In All the Pretty Horses, pages 219-257, John Grady Cole is able to find a ride from Mexican farmworkers in order to begin his mission after being released from prison to retrieve the horses and win back Alejandra. Finally, after seven weeks, he finds Antonio. Antonio provides John Grady with the information that Alejandra, as well as her father, are not home. It is only Alfonsa. John Grady agrees to not repeat what he has heard or reveal his source. Antonio allows him to stay the night in the barn. The next morning he speaks with Alfonsas servents, who reveal to him that she will see John that night. After receiving much hospitality, John Grady finally meets with Alfonsa. She reveals to him that she paid John Grady out of prison. Just as John Grady guesses, it was because of Alejandra and in repayment Alejandra is never allowed to see him again. They all believe John Grady to be a criminal. They believe he stole the horses and they know he had an affair with Alejandra. John Grady further learns that Don Hector protected him from the police, but then conducted his own investigation. This investigation provided the information that it was Americans that stole horses and John Grady had lied about knowing Blevins. Alfonsa has no sympathy for John Grady, as she explains to him her own struggles for love. She has no sympathy for John Grady and Alejandra’s relationship and will not condone it. Alfonsa makes it clear that John Grady will grow to hate her and gives permission for John Grady to see her, although she assumes and trusts Alejandra will keep her word.
After saying his goodbyes to his old companions, he takes a horse and money which was promised to him by Alfonsa to coerce him to leave. Finally, after few days of travel, John Grady is able to contact Alejandra. She is not surprised to hear from him. Although she is reluctant and will have to lie, he is able to convince her to see him. When they see each other, Alejandra is able to receive some clarity as to the truth about John Grady. They are able to talk and share how their lives have changed, Alejandra explains how she was honest with her dad and had told him of her relationship with him. She even explains her sorrowful regrets and her ruined relationships with her family. John Grady proposes to her, but after a night’s sleep, she tells him that she cannot accept his offer. This section concludes with both John Grady and Alejandra solemnly parting ways.