The following morning, all three had breakfast together then Isabella helped her mom around the house and the backyard, while Samuel read some of the books recommended by NAU. She couldn't believe how much energy she had regardless of how strangely she had slept, her mind pulling her through the remnants of her childhood and teenage memories.

After lunch, while Margaret watched her favorite telenovelas, Isabella and Samuel drove into town as planned. The went from street to street, shop to shop and enjoyed their time together.

"Was it like this when you were younger?" asked Samuel as they sat on a bench and savored an ice cream.

Isabella looked up and down the street. "Some shops closed and were replaced by others and there are more upscale business and medical facilities, but overall, it's pretty much the same."

"It's interesting to see the contrast between the old and the new, the Mexican and American."

"It's got charm, that's for sure. Most of the population of Santo Padre is Mexican or of Mexican descent. It was a lot easier to get into America back then than it is now… at least to settle down, get a job and raise a family. Even if new things pop up, most of the people living here, want to make sure that it keeps its Mexican heritage."

"You are a good example of that heritage," said Samuel smiling.

"I guess you can say that."

"Did you ever feel more American than Mexican?"

"No. On the contrary, I felt more Mexican. Even if abuela was from Oregon, she adapted to Mexican life and embraced it from the minute she set foot there. Abuelo was as she calls it, the icing on the cake. She never forced the American culture or lifestyle at home, feeling happy living it the way abuelo did."

"And now? Do you feel different since you don't live here?"

Isabella shrugged. "Maybe, but I've never denied my roots or how I was raised, but things are different when you're far from the Mexican border."

Isabella stood and threw out her cup in a garbage can. "Come on, we still have to finish this street. Then we need to head back so I can make sure your grandmother is not overdoing it and baking for the entire street."

Angel walked inside the meeting room where Bishop was busy looking at some paperwork. "You have a minute for me jefe?"

Bishop looked up. "Yeah, what's up?"

"I was wondering if it was alright if I invited Isabella and her son to the barbecue thing later on?"

Bishop leaned back in his seat. "The woman from yesterday?"

"Uh huh. If it's going to be an issue, I understand."

"You said you grew up together."

"From the moment we were old enough to walk."

Seeing Bishop hesitate, which was only an impression Bishop wanted him to get as he wasn't the least bit hesitant about her joining them, Angel tried one last thing to convince him. "She doesn't know anyone here anymore and I thought maybe it would do her some good to meet new people."

Bishop leaned forward. "Sure, Angel. Just make sure she knows that some of the guys don't always behave."

"Thanks, jefe. I'll let her know unless you need me for something?"

"No, but make it quick, I need all hands on deck to finish the preparations."

Angel nodded and walked out.

Angel parked his bike in Maggie's driveway and strode up the steps leading to the door before ringing the doorbell.

"Hola Maggie," he said when she opened the door.

She looked at him for a few minutes.

"It's me, Angel Reyes," he added.

"Angel, I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you. How are you?"

"Good. Is Bella here?"

"No, she took Samuel into town for the afternoon." She looked at her watch. "They should be back soon. Do you want to come inside and wait for her?"

"That's alright. I need to head into town. If I don't run into her, I'll stop by on my way back."

"OK. I'll let her know you were looking for her," she said before closing the door.

Angel returned to his bike and drove off toward town.

Isabella and Samuel walked out of Tito's book shop, where Samuel found an interesting book on Mexican immigration into the United States, and headed a bit further to the crossing to finish their tour of town, when they heard a bike come up behind them. Both turned around and seeing it was Angel, she stopped walking.

Angel backed up his bike in one of the spots as Isabella and Samuel walked over.

"Enjoying your time in town?" he asked as he took off his helmet and dismounted.

"It's changed a bit," replied Isabella. "How did you know we were here?"

"Stopped by the house and your mom told me. I had to come to talk to my Pops, so I was hoping I'd run into you."

Isabelle turned to Samuel. "Sam, this is Angel Reyes. One of the bikers from yesterday, that helped."

"I remember. Nice to meet you."

"Same," replied Angel smiling.

"You grew up with my mom, right?"

"Sure did. I've got dirt on her if you ever need it."

"Angel!"

"What? It's true," he said winking in Samuel's direction making him giggle.

"I like your bike," said Samuel looking over Angel's shoulder.

"Yeah? You like bikes?"

"Sorta. I mean I've never been on one or anything, but they're pretty cool."

"Well, you're in luck. I was actually coming to tell your mom that the invitation I put out still stands."

"What invitation?" asked Samuel interested.

"Angel invited us to join him and the other bikers at their club for a barbecue."

"Can we go?"

"Would you like to go?" asked Isabella.

