One morning, a
couple of days after Christmas Buck made a phone call. Waddie overheard
him talking to a man about a pony. The man he was talking to raised and
trained roping ponies. Buck asked if he and his nephew might drive out
that morning, meet him, his family and take a look at his stock. The
man was Dan Justin. Dan and his wife Jimmy Sue bought the ranch next to
Morgan's and moved in the same day Waddie was rushed to the hospital.
"Come on,
cowboy," Buck hollered to Waddie, "come take a ride with me out to the
Justin place. I need to see a man about a horse. You can meet their
boy. Wha'd ju' say his name was?"
"George Gipson
Gentry Justin." Waddie replied.
Waddie was all
for it as long as he didn't have to stop by Morgan's place. He knew you
couldn't see any of the buildings on the Justin place from Morgan's
except an old barn that was almost on the property line at one time. It
was still in fair shape, and was used for storage as late as a couple
of years ago. He and his Uncle Buck took Buck's pickup truck. It
wasn't a new truck, but it wasn't an old truck either. She was a mature
lady, as Buck described her. She definitely had personality. Buck name
it Bertha May Come-a-long. Waddie shortened it to Bert, and then Buck
started calling her Bertie because he insisted 'it' was a 'she.' Pa
Claymore decided to call her Bertie May Bendover because she'd been
rear ended, and the step bumper near the tail pipe was askew. Poor
thing, she got so paranoid she didn't know what to answer to.
It was really
cold for Christmas, but the two days following were beautiful and much
warmer. It was still cool enough to wear a light jacket. Waddie wore a
pair of his new jeans, a nice western shirt, his boots and was ready to
go. He saw his uncle with his enormous felt hat on, and marveled at how
handsome he looked in his western clothes. He wanted to look just like
him. 'That's the way a man should look,' he thought. Buck looked at his
little buddy.
"Grab your hat,
Son. If we're gonna' be cowboys, we gotta' start looking like cowboys."
Waddie liked that idea and ran to get his hat. It was the same color as
his uncle's, and he thought he looked really hot in it. He did.
When he and his uncle stood in front of the mirror they got a shock.
Buck looked at Waddie in the mirror and back at himself. Waddie looked
at his uncle and back at himself. Neither could believe what they were
seeing in the mirror. They turned slowly to look at each other and
looked back in the mirror. Neither wanted to say anything because they
weren't sure what the other was thinking. They turned away from the
mirror and walked half dazed out the door. They got downstairs and Ma
and Pa Claymore were having coffee in the living room. When Buck and
Waddie entered the room Buck's parents were visibly shaken.
"Hoe-leey shit!"
said Pa Claymore and he never cursed around his wife. That was unusual.
"You guys wait here a minute while I grab my camera, I gotta' get a
picture of this."
"Co’mer,
darlin,'" Ma Claymore motioned to Waddie. She had a pair of small
scissors in her apron and cut several loose strings from his jeans and
shirt. Pa Claymore returned with his camera and sat down for a minute.
"Mom,— Dad,—
Waddie and I couldn't believe what we were looking at in the mirror.
Neither of us believed it. You had the same reaction we did. Waddie
hasn't said a word. What did you think when we looked in the mirror
upstairs, cowboy?"
"Like I was
looking at a wallet size photo of you, Uncle Buck."
Pa Claymore took
them outdoors where the light was better and took several shots of the
two of them. In one shot Buck's holding Waddie in his arms looking at
him and Waddie's looking at Buck. Everyone who saw the picture asked
for a copy.
Buck and Waddie
took off for the twelve miles to the Justin ranch. They were in great
spirits. Buck was in one of his playful moods, and Waddie knew he had
to stay on his toes because you never knew when the bullshit would
start to fly. He had to admit, though, he loved Buck more than ever
when he was in one of these moods. He'd let his little boy come out and
play with his buddy. They'd laugh and giggle at the damnedest things.
Waddie was learning fast how to sling a little bull himself. His uncle
had to check himself 'cause he wasn't really sure whether the kid was
serious or not. Today, Waddie couldn't be serious about anything.
"You know why
cowboy hats are turned up on the sides, honcho?" Buck asked him. Waddie
knew that grin.
"No, Sir, Uncle
Buck, why?"
"So three or
more can ride in a pickup."
Waddie thought
that was funny. One of his uncle's better tries. He laughed and giggled
almost all the way to the Justin place. They pulled in, up and around
in behind the house. Dan Justin, his wife and boy came out the back
door to greet them."
"How do, Mr.
Justin,— Mrs. Justin,— I'm Buck Claymore and this here good looking
cowboy's my nephew, Waddie Lovejoy."
"Call me Dan,
Buck, and it's good to meet you, young man." Waddie shook Mr. Justin's
hand.
"Good to meet
you, too, Mr. Justin,— Mrs. Justin." Waddie was polite but
he couldn't take his eyes off their boy. He knew he was his new buddy
and his heart almost jumped out of his body. Waddie thought he had to
be the best looking kid he'd ever seen. He walked slowly toward the boy
and George Gipson Gentry Justin stuck out his hand to shake Waddie's.
The three adults were watching intently to see what would happen.
"Hi, Waddie, I'm
George."
"No you ain't!"
Waddie said slowly but determined with all the love from his heart his
words could muster, "You're my best buddy,— my brother,— you're
'Gip!'" and with that Waddie took Gip in his arms, hugged him to him
then spoke quietly with conviction.
"You don't shake
your brother's hand, Gip, you give him a hug, a kiss then tell him you
love him. You're gonna' be my best buddy, Son." Waddie kissed the
boy on his cheek, "I love you, Gip. I'm so damn glad we finally got to
meet each other."
Gip didn't know
what to do, but he was so taken with Waddie's openness and strength of
resolve he fell under Waddie's spell. Gip melted into his arms. He
didn't know why he was compelled to return this boy's unusual greeting,
but he could sense nothing but love and gentleness of purpose emanating
from the young cowboy who held him. Waddie held him tight enough to
surround him with his love but not so tight he felt consumed or
threatened by such an expression. Gip surprised himself when he hugged
Waddie back, kissed him on the cheek, and heard his own words come
freely from his heart.
"I love you,
too, Waddie,— and you can't know how glad I am you're here. What took
ya' so damn long?" They both chuckled.
Gip never said
those words to anyone and meant them more than he did at that moment.
He knew he loved this cowboy and he knew his cowboy,— his brother,— his
new, best buddy, Waddie, loved him. There was no doubt in his mind.
'After all,' he thought, 'cowboys don't never tell no lies.'
