“Take it as you will, what’s your answer, woman? Need to know, right here and right now.”

Aida Emart He turned to Marta. “So, this is the famous hacienda of Marta del Toro?”
“It is.” She hunched up her shoulders and grinned. She loved seeing him. She was so pleased that he was there. She began beating the dust from his back and removed his hat. “You are a mess. You should have let us know, we’d have sent the machine for you.”
“Oh, those things’ll never catch on. I’ll take a horse any day.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Pedro.” She welled up a little. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Are you, Marta?”
“I am.”
Robert moved Rebecca inside and now they were alone. Marta looked out on her land. She was proud of it and proud to show it to Pedro del Calle.
“Here long?”
“That’s up to you.”
“Oh, the United States Marines don’t have a say in it?”
“Not anymore. I’m through. Resigned, obligation’s up and I’m up, finished with them.”
“And now what?”
“Came here looking for work. Know anyone who’s hiring around here?” She reached over and kissed him gently on the cheek. He kissed her back, passionately, lovingly, on the mouth.
“What can you do?”
“Oh, lots of useful things, sail a boat, wrestle sharks.”
“Any good at taming wild horses?”
“Perhaps.” He kissed her again. “Marry me.”
“Is that an order or a request?”
“Take it as you will, what’s your answer, woman? Need to know, right here and right now.”
“Yes.” The Mule Tamer III, Marta's Quest