Chapter 1

"I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together let no man put asunder."

Victoria Escalante watched Padre Benitez perform yet another wedding ceremony and wondered when or even if her own wedding would ever take place. She was ready for Zorro to set aside his mask, show his identity and make her an honest woman. Years of stolen kisses and fleeting moments of tenderness were not enough anymore. Her peers were happily wed while she was a prosperous, single business owner. Was it time to begin a new phase of her life? To have the family that I have always dreamed of?

Senora Gomez's voice interrupted the taverness' thoughts. Startled, Victoria looked into the concerned eyes of the older woman who sat on her left. Senora Gomez was known throughout out the pueblo for her matchmaking skills. Everyone in the pueblo was aware of that fact that the younger woman's heart belonged to Zorro but the older woman suspected that Victoria could be tired of waiting for her masked love..."It's time you got married." Senora Gomez glanced at Diego seated next to Victoria. The tall caballero was certainly eligible but his interests tended toward science and the arts not romance..."Oh! Not to each other, of course. That would be ridiculous. You, Diego are a lost cause. You don't have a romantic bone in your body."

Diego rolled his eyes slightly at the older woman's remarks...You have no idea, he thought to himself. The de la Vega heir quickly excused himself and left the sanctuary leaving his ladylove to continue her conversation with the meddlesome matchmaker...

"Victoria, you should find a good husband and have little ones," Senora Gomez stated honestly.

Victoria considered the woman's remarks. She was not getting any younger and the pull to have a husband and family of her own that was getting stronger and stronger. I am not getting any younger... The alcalde continued to impose unjust taxes prolonging Zorro's continuing pursuit of justice…I don't know when or if we will ever be free to marry.

"Zorro is not the marrying kind. Champions of liberty never make good providers. The pay is irregular."

"I don't need any man's money. My tavern provides a steady income. I love Zorro and I am willing to wait for him…"

"How long are you willing to wait? Neither of you are getting any younger, I am afraid. You are a property owner. You're beautiful and these attributes alone make you a very desirable catch. Let me find a husband for you! You deserve to be happy. You deserve a family of your own."

"I will think about it," Victoria responded.

"Don't wait too long. You're not getting any younger but I am sure that there area lot of available men who would be interested in having you as their wife."

Victoria struggled to hide the angry flush in her cheeks. Maria Gomez's upsetting words held a grain of truth. She supported Zorro's fight for justice but she wanted a husband to love, babies of her own and all that life had to offer. I don't know how much longer I can wait for Zorro. Am I wasting my time on something that may never happen?

ZZZ

Padre Benitez watched the troubled señorita sitting in the pew. He had seen the young woman talking to Senora Gomez. He knew that woman was known for her matchmaking. Was Victoria giving up on Zorro? Was the great love story of the pueblo over? The padre would wait for her to approach him if she wanted his help.

"Padre, I need your counsel," Victoria motioned for him to sit beside her.

Padre Benitez wordlessly encouraged her to share her problems with him. He sensed that this matter concerned Zorro. The masked bandit and the lovely tavern owner were the 'romance' of the pueblo scorned by some but embraced by the majority of the people. "Yes, my child."

"I am basically without family. I love Zorro with all of my heart and he loves me. It seems as though his fight will never end. We made a promise to each other. I thought that by waiting for him...I was helping his cause...his fight for justice. but so many other women my age are already married with families of their own. I long for a husband and children of my own. I don't know how much longer I can wait."

"Zorro, in some ways is like a priest, compelled with a higher calling. In many ways, he is devoted to his fight for justice but he rarely has time to devote to a wife and family."

"Padre, what should I do? We love each other but I don't know how much longer I am willing to wait for him."

"It hurts to hear the truth, Victoria. To have the family you want so badly requires a husband but still you wait for Zorro. Your heart is full of love and you should find someone to share it with."

"I always thought that I would share my life with Zorro...I thought that the two of us were meant for each other."

"Maybe Zorro is not the man for you...perhaps, there is someone else...Search your heart, pray and let God lead you."

"Gracias, Padre." Victoria stood and walked out of the church. "Yes, I must," she said her eyes wet with tears.