Cabbage Patch Cowboy By
Waddie Greywolf Chapter
17
The next
morning, after breakfast, Earl D., Billy Bob, and Waddie loaded up to
return to Austin. The morning was different. There was a aura of love
that surrounded the breakfast table the Crenshaw family hadn’t
experienced in a long time. The three departing men were not anxious to
leave. Dad Crenshaw begged Waddie to stay the week with them, and
return the following Monday to travel to Dallas to be with his great
aunt. Waddie seriously considered it, but his voice told him he had to
go back with Earl D. and Billy Bob.
All the boys
begged him to stay as well. Even Sarah told him it would please her if
he considered staying, but she understood he had things he had to do.
She was more convinced of his purposes than any of her men. She seemed
to understand Waddie was being carefully guided. She consoled her men
by telling them Waddie would have more time to spend with them later.
It wasn’t a shot in the dark. Somehow, she just knew.
“Remember,
Waddie," Sarah Crenshaw told him, “you’re welcome here anytime. You
don’t have to call or ask, just come home. We all love you very much.”
“Thanks for the
boots, Son, and sharing with us your knowledge of roping. We have a
great deal to learn from you yet. If you can bring your bother, Gip,
with you, he’ll be as welcome as you are. Don’t forget us, Waddie. Like
your Ma said, we love you.” Dad Crenshaw said as he hugged Waddie for
the last time. The boys hugged and kissed him with a tear in their eye,
especially the smallest three. Shad was really broken up. His dad had
to pick him up to console him.
It was a quiet
ride for the first thirty minutes or so for the boys. They each were in
their on thoughts. They had separate epiphanies about the weekend, and
realized something wonderful occurred within their family. Billy Bob
and Earl D. knew it was not totally because of Waddie, but he had been
the catalyst to make the reactions happen. They all three had a warmth
in their hearts that bound them together in unity. Billy Bob was
driving and turned to Waddie and Earl D.
“I’m glad you
decided to return with us, little brother.” he said quietly with
sincerity. He didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to.
“Me, too,
Waddie.” Earl D. put his arm around Waddie, pulled him close, and stole
a kiss. Waddie started tearing up. He couldn’t speak. “What’s a matter,
babe? Tell your big brothers.”
“I was so torn.
I really wanted to stay but my voice inside told me I had to go back
with you guys. I’m thrilled to be with you, I love you so much, but I
have this hollow feeling in my gut. I know I ain’t hungry. What the
fuck’s wrong with me?” His brothers laughed. At least they got a smile
out of him.
“There ain't
nothing wrong with you, Cowboy;— not a thing! That’s one of the
wonderful things about you is your honesty about your feelings. Think
about it another way. You love us, we’re your brothers, but you love
our family, too. You’re a part of our family now, and after this
weekend you can’t deny it. Billy Bob and I feel the same damn way. We
love the fact you’re with us, but we miss the Hell out of our family
which you’re part of. Does that make sense to you?
We don’t have a
brother who wouldn’t lay down his life for you; they all love you that
much. Dad hasn’t had the time to start teaching the youngest three
roping. You got all three of them actively involved, taught them, and
us more in a couple of hours than dad could’ve in six months. In
essence you’ve brought them on board with the rest of the family. Now
they’re not left out when their big brothers and dad talk roping. Put
yourself in their position for a minute, little brother. All of a
sudden they don’t have to stand on the outside looking in. They can
talk roping now, too. Can you imagine what that’s done for those three,
and it’s because you took the time to care.
Dad never took
Toller seriously. Billy and I’ve known for sometime Toller had talent,
and we even told dad so. Nobody taught Toller how to rope. He taught
himself. He picked up one of our ropes one day and just started roping.
We saw the envy in his eyes as you were telling the three younger ones
how to start out, how to practice, and even, how to think about roping.
Why do you think Toller asked you to make him a practice rope? I
guarantee you he’ll go back, learn all over again, and practice as hard
as the three younger boys. It took you showing dad how much talent
Toller had to convince him he should pay more attention and start
bringing Toller along. Can you imagine how many points you scored with
your little brother, Toller? Billy and I laughed our ass’s off. You
weren’t very subtle making your point, but you were smooth. You didn’t
try to tell the old man, ‘I told you so!’
