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154 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

“Gidiana Juanita Martinez De Espinosa,” said Gilberto, when the Padre asked what would

be the name of the baby girl he was about to baptize.

“She will grow to be smart like her father.” said Claudia.

“And, so beautiful. Like her mother,” added Gilberto.

It was a grand party, with all the close neighbors and friends there to share in the ceremony.

There was food and a little wine and good cheer all around. Then someone asked about Gideon.

“The patron, he gots ver important business in Mexico,” Juan interjected before anyone else

could speak.

“I think everyone here knows he went to Mexico to find a mother for his children,” Gilberto

said.

“He has no children!” Claudia said.

“And we had no children, until Gidiana,” spoke Gilberto.

“Well,” said Molly, “she’s one lucky girl. That Gideon is quite a prize!”

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

I stayed out of the way and quiet about any marriage plans and left it up to the women folks.

Contesa was fluttering around like an old hen with her favorite chick. I didn’t let the ranch

hands leave the yard without going with them and helping them. This kept me from getting in

the way.

Rosemarie and I will have another wedding when we get back to New Mexico, in the American

tradition and I would let Molly and Claudia help make the plans there too. Somehow, I couldn’t

think of anything I could say to make their jobs any easier.

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