Waddie had to be
the best looking young cowpoke Gip ever saw. Here he was calling him
buddy and calling him by the first part of his second name. 'Why the
Hell didn't I think of that?' Gip thought to himself. 'That's the name
I want to be called. I'm not a 'George,' I'm my best buddy's new best
buddy ,— his brother,— and, by God.— if he wants to call me 'Gip,' he
can. Hell, this kid could call me 'flapjack' if'n he wanted to.' At
that moment he knew he never wanted to be called anything else but
'Gip.' It might take some convincing with his parents but they were
good and understanding with him. If he truly felt strongly about
something, they'd at least listen and discuss it with him. They weren't
unreasonable.
The three adults
were dumbfounded as the two boys walked away, arms around each other,
deep in conversation. They seemed like two old friends who had only
been apart for ten minutes and picked up their conversation where they
left off. A tear rolled down Dan Justin's cheek.
"Well, I'll,...
be,.... damned!" said Dan Justin in awe, "Did ju' see that, honey? What
do you make of that? I swear I ain't never seen anything like that
before in my life. That was amazing. You say Waddie's your nephew,
Buck?"
"Yes, Sir, but
we're not blood relation. He's my best friend Morgan Lovejoy's boy.
Morgan owns the ranch next door." Buck motioned with his head.
"He's Mr.
Lovejoy's son?" Jimmy Sue asked Buck.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"When you got
out of the truck, we thought he was your kid. What'd I say to you, Dan?"
"She laughed and
said, well if it ain't big Buck and little Buck. I thought he was your
kid, too." Dan supported Jimmy Sue.
"We're getting
that a lot lately. My parents damn near had a fit when we came down
stairs wearing our cowboy clothes. My pa ran and got his camera and
took several pictures."
"We've been so
worried about George because he's been withdrawn and depressed since we
moved here. He moaps around all day not doing much of anything. He used
to follow me around like a puppy dog and help me. Now I can't get him
to do much of anything. This move took him away from all his friends in
the other town we're from, and he doesn't have anyone to play with out
here. I've never seen him welcome someone into his world like that
before. He's usually guarded, reserved and standoffish until he knows
them a little better."
"He ain't never
met Waddie before," Buck laughed, "he has that effect on people. If
that kid decides you're gonna' like him, there ain't nothing you can do
about it." Buck laughed, "The night I walked into that hospital room
and his eyes met mine, it was all over. I fell in love with the kid
right there. I knew I had no choice but to see that kid's life was set
right."
"Hell, Buck,
looks to me like those two've known each other all their lives. Look at
'em. They can't talk to each other fast enough and can't take their
hands off each other." said Dan Justin seemingly thrilled the two boys
were off and running in a new friendship.
"Dan,— Jimmy
Sue,— I think we witnessed something very special here today and to be
honest that was the main reason for coming out here was to get them two
together. Waddie needs a buddy his age to relate to, and it would
appear your boy does, too. I don't mind bragging about Waddie 'cause he
ain't my kid, but your boy couldn't have no finer young man for a
buddy. I expect to have kids of my own one day but I doubt I'll love
them any more'n I do that boy. Not because he's my best friend's, my
brother's child, but because of who his is. There's an old man inside
that five year old body. I also came out here to see the ponies but
this needed to be done."
"Well,— come on
in the house, Buck, and have a cup of coffee,— a beer,— or whatever you
want."
"Iced tea, Jimmy
Sue?" Buck asked her.
"No problem,
Buck."
They sat down at
the kitchen table and Buck started.
"Well,— you may
have to get use to a new name for your boy. I can promise you after
today he won't answer to George no more." They both looked puzzled and
Buck explained. He told them the whole story of Waddie's near death
experience, the angel telling Waddie about the boy who was moving into
the ranch next door, what his name was, and Waddie would call him 'Gip.'
"His middle name
is Gipson, right?"
"How ju' know
that, Buck. Nobody 'round here knows his full name."
"I sure as Hell
do! It's George Gipson Gentry Justin." Buck thought Jimmy Sue was going
to drop the sugar bowl and Dan choked on his iced tea.
"The angel told
Waddie his name, and we've known it now for over two months. That boy
talked to an angel, and it was the same angel who saved my life on Iwo
Jima. The angel who helped me, told me his name, and the night I met
Waddie he told me he talked to an angel who said he was a friend of
mine. He whispered the name of the angel who saved me and he was right.
How could a five year old kid know that? I didn't tell anybody that
story since I got back. I thought people would think I was crazy." They
both shook their heads.
"But,— I'll tell
you what,— my life changed after that angel touched me, and the only
way I could describe to you how I felt was,— I was blessed. He told me
I couldn't die, I had a son to live for. Sure 'nuff,— I no sooner got
home than Morgan asked me to be Waddie's Godfather. Hell,— he even
named Waddie after me. His middle name's Claymore."
"You know what,
hon?' Jimmy Sue asked her husband, "I know George was your dad's name
but I sure like the name 'Gip.'" Dan looked at his wife kinda funny
then smiled.
"Yeah,— so do
I." he kind of reluctantly admitted, "'Sides,— how many cowboys you
know named George? I guess we could leave it up to him. Hell,— if left
up to me, I'd rather be known as 'Gip' than just plain George myself.
I'll be honest with you, honey, I sometimes regret giving him that
name. Dad and I never got along very well, and I gave him dad's name to
try'n bridge the gap between us. Never did, my old man went to his
grave hating me. I'm beginning to believe a kid's name could possibly
shape his personality. If that's true, I sure as Hell don't want him
ending up a bitter, hateful old man like my dad. I certainly wouldn't
have any problem with it. Let's wait and see what he says. See if he
asks us to start calling him that." Dan Justin told his wife.
"They start
school this year together. At least they'll have each other to help
them adjust." Jimmy Sue added.
"How long's
Waddie staying with you, Buck?" Dan asked.
"Well,— maybe
you've heard,— Linda Sue Davenport and I are engaged. We're getting
married the second weekend in June. Morgan ask me a couple weeks ago,
before Christmas, if I'd mind keeping Waddie 'til we got married. I
told him it was more'n fine with me. He could leave him longer if he
wanted.
My parents treat
him better'n they treated me. My dad lets him do things he'd never let
me do. He spoils him rotten. That's not bad, because the kid could do
with a little spoiling from the life he's been living. Ma and Pa would
gladly take care of him 'til Linda Sue and I got back from our
honeymoon.
Then there's
Waddie's grandparents, the Lovejoys, who haven't gotten to see much of
Waddie 'cause Morgan's wife, Judy, hates them and won't let Waddie see
them. They've seen more of Waddie since he's been with me than they
have in the last five years, and they idolize the kid. Morgan wouldn't
care if'n he stayed a week with them.
