Prologue
San Juan Capistrano, California
February 1867
The golden hills stretched out before them, dotted with gnarled old oak trees and the soft cawing of crows in the distance. Lara stood poised at attention, her silhouette dark against the late afternoon sky, as she took aim at the tin cans lined up along the wooden fence. Each shot echoed through the quiet valley below. With precision she once again emptied the chamber at the targets. Lara took a deep breath, and smiled at the one can remaining on the fence.
Joaquin watched with pride as Lara's steady hand found its mark time and again, her determination reflected in the furrow of her brow. The methodical clanking of the tin cans against the fence echoed in the silence.
"Bueno Lara!" Joaquin's applauded.
"Uno más," she pleaded, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, her warm breath visible in the frozen air.
"You are a better shot than Rafael." He said with a soft chuckle, a fondness in his voice as he recalled his brother's prowess.
He observed the array of emotions flickering across Lara's face at the mention of his brother. Joaquin knew she carried the burden of guilt for the crimes against him and his brother, but he also knew the truth: Lara wasn't to blame.
Joaquin reset the tin cans for the last time, the sound of his footsteps causing a soft crunching sound as he walked across the frozen grass. As Lara took her stance once more, he waited patiently, his dark eyes fixed on her as she took her final shots.
With satisfaction, his weathered hand slapped against his pants, sending a cloud of dust into the air. As the dust settled, Joaquin couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at Lara's progress. Her confidence had grown with each shot, her aim becoming more precise with every round fired.
"Come Lara. Tengo hambre," He turned towards Lara, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Tengo hambre." Lara mimicked his voice in a teasing manner. "When aren't you hungry?"
She returned his smile and holstered her colt with a natural ease, her eyes still alight with the thrill of adrenaline. Together, they made their way back to the modest homestead, the sunlight fading quickly.
"No es femenino Lara," Esperanza's voice greeted them from the porch. "Nos hubiera venido bien tu ayuda en la casa, pero estás jugando con armas como uno de los niños."
Lara smiled sheepishly and hung her gun belt on the hooks near the door. A twinge of guilt pricked her conscious. She had promised to help cook dinner with Maira and instead went shooting with Joaquin.
"Mamá, una dama necesita protegerse," Joaquin interjected, planting a kiss on his mother's cheek.
"Nunca encontrarás un marido así Lara. Disparar un arma, usar pantalones, correr como un forajido." Esperanza mumbled under her breath and looked at her eldest son sternly.
She knew Lara's behavior was fueled by her son's encouragement. Esperanza couldn't help but feel a mix of concern and sympathy towards the young woman. After all, she had seen firsthand the pain and trauma Lara had endured at such a tender age. No child should ever have to live through what Lara and her brother did.
In many ways, Lara felt like her own child. Esperanza's husband, Ernesto, had been the foreman at the Alba family farm for many years, and while she didn't know all the details of the Alba family history, she had met Lara's mother when she herself was just a young woman.
The history of California was deeply intertwined with Spain, Mexico, and Texas all encroaching on the indigenous Acjachemen, leaving an indelible mark on the territory. Esperanza's family were Californios, descendants of Spanish and Mexican settlers but native born to California. Her husband's great grandparents were Acjachemen and converted to the Faith shortly after the Mission was erected in 1776.
The Alba family had established their empire in the San Juan Capistrano valley long before Lara's birth. Her grandparents had settled there shortly after the Mission being built as well. They were instrumental in laying the foundations for their farming and trading endeavors. Rodrigo Alba forged strong relationships with the Mission as well as the native Acjachemen community, serving as a mediator and easing communication between the two groups.
The community was ablaze when the unexpected marriage of the eldest Alba daughter, Marcela was announced. Lieutenant Lucas Monroe was lacking in connections and social standing, the match flashed speculations within the community. Many had expected that she would marry a Spanish nobleman or, at the very least, one of the wealthier ranchers from the respected area.
This was around the same time Esperanza had wed her dearest Ernesto and she hadn't given much heed to the gossip and rumors. She was far too busy with her own family on the way. Being several years younger than Marcela Alba, Esperanza only knew her in passing. She was a picture of beauty, a daughter any family would be happy to call theirs. A petite woman with rich brown hair and even darker black eyes. Esperanza knew her to be a kind, soft spoken, gentile type woman. Nothing like her half sister Laralie.
Marcela's mother passed away during childbirth, and her father eventually remarried a widow from Baltimore. Soon after, they welcomed a son and a daughter into the family. Esperanza had been born just a month after their daughter Laralie had been. Almost from birth the two girls were kindred spirits.
It had been around the time of her sister's marriage that Laralie became preoccupied and slightly distant. Esperanza also recently wed, assumed it was just the natural adjustment period. It wasn't until Laralie confided, that her sister had been experiencing troubles conceiving, putting significant strain on her marriage and the entire household. So when Marcela delivered a healthy baby girl that summer, Esperanza was surprised and happy for the family. Her own daughter being born later that same year.
