“Everything turned out so well,” Juanita remarked. “I’m very pleased.”
“I have gifts for everyone,” Sage said, “and I’ll give them out tomorrow night. We’ll celebrate the journey and the hacienda returning to normal.”
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea; everyone will be delighted. Could we announce our wedding at the same time?”
Sage was surprised and pleased by her question. He walked around the table, took her in his arms, and asked, “Will you marry me?”
“Of course I will. Everyone has known for a long time that we’re going to be married. The announcement will confirm what we’ve both known from the first day we met at the restaurant in Santa Fe, when you first came to town, don’t you remember? Bonnie and I have been discussing it for a long time now. Joe talks to Bonnie, you know.”
“Yes,” Sage said. “I fell in love with you the first time I saw you in the restaurant. I didn’t know you were even aware of my presence.” He took her hand, and they walked into the courtyard, neither saying anything, just enjoying the night and being together.
After a time Juanita reached up and kissed him and whispered, “Mañana.”
He walked her to her room and kissed her longingly. They clung to each other. And he said softly, “Mañana.”
* * *
They met for breakfast and went to see how Carlos was doing. His wounds were painful but not life threatening. Carlos and his family were celebrating the return of the hacienda to the rightful owners and, at the same time, mourning the loss of their son and brother. Carlos said he would be back on the job in a few weeks. In the meantime, Ramon would be in charge. Sage told them of the celebration they were going to have that evening and that he had gifts for everyone. They said they would all help in getting ready for the fiesta.
Sage asked Ramon to have his men unload the wagon and place the contents in the courtyard, ready for the celebration. He didn’t tell Ramon about the gold coins in the false bottom. He and Juanita would have to unload the coins after the party. They didn’t want anyone to know about the gold. There was no one for them to be concerned about, but it was a precaution against possible attempts at stealing the gold in the future. The fewer people who knew about it, the better it was for everyone.
Juanita took Sage for a tour of the hacienda. She wanted him to see the results of irrigating the crops. They had produced a bumper crop of everything. There was plenty of food for everyone and plenty of food for the animals. The women had been making blankets and clothes; the men had been busy building and repairing the adobe houses. They had made the houses bigger and better, and the women were pleased to have water so near.
Now they were ready to improve the big house. First, they would have to repair the holes created in the struggle with Alvarez.
* * *
It was time for the fiesta, and everyone was invited. They ate, drank, sang, and danced. Joe and Bonnie were there with Frank and Thelma. After the meal, Sage handed out presents to everyone. He had toys and candy for the children, cloth for dresses, brightly colored jewelry for the women, and tools for the men. Everyone was pleased. Sage showed them the plows and seeds for the growing of next year’s crops. The tools would make work easier and more productive. He gave Bonnie and Juanita jewelry and dresses.
Then he called to get everyone’s attention, and said, “Juanita and I have an announcement to make. We want to confirm what you already know. We will soon be wed.”
A cheer went up, and they danced the night away. The next day was a day of rest. Happy times had come again to El Casa Grande.
The End
I hope you liked the story. You are invited to read the sequel: Puma Son of Mountain Lion.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This novel would not have been possible without the tireless encouragement and assistance given to me by my wife, Millie. She traveled with me and assisted in doing research.
I want to recognize the contributions others made in the writing of this novel and say thank you to:
My daughters, Sue Brooks and Peggy Toelken, for reading the manuscript and offering valuable critique;
My son William Donald for giving me an empty book and suggesting that I fill the pages;
My niece, Geri Tsuzuki, who encouraged me to write my stories for others to read;
My sister Dr. Naomi Watrous, whose belief in me helped me to believe in myself;
My granddaughter, Malia Wish, for the graphic art works in producing the chart showing the trails of the early American West and providing the front cover;
And to many others who also made contributions. Some of them did not even know that they were making contributions. Thank you all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
William Wayne "Bill" Dicksion was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, the descendant of pioneers of the early American West. He grew up steeped in the lore of their adventures. Writing is his way of sharing the stories he remembers and enjoyed.
He has traveled extensively and is educated in science and literature. He and his wife live in Hawaii, where he does his writing.
Other Novels by
WILLIAM WAYNE DICKSION:
Puma Son of Mountain Lion
A Man Called Ty
A Button in the Fabric of Time
A Brief Moment in Time
Legend of the Lost
Danny
Beyond the Valley of Mist
New Worlds to Conquer
Egan’s Journey
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