"It could be fun," replied Sam.

"Then we'll go."

"Cool," replied Angel and Samuel in unison.

"Can I go check out your bike?" asked Sam.

"Knock yourself out."

As Samuel headed for the bike, Angel looked at Isabella. She was just as beautiful as he remembered her to be. Even the angelic glow of the moonlight the previous night hadn't done her justice.

"I need to go to my Pop's carnicería. Why don't you come with, it's just across the street."

She looked across the street and more memories of her younger days insinuated themselves in her head. "Sure."

As they stepped down from the sidewalk, she called out to Samuel. "Sam, we're just across the street at Mr. Reyes' carnicería."

"I'll meet you there," he replied barely taking his eyes of the bike.

"Ah, come on, he'll be fine. This is Santo Padre, nothing bad ever happens here," said Angel as they crossed the street.

"I'm not worried about him, I'm worried about your bike," said Isabella jokingly.

"If he messes it up, I'll teach him how to fix it."

"I'll be right there," said Felipe from the back, as he heard the bell on the door ring as it opened.

"It's OK Pops, it's just me."

"Angel," said Felipe as he walked through the narrow corridor into the heart of the carnicería. He then stopped dead in his tracks upon seeing his son standing near the door, a beautiful woman at his side.

He looked at her as he neared them then his eyes grew big, and a smile appeared. "Bella? Is that you, dulce niña?"

Isabella smiled. "Hola Felipe," she said.

He took her in a warm embrace as Angel smiled.

"Wow, look at you," said Felipe as they separated. "All grown up and even more beautiful."

"Thank you. You look well."

"I'm getting old."

"We all are, you're just slightly ahead of us."

"Yeah," said Angel pointing at Isabella. "She's old…she's a mom."

"You don't say. And you didn't bring them?"

"He's outside checking out Angel's bike."

Felipe looked out the window and saw a tall Hispanic looking teenager hovering around the bike. "That's your boy?"

"Yes," replied Isabella, "his name is Samuel."

"Heard by God," said Felipe as he turned his attention back to Isabella. "Knowing what your names means, it suits him."

Isabella nodded in agreement.

"What brings you back into town?"

"Mama is going through a rough patch health wise, just here to give her a hand for a while."

"Nothing too serious, I hope?"

"No but thank you for asking."

"It's a pity, we live on the same street and I'm so busy with the shop that I don't think of stopping by to see her. I'll take the time to go say hi to her."

"I'm sure she'll enjoy the company."

"Hey Pops, Bishop wants to know if you're OK to drop off the meat order when it's ready?"

"I was just finishing it up. I'll be able to bring it in an hour or so."

"Great, appreciate it," said Angel, as he pulled out an envelope from the inside pocket of his cut. "Here, I prefer you not driving through town with the cash for the order."

Felipe took the envelope and headed behind the counter to place it in the register.

"I should get going," said Isabella. "It was nice to see you, Felipe."

"Same here, mija. Look forward to seeing you again. Stop by when you can, we've got some catching up to do. And bring that boy of yours."

"I will."

"I'll see you later?" asked Angel.

"What time?"

"5?"

She looked at her watch. "Shouldn't be a problem."

"Here," said Angel as he took out a piece of paper from his jean pocket. "this is the address. And Bishop told me to warn you that some of the guys are a bit…"

"A bit what?"

"You know…bikers."

Isabella laughed. "I'm not royalty, Angel. I don't have any issues with people having a good time and being a bit rough around the edges."

"Ok," he replied clumsily passing a hand through his hair.

She took the piece of paper, smiled one last time at Felipe before opening the door and walking out.

Angel noticed his father come up and stand by his side as they both looked on, until Isabella and Samuel disappeared from their view.

Felipe eyed his son.

"What?"

"Any chance he's your kid?"

"It's a question worth posing," he added seeing Angel's dumbstruck reaction.

"Pops, kid is 17. He ain't mine, she's been gone much longer than that."

Felipe nodded. "You know what you're doing?"

"Not sure I get what you're getting at."

"I had a flashback seeing the two of you standing together right in this spot. Don't tell me you haven't been thinking about the past."

"Of course, I've been thinking about the past, but it's not just since she's been back. I have a lot of regrets Pops, and she's one of them."

"Exactly. Be careful Angel, time doesn't heal all wounds, not sure hers have healed."

Angel sighed, not wanting to get in that kind of conversation with him. "I've got to go and help set up, otherwise Bishop is not going to be happy with me."

"Then go. Just don't do anything stupid."

"I'm not the same person as back then."

"That is what worries me, hijo," said Felipe once Angel had left the shop and was walking toward his bike.