Linda Sue's
fallen in love with him, and she wants him to live with us. I'd have no
problem with that whatsoever. I'd raise that kid as my own if Morgan
would let me; but, Waddie has a say in this, too, and for all we've
come to mean to each other, he misses his dad. He may choose to go back
and live with him. I ain't gonna' try to influence the boy one way or
another." Buck was quiet for a minute, "Would you folks like me to tell
you another lie?" he asked Dan and Jimmy Sue with a big grin. They all
three broke up at Buck's honesty. "Has Morgan been over to welcome you
folks?"
"Yeah, he
stopped by a couple of days after we moved in, and told us his boy was
in the hospital. He tried to be up, but we could tell he was worried.
He didn't stay long; said he just wanted to be neighborly and welcome
us. It was nice of him. We appreciated it. We haven't met his wife and
other two kids. We seen 'em from time to time when we drive by. They
never wave or seem very friendly, and of course, we've heard talk. Is
Waddie the boy whose mother gave all his clothes and toys away?"
"'Fraid so, Dan.
I can't say anything. Morgan and I are closer than any brothers could
be. We think of ourselves as brothers. My parents think of Morgan as
their son and his parents think of me as their son. I love his parents,
too. Those folks have been damn good to me over the years. I'd do
anything in the world for them. That's why I have no problem with them
seeing their grandson, and Waddie loves them, too.
I don't know
what's going on in Morgan's household, but it ain't none of my
business. All I know is that boy out there hasn't had an easy go of it.
You wouldn't believe the stories he's told me. I didn't know whether to
believe him or not. Now, I would believe any damn thing that kid told
me as God's gospel truth. He don't lie. You'll never catch that kid in
a lie. He's proved it over and over to me. He's a damn good boy, aside
from what he's been through, and I've come to love him as if he were my
own. Well, you'll see for yourselves. He'll charm the dickens out of
you. You can't help but love the little guy."
Buck went on to
tell Dan and Jimmy Sue what happened Christmas, and Jimmy Sue was in
tears. She couldn't imagine what that poor little boy had been through.
* * * * * * *
Dan, Jimmy Sue,
and Buck sat and talked for almost two hours. After a while Dan
suggested he show Buck his stock. The two men left the house and headed
toward the newer of two large barns on the property.
Dan Justin was
quite a bit smaller than Buck, but he was a lean, sturdy built man who
had hard muscles from ranch work. He was several years older than Buck;
just enough to carry himself with middle age maturity. Even
though there was no doubt Dad was a man of the soil he lived his life
humbly with quiet dignity. He had an inner strength to his personality
that made Buck feel comfortable around him. He also found Dan an
attractive man.
Buck found
himself drawn to Dan because of their common interest in roping and
rodeoing. Of course, Dan heard all the talk about Buck Claymore,
war hero. He was impressed Buck was a down to earth person he could
readily relate to. He showed Buck his stock and pointed out several
ponies he thought were intelligent and going to make good roping
ponies. Waddie and Gip fell in behind the two men still talking up a
storm. Buck turned around and looked at them, then smiled and winked at
Dan.
"What 'chu men
talk'n about, Son?" Buck asked Waddie.
"I's just
telling Gip about the rope you gimme' for Christmas, Uncle Buck; how
you gave me several lessons, and Quinton taught me some, too. Told Gip
I've been practicing ever’ day. Gip says he wants to learn, too." They
went back to their conversation. Dan turned to Buck.
"First I've
heard about it. My boy interested in learning to rope?" Dan shook his
head in disbelief, "I've tried to get him interested, but he won't even
try. I figure if a kid don't wanna’ do something don't force him. Sure
as Hell hope Waddie gets him interested. That boy 'ud have a
friend for life in me. It'ud make me a one Hell of a happy man,
I'll tell ya' that."
"I told ju'
earlier about me feeling blessed by that angel,— well,— I think Waddie
was, too. I think he's a special little man who’s going to overcome the
hurt he's been through and do great things. If he can't talk your boy
into getting interested in learning to rope, nobody can. He won't try'n
talk him into it. His enthusiasm for anything he's interested in
infects everybody he comes in contact with. Make you a small bet, Dan.
Five bucks says your boy asks you for a rope and some lessons 'for the
days over."
"You're on,
Buck. It'll probably be the only bet I ever make I pray to God I lose."
Dan put his hand on Buck's shoulder and they laughed together.
* * * * * * *
Jimmy Sue came
out the back door of the house and hollered for Waddie and Gip to come
in and have some cookies and hot chocolate. The boys went inside, sat
at the table and enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies. They never stopped
talking the entire time they were there. Jimmy Sue couldn't believe
what she was hearing. The boys had great things in common and obviously
had a deep spiritual connection with each other. She could feel it
flowing back and forth between them. It was powerful and she was
grateful for Buck having brought Waddie out with him.
Buck was right,
she couldn't believe how fast Waddie charmed her. He was polite,
considerate, thoughtful, and genuinely grateful for the least thing she
did for him. 'What more could you want in a kid,' she thought to
herself? She laughed because Waddie kept calling her boy, 'Gip' and her
boy 'Gip' made no effort to stop him. In fact it looked to her like he
beamed every time his new friend called him that. She was impressed by
the strength of character Waddie projected. For a young kid to have
suffered as much as she heard about, his demeanor was one of gentility,
goodness and hope. She had no doubt these two were on their way to
becoming close friends and buddies.
"Waddie, if your
Uncle Buck would let you, do you think you might like to come out and
stay a night with us to be with George?" Waddie smiled at Gip and
winked. Jimmy Sue knew exactly what that communicated: 'She's sweet.
She means well. We'll tell her later. No sweat.'
"I'd enjoy that
Mrs. Justin. Gi... uh.... George and me are buddies, and I'd like to
see him as much as I can; especially, since we start school together
this fall. Do you think he could come in and stay with us an evening?"
"Well,— I don't
see why not, Waddie, but let me ask his dad first,— and by the way,—
you can call him 'Gip' if you want to.
"Thank's, Mrs.
Justin. See Gip, trust your buddy, I told ju’ they wouldn't have no
problem with it." Mrs. Justin had to laugh with the two boys over
Waddie's statement. 'He's probably right,' she thought.
"I do trust you,
Waddie. Until you give me reason not to, I'll always trust you."
"You think
that's what you want to be called, sweetheart? Gip?"
"Yes, Ma'am,
Mom! That's the name, my brother,— my best buddy gimme,'— and I like it
a lot better'n George. It just feels right, and I keep wondering why I
never thought of it? I feel like I've always been 'Gip,' not George.
