Conclusion [Next Morning-High Chaparral]

Manolito descended the stairs slowly. His feet dragged over each step at a time. Despite only holding a few folded clothes, his bag tugged against his hand. Anticipation pulled in two different directions. Of course, he looked forward to the trip with Mercedes. He wanted to speak further with his father about the marriage plans. He even looked forward to speaking with Don Ricardo and Donna Lupe again after a decade.

Still Obligation and Responsibility incited Fear. Freedom evaporated before Purpose's advance.

It would be easy to simply continue on as I was…and still am. Mercedes still decides such things. She likes such things. But would it be fair to deny her what she comes from? If I love her, I should sacrifice. She is certainly doing that for me. He sighed.

"Manolo?"

"Si, Mercedita. I…." The sight in front of him locked him in place.

Mercedes had borrowed Victoria's red jacket and matching skirt for the journey. A good washing had whitened her blouse once again. Her mother's pin rested under her chin. In addition, a borrowed hat rested atop her chocolate brown locks. Her eyes sparkled into his. "Do you like this?"

"Oh yes!" His lips brushed Amor's brush strokes across the back of her hand. "You are a picture of perfection."

"I am glad I can please you, Manolo. Perhaps you can do me a favor por favor?" She kissed him on the cheek. She motioned toward the bag there. "Maybe you can put my bag in the back of the wagon?"

"Of course!" He picked it up along with his. Then, he walked them both outside. Once again, he stopped in his tracks. "What is going on?" He narrowed his eyes.

John and Victoria were already sitting on the wagon's seat. Blue and Penny sat on their respective horses behind it.

Victoria looked at her brother pointedly. As with Mercedes, she too wore her best white blouse and blue riding outfit. "We have decided to accompany you to Papa's rancho, Manolito."

John cleared his throat. "I was going to send a letter with you for Don Ricardo, Mano. Victoria thought it might be better if we delivered it in person. When it comes to what you asked about, I want to speak with your father directly."

Manolito shrugged. He turned to Mercedes. "Our worlds look to collide with each other. How will they survive?"

"It is for us to make them work together, Manolito. Nuestra familia will help. No?" Mercedes supposed.

"Si. Knowing you, my Sister, this is your idea," Manolito deduced. He put the bags in the back of the wagon.

"Manolo, I will ride on Lucinda. I am sure Makadoo would like the company?" Mercedes announced.

Manolito smirked. "Si. I believe he would. Un minuto por favor." He went out toward the barn. There he found the two horses in question. "And you two…ready for the long ride ahead?" He patted each of their flanks. Then, he grabbed for each saddle.

"Hey! Need a hand?" Buck offered. He hoisted the fine Mexican saddle and walked toward Lucinda.

"Gracias, Amigo. You are not coming?" Manolito queried. His eyebrow raised at his brother-in-law.

"Nah. John needs someone to run things while everyone's gone. I'll do that. You just worry about Mercedes' Daddy. Got it?" Buck put the saddle on Lucinda and secured the buckles.

"I will keep that in mind, Compadre. You will be missed down there I am sure. Buena suerte." Manolito put his own saddle on Makadoo and secured it.

"Yeah. You too. Just keep Blue Boy out of trouble down there," Buck reminded him. He shook his hand with a firm grasp.

"I believe Miss Penny will do that just fine. You just worry about those cows in the south range. ¿Comprende?" Manolito led the two horses out toward the forming convoy.

"I'd second that, Buck. Can you and the others take those cattle to the west range in a few days? I don't want them chewing everything down to bare ground," John added.

"Oh yeah, Brother John. I got it. We'll all make sure them cattle have lots of grass to eat. Don't you worry about anything," Buck assured them.

"Gracias, Buck. We will give Papa your best," Victoria expressed.

Manolito helped Mercedes onto Lucinda's back. Then, he climbed up onto Makadoo. He saw Joe and Pedro waiting on their respective horses by the gate. "This is quite the gathering. Is it not?"

"As Mercedes said, Manolito, we are familia. We support each other," Victoria asserted. She stamped the floorboards with her parasol.

"I don't know what I can do. I sure want to see your old home, Manolito," Penny declared.

Manolito nodded. A grin spread across his face. "Your support means a great deal, Señorita. Never doubt that." He motioned to Blue and then toward Penny.

"It's time you met Don Sebastian. Besides, as Victoria said to Mercedes, you're a part of this family too, Penny." Blue squeezed her hand.

"Oh?" Penny blushed. "Gosh, Blue. The last few days here have been great with you all! That's all I want."

Blue eyed his father. "Pa, do we have a minute?"

John considered the onlookers. "You want to do it here and now?"

"Do what? John, what is going on?" Victoria frowned looking at her husband and stepson. Confusion lifted the eyebrow.

"Blue and I talked last night." John turned to Blue. "Go on, Boy. If you think the time's right, ask her."

