Chapter 33
Victoria's Tavern...
Diego and Victoria seemed no closer to resolving the situation between them but Ramon and Aria were getting closer. They professed their love to one another and were happily celebrating their own engagement. To be young and in love, Victoria thought. I love Diego. Why can't I just forgive him and then we can go on with our lives?
Ramon watched as his sister work. Victoria still seemed intent on keeping Diego at arm's length. Victoria was so stubborn… sometimes, I want to shake her!
"Ramon? Ramon?"
"I am sorry, Aria. I was just thinking...I am worried about Victoria…and Diego. I thought that they would have come to their senses by now!"
"What can we do? We have talked to them repeatedly. Perhaps, they need a little divine intervention, Ramon. Padre Benitez can suggest a way."
"Involving the good padre in one of your schemes just might do the trick, Aria."
Padre Benitez' study...
Right on time as usual. Part one of their plan would already be in progress when Victoria arrived...
"It seems awfully quiet this afternoon, Padre."
"Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Diego. The children will be glad to get those items the church is donating. Follow me down to the storage area and we can get what we need."
ZZZ
"Victoria, the padre appreciates the food you are providing for the children."
"Thank you, Ramon for bringing the clothes as well."
"I would rather be at the tavern having lunch." I hope she is not too unhappy with me after this little stunt….I hope our plan works...
"Must you always think of your stomach, dear brother?"
"I missed breakfast, you know."
"It is your own fault for sleeping so late, honestly, Ramon. It is not like Padre Benitez to be even a few minutes late."
"Maybe, we should leave the boxes by the doorway."
"He wanted to talk to me for some reason."
"Why don't you go ahead and wait for him in his study? I am sure he will be along."
Minutes later...
"Ramon. It is good to see you."
"Padre, I brought the clothing you asked for. Would you like me to load it on the wagon for you, Padre? Good morning, Diego."
"That would be very nice. Diego, let's get those books you wanted from my study."
ZZZ
I wonder what is keeping Padre Benitez, Victoria thought.
"Diego, I hope you enjoy these books," the padre ushered Diego towards the study.
"Padre!" The priest turned as Miguel ran towards him. "It seems my work is never done. Wait for me in my study and I will be along shortly."
Diego closed the door and saw Victoria standing near the window. "Padre Benitez is quite busy today. Wouldn't you say so Victoria?"
"Diego, you startled me. What are you doing here?"
"I came to pick up a few books from the padre. What are you doing here?"
"I came to bring clothes and food for the orphanage. Maybe, I should be going."
"Don't leave on my account. I want to talk to you. Have you thought about our last conversation?"
"I thought that you were going to give me time, Diego."
"De la Vegas are not known for their patience. We need to settle things once and for all. How long am I going to pay for keeping the truth from you? I have apologized repeatedly. How long are you going to hold that over my head?"
"I am not trying to punish you!"
"Why can't you understand my point of view? You only showed an interest in me when you thought Aria wanted me! You know it's true!"
"You are not being fair!"
"Who said life was fair, querida? If we could just talk, really talk without all the yelling and accusations…."
"For years, I have spent countless nights worrying if Zorro was hurt, who he was and if we could have a future together!"
"I never wanted to hurt you."
"You were the one constant that I could depend on. It was a shock to discover that I didn't know you as well as I thought I did. Was your love part of the game, Diego?"
"My love for you is very real...That is the truth!"
"If only, I could believe that!"
"One thing you must not doubt is my sincerity...We can have a family, build a life together. Isn't that what you have always wanted? Give me another chance...We have the rest of our lives to discover new things about each other…"
"You know that is what I want but…Diego, I…I."
"I want to marry you…I am asking you to trust me but more importantly…trust your instincts. No one knows what the future has in store but you will not regret this…I promise..." The two gently caressed to seal their bargain.
Padre Benitez quietly opened the door but just as quietly closed it not wanting to interrupt the couple. The plan worked…Thank God...
ZZZ
Ramon paced the porch of the tavern."Do you think our plan worked, Aria?"
"We can only hope so. They are the most stubborn people I have ever known."
"My sister is a handful but Diego is her match. The path to true love never runs smoothly. Did it work, padre?"
"Let's hope we can get them to the altar without further ado."
ZZZ
Diego pulled out the engagement ring. He knelt before Victoria ready to ask her again. "Would you accept this ring as a token of my love, my fidelity and I pledge to be the husband that you deserve?"
"I accept this ring as a token of your love and fidelity. I promise to be the wife that you deserve. I love you, Diego de la Vega."