Like Gip's been asleep and Waddie just woke him up. Think dad would
have a problem with it, Mom?"
"Well,— 'George'
was his dad's name, but you know you can talk to your dad about
anything. Tell him it's important to you, I don't think he'd mine. You
can tell him you have my vote."
"Gee, thanks,
Mom! I don't think he'll mind. He and my granddad fought all the time.
I made up my mind I won't never fight with my dad. I saw what it did to
both of 'em, and I never wanna’ see that look on my dad's face. I love
my old man so much it would kill me. I wouldn't wanna’ live no more."
"George,— you
never told me you feel that way about your dad."
"You're right,
Mom, George would never tell you that. Gip's different, he ain't afraid
to tell anybody he loves his old man." The boys laughed at Gip's play
with names.
* * * * * * *
Dan and Buck
came back into the house, and Jimmy Sue fixed them a cup of coffee. It
was late afternoon, and it was getting chilly outside. She offered Buck
a couple of homemade cookies he readily accepted.
"Buck's gonna'
buy a couple of ponies from us, hon."
"That’s great.
You gonna' train 'em for him."
"I'm gonna' help
him train 'em. Teach him how, and he's gonna' help me with a couple of
projects."
"Good! You
could use some help around here. Buck, why don't you ask Linda
Sue to come for dinner some evening and bring Waddie with you. We'd
love to have the three of you out."
"I'm sure she'd
love to, let me get back to ya.'"
"And you, young
man!" Dan pointed a finger at his son, "Co’mer!" Dan pulled Gip into
his lap and smiled at him, "I like that name Waddie give you. I like it
a lot better'n George. Is that what you wanna' be called, Son?"
"Yes, Sir, Dad.
I's just telling mom, it's like Gip was asleep in side of me and Waddie
woke him up. He’s a different person than George."
"That's good
enough for me, Son. From now on you're 'Gip.'” They all cheered, and
Gip jumped down, ran to Waddie, hugged and kissed him.
"Thank you,
buddy, for my new name. Ever' time somebody calls me 'Gip,' I'll
remember my brother gimme' that name. I love you, Waddie." Waddie
hugged him back and kissed him on the cheek.
"Love you, too,
brother." All three adults had to turn away and dab their eyes at what
they were witnessing. The affection that flowed between the two boys
was undeniable. Dan Justin fell in love with Waddie at that moment.
Hell, Jimmy Sue was all ready smitten with him.
It was time for
Buck and Waddie to go. Jimmy Sue and Dan invited them to stay for
dinner, but Buck hadn't planned on it and didn't want to impose. They
walked Waddie and Buck to the truck. Dan got Buck aside.
"Can't thank you
enough for bringing Waddie out with you. Personally, I hope you, me and
our families have a long and steady friendship. Appreciate you coming
out, Buck. You and Waddie are always welcome, anytime." Dan hugged him,
and Buck didn't hold back his affection.
"You ain't any
more glad we came out than we are. You got a fine boy, there, Dan. One
I know you're gonna' be proud of. Somehow the two of them together,—
well,— I shudder to think what they're gonna' be like in several
years." both men laughed.
The boys hugged,
kissed and told each other their love. Buck and Waddie jumped in Bertie
May and headed back to town. As they passed Morgan's place they saw
Judy walking around outside with Willie. Waddie moved closer to Buck.
Buck put his big arm around Waddie and pulled him closer.
"Seeing them
make you feel bad, hon?" he asked Waddie at seeing Judy and Willie.
"Not as much as
it might have before today, Uncle Buck."
"Why's that,
sweetheart?"
"'Cause I got
some good folks who love me now and with love in my heart I can face
anything, including them. That's what I prayed for, Uncle Buck. He
heard me and answered my prayer. I'm grateful to him for that." Buck
almost had to pull the truck over, he thought he was going to lose it,
but he didn't. He choked back the tears and held Waddie closer.
"You know who
else we should thank?"
"Our angel, Mr.
Urial, Uncle Buck?"
"Yeah, Son. I
don't remember whether I ever thanked him for saving my life on Iwo
Jima. I haven't thanked him for bringing us together and several other
things I've probably forgotten about. What do you say?" Waddie looked
out his window and jumped next to Buck like he'd been shot then started
giggling.
"What chu'
giggling about? I was serious."
"I know, Uncle
Buck, and I wanna' thank him, too, but you don't have to worry none
'bout him knowing."
"Why's that,
Buckaroo?"
"'Cause he's
sitting right next to me, but you can't see him." Buck looked over to
the bench seat next to Waddie and damned if there wasn't what looked
like two butt cheek dimples in the seat, "He said to tell you, he's
proud of you and so's the Old Man. They love both of us."
"Is that why you
jumped a minute ago?"
"Yes, Sir, Uncle
Buck. Damn near pissed my pants." Buck laughed.
"Well, I know he
can hear me. Mr. Urial, I thank you, Sir, for saving my life but more
than that, I thank you from the bottom of heart for bringing me and my
buddy, here, together. I love you, Sir, and I appreciate what you and
your Boss done for me."
"He said he
loves you, too. Now, he's gone. He just disappeared. That scares the
shit out of me when he does that, Uncle Buck!" They laughed together.
The dimples were gone from the seat. Buck had no doubt the angel Urial
was riding shotgun.
* * * * * * *
The Justin
family finished dinner, and Gip was helping his mom clear the table.
Dan got up, put on his sheep lined jacket to go feed and put the ponies
in the barn for the night. He put on his big hat, and Gip spoke to him.
"Dad, can I give
you a hand with the ponies tonight?"
"Sure, Son, glad
to have your help. Grab your jacket and hat." Gip quickly put on his
jacket and hat, and they headed out the door. Dan turned to Jimmy Sue,
smiled and shook his head in disbelief. Gip really helped his dad
putting the stock away for the night. It took them about half the time
it would ordinarily if Dan did it alone. Gip helped him feed and put
things away. They closed up and headed back to the house. Dan put his
arm around his son.
"Thanks, Gip,
for helping me tonight. I really appreciate it."
"Well,— Waddie
started me thinking. I don't want us to be like granddad and you. I
want to help you and let you know I love you. After today I ain't
afraid to tell you I love you, Dad."
"Well,— I love
you, too, Son. I guess I'm partly to blame for us drifting apart and if
you ain't afraid to tell me you love me, I sure as Hell ain't gonna' be
afraid to tell you either." Dan held his boy tighter and thanked Waddie
and Buck in his mind.
