Chapter 24

The Plaza...

Ramon walked toward the newspaper office in search of his friend. Diego had gotten an early start that morning before he could offer his congratulations. Things were improving and for the better..."Congratulations, Diego! I am glad that you and my sister have settled things."

"Gracias, thank goodness all the drama is over for now…" Diego did not look forward to telling Victoria about his alter ego...

"How do you intend to tell Victoria that you are Zorro or do you intend on waiting until after you are married?"

"Of course, I intend to tell her before we are married. Your sister is an intelligent woman. Maybe she will figure it out for herself just like you did."

"If I had not tracked you to the cave, then I may not have figured it out as quickly as I did."

"You put all the facts together and came to the only logical conclusion."

"I am a trained soldier and my sister is not. How do you think your father will react?"

"I hope that he will be proud instead of angry in time. There is no way that I could hide it from him after I tell Victoria."

"That will be a spectacle, Diego. How do you plan on doing it, my friend?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead. When the time is right I will plan on telling him but right now, I am starving."

"Good afternoon, what may I get for the two of you," Victoria smiled.

"The Chile relleno or pozoles would be fine and two lemonades, por favor?"

"If you will excuse me, Ramon. I need to talk to Victoria for a moment."

You have more than talking in mind, my friend.

"You look wonderful today, Victoria."

"Is that all you wanted to tell me, Diego?" she teased.

"No, I came by for this," he said as he kissed her thoroughly.

"Such liberties, Senor de la Vega. I thought that you were a gentleman."

"If you has no plans for this evening, I would like to invite you to dinner tonight.I will pick you up around six thirty." I have something special planned tonight just for you. "I have one request of you, Victoria."

"And what would that be?"

"Wear your finest dress. This promises to be special evening."

"Gladly, if you will do the same."

"Definitely," the caballero bowed and kissed her hand.

ZZZ

"You look quite pleased with yourself, Diego...Is there something going on that I do not know about?"

"Ramon, I am planning on proposing to Victoria tonight. We have waited long enough and I am running out of patience."

"Congratulations! It's about time! Don Alejandro will be delighted! I am glad that you are about to become an official part of the family."

"Victoria has not said yes yet."

"She will! She loves you, Diego!"

"I know that but," the tall caballero hesitated.

"You are wondering when and if the truth will come out…."

"What are you two talking about? You seem so serious," Victoria teased as she stood nearby with their orders. "What truth are you talking about?"

"The truth?" Ramon interrupted, "You and Diego are back together…My courtship with Aria is back on track. What else could there be?"

Victoria wondered with the two were up to...perhaps it had something to do with Diego's plans for tonight. He and Ramon always seemed to have their heads together about something... No matter, she had customers to attend to and plans for the evening. Whatever was so important had to wait….

ZZZ

"Be still, Victoria. I am almost done," Aria put the finishing touches on Victoria's hair which cascaded softly from its side part. The younger woman's enthusiasm was contagious. It was going to be a special night..

"I am so excited. Do you think that Diego will be pleased?" Victoria took great pains to look beautiful for Diego and wanted the evening to be memorable. Victoria adjusted the shoulders of the royal blue dress that she ordered from a seamstress in Monterrey. She had never worn it but had specifically chosen it for a special occasion such as this…

"Diego will not be able to take his eyes off you."

"That is exactly what I am hoping for."

"Diego will be here in a few minutes. Knowing Diego, he will probably be a few minutes early."

"You are probably right, Aria. Thank you for everything," she smiled. I have been wrong about her. I should have trusted my brother's instincts.

"De nada, Victoria. You and Diego deserve to be happy! Now, don't keep him waiting any longer!"

ZZZ

Diego looked especially handsome in a dark gray tailcoat with matching pants and black sash. He had also taken great care in choosing his attire for their special evening. "Victoria, you look radiant tonight,'' The tall caballero pressed a kiss to her outstretched hand.

"You look quite dashing yourself, Senor de la Vega."

"Let us be off, my lady, your carriage awaits." Diego was anxious to get their evening started...They had waited long enough already...Diego escorted her into to the de la Vega carriage waiting outside the tavern doorway.

"Good evening, little sister. You look radiant this evening."

"Gracias, big brother," the man smiled as he looked at his future brother-in-law.

Go ahead, Ramon. You can't wait to make a remark of some sort.

"Diego, be careful in that carriage. You don't want to mar that new suit of yours."

"I will be careful, amigo. Felipe, keep this rascal out of trouble will you? Good night, Felipe. Ramon."

Felipe tried to hide a smile at his mentor and father figure. Diego had made all the arrangements. Everything should be perfect….

"Come, Felipe. Aria is waiting...Diego is not as calm as he seems. I hope everything turns out as it should.."