You wouldn’t
even look at dad afterwards, but we did. You rode to the other end of
the arena taking your rope in, paying attention to what you were doing,
like it was all in a day’s work for a good hand. You should’ve seen the
shit eat’n grin on dad’s face;— like, ‘The little son of a gun nailed
me to the barn door, and ain’t gonna’ say a word.’ He couldn’t fault
you for that. He was wowed and amazed, but he was also proud of you and
Toller. He looked at Billy and I and just shook his head.”
“I’m not sure I
understand the meaning of all your words, Earl D., but I know the
feeling. It feels good.” Waddie smiled as he mused.
“That’s all you
need to know, little brother.” said Billy Bob genuinely. “Now, we got
each other, we’ll hear from our family this week, we got next weekend,
and maybe if we’re real lucky we’ll get to be with our big brother,
Bubba, sometime this week.” Billy Bob finished. Waddie perked right up.
“Oh, God!
Billy,— did you forget to put that jar of ice water in the front seat
to cool this one down?” Earl D. laughed, and got his other two brothers
laughing. All seriousness ceased. They were three brothers off on
another adventure.
The men returned
to Mrs. York’s shortly before lunch time on Monday. Most of the other
athletes had all ready returned. They came bounding down the front
steps to greet their buddies. Phil grabbed Waddie and hugged him.
“Missed you,
cowboy. Told my dad about chu' and he wants to see you rope. We live in
Kerrville, not far from the Crenshaws. He’s gonna’ call the boy’s dad
to see if he and I and my little brother can drive down, and stay a
night in their barn to see you rope. Ben said something about coming
home with me, so he’ll come along with us if we do.” Phil carried
Waddie into the house where Mrs. York was waiting to greet her boys.
She gave Waddie a hug and a kiss to welcome him, and told him the place
was too damn quite without him.
They all washed
up for lunch, and everyone wanted to hear how their weekend went. They
were wowed Waddie and his little brother, Toller, won everything
at the Crenshaw rodeo. Earl D. and Billy Bob couldn’t say enough good
things about their little brother. They told them about how thrilled
their dads were with their new boots, and about Waddie teaching the
youngest three to start learning to rope.
Waddie helped
Mrs York clean up after lunch. He told her he was going to put his
stuff away, and would be back in about an hour to give her a hand if
she didn’t mind. She didn’t. She loved Waddie’s company. Waddie could
barely get his stuff put away. One or another of the big guys was
scooping him up and using him as weight to lift above their heads
pumping up their muscles. He’d laugh and giggle, yell at them to put
him down, but he enjoyed their attention. It was their way of showing
him affection.
Waddie helped
Mrs. York all afternoon. He had the big pots and heavy stuff cleaned,
and put away by the time dinner was ready. She rang the bell thirty
minutes early and they all sat down to eat. There was much lively
discussion around the table that evening. All the men helped clear the
table and after dessert and coffee, pushed Waddie and Mrs. York out of
the kitchen to clean up. They were through in no time. Mrs. York
and Waddie sat on the front porch and caught up on things. Waddie found
out he could talk to Mrs. York about anything, and she always had a
good suggestion or an idea he hadn’t considered. He asked if he might
bring his brother Gip back from Dallas for a night until the Crenshaw
boys could take the two of them down to their family in Bandera. He and
Gip would probably stay a week with the Crenshaws.
“Waddie, as much
as you’ve helped me around here and you’ve not really been here all
that much, it’s all right with me if Bubba stays a number of nights and
certainly your brother. You feel free to bring him. He’s welcome. Far
as I’m concerned you’ve more’n earned another month here if you want to
stay.”
Waddie was
almost in tears at her generosity. He hugged and thanked her for being
so kind and understanding. Mrs. York couldn’t believe this young kid.
Anything you did for him was like he’d received a basket of gold. She
wanted him to stay as long as he wanted. She knew she was going to miss
him when he had to go. She had a feeling she’d see him again though.
He talked to
Agatha and told her the times of arrival for the following Monday
evening. Agatha had timed Gip’s bus to arrive a couple of hours later.
Enough time to run him home, and return for his brother. Because of the
way things turned out and other obligations, he was going to have
to return the following Friday morning. He told her all about his new
family, and she was thrilled he had that comfort and love in his life
right now; especially, the Crenshaw family. He didn’t tell her, but he
had personalized autographed pictures of half the team for her and each
of her daughter’s in manilla envelopes.
