Alex took her hand in his. "You are good, Alondra."
She shook her head. "I disobeyed him."
Alex was quiet a moment, his expression absent as he watched Alondra. Finally his gaze shifted to Carmen. For a moment they looked into each other's eyes. He was probably thinking of Ed and how she had disobeyed him. Finally his gaze came back to Alondra. He lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.
"Do you trust me?"
She nodded.
"Let me bring father in to talk to us. What do you have to lose?"
Her lip trembled and a tear ran down her face. "It is not what I have to lose. It is what he has to lose - his honor."
He nodded. "Maybe. Do you think honor is more important to him than an heir?"
Alex was living proof that an heir was more important to Senor Medena than honor.
Alondra stopped crying and stared at him, obviously considering that for the first time. She shook her head again.
"But it is a girl."
Even Alex had to know that was a major obstacle. And yet, he smiled.
"So is Destiny, and she isn't even a blood relation. He loves her very much."
Alondra gazed at him, hope seeping into her eyes.
"Let me bring him in here to talk." Alex said. "I know you have the courage to talk to him."
Alondra drew a long deep breath. "But his honor."
Alex patted her hand. "I know you love him. Then give him a choice. Don't take his grandchild away without giving him a chance."
Alondra wiped her eyes and looked into his. Finally she silently nodded. Alex gave her hand another pat as he stood.
"I'll be back in a minute." He glanced at Carmen. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to."
Alondra shot a startled look at Carmen, but she said nothing.
Carmen smiled. "You said we were here for her. Do you have a frog in your pocket?"
His eyes reflected humor that didn't reach his mouth. "Thanks."
Alex left the room and returned a few minutes later with his father. Senor Medena's dubious gaze touched on Carmen, Alondra and Alex - and then went back to Alondra.
"Have a seat," Alex said, indicating a chair beside him. "We have a problem and I thought you would like to help solve it."
Senor Medena pulled out the chair and sat down, giving Alex a wary look.