Laureana finished dressing for the day with the help of Etka and other female servants. It was the day that Luke would become the owner of her family's land. She thought about her choices throughout the night and made her decision. Ekta noticed her thoughtful look. "Child, you are required in your Father's study. Your Mother, Mr. Luke, and other officials are there."

"Yes, let's not keep them waiting." The women walked toward Anselmo's study; every step they took made them feel anxious. Once inside, Anselmo and his wife were face to face with Luke and an official with his four guards. Luke was nicely dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt with a black vest, long black coat, and pants; his hair was well-combed. He was ready to become a landowner.

The young woman stood apart from the crowd and watched as the official stood behind her Father's desk. He put out the paperwork and a fountain pen with ink. "I thank you all who are in attendance; Mr. Luke Bixby has agreed to pay 10,000 dollars for these lands and wishes to keep the workers." Relief hit Laureana; the workers would still have jobs. "Do you both agree to these conditions?"

Anselmo and Luke responded in agreeance. The official gave Anselmo the pen; the older man looked at his daughter. She said nothing as he slowly signed his name on all the documents. When finished, Luke was given the pen and signed his name on all the documents; he was now the owner of the Quinteras lands. Anselmo was given a bag of 10,000 dollars.

The official took the paperwork and looked at the couple. "It is Mr. Luke Bixby's wish that you two are to take your belongings and leave."

Anselmo cleared his throat. "M-Mr. Bixby, my family, and I need another day to gather our belongings. We haven't planned accordingly." He glanced at his daughter. "I know Laureana would appreciate it very much."

"Why, so you can use your daughter against me? I think not. She is allowed to stay, but not you two. You had more than enough time to make your plans. Besides, I asked her to stay with me; I never mentioned you both."

Laureana gasped. "You heard us."

"I heard your conversation last night—every single word. Ustedes piensan que soy un tonto (You think I'm an idiot)." Anselmo was struggling to speak. "Don't worry; I ordered the servants to pack the belongings you might need to go to Mexico last night. Everything is on your wagon. You two are to leave this land immediately." Luke then looked at Laureana. "You will stay here with me."

The young woman was confused because she didn't hear her parents call her. Anselmo and his wife struggled to get out of the guards' grip. "Laureana! Laureana! Do something, anything!" Maria managed to get to Laureana and knelt before her. "L-Laureana, Tomas wouldn't have wanted this! This is all of our home!"

There was no response; Ekta kept Laureana close to her as Anselmo and Maria were being forced out of the house. "You insufferable child! I have always wished that you would have died instead of your brother! I curse that you both will never be happy!" Maria screamed as she was taken away. The couple was taken outside as the workers looked on. Anselmo and Maria's belongings were on the wagon. The guards held out their rifles to make them get on and be on their way. The couple appeared in disarray as they looked at the home they signed away. Anselmo still held the money; he lowered his head like a defeated man. Maria cried in anguish as she went with her husband. The horses were commanded to gallop away from the ranch. The onlookers watched as their former employers went away, never seen again.

Ekta led the official out of the house, leaving the couple alone. Cries echoed in Luke's study. Laureana felt that she was losing strength, but Luke hugged her. "Let it all out."

She slowly put her arms around him and cried loudly. "My family is gone! The only one who loved me is dead!"

"You have me and Etka, Laureana. You are not alone and will never be."

"Why would you want me here?" She faced him. "There is no point in me staying here. I am nothing to you anymore."

It was silent between them. Luke felt his heart beating rapidly. He was trying to find the right words but had enough of hiding his feelings. He gently touched her face and motioned his lips to hers. Their lips touched; Luke kissed her. All the nervousness faded away from his being; he felt complete. To his surprise, Laureana gently wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders; she kissed him back.

They eventually separated, and they blushed. "You say that you're nothing to me; you're wrong. I love you, Laureana."

"Wh-What?"

He gave her a small peck on her lips. "I love you with all of my heart and soul. So, will you stay with me?"

Tears formed and dripped from Laureana's eyes as she hugged him; she felt happy. She still had a home, a future. "Yes, I will stay with you."