Tuesday came and
the boys had to get their minds on classes. Waddie stayed away to
let them study and helped Mrs. York. Waddie just counted on helping her
all day Tuesday, but shortly before lunch Phil came bounding into the
kitchen, and whispered something to Mrs. York. He grabbed Waddie up
again with him giggling and yelling for the big ape to put him down. As
they passed the front door Waddie could see a big plum colored rig
sitting out front, and knew Phil was taking him up to Bubba. Waddie’s
dick immediately got hard, and Phil thought that was the funniest thing.
Waddie couldn’t
help laugh at Phil in hysterics. He released him to Bubba’s big arms,
and they kissed right there in the upstairs hallway to the ‘Awwwws,’ of
all the assembled. His big buddy was back again, and this time to stay
for a while. They were so glad to see each other. Mrs. York was happy
to see Bubba again, and sat an extra place for him for lunch. Billy Bob
and Earl D. were pissed they had classes all afternoon, and then, had
to study afterwards, but they were happy for their little brother.
Bubba was going home for a while. He didn’t know how long; however, he
had vacation coming, and he was going to take some.
He stopped by
the sheriff’s station on the way back through, and took Buck and his
men to lunch at the diner. He didn’t stay too long, but sat for a
while, had coffee, and chatted with Carol Anderson. He asked if it
would be inappropriate for him to ask to take her and Jannie to dinner
some evening, and would they mind riding in a big truck? She assured
him it wouldn’t be inappropriate, and she was sure Jannie would love
it. She was impressed he didn’t ask just to see her, he included
Jannie. She saw how they related the week before, and was
pleased. Jannie hadn’t talked about anything else since his visit.
Waddie was going
to help Mrs. York after lunch, but she shoved him out the door to be
with his buddy. They spent the afternoon talking, making love, napping
and relaxing. It was one of the best, most relaxed times Waddie and
Bubba spent together. They showered together, and Bubba was impressed
at his progress in healing. Waddie told him about going to Uncle Enid’s
doctor and the neat medication he’d prescribed. Bubba was thrilled at
his progress, and pleased he’d been to a doctor. He put more of the
medicine on him. Waddie’s back and shoulder was almost completely
healed. His face was almost back to normal. His rear was still a little
raw, but only one or two small scabs were left. Another week or two,
and he’d be completely healed.
They talked and
decided since Waddie had to be back the following Monday morning to go
to Dallas, he and Bubba would go to Bandera the next morning. The
Crenshaw boys could come down Thursday evening or Friday morning.
Waddie was going to stay with his new family the rest of the week. He
called to ask if he might come early. Ma Crenshaw assured him it would
be all right. They couldn’t wait to see Bubba, too. It had been a
while. Billy Bob and Earl D. wanted to go, too, but they let
their brothers go, and knew they’d have a great time. The other
athletes were disappointed their little buddy wasn’t going to stick
around a while longer, but Phil and his buddy Ben said they’d see him
over the weekend. Waddie and Bubba threw their gear into the truck, and
hit the road after breakfast on Wednesday morning.
It was like old
times with his buddy and Bubba was in great spirits. He was going home.
Waddie wanted to tell Bubba about being close to Dad Franz, but didn’t
know how. He didn’t want Bubba to find out accidentally and be mad at
either Gus or him. Finally he told Bubba about helping Gus with the
Morgans, and him walking Waddie back to the low water damn.
“Did ju’ two
stop by the old barn on the way?” Bubba raised an eyebrow and grinned
at Waddie.
“Yes, Sir. It
was my idea, Bubba. It weren’t Dad Gus’s. I talked him into it Bubba
‘cause I wanted to feel closer to him. I love him, Bubba, same’s I love
you.” Waddie pleaded for understanding. Bubba just howled with laughter.
“I ain’t pissed,
sweet baby. I’m thrilled the two of you had that closeness. I fully
plan to get my old man off by himself several times while I’m home.
That’s one of the reasons I’m going home. I just got me a hanker’n for
the taste of my old man's dick. Sweet, ain’t it?”
“Oh, Bubba,—
like father, like son!” they both fell out into gales of laughter.
They pulled into
the road up to the Franz’s place shortly before noon and all the
Crenshaws were there as well to welcome them. It was almost like Waddie
hadn’t been away. They had a great lunch together, and then, Waddie,
Bubba and Gus followed the Crenshaws back over to their place to put
Waddie’s things away in the boy’s room. Waddie felt like he was home.