"By the way,
Dad, you got an old rope around you'd let me have to practice roping
with? Maybe gimme' a few lessons?" Dan smiled to himself and was never
happier to have just lost five bucks.
"I think I got
one around you can have. Be happy to give you some lessons. Tomorrow be
too soon?"
"Sound's good to
me, Dad."
"By the way,
Gip,— you and Waddie were right. The name,'Gip,' just feels right!"
"Thanks, Dad, I
feel different. Don't know how to explain it."
"I think your
old man understands, Son."
"I had a feeling
you would, Dad."
They got back to
the house, and Gip went in to clean up to go to bed. He was in the
shower when Dan picked up the phone and called Buck's number. Buck
answered.
"Hello."
"Buck, this is
Dan Justin."
"Hey, Dan, just
thinking about you."
"I owe you five
bucks, Pardner!" all Dan could hear was laughter on the other end of
the phone.
"I'm damn glad
you lost that bet, Dan." Buck laughed again.
"No more'n I am,
friend. It was worth every penny. Thanks, Buck, hug that young man for
me and tell him he's got a new friend."
"Will do, Dan.
Goodnight."
* * * * * * *
Linda Sue
called, and Buck got to talk to her all of five minutes before she
wanted to talk to Waddie about his day. They were on the phone thirty
minutes before Buck told him he wanted to at least say goodnight to his
fiancee. Waddie said goodnight to his Aunt Linda and gave Buck the
phone.
"He had a big
day today, hon." Buck told Linda Sue.
"Buck, he never
ceases to amaze me. You never cease to amaze me. Since he's been with
you he's opened up to the world. I'm a lucky woman to be engaged to
you. I can see what kind of father you're going to be, and I couldn't
be marrying a better man."
"Ahww, just
doing what needs to be done, darlin.' And, you know you got two men
over here who worship you. Never forget that, hon."
"Goodnight,
Darling."
"Talk to you
tomorrow, Sweetheart."
* * * * * * *
"Co’mon, cowboy,
clean up time. Then it's time for us buckaroos to bunk it in for the
night; ready?"
"I'm ready,
Uncle Buck" Waddie started toward the shower, stopped and turned around
to face Buck. "Thanks, Uncle Buck, for taking me out to meet the
Justins and my buddy. You did that for me, and I appreciate it." Buck
grabbed him up in his arms.
"How'd ju' know
that?"
"I'm getting to
know you, and know how you are. Mr. Urial and God couldn't have sent me
a better buddy. Besides,— Mr. Urial told me in the truck." Waddie
giggled.
"Well,— here's
where the bullshit stops, Son. Yes,— I did take you out there to meet
Gip, but I also wanted to buy a couple of ponies from his dad; even
gave him a check for a deposit on a couple. Today did something for
you, Waddie. I ain't real sure what yet, but its got to be good. I just
feel it."
"I agree, Uncle
Buck. I ain’t gonna' be so afraid after today. Fear is an awful thing
to live with. I don't wanna' do that no more."
"Can't blame
you, Son. Your Uncle Buck has lived with fear, and he knows what you're
talking about. I don't want you to live with it anymore either"
The two cowboys
crawled into their bunk and were ready for sleep. Didn't take either
one anytime before they were asleep. Waddie dreamed of holding Gip in
his arms and comforting him. Gip was afraid about a lot more things
than Waddie was. He knew he could help Gip and love him. He never felt
this way about anybody before. His love for Buck was rock solid and
would never vary through the years, but he felt differently about Gip.
He wanted to protect Gip and look after him. Gip needed Waddie, and
Waddie wasn't beyond realizing he needed Gip. It was important to
Waddie to have Gip need him.
* * * * * * *
The days started
to fly by. The Justins became closer to Buck, Linda Sue and Waddie.
Linda Sue and Jimmy Sue found they had a lot in common and Linda Sue
asked Jimmy Sue if she'd be a bride’s maid for her. Jimmy Sue was
thrilled and readily accepted. Buck asked Dan if he'd be a groomsman
for him, and Dan, too, was pleased. Buck pulled no punches with Dan and
told him how Waddie and he lived when they were home. That was his rule
when anybody, males only of course, came to visit. He told him about
the monthly poker games, and Dan just howled. He wanted Dan to know, in
case Dan had any problem with Gip coming to visit Waddie because the
three of them would be running around in their birthday suits. Dan
thought it was a great idea and would probably help Gip get over some
of his shyness. He wanted to leave the decision up to Gip but wanted
Buck to ask Waddie to tell him about Buck's rule. Dan laughed and told
Buck if he ever needed a fourth for poker, give him a call. Buck fell
out laughing and told him he would.
Dan had several
large projects he wanted to get done, and with Buck and the two boys
they got a Hell of a lot of things done around the ranch. When Buck
went out to work, he worked. They'd work from sunup to sundown with a
break for lunch. Most times Linda Sue would go out, spend the day with
Jimmy Sue and help her in the kitchen. They'd fix lunch and dinner for
the men, and Linda Sue would help her clean up afterwards.
Waddie surprised
Buck once more. Buck thought he and Gip would be off playing somewhere
while they worked, but they didn't. They both helped. The men would
dirty up an area. Waddie and Gip would come along and clean up. They
stayed right along with Buck and Dan all day long. Dan couldn't believe
Waddie's positive influence on Gip and the change in his son. He told
Buck he was going to steal Waddie away from him and Morgan. He said
Jimmy Sue would back him up. They wouldn't stand a chance. Buck just
roared with laughter. Then he told Dan he wasn't real sure they hadn't
done that all ready the way Waddie talks about the two of them. Dan
laughed.
As the months
went by, Waddie and Gip were practicing more and more on their roping.
A kid learns faster than an adult, and it didn't take them four months
before they were as good and sometimes better than either Dan or Buck.
Quinton went out to work on projects with Dan and Buck several times
and was a big help. He was better than all of them at roping. Waddie
and Gip pestered the shit out of him to give them lessons every time he
went out. Quinton loved the attention. He couldn't say no to Waddie,
and thought Gip was just as wonderful. He thought the two of them,
together, was a perfect combination, and predicted to Dan and Buck in
three years nobody in the state was going to be able to beat them. Gip
shared with Waddie his attraction to Quinton, and he'd had nasty dreams
about Quinton. Waddie laughed and told him he wasn't alone except his
were probably nastier. They broke up laughing slapping each other on
the back.
Gip got to where
he loved to visit Waddie and Buck. He couldn't wait to get his clothes
off. At first he was a bit shy but after running around butt naked with
Waddie he suddenly realized he didn't care anymore. It felt natural.
After the third or fourth time he even stopped staring at Buck. He was
shy about looking at Buck, but he wanted to. Waddie encouraged him. He
told him Buck didn't care. He'll let you feel him if you want to.
