Chapter 26
Padre Benitez glanced at the couple seated before him in his study. He was looking forward to some good news from the couple…
Diego held Victoria's hand as he talked to the padre. "Padre, I asked Victoria to marry me and she agreed to become my wife."
"That is wonderful news. Congratulations to both of you."
"We would like for you to post the banns for our wedding."
"I will announce it Sunday during services. This is an important step you are taking. I want you to be sure that this is what you really want."
"We love each other, Padre," Diego stated as he glanced at Victoria.
"I don't doubt your love for each other. This relationship has had its twists and turns. I never know what to expect from the two of you!"
"We don't expect everything to always go smoothly, Padre," Victoria countered, "Marriage is a lifetime commitment. Diego and I have no secrets from each other. I have been honest with him about my feelings for Zorro. He is my past and Diego is my future…"
"I am glad to hear that, Victoria. What about you, Diego?"
"Marriage is forever. Victoria loves me for the person that I am." My heart wants to believe that but what will she do when I tell her that I am Zorro?
The padre sensed an underlying tone in Diego's remarks. I hope that nothing is wrong..."Diego, may I speak to you alone for a few moments? Will you excuse us, Victoria? We won't be long."
"Of course, Padre," she said as she stood and kissed her intended on the cheek.
ZZZ
"Is something wrong, Diego," the man was concerned about his parishioner and wanted to help...
"Why do you ask, Padre? I am finally going to marry the woman of my dreams."
"You are not acting like the typical groom…You seem nervous...apprehensive. Is there something going on that I am not aware of?"
"I will soon have everything that I have ever dreamed of. What would I have to worry about? It...it is almost…"
"Too good to be true. Always the worrier, Diego. You have nothing to fear unless there is some secret that you are hiding from Victoria."
"What could I be hiding from Victoria? I am just plain ordinary Diego de la Vega."
"If that is the case, then you have nothing to fear, my son. Go in peace. I wish you and Victoria every happiness."
"Thank, you. Padre. I am sure that we will be very happy together."
ZZZ
"What did you and Padre Benitez talk about Diego?" A curious Victoria asked a few minutes later.
"Nothing of any consequence, he wished us well and we engaged in a little small talk. Why do you ask?"
"I was just curious, I suppose."
"It's just nerves, Victoria. The sooner we get married...the better."
ZZZ
Ramon watched Don Alejandro toast the newly engaged couple. Victoria looked happy but the sparkle did not quite reach Diego's eyes. If his friend did not tell Victoria soon, the secret could end up destroying him... "Dear sister, may I borrow my future brother-in-law for one moment? Diego, I have something to discuss with you."
Diego followed Ramon in the study. He knew what was coming and dreaded it. "What is so important that you had to drag me away from my engagement party?"
"You need to tell my sister the truth before she becomes suspicious…"
"Why would she suspect anything, Ramon?"
"You can fool some people but sooner or later everyone will begin to notice your behavior. If I have noticed, then it will only be a matter of time before my sister wonders what is going on…"
"Don't you think that I have agonized over this…thought about the ramifications of my actions?"
"Don't allow your worries to ruin what should be the happiest time of your lives…Be honest with her Diego, you cannot live with this secret between you."
"What if Victoria rejects me...I could not bear to lose her now...not after all we have been through..."
"My sister is an intelligent woman. I have no doubt that she will figure it out soon enough. Tell her before it is too late or you may live to regret it..."