The boys were all over him. Jeb, Brant and Shad couldn’t wait to show
him what they’d learned, and how much they’d improved. Bubba came
along. He wanted to see, too. Dad Crenshaw beamed with pride.
The boys had
indeed improved, and Waddie was impressed. He started teaching them to
rope a moving target. They found an old rusty wheelbarrow. They cleaned
it, and oiled the wheel. Bubba, Gus and Dad Crenshaw helped make a
steer head-like contraption with an old broom stick for horns. Waddie
taught them how to rope it walking around it in a circle like before.
As soon as they had that down pretty good he’d push the wheelbarrow,
the boys would run along beside, and try to lasso the head. It
wasn’t easy. In fact Dad Crenshaw and Gus couldn’t hit it the first
couple of times they tried.
Dad Crenshaw and
Bubba were amazed at the amount of joy and good practice such a simple
thing could bring the boys. Toller could hit it every time. He, too,
had been practicing with his practice rope Waddie made for him. He
confided in Waddie, he wished he had an opportunity to learn that way,
so he was going to learn all over again. Waddie told him he and his
brothers frequently went back to the beginning and started over again.
It only improved their accuracy.
The next several
days were like living in a dream for Waddie. He and Bubba took up
residency in the loft of the Crenshaw’s nearest barn. They wanted to
give them a room in the house but Bubba and Waddie wouldn’t hear of it.
One night they were having dinner with Bubba’s parents and little
sister, and they stayed the night in Gus’s barn. They were falling more
and more in love with each other. Waddie couldn’t help himself; neither
could Bubba, but they didn’t care, it felt right.
Gus got plenty
of their love, too. He got it from both his boys. He couldn’t have been
happier. He got sucked off at least once a day by one and sometimes
twice a day by both. Waddie would play lookout for Bubba and Gus, and
then, Bubba would play lookout for Waddie and Gus. Dora and Brenda Lou
hadn’t seen Gus so happy in a long time. He got out his new boots to
show Bubba, and was really proud of them. Waddie made Gus wear them
while he sucked him off. The three of them would go over and help the
Crenshaws with any projects they had going and one day, they helped Gus
with one.
Waddie never had
such a feeling of belonging. For the first time in his life he had
family; real family. Not some make believe, cut throat, back stabbing,
mean spirited crap he had to put up with in Morgan’s world; where one
had to fight for existence. Here he was a part of a greater love. He
loved and felt loved. Here he was appreciated for his talents and the
things he knew. He was held in esteem, and honored for his knowledge
and accomplishments. His love was welcomed.
He said his
thanks to God and Mr. Urial every day for this experience. They were
showing him what richness real family can mean, and how important it is
to all human beings. It didn’t matter he wasn’t born into these two
families. He felt as much a part as any of the boys;— maybe, even more
so because they opened their home and hearts to him, and he accepted
their generosity. The boys, except Earl D., didn’t have a choice. They
were born into the family. He and Earl D. formed a special, unspoken
bond for that reason.
Being part of
Bubba’s family was the easiest part. Gus was so damn easy going, and
loved Bubba and Waddie for themselves. Anything else was icing on the
cake. Waddie was growing closer to Brenda Lou, and they had several
long talks about things. She fell in love with her little brother like
all the rest. She thought his talents in roping were outstanding.
The college boys
decided to wait ‘til Friday morning after breakfast to come home. The
were there in record time. They were so glad to be home you would’ve
thought they’d been gone for years. They were so looking forward to
seeing Bubba and Waddie. When they found out they were bunk’n it in the
barn, they begged Bubba and Waddie like two kids to let them join them.
Bubba told them they could as long as they conducted themselves like
gentlemen. They promised. Waddie loved his brothers, but he wasn’t
about to give up hibernating with his Grizzly.
Dad Crenshaw
couldn’t wait for the weekend. He declared Friday was a play day, and
if they were gonna’ have folks coming to compete they may as well
practice. Waddie roped with Toller and Dad Crenshaw. Bubba and
Gus sat on the corral fence, or in the bleachers they’d helped Dad
Crenshaw build on the far side of the arena. Bubba knew Waddie had to
be good, but he wasn’t prepared for what he saw. He saw his little
buddy change from a small, half-boy, half-man into a cowboy, a seasoned
rodeo competitor. He watched his mild mannered, sweet little partner
change into a fierce and deadly accurate roping machine. Dad Crenshaw
and Toller were perfect compliments to his little buddy, but Bubba
couldn’t help wonder what Gip and Waddie would be like together. He
could only imagine.
