steps coming down the hallway toward Diego's room.

"I hope we didn't disturb you earlier with our conversation." Alejandro was surprised to see Victoria awake and rubbing her eyes.

She pretended to yawn a few more times, " You didn't disturb me. I need to get back to the Tavern." She started to stand up and was stopped by the pleading look in Diego's tired eyes.

"Nonsense, you can stay here, and help keep Diego company. I have a guest room ready for you, and it's yours for as long as you wish to stay." Alejandro replied with a grin and winked at his son. "Felipe and I could use some help keeping Diego from rushing his recovery." He gave his son a stern look.

Diego rolled his eyes and shook his head, "Father, I don't need a babysitter." He crossed his arms and glared at his father.

"Diego, your father's right. You need plenty of rest if you want to have full use of your shoulder." She tried to look at him sternly, but failed. A smile curved her lips slightly, and a soft giggle slipped through her lips.

"That means I can teach you some English, and read some of my favorite books to you." Diego glanced at her lovingly.

"That sounds like a wonderful plan." She replied quietly.

"Why don't you get some rest my dear." Alejandro looked at her worriedly.

Victoria glanced at Diego quickly and then at Alejandro. "I can rest later, and besides, I need to make some fresh soup so Diego can recover faster." Victoria winked at Diego and moved to the open bedroom door. Both Alejandro and Diego watched her closely, each had a grin on their amused faces.