In front of us is a podium set up and behind it a draped statue that I know is Luisa’s painted pony.
The mayor welcomes everyone, and then he begins to talk about the winning piece. “This work of art truly depicts the beauty of the New Mexican desert and the warmth of its indigenous people. New Mexico is a place of magic, where anything is possible. And Luisa Sanchez truly has expressed that. Without further ado, may I present this trophy of excellence by the Arts Council of Las Cruces to Luisa Sanchez and invite her to say a few words.”
Luisa stands and approaches the dais, walking up the two steps to accept the trophy. She takes it and then leans to the microphone. “Thank you, Mayor Reynolds. I’m honored, and I just have to make one correction. It’s Luisa Sanchez-Hayes now.” She smiles and holds up her ring finger.
The mayor leans toward the microphone. “I stand corrected.”
Laughter rises up from the crowd gathered.
He steps back and motions to Luisa to speak.
“Thank you to the Arts Council. I’m truly honored, and so surprised to have won this. I never expected this.” She looks up at the audience, and a look of surprise fills her face.
I twist in my seat to see what she’s looking at and spot her mother and father standing at the back.
Luisa’s eyes fill, and she blinks, then continues with her speech.
“Forgive me; this is overwhelming. There is one person who I need to thank, one person who has believed in me, who has pushed me to have the courage to share my art, to believe in myself and especially for pushing me to do what I love. My husband, Carson ‘Blue’ Hayes. He’s going to hate my use of his given name. Forgive me, my darling. I love you. More than you’ll ever know.”
She dashes her tears, and the mayor steps up to lean to the microphone. “And now, the unveiling, if Luisa will assist me.”
They step back and together pull the cord attached to the drape and expose the painted pony.
It’s beautiful, and the crowd applauds.
Pride in my wife floods me, and I come to my feet, clapping. My brothers join me, and then so does everyone in attendance.
I glance back to see Luisa’s parents applauding their daughter as well.
Luisa returns down the steps to me and hugs me.
“My parents are here.”
“I see that.”
A moment later, they approach, and Luisa stares at her father, and I hold my breath, praying he says and does the right thing. If he doesn’t, I might just punch him in the mouth.
“My lovely daughter. You’re so talented, and you deserve that trophy.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Forgive me for being a stubborn fool?”
Luisa nods and moves into his arms.
It feels good to see them hug. This is how it should be.
When the embrace ends, he looks at me. “Your husband is a wise man, Luisa.”
“I know, Daddy.”
“I’d like to take you both out for dinner, if I may? I’ll take you to your favorite restaurant, Luisa.”
“The Cactus Flower?” Luisa looks expectantly at me.
“Of course,” I reply and extend my hand to her father. “I hope we can get off on a better foot from here on out.”
He takes it, and we shake.