It was a hot
afternoon, but the sun finally set. It wasn’t dark out. There was a
full moon. Dad Crenshaw got Bubba and Gus on horseback, they were
playing cowboy all afternoon and loving it. Dad Crenshaw and Gus got
their heads together, decided they’d all ride down to the river, and
swim the ponies. The boys were jumping around for joy, and looked like
Oatie with clothes flying everywhere. They unsaddled the ponies and
removed their bit and bridles. The three younger boys got up behind an
experienced rider. Shad had to ride behind his hero, Waddie. Brant rode
behind Earl D. and Jeb behind Billy Bob. J.R., Cassidy, and
Toller had their own ponies.
Every man was
buck ass naked except for their boots as they slowly rode bareback on
the ponies down to the river. The men would take off their boots before
they swam with the ponies. They wore their boots because of the bull
head stickers all over the place on the ranch. If you stepped on one it
would hurt like Hell.
The ponies had
done this time and again with the men, and no one had to direct them.
They knew where they were going and why. They arrived at the river, and
the men pulled off their boots. The ponies were excited. They knew what
was happening, and they were ready. They kept shaking their heads and
moving their front feet. It was all the men could do to contain them
for the time it took them to throw off their boots. Waddie jumped back
up on Whiskey, reached his arm down for Shad, and pulled him up behind
him.
He asked Shad if
he knew how to swim should the pony get away from them. He assured
Waddie he knew how. Waddie had to laugh as Bubba looked over at him and
Shad. Shad had his arms around his brother, and was holding on to
Waddie’s dick with both hands. Bubba roared with laughter.
“S’matter there,
Shad? ‘Fraid your bubba’s gonna’ get away from ya’?” Bubba kidded Shad.
The other men looked and laughed at Shad. He blushed, but his bubba
Waddie came to his defense.
“You guys hesh
up! If’n my little brother wants to grab ‘his-self’ a big ole handful
that’s fine with this cowboy. You just hang on to anything you need to,
Shad, and don’t be embarrassed about it.” Waddie spoke over his
shoulder to Shad. They all laughed, and Shad whispered his
thanks. The men rode the ponies down into the deep water, and
they started moving underneath them. Waddie swam horses before and knew
the feeling. It has to be one of the most sensual feelings a young man
raised on a ranch or farm can experience; the heat from the big
animal's body, the coolness of the water, and your bodies moving in
consort with each other. They become buoyant, and your body corresponds
with theirs. You’re barely on them. You float slightly on them hanging
on gently to their manes. They have plenty of power to propel both of
you through the water.
Shad let go of
Waddie’s dick as he saw it wasn’t too cool a place to hold onto after
they were in the water. He needed both hands. Waddie grabbed Shad under
his small armpit and pulled him abreast of himself.
“Here, Shad.
Gently hold onto Whiskey’s mane. Don’t pull, it’ll hurt him. Hold on
just enough to support yourself in the water. Shad was frightened at
first but got the hang of it, and was laughing with glee when Waddie
reached over and tickled him. It was his first experience swimming
horses. It wouldn’t be his last.
It was one of
those wonderful, shared, male moments only men did together. It was a
bonding experience with each other and the ponies as well. After
swimming with a pony a couple of times he would do anything you wanted
him to. He became your bonded brother. It said to him you trusted him,
and he could trust you. For the next several days, Whiskey acted like
he could read Waddie’s mind. The rest of the ponies would respond to
their riders the same way. They swam the ponies to the shallows of the
river, and the men let loose. The ponies started to wade ashore but saw
the men were acting like children, and decided they wanted to have some
fun themselves. Whiskey walked up behind Waddie. Waddie turned to pet
Whiskey, but got nudged three feet into the water. Waddie had to dive
in head first to all the men’s laughter. He laughed too, came over to
Whiskey and petted him.
“Got me good,
didn’t chu,’ old friend? Wanna’ swim again? Want Waddie to swim with
you?”
