Chapter 21THE ARMY OFFICERS SAT in the front two pews on the right side of the emblematic, gothic El Carmen. Their gold insignias and rainbow medals competed with one of the most ornate chapels in Bogotá. The officers’ rigidity and identical blue-green uniforms contrasted with the gaily dressed cousins and friends of the bride, Mateo’s sister Sophia, the soon-to-be señora Diaz Rojoz Ramos.
‘Mi hija, una señora,’ sighed Luciana, squeezing Mateo’s arm while smiling broadly. However, Mateo’s mother’s happiness was not shared by his unsmiling father Juan, who after many arguments with Luciana, had only reluctantly given his permission for the marriage. There was nothing that the young officer had done to anger Juan. He was a wonderful match, as Luciana had never tired of telling him. The youn