"Thanks, Pa." Blue got down off of Soapy's back. "Penny, mind coming down for a minute? I've got something I want to say."

"Sure, Blue, I guess. Can't imagine what you'd say down there that…." Penny's eyes went wide. She practically jumped out of the saddle. She walked up to Blue. Her heart beat away faster and faster. "Go ahead, Blue." She smiled. Support shone through her eyes and smile. Anticipation made her impatient.

"Penny, I know we haven't known each other that long. Still, you're one of a kind. I'm not into big speeches. I'm not into fancy scenes and all of that stuff. You can ask Manolito and Buck about that. Still…." Blue gulped. He took her hands in his. He looked her right in the eye. "You know how you get a sense of something? Well I knew when I saw you in the barber shop that you were special. I know you are that. You said you wanted to be with me. Well, I want the same thing." He fumbled in his pocket before fishing out a diamond ring. "This ring was my Ma's. It's yours if you accept."

"Mano, is Blue…?" Mercedes asked low.

Manolito shrugged. His eyes sparkled. A sloppy grin spread across his face. "Well, I do believe so."

"If I…" Joy streaked Penny's cheeks with happy tears. She looked to Mercedes and then Victoria. "I…I… Blue, are you asking me to…to…marry you?"

Blue nodded. He grinned at her. Then, he got down on one knee. "I sure am. If you'll have me, I'd like to be with you. We can have our lives here. I don't know of anyone else I'd want to be with but you. I want forever, Penny. Please say yes."

"GOSH!" Penny nodded. Hesitation wasn't even a consideration at that point. She held her hand out. "Yes, Blue Cannon, I'll be your wife! I knew I wanted to be with you right from the first! I just hope Victoria can help me learn more about the High Chaparral."

"Penny, it will be my pleasure," Victoria rubbed John's arm. Exuberance practically had her bouncing in the wagon seat.

"It will be our pleasure, Dear," John corrected his wife. "Blue, I believe you have your answer." He motioned with his eyes toward Penny's outstretched hand.

"Huh? Oh yeah!" Blue slid the ring onto Penny's hand. Then he kissed the back of said hand and then embraced her. "Thank you, Penny."

"Thank you, Blue." Penny's eyes sparkled. "Victoria, think I can borrow a dress? I want to look my best for Blue."

Victoria smirked. "Just try and stop me from fitting you properly, Penny. Si. You will have your own dress not just a borrowed one."

"Sorry, Manolito and Mercedes, we don't mean…." Penny apologized.

"I think it's wonderful! We should celebrate each other's good fortune. And…" Mercedes' eyes sparkled. "Maybe we can get fitted together? That's it! You will accompany me to the dressmaker's. We will help each other."

"Gosh! You'd bring me to one of those fancy places? I'm not a fine noblewoman like you. I can't…" Penny hesitated.

"You will be my niece, Penny. And Victoria is your mother-in-law. You are more than worthy for such treatment! Besides Manolito and I should share our joy with Blue and you," Mercedes insisted.

"John, here it comes." Manolito imagined the dollar signs and the bill from the ladies' scheming and spending.

"Some things, Manolito, you just let happen," John advised. He patted Victoria's hand. "For this, I think we can all celebrate together." He got down off of the wagon. "Congratulations, you two." He hugged Blue. "You make me proud, Blue. Just take care of her."

"Yes, Sir!" Blue agreed.

Buck nearly tackled Blue in a giant bear hug. "Well I'm proud of you two! Blue Boy, you sure got yourself a good woman. Penny, Blue Boy's a good man. Glad that you asked her."

"Thanks, Uncle Buck." Blue expressed. Then, he saw John waiting to finish what he was about to say.

John cleared his throat. "And you, Penny, welcome to the family." He hugged her. "No more feeling like you have to prove yourself. You've more than done that." He looked her right in the eye. "I couldn't want anyone better for Blue."

"I'll do my best for him." Penny nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Cannon. I can't wait to meet this Don in Mexico."

"We'll be there together," Blue kissed Penny's forehead. Then he helped her back onto her horse. He climbed up into Soapy's saddle. "Ready, Pa?'

"Time to get things set at Rancho Montoya." John urged his horses onward and starting the convoy's journey southward.

Behind him, the two couples rode their respective horses. Each rode closely by one another. Companionship eased the journey's difficulty.

Buck watched the group head down the trail. He tipped his hat. For a minute, he recalled his years taking care of Blue from diapers until the present. He wondered where the time had gone to. "Can't believe my Blue Boy's engaged! Those years just flew on by!" He shrugged. Then, he headed for the barn and the next set of chores.

Time never does rest for no man. Change is the only constant.

Still Opposition and Adversity awaited to the south. Destiny was about to heat up her forge.

How things progressed would determine a great deal….

THE END (for now)