Whiskey snorted
and waded deeper into the water until his feet wouldn’t touch. Waddie
was floating on his back. He wasn’t holding on to Whiskey, he was
swimming alone beside his pony. Whiskey watched where Waddie was taking
him and followed. Waddie made one big circle, and headed back to the
shallows. Whiskey was right behind him. As soon as Waddie could stand
he got a thank you butt from Whiskey that sent him forward again much
to the other men’s amusement.
“I think that
pony loves you, Son.” said Dad Crenshaw.
“Who the Hell
doesn’t?” laughed Billy Bob and Earl D.
“I do, I love
Waddie.” said Shad.
“Me, too.” said
Jeb and Brant.
“Will you guys
cut it out.” laughed Waddie. “I love you, too. Now, lets have fun. Come
on, Shad. Put your hands on my shoulder, and I’ll swim you across.” He
didn’t have to ask his little brother twice, and they were underway.
Well, Whiskey wasn’t being left behind, and started after the boys.
Everyone laughed again. Usually a pony isn’t that attentive, but
Whiskey seemed to have an affinity for Waddie and Shad. He caught up
with them.
“Just lay your
hand on his neck for support in the water, Shad. You don’t even have to
hold on. See what I’m doing? That’s it! He’ll support us and carry us
along with him in his wake.” Shad thought that was a little bit of
heaven. With almost little or no effort he was being supported and
pulled along by Whiskey. Waddie began to pet and talk to Whiskey.
“You’re a good
old friend, Whiskey.” they reached the shallows and Whiskey could stand
but the boys couldn’t.
“I never took
the time to realize you have a big heart underneath all that horse
hide.” Whiskey shook his head up and down like he was agreeing with
Waddie. The men laughed at the two of them. It was almost like he
understood every word Waddie was saying.
“I promise, from
now on, I’ll listen to you more. You’re the better part of this team
anyway.” Whiskey snorted and shook his head up and down again. Dad
Crenshaw was about to shit in the water he was laughing so hard at
Waddie’s conversation with Whiskey.
“You love me,
Whiskey?” The men couldn’t believe what the pony did next. He put his
muzzle right against Waddie’s chest, and waited for Waddie to scratch
his ears and head. That was his way of showing love and trust to a
human. Waddie almost had tears in his eyes as he petted and kissed
Whiskey. Then Whiskey pushed him backwards as hard as he could, and
Waddie fell back in the water laughing his ass off.
From that night
on there was no question who’s pony Whiskey was. He followed Waddie
around like a puppy. Of course, Waddie always made sure he had some
little treat for Whiskey. He talked to Whiskey like he would a good
friend. He’d talk to him while setting up a run, and encourage the pony
to do his best. Waddie would tell him he knew he’d never let him down.
He was always right there, and he appreciated it. He was truly the
better half of their team. They got better and better together the next
couple of days, and no one could deny it.
Whiskey even let
Shad ride a couple of times, and was very gentle with him. Waddie would
talk to Whiskey, tell him exactly what he wanted him to do, and Whiskey
would do it every time. Dad Crenshaw and the rest of the men couldn’t
believe the bond that occurred between the three of them. Even Shad
could talk to Whiskey, and get him to do anything.
It was getting
late and the men swam the ponies back to the other shore, pulled on
their boots, and slowly rode the ponies back to the barn in the light
of the full moon. Shad had a hold of Waddie’s dick again. Dad Crenshaw
was riding along next to Waddie talking to him. Waddie was trying to be
nonchalant, but kept getting harder the tighter Shad held onto him.
“Shad,— Son,— I
know you love your big brother, but if you choke that thing any tighter
you’re gonna’ pop the head right off’n poor Waddie’s dick.” The men
fell out laughing and Shad blushed again.
“Now, Dad, leave
my little brother be. He ain’t hurting me none. Besides, I got the
warmest dick right now of any of you.” More laughter from the men. “I’m
beginning to think Whiskey thinks it’s his new control stick. Every
time Shad moves my dick to the left, Whiskey goes to the left. Watch!
Move it to the right, Shad.” Shad moved Waddie’s dick to the right, and
Whiskey started moving to the right. The men went nuts laughing at
Waddie and Shad.
They got the
ponies back to the barn, and rubbed them down with soft towels. Whiskey
loved the attention. Nobody was in a hurry to put their clothes on.
They wanted to care for the ponies first. Whiskey kept looking at
Waddie’s butt, and knew instinctively something was wrong. It didn’t
look right. He put his muzzle right on Waddie’s ass, and Waddie almost
jumped through the barn roof. He realized Whiskey was trying to tell
him it didn’t look right to him, but it surprised him. Bubba laughed.
