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Aaron liked to think he was ashamed of what he’d done. No doubt his actions had hastened Daniel Garcia’s death. That was the part Aaron had a hard time forgiving. Isabella agreed it was difficult to think of it, but she knew Diego hadn’t kidnapped her with that purpose in mind. His selfish ambition had driven him, not a desire to commit murder or cause harm.
“Mr. Morales,” the judge began, “I have had several people speak on your behalf. It seems especially touching that your victim should ask for compassion for you. What you did, however, was most grievous, and therefore the consequences must also match the crime. So many things could have gone wrong, and your victim could have even met with death.
“However, as I mentioned, those who have spoken on your behalf believe you to have learned your lesson. I am also told you have a small son for whom you will be responsible. It is not the desire of this court to see you separated indefinitely.Therefore, I sentence you to three years in prison with a chance of parole for good behavior.” He pounded his gavel.
Aaron looked at Isabella. She smiled. “That seems fair,” she said as people around her began getting to their feet.
They rose together, and Aaron offered her his arm. “It does seem fair, and as the judge said, he might be able to serve even less time if he conducts himself well.”
Aaron offered Isabella’s mother his other arm. Helena smiled and shook her head. “I want to speak to the pastor for a moment. He’s going to talk to Diego.”
“We’ll wait outside.” He led Isabella from the room before she could suggest they join her mother. They found themselves immediately at the center of attention when they exited the building.
“Are you happy with that sentence, Isabella?” one woman asked.
Another pressed in. “I think the judge went far too easy on that man.”
Isabella raised her gloved hand. “I prayed about this matter, and I believe God has made His will known through the judge’s actions.”
The women fell silent. After all, how could one argue with the will of God?
As the crowd thinned a little, Isabella turned to gaze into Aaron’s eyes. “I’ve been thinking about our wedding date.”
He was surprised by this but smiled. “And what did you conclude?”
“I was worried about marrying too soon after Papi’s death for fear of offending folks. You know how people are with their traditions, and I didn’t want to do anything inappropriate. But I think there’s no reason to wait. Papi wouldn’t have wanted that. He would have seen me married to you years ago.”
Aaron chuckled. “Yes. I know he would have done exactly that.”
“Well, I’m just thinking—unless, of course, you are against the idea—that we could marry next month. I’ll need to give Mama a little time to plan things.”
He sobered and gazed into her dark eyes. “I’d like that very much.”
Isabella smiled. “I would too.”
Mrs. Garcia rejoined them and seemed to realize that something important had just happened. “And just what are you two scheming?”
“We’ve decided to get married next month,” Isabella said, reaching for her mother’s hand. “Will that give you enough time to plan a wedding?”
Her mother gave Isabella a hug. “It will. Oh, you’ve made me very happy. We will be a family together as your father always dreamed.” Her eyes grew teary. “I know it would please him.”
“I know it would too. That’s why I thought we should go ahead with it rather than wait. Tradition might suggest otherwise, but Papi would say, ‘Phooey on tradition!’” They all laughed.
“Is this acceptable to you, Aaron?” Helena looked to him for an answer.
“I would have asked the judge to marry us after he passed sentence on Diego if I thought I could get away with it. But I know Isabella wants a church wedding with all of her friends.”
“And a big party at the house.”
“Why not in the plaza?” Helena asked. “Then everybody can come and enjoy.”
Isabella looked at Aaron. “That seems only right, now that you’ve become the town’s manager.” She turned to hermother. “We’d best get to planning. We’re going to need all the ladies from all the churches to help. Maybe we could even be married in the plaza rather than the church so that anyone who wants to join us can.”
Aaron glanced heavenward. “I didn’t know we were going to make this a town event, but I suppose I should have expected as much.” He looked at Isabella, falling more deeply in love with every passing moment. “I’ll get word off to my parents right away.”
The wedding took place on the fifteenth of June. Isabella didn’t know when she’d ever been so happy. The ladies from the Bible Church made her a gown of ivory silk with a full skirt that rounded out in the back to trail behind her. The bodice was well-fitted with a high neckline of lace, and sleeves of the same. The ladies from the Catholic church created a veil and a bouquet of pink roses, while the Methodist church women made the wedding cake. It was quite the ornate piece, done with six tiers and several small cakes surrounding it. They had decorated it in white icing and trimmed it with pink roses to match those in Isabella’s bouquet.
All of the women had worked together to create a luncheon feast fit for a king and queen. Isabella couldn’t be happier, and Aaron seemed equally pleased. With the ceremony behind them and the luncheon being readied, Isabella couldn’t help drawing Aaron off behind the bandstand for a few moments of privacy.
