But as she mulled over the events of the previous night, a tiny smile of satisfaction pulled at the corners of her mouth. Todd had touched her. She suppressed a giggle. Not only had he touched her in a very intimate way, he had allowed her to demonstrate her affection for him as well. Throwing back the covers, she almost skipped as she headed for the bathroom. Once inside, she stared in awe at the shower stall. Had it really happened? In the warm light of day, the whole incident seemed almost like a dream. Checking herself out in the mirror, she saw a red patch on her neck where Todd's beard had scraped when he was kissing her. No, it wasn't a dream. Téa patted the roughened area, deliriously happy. Hesitating a moment, she opened the shower door and turned on the water. She wanted to take her morning shower in here, instead of returning to her own room.

She deliberately set the temperature of the water on the cool side, hoping it would help snap her back to reality. Because if she didn't come back to earth, she was bound to be hurled there unceremoniously by her difficult mate. Todd was sure to cut and run after all that intimacy--it was how he always reacted whenever they got close and he experienced feelings he couldn't handle. Yeah, he'd probably do everything in his power to push her away. Applying Todd's masculine shampoo to her hair, Téa set her mouth firmly. Todd could try to retreat now, but she wasn't going to let him succeed.

But as she dried herself off after her shower, Téa couldn't help the feelings of euphoria that bubbled up again. Even if she was in for some unpleasant scenes with Todd, it didn't erase what had happened the night before. After that, even worry over their relationship couldn't spoil her mood. Nothing like feeling sexually satisfied to improve one's outlook on life. Wrapping herself in a fluffy towel, Téa hurried to get dressed. She couldn't wait for the games to begin.

A few minutes later, she came bounding down the stairs with a new spring in her step. She fully expected to be told that the Señor had gone out for the day and wouldn't be back until late. As disappointing as the thought of that was, Téa was determined to give Todd the space he needed to come to terms with what had happened between them. She'd wait quietly for him and when he returned, she'd keep her distance and take her cues from him. She'd put up with his snarling and insults, showing him that she would stick around for the bad stuff in their relationship as well as the good.

She was so convinced that Todd was long gone, she was utterly shocked when she rounded a corner and saw him in the outdoor portion of the sitting room. She stopped in her tracks, staring at him and fighting unsuccessfully to tamp down the waves of happiness that were threatening to engulf her. Todd was sitting on the back of one of the tapestry-covered settees, his feet resting on the seat cushion. Although the space around him was strewn with newspapers, he wasn't reading. Holding a cup of coffee to his chest, his gaze was fixed on the distant mountains, a faraway look in his eyes. He didn't seem to notice her, and Téa took a minute to admire the way his hair glimmered in the sun.

Although she could have stood there all day checking him out, she finally moved. Approaching quietly, she greeted him softly, bracing herself for the expected coldness. Todd turned only his head, looking at her over his shoulder. Although he wasn't smiling there was a surprising glint to his eyes. "Hey," he said in a neutral tone, unfolding himself from the chair. "You're finally up."

"Yeah," returned Téa, suddenly feeling a bit shy under his gaze. "I guess I kind of slept in." Moving to a low table, she busied herself by pouring a cup of coffee from the insulated coffeepot. Surveying the remnants of toast crusts and melon rinds on the tray, she said, "I see you've had breakfast." She kept her back turned; she didn't trust herself to look into Todd's eyes yet. She was afraid her giddiness would scare him away.

"Not really. I wanted to wait for you. Lourdes just brought some rolls and stuff to tide me over." Téa suppressed a smile. She picked up a toast crust and began nibbling at it. Todd watched her as though every move she made was infinitely fascinating. "Now that you mention it, I'm not really hungry anymore."

Sitting down facing him, Téa looked up into his eyes for the first time. "This is fine for me," she said, gesturing at his leftovers.

"So you must have been really relaxed to sleep so much, huh?" Téa sputtered a bit as she sipped at her coffee. She could feel herself blushing.

Smiling, she said, "Yes, last night was very relaxing." Taking a deep breath she asked, "Were you able to get any sleep?"

Todd shrugged. "I don't sleep much, you know that." He didn't say more, and Téa searched his face, wondering if their intimacy the night before had meant as much to him as it had to her. He had brought up the subject, and surely that must mean something, she thought. And he wasn't pushing her away, at least not yet. "So, I was thinking we should buy this place," he said suddenly.

"What?!" exclaimed Téa, setting her cup down abruptly. "Buy this villa? I didn't even know it was for sale."

Todd smirked at the expression on her face. "Everything is for sale at the right price, Delgado."

