December
25, 1623
It
has been two years since our journey of survival began in
But
before I capture those terrible events, I want to pen down my love’s reaction
to the estate we will be living in for the rest of our lives.
In
the end it became possible for us to be together. The price was high but we
have survived and I know with Cisco at my side I can face anything else.
As
a Christmas gift I gave him full ownership of my estate. It has been handed
down from generation to generation of Artiagas. I knew he would be the perfect
land owner to continue the legacy my family started, and that my inheritance
was safe.
When
Rosa-Lee climbed on his lap to give him a big wet kiss he smiled down at her
and gave her a bear hug. The last few days he had been extremely emotional. We
both felt a deep compassion for him. I feel proud to know this man, my husband,
Cisco Almaida. When I handed him the papers he was shocked. Disbelief shone
clear in the blue depths of his eyes. He had the same expression when we first
arrived two days ago.
He
could not believe the large estate or the castle, built by my great-great-grandfather all those years ago.
When
we arrived Cisco only stared at the estate, the manicured gardens and lawns
only yellow due to the cold weather, and I had to encourage him to step into
the castle as man of the house. This was more than he ever dreamed of. His mind
was stunned and dumbfounded at the magnitude of the riches he faced.
I
had told him about the place, to prepare him, but I knew he would only
appreciate it fully when he saw it.
He
stood in the enormous foyer of the castle and gaped in awe. The magnificent
wooden staircase spiralled to the upper levels. The black and white marble
tiles gleamed in the late sunlight. Fires were already laid all through the
house, for which we were grateful. The staff had done a magnificent work in
maintaining the place while we were gone.
He
felt overwhelmed by it all until Rosa-Lee reached for his hand and walked with
him to the parlour with its exquisite furniture, tapestries and golden framed
paintings of past generations. She chattered nonstop, even if it was her first
visit. But the difference was she is used to these riches and he was not.
After
we settled in, he walked the estate over the next two days, and I showed him
the inheritance. Surrounded with a rapid-flowing river with tree lines on both
sides, the castle looked impressive, built out of stones and brick, standing
three stories tall in the
At
first, he could not comprehend the papers, or his new title as land owner. He
struggled for words this morning, but accepted the responsibilities as property
owner. This was a difficult time for
Cisco
is willing to learn. His good, kind heart draws people closer. Already he and
Franco, the manager of the estate, have a close friendship. His first lesson
was to learn to ride his horse, another present from Rosa-Lee. She was so
excited when the horse was presented to him that she giggled with pure joy. His
face lit up in childlike wonder at the powerfully-muscled black stallion. When
he approached the animal the horse responded in like fashion. It took us a
while to get him back in the house.
What
a delight the day has been. Alfonso will leave soon on the ship Cisco received
from the D.E.I.C. for his brave efforts during the last two years. Kayla and
Derek will leave for their new home in
But
tonight I will give him his greatest gift when I reveal my pregnancy to him. I
just know this will leave him speechless.
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