"Does he let you
feel him?" Gip asked Waddie.
"He has and I
have. I don't do it much anymore. I'm so use to him I don't pay him
much attention. We sleep together every night. Sometimes I wake
up and grab me big ole handful then go back to sleep. Sometimes I'll
wake up, and he's holding on to me. We don't think about it much. It's
just something we do that makes us feel closer to each other. If we
feel the need we can reach out and touch one another. We're buddies, he
has that right, and so do I. I love my dad, but I ain't never loved
nobody like I love Buck,... until you come along, Gip. Now I love you
as much as Buck only different."
"How different,
Waddie?"
"Well,— Buck's
more like a big brother, and as my Godfather he's also my one of my
dads. You're like my brother to me, Gip. A brother I ain't never had. I
know you're thinking I have Willie. He ain't my brother, Gip.
You're my brother. Don't never doubt it. Someday I'll be able to tell
you what I know, but I can't right now. Just trust your big brother
everything's gonna' be all right, and when things get tough remember I
love you. I'll remember you love me, and it will get us through."
"I love my old
man, too, Waddie, like you love Buck. More now since you and I 've been
working with him and Buck. I find myself wanting to help him anyway I
can to make us closer. I know he's thrilled you and I are getting
better at roping. I'm glad you got me interested. It helps me pass the
time by practicing, and I think about you and Buck while I'm doing it.
I guess I feel the same way, Waddie. Ain't never loved anybody the way
I love my big brother. I don't even haf' ta' say it, you can see it
ever’ time I look at you, I love you, too."
The two boys
hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. Gip looked puzzled and
wanted to ask Waddie something.
"I'm getting
more use to seeing Buck naked, and I don't sneak as many looks at him
as I used to. Do you still sneak looks at him once in a while?"
"Occasionally I
look up at him and admire him, after all, he is a fine looking man.
He'll catch me looking at him and wink at me. Hell, I don't blush no
more like I did at first. Now, I just look at him and tell him what I'm
thinking, 'Damn, Uncle Buck, you're a fine looking man you know that?'
Then I get to laugh while I watch him blush. I look at you, and I
admire my buddy, too." Waddie said with affection. Gip just blushed.
"Awww, Waddie. I
sneak looks at you and admire you, too; all a’ time."
"I know you do,
sweetheart, I've seen ya', but Gip, you don't never have to sneak looks
at me. You're my buddy. Buddies don't never have to sneak a look. Being
my buddy,— my little brother,— gives you that right. You wanna' look,
I'm proud for you to look at me as much and as long as you want."
"Would you ever
let me touch you, Waddie?" Gip asked quietly.
"Course I would.
Being my buddy gives you that right. I wouldn't never say 'no' to you."
"Why haven't you
ever touched me?"
"Wait'n,— " was
Waddie's reply.
"For me to ask
or bring it up?"
"Yeah, little
brother. I talked to Buck about it, and he suggested I wait until you
felt like it was your idea and you wanted to. I've wanted to touch you
ever since the first day I held you in my arms, but Buck was right, he
usually is. It was something you needed to come to on your own. Ain't
nothing wrong with it between two buddies. It's just another form of
love. I didn't wanna’ take the chance of scaring you and losing the
love you all ready have for me. If you never wanted to feel me or me
feel you, I still wanted to be your brother, Gip. I’d still love
ya’ just as much; howsomever, I was a’ hoping you might."
Gip had tears
running down his face, and Waddie took him in his arms to comfort him.
He kissed Gip behind his ear and on his neck until he calmed down.
"Did I say
something wrong, little brother?" Waddie asked gently.
"No. It was just
tears of happiness and relief, Waddie. I've wanted to touch you so bad
since that moment we first held each other, but I was afraid you didn't
want to touch me. So,— when can I touch you, big brother?"
"Well, let's
see,---." Waddie mused to himself, "We be laying here in the all
together,— I'm holding you in my arms up here on Buck's big bed,— I'll
make you a deal."
"What's zat, big
brother?"
"Give your big
brother a real kiss on the mouth,— relax,— put your hand down there,
and grab yourself a big ole handful; but, chu’ gotta' gimme' a good
kiss at the same time." Gip looked Waddie in the eye and saw only the
look of caring and love for his buddy.
"I'm ready,
Waddie." Gip move up slightly in Waddie's bigger arms and gently put
his mouth to Waddie's. He closed his eyes and felt himself falling into
Waddie's love. He slowly moved his hand down his big brother's side,
over his stomach, and rubbed the surface of his cock. Gip reached
further to examine Waddie's tight little sack underneath. Slowly,— as
if Waddie's dick was a holy relic, he grasped it and felt its fullness
as the blood began to fill Waddie's dick.
The door opened
to the room, and in walks Buck. Waddie and Gip didn't even look up.
They knew it was Buck, but he wouldn't care. They were right, but it
didn't stop the big man from grabbing a couple of tissues to wipe his
eyes and blow his nose. He knew Waddie wanted this closeness with his
buddy for several months, and he was finally getting to experience it.
He was happy for him. He was happy for both. He knew how important this
would be to them. The boys broke their embrace, looked up at Buck and
smiled. They didn't jump to cover themselves or move apart. Waddie
motioned for Buck to sit on the bed with them and he did.
"Sorry, Uncle
Buck. You caught us at a moment that was kinda important to us, and we
didn't want to lose it."
"I could tell."
said Buck. "I'm sorry I interrupted you, but I'm pleased you didn't
feel self-conscious and try to jump apart. Tells me you trust me enough
to understand, and that means a lot to this old cowboy.
"I knew you'd
understand, Mr. Claymore." said Gip, "course my big brother held me
tight to let me know it was all right, not to worry."
"What say, you
men help me set up that bedroom 'cross the way there. Then if'n you two
men feel like you want to be private with each other, you can go in
there, and that'll be off limits to anybody but me. I won't disturb you
unless it's important. I'll knock first and wait for you to answer. You
men are growing up, and you deserve some privacy."
Waddie and Gip
helped Buck fix the bed, arranged the furniture in the other bedroom,
and they made it quite comfortable. Buck made it clear they could sleep
in there together or still sleep with him; whatever they chose to do.
The boys chose to sleep with Buck a lot. Gip loved to sleep in between
the two men he had come to adore and finally got to where he had no
qualms about grabbing a handful of Buck in one hand and a handful of
Waddie in his other. Many mornings Buck and Waddie would wake up, wink
at each other as Gip still slept holding on to both for dear life.
Waddie would roll over, take Gip in his arms and kiss him on the neck.