"But…but…"

"Look, all our stuff is here now and you said you like the joint. The town isn't too bad, I guess. I think Shorty could get used to it, and it would be a good place to raise any kids we have." Téa stared at him in shock as he hesitated, struggling with the next words. "I…I forgot what it's like to have a place where I know you're there waiting for me…and….and I like it."

Téa's expression softened and she felt tears pricking at her eyes. "A home? Todd, what you're describing is a home."

After a long silence, Todd said, "Yeah, so? What do you say, Delgado?"

Téa gulped, overwhelmed for a moment. "You're confusing me, Todd. I don't understand. How can we have a home when the law could catch up with us at any minute? I thought we had to keep moving."

Todd's mouth set into a hard line and he looked away. "I didn't mean now," he said in a low voice. "Your brother and his goons can't keep looking for us forever. After the heat dies down here in Mexico we can come back and settle in quietly. Keep a low profile."

Téa got restlessly to her feet and walked out on the patio, racking her brain for the right words. When Todd appeared at her side, she took a deep breath and said, "I don't think we should have children, whether we decide to come back here or not."

She could hear Todd breathing hard. "I thought you wanted kids," he said and Téa grimaced at the hurt tone in his voice.

"I do, but it wouldn't be fair to them. Living here, it might work for a while, Todd, but how could we even think about having children? It wouldn't be right to yank them away from everything they've known when the authorities get too close. And they wouldn't even know their family, who they really are." Todd remained silent, so Téa went on. "And about Starr…how are you planning to bring her here? You can't mean to take her from her mother and everything she's known."

"No! Give me some credit, Delgado! We could work something out with Blair on the sly. For enough money, she'll let Shorty come visit us once in a while."

Téa threw up her hands and faced Todd. She had to steel herself when she saw the pain she had caused. "Todd, you're not thinking," she said, trying to control her own emotions. "Would Blair really let you take Starr out of the country to an unknown location for any amount of money? And if you told her where you were, it would only be a matter of time before she would sell you out to the highest bidder." Todd looked away, his shoulders slumped. Téa's heart broke for him. Taking a risk, she reached out a hand and placed it on his shoulder. To her relief, he didn't shrink away. "It was a nice thought. I love this place, I do," she said, the first tears spilling down her cheek. "But it can't be our home. As long as we're on the run, we can't have a home and a family."

"So why are you hanging around, Téa?" said Todd, finally exploding in anger. "Run while you have the chance! If you stick with me, you'll never have the life you want!"

"I want a life with you, Todd. Period. Yeah, I always thought we'd have children…and I know I'll never see my brothers or my abuelita again." Her voice broke and she sobbed into her hands for a moment. She looked up, wiping furiously at her face. "But I've made the decision to give up all that…because I want to be with you. My home will be wherever you are. You will be my family from now on."

Todd stared at her, trembling with emotion. "I don't know why you care, Téa. It's selfish of me, but I want you with me, even though I know I'm ruining your life." With a little cry, Téa ran into his arms. He held her tightly, stroking her hair. "So, it was a lousy idea. It's just the idea of never seeing Shorty again…," He couldn't go on, and buried his face against her shoulder.

Téa just held him, rubbing his back. "Shhhh, it will be all right, Todd," she murmured in a soothing voice. "And living here was a lovely idea. Thank you for thinking of my happiness."

"You want me to go back, don't you?" he said in a muffled voice. She felt him shudder against her body.

Still stroking his back, she said, "I think going back to the states and clearing your name is your best chance at future happiness. Yes."

He snorted. "In prison? Right."

Téa sighed deeply. "Todd, we've been all through this before and you've made your position quite clear. We're not going back to Llanview, and I'm all right with that. I just don't want to argue about it anymore."

Todd held her a moment longer, then pulled away, staring into her eyes. He managed a tiny grin, although his eyes were incredibly sad. He tentatively wiped away one of Téa's tears, then turned his glance wistfully to the villa. "Well, if it can't be our home, I guess there's no reason to stick around, huh? Time to get packing, Delgado."

Téa's eyes grew wide and she felt her heart began to thud against her rib cage. "We're….we're leaving?" she asked in a squeaky voice. "Today?" For all her brave words, the thought of leaving their cozy nest and flying into the great unknown terrified her.

Todd nodded, studying her closely. "I'm heading into town now to check on the arrangements, but if everything went according to plan, our new documents should be ready. We've got to go to Mexico City to pick them up."

"Oh." Téa pulled away and looked back at the view of Alamos below them. "I didn't think it would be so soon." Hearing the plaintive tone to her voice, Todd bit his lip. He hesitated a moment.

"We could stay one more night if you wanted. It doesn't make that much difference."

"Could we?" said Téa, whipping around with a smile on her face. Todd reached out a hand and caressed her cheek.

