“Carlos is our son.” Papa grabbed Harris by the arm and dragged him to the door. “Our son, Carlos Antonio Ortega, has the boldest cry of all babies in creation. He will make a fine heir to Rancho Refugio. Adiós, señor Harris.”
If he tried to stay, Harris knew the four women and one old man would protect the child to their last breath. Finally, defeated and dejected, Harris retrieved his merchandise and disappeared forever.
The best and the worst all happened in one brief visit. Alicia’s wish to have Harris banished from the rancho was granted. Clara’s heartbreak, and Mama and Papa’s lie about their son, were laid bare. It was a quiet lunch. Only baby Carlos, resting in Mama’s arms, gurgled and cooed, a reminder of the day’s events.
Days passed, and Clara would not leave the sleeping loft. Alicia visited her with special teas and quiet words. Mama and Papa did not know why Clara was so upset. They carried on as if nothing unusual had happened, covering the footprints of their own dishonesty.
Maria kept the house in order, Lupita minded the baby, and Roberto minded the dock. On the third day after Harris departed, Private Manuel Valdez visited the hacienda in full dress uniform. He carried a message for Papa.
“Who is this soldier boy?” Papa did not recognize Valdez, but seeing him in uniform reminded him of his own youthful days in military service. Days when hope lay ahead of him.
“A letter, sir, from the comandante.” Manuel made a little bow. His eyes searched the sala for Alicia, whom he had missed seeing in the last few days.
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