Gip would let go of Buck, curl up in his buddy's arms and go back to
sleep still holding on to Waddie's dick like an airplane throttle.
Waddie would lay there awake holding his little brother until he awoke
in his arms. Gip would reach up and kiss Waddie gently on the mouth for
good morning, but he wouldn't let go of Waddie's dick.
That was his
right, and he was exercising that right. He liked to wake up in
Waddie's arms and have him pet him until the fog cleared from his
brain. He couldn't remember a time in his young life when he'd been
more at ease, comfortable, happy, and not afraid. With more
strength of purpose in his life than ever before, he was looking
forward to school with his big brother. He wasn't afraid of it anymore.
Dan and Jimmy
Sue Justin couldn't believe the change in their boy. He was coming out
of his self-imposed shell, was more open to them, and didn't hesitate
to tell them separately or together how much he loved them. Buck was
right, as he usually was according to his number one fan, being nude
around a bunch of guys would make you more well met and communicate
more freely when you had clothes on. You got over being shy with
people, and Gip was growing every day. So was Waddie.
Buck began to
not worry so much about Waddie returning to Morgan's if he chose to. He
had grown up so much in five months in every way. He was shooting up in
height, and Gip was right behind him. Waddie would always be bigger
than Gip, but Gip was not going to be a small man. Jimmy Sue's dad was
a big man over six foot four. Dan's dad and granddad were all taller,
bigger men that he was. Dan took after his mother's side of the family,
but she was small. Dan was not a small man where it counted the most.
Waddie and Gip were thrilled to discover at one of Buck's monthly poker
games he was slightly bigger than Quinton. Suddenly, Dan became their
hero, and he loved it. He wasn't unaware of why either. He subsequently
became a regular to the monthly poker game.
Gip told Waddie
he'd never seen his dad nude before, and was a little nervous the first
time his dad took his clothes off; but, after Dan held his arms for Gip
to come to him there never was any fear after that. Dan would even
shower with his son once in a while, and Gip loved it. Waddie
explained to Gip about foreskins, and taught Gip how to clean and take
care of himself. Nobody told him how to do it because Dan was
circumcised. One evening in the shower Gip asked his dad why he hadn't
been circumcised.
"Because I
always felt it was unnatural to cut away anything from a man unless he
was given a choice. My dad had me circumcised when I was a baby. I
never had a choice. I didn't want that for you. I wanted you to make up
your mind whether you wanted to be or not. Because I don't have skin
covering the head of my penis it rubs in my pants and underwear and
becomes desensitized. I don't have the same feelings you do when you
pull the skin back. You know how sensitive yours is. It may not seem
important right now; however, later, when you grow up and began to have
sex it becomes very important. I just wanted more for you Gip than I
got in life. I guess that's every dad's dream for his son."
Gip grabbed his
old man in the shower, hugged him and kissed him.
"Thanks, Dad. I
love you for that. Hell, I love you for a lot of reasons, but that
one's special." Dan Justin was glad they were in the shower, and his
son couldn't tell the shower from his tears. He talked to Buck about
showering with Gip, and Buck told him Waddie and he always showered
together. He makes sure Waddie gets clean, and Waddie scrubs his back
for him. Dan thought it might bring him and Gip closer together. Buck
was right, and Dan thanked God several times he had that talk with him.
Dan and Gip began to grow closer, as close as any father and son could
be, and Waddie was always included. Jimmy Sue couldn't believe the
change in her men. She reaped the rewards of their affection, and Gip
had never been so thoughtful and helpful.
"Waddie taught
me how to clean myself real good and take care of my dick. He's not
circumcised either. He didn't know 'til Buck taught him." Gip told his
Dad.
"You've learned
a lot from that boy. He's a good boy. I know you love him, Son."
"I won't lie to
you, Dad. I love Waddie like I never loved anyone 'cept'n' you and mom."
"Truth be known,
Son. I think of him as your brother. I love him that much."
"Well, I know he
loves you, Dad. He thinks the world of you. He says if he decides to
move back to Morgan's it will only be because he'll be closer to me,
you and mom. He told me, ‘With your dad next door I won't be so
afraid.’"
"I'd do anything
in the world for that boy, Son."
"He knows it,
Dad. He feels the same about you."
The five months
of running with Buck , Quinton, and Dan Justin forced a growth spurt in
the boys. The two boys attitudes and states of mind were highly
influenced by Buck and Dan. Dan had a firm reality about what was right
and wrong, and wasn't shy about sharing it with the boys. He came to
accept Waddie as Gip's brother, and what lecture went for one, went for
the other. It only made the boys fall more in love with Dan, and
Waddie felt more included. Dan treated Waddie like he was his son.
Dan worked with
Buck and taught him a lot about training roping ponies. The two ponies
Buck bought from him were trained to be first rate ponies. The were
gentle enough Dan and Buck began to let Waddie and Gip start learning
to ride. The ponies were around Gip and Waddie almost every day, and
they spoiled them rotten. They always had an apple or a carrot for
them. They were intelligent and sensitive animals. They knew when
the boys were aboard, and rode them with care.
Morgen was
seeing Waddie more and more. He'd come to the Justin ranch once in a
while to be with everyone. He helped quite a bit on a few of the
construction projects. It seemed to do him good to get away from the
wicked witch of the west and her trained monkeys. Buck and Linda Sue
took Waddie and Gip to see the "Wizard of Oz." Waddie remarked to
Buck the wicked witch's castle looked a lot like Morgan's house. Buck
ruined the movie for several folks he couldn't stop laughing at Waddie.
Then Waddie dropped a bomb in Buck's lap.
"Goddam, Buck!
Look at them green monkeys with them little hats. Looks just like
Willie in his band uniform." Enough of the audience knew Waddie and the
bad feeling between him and his step relations. The whole audience fell
out laughing. Poor Buck had to get up and go to the lobby. Linda Sue
quietly chastised Waddie, but she couldn't help but laugh when she did.
That only made matters worse. Gip couldn’t stop giggling at his
big brother's take on his step-brother. He had to go to the lobby, too,
and then Linda Sue and Waddie heard the two of them bellowing with
laughter in the lobby. That made the audience laugh more. For the sake
of the other folks they decided they'd have to see the "Wizard of Oz"
another night. When Waddie and Linda Sue got up to leave the audience
applauded Waddie hollering,
"Right on,
Waddie!"
"Way to go, kid!"
"He does look
just like Willie."
Years later when
they'd show the "Wizard of Oz" on T.V. the green flying monkeys would
come on the screen, and Buck and Linda Sue would hold each other
laughing remembering that night.
