He suspected that Maria shared his feelings, he was almost certain, but he didn't know how much she loved him. If her feelings were as intense as his, he didn't know if it was a risk he wanted to take. 

To take a risk for love and have her by his side, or lose her. He suspected that Maria shared his feelings, he was almost certain, but he didn't know how much she loved him. If her feelings were as intense as his, he didn't know if it was a risk he wanted to take. 

He tried to push those thoughts out of his mind and just enjoy the moment with Maria. ‘Señorita, what are you doing on Sunday?’ 

‘Mama and my daddy are away visiting my aunt and Manuel is on his way back from the capital but he doesn't get here until Monday, so I will be preparing his room with Rosario and Macarias's help” 

‘Then, you want to go horseback riding with me? We won't go far, just here to the creek”

The excitement could be seen in Maria's eyes, a yes in her eyes, and a hidden doubt in her heart.

 “Let me think about it, and I’ll give you an answer later” 

“Send for me then and I’ll come” 

Once they arrived at Maria's house, Humberto escorted her to the entrance of the house. 

“Well, this is as far as I go”

“Wait for me, I want to give you a present” 

Maria ran inside her house and then to her room from a boot she pulled out a long-sleeved T-shirt made of cotton. Something light for the heat, and practical for everyday wear. Maria had the shirt made and embroidered with different colors and types of threads to paint the landscape of Victoria. Maria ran back to the door of the house with the shirt already folded in a box. 

“It's your birthday present, I didn't forget about you”

“Señorita I can't…”

“Please accept it”

Humberto took the box from Maria's hands, gently grazing her hands. He looked around to make sure nobody was nearby and planted a kiss on Maria's cheek.