Esperanza smiled softly to herself as she watched Lara toss a small bundle of flowers to Maria. Most likely as a peace offering for leaving her to make dinner alone. She loved how close they were, like sisters. She could still see them as children running half naked in the creek, trying to chase fish. Those first few years seemed idyllic, but she now understood that they had been shrouded in fear and forced smiles.
At ten years old Lara's seemingly happy childhood came to an abrupt end when she stumbled upon her mother's lifeless body hanging in the cellar. Unfortunately, this harrowing event marked only the beginning of the trials that would shape Lara's life. A few years after Marcela had ended her life, tragedy continued as Esperanza's brave husband Ernesto had died after being contracting a fever. She had been thankful he passed before he saw his family torn apart by the evil in their midst.
"Mamá," Joaquin assured his mother. He leaned down, enveloping her in a tender hug, then gently planted a kiss on her forehead. "Está bien."
Joaquin had a way of diffusing a situation with a simple gesture. Of course, she knew her tender hearted son also had a fiery temper and had earned some of his ire with the law.
She smiled sadly when she looked at her handsome son. His interjection had brought her out of her daydreams of the past and into the reality that was sewn from it. Her dreams for a united and happy family were somehow derailed in the one shot of a gun. Both her sons were wanted for murder. Needing to put his wife and son's needs above all others, he took them and fled to Mexico, but Joaquin refused to leave his home. He told his mother it was because of herself and Maria, but she knew there was more to it. She saw in the way he looked at Lara. She didn't know when it happened, sometime in the last few years, but she saw the love building in her son's heart daily.
She could understand why he loved her. Lara's outward appearance perfectly complemented the kindness and purity of her soul. Her honeyed locks cascaded just past her shoulders, sometimes catching the sun's rays like a golden halo; her black eyes, darker than any she had ever seen before, typically alight with excitement; and a dusting of freckles adorned her porcelain-like skin.
"Lávate las manos, por favor." She hurried them in and shut the door tightly.
With a nod of obedience, Lara and Joaquin quickly went to the basin and washed their hands. As they settled around the table for supper, Lara couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, a reminder that home was not just a place, but the bonds of friendship that held them together.
As the conversation naturally shifted to Maria's impending arrival, Lara couldn't help but feel a pang of longing deep within her heart. The sight of Maria's swollen belly, accompanied by the laughter and anticipation of the entire family, stirred emotions that Lara hadn't realized were there.
"What was that wink for?" Lara's curiosity piqued, catching the exchange between Joaquin and Maria in Spanish.
"No es nada," Joaquin feigned innocence, though Lara could sense mischief lurking beneath his facade.
"Where is Juan?" Lara inquired, noticing his absence from the table, a departure from his usual presence.
"Since your uncle passed," Maria said, making the sign of the cross over her chest. "He has been spending too time working."
"I'll talk to him." Lara assured her.
Following her aunt's tragic passing, the war broke out and her father was called to duty. In his absence, her uncle Jack had taken on the role of managing the farm. He hired Juaquin and Raphael to work alongside him as foremen.
Now she found herself thrust into managing the farm, however she knew that she lacked the necessary skills to effectively run such an operation. Lara had been raised to be a refined and well-mannered lady, far from the rough and tumble farm life. While she was not averse to hard work, she simply didn't possess the business insight required for the job.
In truth, Lara had hoped that Joaquin and Raphael would step in to help shoulder the responsibility. However, circumstances had conspired against her.
Now, with Raphael in Mexico and Joaquin on the run from the law, Lara relied heavily on Juan, who had assumed many of the former foreman's duties. However, the farm was too large for both of them to manage.
"My cousin will be here tomorrow, I will make sure before to speak with him."
She had reached out to her father's brother's and promised them a share in the estate if they would make the move from Santa Barbara. The farm had been the only thing preventing her from locating her brother. Now that she could leave the farm, and secure Maria's safety there was nothing keeping her from finding him.
"When will you leave, mija?" Esperanza brought the large pot of soup to the table and sat down, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Lara.
"Mañana," Lara replied softly, her gaze fixed on the pot of food before her.
Without uttering a word, the subtle clicking of Esperanza's tongue conveyed a message stronger than any spoken word could. In that brief moment, Lara felt the weight of her unspoken disapproval, a silent reminder of the expectations that surrounded her.
"Mamá," Joaquin interjected, his tone firm yet gentle.
As Maria swiftly shifted the conversation to the neighbors who had recently abandoned their home and all the rumors as to the reasoning of why. With a final sip of soup, Lara rose from the table, the weight of her thoughts heavy in her mind. Each step felt like a burden as she moved towards the door. Despite the warmth of the hearth and the laughter that still lingered, Lara couldn't shake the feeling of disappointing Esperanza, of falling short of the expectations.
