Laureana woke from slumber, carefully exited the bed, and lifted her arm. There wasn't as much pain as yesterday. "At least I am healing."

There was a knock on the door; Etka entered. "Buenos dias. ¿Como te sientes (Good morning. How are you feeling)?"

"Mucho mejor (Much better)."

Ekta checked Laureana's arm and shoulder and instructed her to move the arm in different directions. "You are healing quickly, but don't overuse your arm. Breakfast is ready; your parents are waiting for you." Laureana's bandages were removed, and she was assisted in getting dressed. The women then arrived at the dining room, where Anselmo and Maria had already eaten breakfast.

"Laureana, is it true that you raced with Mr. Luke and lost?" chuckled Anselmo.

"My accident should give you the answer. You are enjoying this, aren't you?"

Maria sighed in relief. "It is nice that you are in the company of a man." She took a bite from a piece of egg. "This Gringo does not scare easily. I will admit that he has fire in him. Something that you need."

Laureana could not control the blush that became apparent on her face. "Mama! I have no interest in that man! He has caused nothing but trouble!"

"You brought trouble to yourself. You are too stubborn and ignorant for your good. That man wants nothing more than the opportunity to get to know you," said Anselmo.

Ekta stood by and listened to the entire conversation. She noticed that Laureana was getting annoyed. "Mr. and Mrs. Quinteras, it is best not to make your daughter uncomfortable. She does not need stress at the moment. She is still healing."

Anselmo nodded. "You are right. Laureana needs to heal; we wouldn't want her to upset Mr. Luke."

"I just lost my appetite." Laureana got off her seat and walked out of the dining room. Ekta shook her head at the two occupants and followed Laureana.

"That girl is becoming like you each day," stated Maria. "Husband, do you think this man holds some attraction for Laureana?"

"There is no doubt of it; he desires her. There is no doubt of it!"

The matriarch sighed. "Let us hope you are right."

Meanwhile, Laureana walked outside the house to get some fresh air; she and Ekta sat on a wooden bench outside the home. "My parents are unbelievable."

"Quite, they seemed to change their tone about that lad."

"I have a sense that there is something more. I feel my parents are planning something; I just can't put my finger on it."

Ekta sighed. "Your mother told me that the lad has postponed the land signing. Maybe it has something to do with you." She saw how surprised Laureana was. "He may not admit it, but he seems rather fond of you."

"I hold no attraction towards him!"

The elder giggled. "Oh, come now, you must at least admit that he is handsome. Even in my old age, I cannot deny that!"

"That is enough, Ekta. I don't want to speak more about this!"

"Speak about what?" asked a masculine voice.

The two women looked to their left and saw Luke riding toward them on his horse. "Good morning, young man."

"Morning. How are you feeling, Laureana? I hope better than yesterday."

"I'm getting better."

Luke smiled. "I was thinking of going to town to get some supplies to fish at the nearby river. I was hoping that you would join me."

"I am still letting my arm and shoulder heal. I can't use a horse."

"You can ride with me."

Laureana bit her lower lip. "Ekta stated that I need to rest."

"Oh, child, I never said you could not go out. Besides, the young invited you to town. It is rude to turn down such an invitation!"

"Thank you, ma'am. Also, don't forget that you lost the bet."

Laureana growled as she stood. Luke motioned out his right arm and shifted her up the horse, making her sit before him. "We'll be back, perhaps by dinner!" They rode off.

Ekta watched and shook her head. "Young people nowadays."

Laureana was silent as Luke tightly gripped her, ensuring she would not fall from the horse. The two were silent as they were galloping toward the town. Once they arrived in town, Luke commanded the horse to stop before a shop; he got off first and carefully assisted Laureana. They entered the shop, and Laureana was the only woman inside. Many men eyed her with lust, some with disgust, and some with curiosity. Luke noticed. "Stay close to me," he whispered to her. They eventually got the materials needed and went to the cashier to pay.

"Can't believe he brought a Mexican to this store!" said a middle-aged man with a long beard. "Ya outta be ashamed! Yer motivatin' them to stay in this country! Dirty Mexican, yer not wanted here!"

Luke paid, turned around, and slowly walked toward the man. "You call yourself a man? Yelling at an innocent young lady who is in my company." He and the man were face to face. "If you want, we can settle this outside."

The man noticed that Luke had a pistol on his belt. " Yeah, it's not worth my time." He left the store.

Laureana was stunned; no one ever stood up for her. The duo left the store with materials on hand. Luke helped Laureana get on the horse and then got on afterward. They rode out to a dirt road leading them out of town. As they kept riding on the path, they saw a river ahead. They marveled at its beauty. The horse was commanded to stop; Luke got down first and helped Laureana get off. He got the materials, went to a nearby tree, got two wooden sticks, tied a thin line, and put hooks at the end with bait. "Here, do you know how to fish?"

"No, I was never taught.

"Then, I will teach you; one might never know when one might need this skill."

Laureana held the stick and followed Luke to the river. He launched the line to the waters. Laureana observed and did the same. "What happens now?"

Luke sat on the ground. "We wait for the fish to bite."

They sat beside one another in silence. "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" asked Luke.

"Speak against that man?"

"I don't like it when a man speaks to a woman in such a way."

"I could have defended myself."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Are you used to this abuse from the townspeople?"

Laureana kept on looking at the waters. "Ever since we lost the war, the verbal abuse never wavered. Your people want to drive my people away from this land that was once ours."

"My people, eh?" He gave her his attention. Do you see me like that man from the shop?"

This took her by surprise. She squeezed her hold on the stick. "N-Not entirely."

"I never met a woman like you. You're not afraid to speak your mind, even if people may not like it. The women I'm used to are usually quiet and keep to themselves."

A blush made way on Laureana's face, and she looked away. She suddenly felt something pull her stick. "I think I got something!"

Luke helped her by holding the wooden pole. His hands were over hers. Her back was on his chest. "I know you can't strain your arm and shoulder much, so let me help you!" He firmly gripped her hands and motioned her to pull up. The fish splashed up from the river waters and tried to get off the hook. "By golly, it's a big one, strong fella too!" The giant fish tried pulling away. Laureana noticed that Luke had a decent-sized knife attached to his belt. She let go of the stick and grabbed the blade, taking it off him. "What the heck are you doing!?"

She threw the knife with precision, hitting the fish; she cheered. "I am good at this!"

"That's not how fishing works, young lady."

"Don't be jealous of my skill. You'd rather struggle. I'd rather do it the easy way."

The stabbed fish was pulled up; Laureana bent to get a hold of it. Luke watched in amusement as he thought of an idea. He walked behind and pushed her to the river. The currents were not as strong when Laureana fell onto the water, drenching her; Luke laughed. "What the hell was that for, Gringo!"

"Couldn't help myself!" She threw some water his way, but he dodged it. "Got the fish, though. You stabbed it pretty well!" Luke chuckled as Laureana glared at him. Here, let me help you." He extended his hand out to her. She grabbed his hand tightly without warning and pulled him into the river. He fell beside her, drenched. "Geez, you can keep a grudge." Their eyes met, their hearts beating rapidly; they looked away. "Let's get out. We need to dry ourselves not to catch a cold." Luke stood and motioned out his hand; Laureana gently grabbed it as she was motioned back to land.