The Time Stone, Third Edition (Extended Version)
Chapter 52

At the farm, Mercedes is working in a barn near the house, moving bales of hay from the far end to the center for pick up.

The days passed and became a week, and on the farm Mercedes is already starting to feel at home, somewhat lonesome, but enjoying the physicality of hard labor on her body, and feeling the heat on her brow. “Sixteen bales for the sales.” she says, mimicking Juan Carlos’ words to her, as she sticks the pitchfork into the hay and tosses the hay into a pile. She has rolled up her sleeves of her denim shirt to her elbows and tied her hair in a bun. She wiped the sweat off her brow. “Damn, this is back breaking work.”

“I know, but you look gorgeous doing it.” Juan Carlos says as she turns and sees him with a wife beater on. She stared at him. He stared back at her.

“You always come fast at women like that?” she smirks.

“Only the ones that I like,” he smiles. “You’re doing a real good job here. I think you are the best field hand we ever had.”

“Thanks, I am trying really hard to impress you. All those years of night school for manual labor, but I guess beggars can’t be choosers…” Mercedes jokes.

“No doubt you will be great.” Juan Carlos adds.

“Um, Juan Carlos I saw some people that looked like cops asking questions nearby. Do they know about me?” Mercedes inquired nervously.

“I don’t think so, why?” Juan Carlos asks with a curious frown.

“No reason. Um... when do we eat?” She asks, not able to think of anything else to say.

”Soups been on. Come in the house.” Juan Carlos says.

“Thank you.” Mercedes replies gratefully.

“You’re welcome” smiles Juan Carlos.

Inside the house, Mercedes and Juan Carlos sat at the table and broke bread, while joking about the simple life.

“Sometimes the difference between field work and house work is just a napkin away” he tossed one at her.

“That’s true. I am so happy to avoid both,” she laughed.

“Maybe you’ll marry me and become co-heir to Hernando Farm.” He smirks, and she looked at him with a shocked grin as she lowered her glass in mid sip and leaving behind a milk mustache. “You have a little something.” he gestured with his finger to his lips.

“Oh” she reached up, but he stopped her with his hand “Allow me.” he leaned in and kissed her on the lips and they embraced, continuing the long, passionate kiss.

Mrs. Hernando walks in and stands in awe as she turns her back and makes the sign of the cross. “Oh my God,” she says in Spanish and turns back and sees them still embraced and kissing.