"I can't deny you anything, Delgado," he said softly. "We'll leave at first light tomorrow morning." He pulled away, and took a few steps toward the house. "Look, why don't you meet me in front of the cathedral, say at four o'clock? There is something I want you to see before we leave."

Téa looked intrigued. "It's a date. I'll see you later, then?"

"Sure thing." Téa watched as he disappeared into the house, then slowly sank onto one of the lawn chairs. She lowered her head into her hands and began to sob.

****************************************************

Téa looked at the town of Alamos spread out below them. The high walls of the mountains that surrounded it had cast the little town into shadow, but the higher slopes still glowed with a bright orange tint. She was breathing hard from the steep climb, but looking at the beautiful view, she knew in a moment that it was all worth it.

"Oh Todd!" she whispered. "It's lovely…"

"Now it's lovely, huh? I've had to listen to your complaining all the way up here." They were at El Mirador, or Lookout Point, on the highest hill in Alamos. It had taken them the better part of an hour to climb the steep path, and sunset was only a few minutes away. A few other intrepid souls had braved the trek, most noticeably a group of teens with some beer. But they didn't seem to notice as Todd and Téa found a spot and positioned themselves to enjoy the sunset.

"You can see everything from up here," mused Téa. "Look, Dr. Lawton's plane is still at the airport." Her gaze shifted across the town to a populated hill on the north. "And I think I can see our villa." Todd wasn't interested in the view. He was too occupied looking at Téa. She had on a Wedgwood blue sundress that set off her creamy complexion to perfection. The silver dangle earrings she wore moved enticingly against her throat with every move of her head. Turning back to him, Téa was disconcerted to see him watching her with an intensity that made the heat of the sunset seem like nothing more than the spark from a match. "Todd," she whispered softly, mesmerized by the reflection of the sun in his hazel eyes.

The sun had started to slip behind the mountain now, casting a roseate glow over the whole town and the surrounding mountains. The gilt cross on the cathedral glinted with the dying rays. The world seemed to stand still for a moment, as the unfulfilled promise of the day gave way to the hopes and fears of the approaching night. With a deep, throaty call the bell in the cathedral tower sounded the hour, its solemn tone reverberating against the mountains and returning to wash over the awed listeners again and again. Enchanted, the lovers watched as the blinding sun slipped away, taking with it another day.

Seeming to come out of a trance, Todd reached into his pocket. "I got something for you," he growled in a low voice. With his eyes locked to Téa's, he grabbed her hand and drew it up, placing a small, exquisitely wrought basket in her palm.

"It's beautiful," she murmured. "I've been admiring these in the market." The basket was obviously handmade and boasted an intricate pattern of brightly colored dyed straw.

"Look inside," ordered Todd. With a curious glance at his face, Téa removed the tight-fitting lid. She gasped as she saw the beautiful ring nestled against the soft cotton lining. She held it up to the dying light. A ring of diamonds surrounded a polished piece of turquoise, beautifully set in heavy gold. "I…I know you'd probably rather have a big diamond," stumbled Todd, "but I thought this one…"

"Is a symbol of Mexico, where we found each other again," she finished, her shining eyes meeting his again. "It's perfect, Todd. I love it, and I love you." He took the ring from her and held it to her left hand, hesitating a moment.

"Look, Téa. I'm not good with words," he began. "You deserve the best of everything, the whole deal. House, kids, a husband who makes it his only job to provide your every wish on a silver platter. But I can't give you that." Téa opened her mouth to speak, but Todd quickly brought up his free hand and covered her lips with two fingers, silencing her. He cleared his throat. "I know what you've given up to be with me, and all I can promise now is that I'll try, Téa. You deserve to be happy, and I promise that I'll do everything in my power to get you there. You know me….we aren't going to have happily ever after, but I'll try, Téa, and I won't push you away." He slipped the ring on her finger. She trembled in front of him, staring at the ring with tears standing in her eyes. The glow from the setting sun shone behind her, turning her dress a deep shade of purple, and in that moment Todd wanted it all--a lifetime with her, the home, the kids, anything she wanted, no matter what it might cost him.

Téa glanced at the ring on her hand, then brought it up to wipe away her tears. Clutching his hand, she said, "I'll take it, Todd. I'll take whatever you can give me. What is happiness anyway, but a few wonderful moments like this with a lot of pain and misery in between? And I'll make you a promise in return…I won't let you push me away. That's right, from now on I'm sticking with you no matter how difficult you make it, just like I wouldn't leave you to die in the desert. Whatever happens now, I'll be right by your side through it all."