It only took a
couple of months of intensive training to teach the roping ponies to do
their best after a steer was roped. Buck owned them, but was boarding
them with Dan. It was extra work for Dan and Gip, but they didn't mind.
Buck didn't want to impose, so he asked Morgan if he could keep them at
his place and come out to take care of them. He added it might be a
good way to get Waddie over the fear of coming back to Morgan's. Morgan
wasn't running any livestock at the time, and told Buck he was welcome
to keep them there. He'd be happy to take care of them when he was
home, but Buck or Dan would have to take care of them while he was
gone. There was no way he could get Willie to help.
Waddie and Gip
rode the ponies over to Morgan’s, and Buck went around in his pickup
with Dan. Waddie felt good riding the bigger of the two ponies. Willie
had never been on a horse in his life, and Waddie found out he had a
terrible fear of horses. A fact not lost on two very fertile young
minds. Willie didn't know it but he was about to enter the twilight
zone.
Morgan came down
to the barn and greeted them. Neither Judy nor Willie ventured
from the house. Waddie wasn't as nervous as he thought he might be. A
thought came to his mind as he was riding the pony over. This is my
dad's home, I'm his real son. Willie's no relation to him,— yet,— he's
living in his house, and by right of birth, my house. Morgan's house is
my house. He looked at his dad and spoke quietly.
"Don't know what
I've been afraid of, Dad. That ain't Judy's, Willie's or Dorothy's
house. By rights, it's my house." Morgan put his arm around Waddie.
"You're right,
Son. It is your house. They'll never inherit it, but you will. You
decide to come home I have no problem with you setting them straight."
Things went well
with keeping Buck’s ponies at Morgan's. Morgan’s runs on the
railroad stabilized to three days and two nights. He returned the third
day. He didn't mind taking care of the horses when he was home. Waddie
and Buck would go out once a week, muck out the stalls and put fresh
hay down for the ponies.
Waddie was
beginning to put muscle on and growing bigger every day. Buck swore he
was going to be the biggest kid in first grade, and, indeed, he was.
Gip was second largest. They'd ride out the afternoons Morgan was
gone, feed and take care of the ponies. Willie and his mother
never came out of the house to say a word to them.
Buck still
hadn't taken a job. He done some speaking around the state and gotten
pretty good money being a speaker. He would speak at American
Legion halls, grange halls, churches, V. A. hospitals and a couple of
times in the state building in Austin. He was invited to talk
about his participation in the war. He would talk about his part in the
battles and the Generals he fought under. He would tell how the battles
went and how many men they lost. He always mixed the bad with
amusing stories. Most folks thought his talks were informative
and entertaining. They felt they got their money’s worth. Waddie went
with him a couple of times and was proud of his uncle when he heard him
talk. Buck didn’t seem the least bit nervous and spoke in a commanding,
yet understandable voice. He held people's attention throughout his
stories. Folks would line up afterwards to shake his hand and
tell him how much they appreciated his talk.
Buck began to
take on a new dimension for Waddie. He sat there, in one of Buck's
speeches, and tried to imagine Buck giving a speech to run for sheriff
of their county. That night in the hotel room they went to bed, and
Buck was holding Waddie close to him.
"Uncle Buck, I'm
s’damn proud of you I could pop a button on my chest. Ain't never heard
nobody give a better talk than you did. I need to ask you something."
"What's
'at?" Buck braced himself. He was never quite sure what was
going to come out of his nephew's mouth.
"J'ever think of
running for sheriff of our county?" Buck was unusually quiet for a long
while, but Waddie knew he was thinking. 'Is the boy fool'n with me,
setting me up or is there a slim possibility he's serious.'
"Never crossed
my mind, Son. What made ju' think a' that?"
"When I heard
you speak,— saw how you took command of the situation and had them
people,— me included,— eating right out a’ your hand. I looked at you
and just began to wonder how you'd do in a speech running for sheriff
of our county." Again Buck lay there quiet, thinking. He started
rubbing Waddie's back. He was pretty sure the kid was serious, but he
had to make sure. He never knew.
"I know you,
Waddie. We've come too far, and we're too damn close. Most times
I can read that little mind of yours, but Lord help me,— once in a
while,— you hit me a pop fly deep into left field, and I have no
earthly idea where you're coming from. You don't just come up
with something like that without some thought behind it and a damn good
reason. Gonna' share it with your old uncle?"
"I saw them
posters for the sheriff we got now, and no one's running against
him. I've also heard enough talk about him I know folks ain't
happy with him. You're well enough known and liked in our county you
could win, Uncle Buck. You've got good friends all over the place who'd
work their butts off to see you win. I know I would. If not this time,
there's another election after that." Buck was quiet for another long
while.
"Damn, Son! You
come up with the damnedest shit, but,— somehow,— when you stop and
think about what you said, it begins to make sense. Tell you what,—
I'll think about it and ask some folks what they think; especially, my
wife to be, how she'd feel about it. I appreciate you thinking that
highly of me to suggest it. I love you, Waddie."
"Oh, Hell, Uncle
Buck,— you know I love you; always will, but,— chu' know what, Uncle
Buck?"
"What, sweet
baby?"
"You're my
Godfather, right?"
"Yeah, I am."
"What do you
call your father?"
"You know what I
call him; dad or pa. What's this leading to?"
"I want you to
think about something that's important to me. You don't have to answer
me tonight."
"Okay,— what is
it?"
"I'll keep
calling you Uncle Buck but once a day, in private, I want to say to
you,— 'I love you, Dad.'"
Waddie lost it
and started crying. Buck understood, then, just how important it
was to the boy. Buck held him close and lost it, too. How could this
small boy have that effect on him. He could rip Buck's heart out with a
glance if he wanted to, but he wasn't like that. Instead he would say
the damnedest, most unexpected, loving things to Buck anyone ever had.
How could he deny this little man that simple request to say nothing of
having just made Buck feel like a God? Buck barely pulled himself
together. He soothed Waddie and kissed him gently.
"You know the
number of times a day I refer to you as, Son,— it would only seem right
for you to call me dad at least once a day. I would be so proud and
honored for you to, Waddie,— but let's limit it to that so's I don't
infringe on Morgan's right to be your dad."
Waddie leaned
back, found Buck's mouth and kissed him gently. Buck returned it with
the gentleness of a saint.
"Well,— then,
goodnight, Dad. I love you."
"Goodnight, Son.
Peaceful dreams."
Buck didn't let
Waddie go all night. Waddie didn't want him to. He would've gotten
closer if he could,— closer to the big man who loved, protected and
kept him warm through the night,— his other dad, his Godfather.