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The others were gathered in the music room when she made her entrance. She saw Aaron first and gave him an unexpected smile. He returned her gesture.
“I don’t suppose you knew I’d be here to surprise you,” Diego said, coming from her other side.
“Yes, I knew. Father told me.” She tried her best to keep her tone casual, but she could feel her anger building at his pretense that all was well.
“Dinner is served,” Ruidoso announced from the archway.
Papi came forward and took her arm. “Allow me to escort you,” he said, smiling.
She knew he understood her dilemma. She glanced over her shoulder as Aaron held out his arm to Mama. “I believe we are all ready,” she said to her father.
Dinner started out well enough. The food was delicious, and the temperature in the room was perfect. Papi steered the conversation to topics mostly related to the railroad, which meant he and Aaron did most of the talking. When Aaronmentioned the town of Engle and the dam being built not far away, Isabella couldn’t help but take an interest.
“Why are they building this dam?” she asked. “I would think there is hardly enough water to make a lake.”
“That’s in part why there’s a need for this reservoir. There are always times when the Rio Grande floods, as you probably remember. By making this dam, we will have the ability to keep the community safer from floods, but also to create a way to save up the water for times of drought. Not only that, but the dam will make electricity for the area.”
“That’s remarkable. I should like to see it one day.”
Aaron nodded. “I’d be happy to show you.”
“I doubt we’ll be here,” Diego interjected. “Once I am able to complete my year of work, I’m certain Mr. Garcia will allow us to marry.”
Silence fell over the room, and Isabella turned her gaze to the roasted lamb they’d just been served.
After a few awkward moments, Papi began talking about seeing the first signs of spring. “There were blossoms on a beavertail cactus. It won’t be long until all the spring flowers are blooming.”
“It’s always so pretty,” Mama said, smiling at Papi.
Isabella could again see what Aaron had described. Her parents looked at each other as if there was no one else in the world. She thought of her feelings for Diego. They had been nothing like what existed between her parents. Even after all these years, they adored each other.
The thought of her father dying made her sadder than ever before. What would her mother do? If Isabella left, she’d have no one. But since Isabella no longer wanted to marry Diego, she supposed she wouldn’t need to leave either. It really did alter everything.
I can stay and take care of her, and Aaron will be here.
There was comfort in knowing her father had already arranged for Aaron to be around. Aaron hadn’t yet decided to give up his work for the Santa Fe, however. Perhaps Isabella could speak to him. Convince him that they needed him.
When dessert was finished, Papi rose to his feet. “Ladies, if you will excuse Diego and me, we need to talk.” He glanced at Diego, who was smiling. Isabella wondered if Diego thought her father was about to give him her hand without a year of working in the mine. She was almost certain he wouldn’t be expecting the news to come.
“By all means,” Mama replied. “I have something to see to.” She rose, and that caused Diego and Aaron to get to their feet.
“Come along, Diego,” Papi said, heading for the door.
The servants began clearing away the last remnants of dinner, and Aaron came to help Isabella from her chair. “Would you like to walk in the courtyard?”
“I’d rather sit and talk,” she said, knowing it would come as a surprise to him.
His expression proved she had taken him off-guard.
She chuckled. “I promise not to bite.” There was a twinkle in Aaron’s eyes. “Shall we sit in the music room?”
“Will you play the piano?”
“Of course. After we talk. I don’t know how long Papi will speak with Diego, but I know it won’t be pleasant afterward.”
“No?”
Isabella started for the music room. “No.”