Staring into her eyes, his own shining with the afterglow of the sun, Todd slipped his arms around her waist and drew her to him. With their bodies pressed together, their lips joined as well and soon the internal fire burned brighter than any star or sun ever could. And as their vows were sealed with a kiss, each of them could feel the powerful connection that would hold them together for a lifetime, and maybe beyond. For a long time, neither Todd nor Téa was aware of anything or anyone but the person in their arms and the electrical mating of their lips and tongues. Then, with a great rush of wings, the doves of Alamos returned from their daily outing, flying around and around the great cathedral before settling down in their niches for the night. The two lovers parted, watching as the feathered creatures found their homes amongst the plaster saints. Turning to Téa, Todd traced her features with his fingers, as though memorizing them.

"C'mon," he coaxed, breaking the spell. "Let's get out of here before the damned birds decide to crap on us." Téa laughed in spite of herself, wiping quickly at her brimming eyes. Their hands gripped tightly together, they carefully picked their way down the steep path. As Téa looked at the man she loved, she inwardly vowed to remember the way she felt at this moment, no matter what hardships awaited them on the road ahead.

By the time they made it to the cathedral square, deep twilight had set in. Although he still clutched her hand, Todd seemed nervous and distracted. His eyes kept drifting to the Ladatel pay phone at the corner of the plaza. It was with great difficulty that Téa regained his attention.

"Well, what now?" she asked brightly, trying to hold on to the feeling of euphoria, in spite of Todd's weird mood. "Shall we get a bite to eat?" The restaurants around the plaza were just setting up for the dinner crowd. "We haven't tried that place," said Téa, gesturing to an inviting little café. "Maybe we should, since it's our last night."

"What?" said Todd, staring at her with a look of horror on his face. Téa stared at him, becoming increasingly frightened.

"Our last night in Alamos," she said, stroking his arm. He visibly shook himself, running his hand through his hair.

"Oh yeah," he said, swallowing hard. "That." He looked again into her eyes, but Téa could tell he was forcing a smile. "Nah, we haven't had dinner at the villa yet, and Lourdes has her nose all out of joint. I told her to knock herself out tonight, so I guess we'd better show up."

Téa's face lit up in delight. "We're dining in tonight? Oh, that's perfect, Todd!" she exclaimed. "I've been wanting to use all that fancy crystal and china before we left." Todd's eyes returned to the pay phone, but Téa didn't notice. She was looking wistfully at the cathedral. "Todd, do you think we could go inside the church? I've been wanting to look around in there, and this is our last chance."

Todd dropped his hands to his sides and took a deep, cleansing breath, as though making a decision. "I don't do churches, Delgado. Look, I have to make one more call about the arrangements for our getaway," he said lightly. "You go have a look around in there and I'll meet you in a few minutes." Téa looked skeptical, but he patted her on the cheek reassuringly before turning toward the pay phone.

A little while later, Todd burst through the front doors of the cathedral, looking around frantically. His chest was heaving and his T-shirt was soaked with sweat. He couldn't make out a thing in the dim light, and he pressed himself against a plaster column, fighting off the urge to run away and hide. As his eyes became accustomed to the gloom, he could make out some of the garish interior decoration of the church. The Stations of the Cross hung down the two side aisles depicted Christ's last hours of suffering in excruciating detail. In every niche there were statues of saints in all the gore of their gruesome martyrdoms. And high above the main altar hung a crucifix with Jesus bloody and broken, the artist having done his utmost to demonstrate the awful agony of His horrible death on the cross. In his saner moments, Todd realized that some people found comfort in the grim symbols of their religion, but in his current agitation, the last thing he needed to see were graphic reminders of the horrors of judicial punishment.

Then he spotted Téa across the church. She was kneeling quietly at a side altar in front of a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, her head bent in prayer. As Todd watched, she held a taper to a flame, then carefully lit three candles. Todd stared at his wife, noticing how the blue of her dress stood out in the gloom of the cathedral, growing lighter as each candle flared into life. After crossing herself, Téa stood up and turned around. She saw Todd and walked toward him, her smile of greeting fading away as she came closer and saw the expression on his face. She almost ran the last few steps.

"Todd, Querido!" she cried softly, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Whatever is the matter?" He grabbed onto her tightly and she could feel his body trembling against hers.

"Don't worry about it," he said, trying to allay her fears. "It's just my usual phobia about churches. I'm always afraid they're going to fall down on me," he joked. Téa stroked his back, certain that there was something more he wasn't telling her. He took a deep breath to steady himself. "So, what were you doing with the candles, anyway?" He steered her toward the door.

"Oh, I was saying some prayers," she answered lightly. "You never know when they'll come in handy."

"And what were you praying for?" he asked as they stepped out into the plaza.

"I lit one candle for our families and friends back in Llanview, one for you, Todd, and the third one for me--that I'll be able to help you find peace," she said softly, hugging him.

"That's good, Delgado," said Todd wiping his brow. "Because I need all the help I can get."

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