She grabbed her coat and quietly opening the front door she stepped into the cool night air, a sense of loneliness washed over her. Maria moved to follow her, but Joaquin's touch stopped her in her tracks.
"I'll talk to her," he whispered.
With that, Joaquin descended the front stairs, his steps deliberate as he made his way toward the old tree standing watch at the edge of the creek near the house. From a distance, he observed Lara's restless pacing. Respecting her space, he took his time making his way to her.
"I know you're there." Lara wiped away the tears on her sleeve, but didn't turn towards him.
"Everything will be alright." He stood behind her and rubbed her arms with his hands.
"He sent me that letter over a month ago." Lara stared out across the lake. "What if I waited too long?"
"You can only do what you can."
"I owe it to him, as well as to both my mother and aunt, to find him." She sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned against him. "They both paid the ultimate price to keep him safe. I owe them this honor. Right?" She turned and looked up at him questioningly.
"Listen to your heart." He gently pushed one of her tawny blonde locks from her face.
Going against his better judgement Joaquin closed the distance between them. As he drew Lara closer, he felt the warmth of her body against his, a sensation that sent a wave of desire coursing through him.
Joaquin's lips found hers, a desperate meeting that spoke volumes of unspoken understanding and longing. As their kiss deepened, his fingers traced the contours of her face, lingering in the strands of her hair as he gently pulled it free from its confines. Running his fingers through her hair, he savored the silky texture as it slipped between his fingertips.
"Joaquin," She pulled back as she came to her senses.
Despite knowing the risks, Joaquin couldn't ignore the longing in his heart, a sentiment that had only grown stronger with time. For years, he had harbored his love for her in the quiet corners of his soul, unable to find the courage to voice his feelings aloud. But as she stood before him, poised to embark on a journey that threatened to tear them apart, he knew that he couldn't remain silent any longer.
"I'm going with you." His voice was raspy with the weight of unspoken truths and long-held desires
"No. It's too dangerous. You have an easily recognizable face." She smiled and ran her fingers across his cheek softly. "I'm leaving in the morning."
"Lara,"
As Lara retreated from Joaquin's embrace, the weight of unspoken emotions lingered as she made her way back to the sanctuary of the house. With every step, the echo of his feelings reverberated within her, a constant reminder of the delicate balance between friendship and something deeper.
Alone in her room, Lara confronted the truth of her feelings for Joaquin. Despite his unwavering love, she couldn't summon the romantic affection he sought. Despite her deep love for him, she couldn't manufacture the love he deserved. In the quiet of the night, Lara accepted the painful truth: some loves were destined to remain unrequited.
A soft knock at the door drew her attention, and Maria's concerned face peeked through the crack. Her beautiful round face illuminated by the candle light from within the room.
Lara smiled and waved her in to her room. She was dreading this conversation and had been delaying it as long as she could. She shoved the sealed package into Maria's hands and bit her lower lip neverously.
"Qué es eso?"
"I don't know if my father is coming back. I want you to have the house, the farm," Lara's voice trailed off, the weight of her words and the realization of her mortality and the gravity of the situation settling over herself.
"No entiendo," Maria's voice trembled with confusion as she struggled to grasp the situation unfolding before her. Then, realization dawned on her. Her friend, her sister, wasn't planning on returning.
"Lara no," Maria's plea was laced with desperation, the fear of losing the person she held closest to her. Tears welled in Maria's eyes as she reached out to Lara, her hand trembling with the intensity of her emotions. In the silence that followed, she found herself grappling with the stark reality of their impending separation, a truth too painful to comprehend.
"I signed a contract with my cousins for their share of the estate. You and your family will be safe. This is just in case." Lara's voice cracked. "Don't worry, I'll be home soon."
"I know you will go even if I beg you to stay, so I won't," Maria's voice wavered, carrying a mixture of resignation and understanding.
"I wish I could stay until the baby is born," Lara said, her grip on Maria's hand tightening as she offered a sincere smile.
"Then hurry home." Maria kissed Lara's cheek and quickly exited the room. She knew there was no stopping Lara, not when she had that determined look in her eye.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Lara's heart swelled with memories of the countless nights spent beneath the watchful gaze of the starlit sky. Her aunt had instilled her appreciated stargazing in her niece, and had spent hours teaching Lara the different constellations. The gentle breeze carried with it the scent of jasmine mingled with the salty tang of the ocean air, a comforting reminder of the home she was leaving behind.
With a sense of sadness mingled with eagerness, Lara closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the embrace of the night. In the quiet of the darkness, amidst the soft howl of the wind and the distant murmur of the waves, she found comfort in her dreamless sleep.