Waddie was almost in tears as he gently grabbed the big pony by the
neck and kissed him.
“You’re right,
old friend. My ass isn’t suppose to look like that. Someone you don’t
know wasn’t nice to me and hurt me. I’m getting over it. You can see
it’s healing, and I get better every time you give me the honor of
working with you. Thanks for caring, old friend.” Whiskey snorted and
shook his head like he didn’t like the looks of it, and he was
concerned for his little buddy. Bubba couldn’t believe the rapport
Waddie developed with Whiskey.
The next day was
Saturday and once again the neighbor folk descended on the Crenshaw
ranch. Nobody was interested in making any bets this time. They all
knew how good Waddie and Dad Crenshaw were together and Waddie and
Toller. The other two teams made a better than good showing for
themselves. Billy Bob and Earl D. were hot. J.R. and Cassidy were
staying right up with all of them.
Waddie and Dad
Crenshaw were getting ready to make another run when they heard a huge
booming voice yell across the lot.
“Hey, Waddie!
Hey, little buddy! Don’t ride ‘til we get there!” It was Phil, Phil’s
younger brother Tommy, Phil’s dad and Ben pulling a double horse
trailer. The four of them ran over, and joined the others on the fence.
Billy Bob and Earl D. introduced them to everyone. Phil’s dad looked
like an older double for Phil. His brother Tommy looked like a younger
Phil.
“Thanks for
wait’n, Mr. Crenshaw,— Waddie. Let’s see what you got, little buddy.”
Waddie winked at Dad Crenshaw, and they slowly rode over to their
starting positions. They were ready. The barrier dropped. Whiskey
didn’t even need a nudge from Waddie. He learned to read Waddie’s every
movement. He shot out of the gate like a cannon ball. He no sooner took
three complete steps than Waddie landed his catch, and dallied his
rope. Whiskey felt him dally, and started turning the steer
immediately. Dad Crenshaw all ready made his catch, dallied and his
pony was pulling tight.
Brenda Lou
announced the time as a new arena record. Phil and his brother Tommy
were off the fence, and ran over to Waddie. Phil pulled Waddie down
from Whiskey, laughing and giggling. He hugged and kissed Waddie right
there before God and everyone. Waddie was laughing at Phil’s reaction.
He was patting Waddie on the back. Tommy shook Waddie’s hand and told
him he ain’t never seen nobody rope like that. Pretty soon Phil’s dad
and Ben walked over to shake Waddie’s hand. They were all compliments.
“Hey, gentlemen,
let’s not forget the other half of this team, my dad, here.” Waddie
introduced Phil, Tommy, their dad and Ben to Dad Crenshaw. He welcomed
the men, told them to get their ponies out of the hot trailer, water
them and join the fun. He didn’t have to ask twice. Dad Crenshaw was
really proud of himself and his son, Waddie.
It was a
wonderful day. Everyone had a good time. Most folk started leaving in
the late afternoon, and finally, only the family, Phil, Tommy, their
dad and Ben were left. They were going to stay in the barn with Waddie,
Bubba, Billy Bob and Earl D. Of course, all the rest of the boys wanted
to stay in the barn with them, but Dad Crenshaw told them another time.
If he didn’t get to stay in the barn, they didn’t get to stay in the
barn.
It was a
wonderful evening after a light supper of left overs from all the food
the other ladies brought. They left enough, Ma Crenshaw didn’t have to
cook. Everyone was tired, the next day was Sunday, ther was church to
attend, so they took turns showering in the boys room and returned to
the loft. Phil, Tommy, their dad and Ben were going to church with them
the next day and then head home.
Bubba and Waddie
were the last back out to the loft, and the others were still up
talking. They were all butt naked, but Bubba and Waddie didn’t feel the
least bit shy around them. Bubba had to medicate Waddie’s rear again.
Bubba thought in another week they may not even have to use the
medicine any more. Talk settled down, and the men went to sleep. Waddie
and Bubba couldn’t do much with the other guys there, but they managed
to put some bails of hay between them and the rest.
After the others
were asleep Waddie moved down, took his big buddy in his mouth, and ran
his tongue around the head under the foreskin of his beautiful dick. He
felt a huge hand gently on the back of his head. Waddie took his time,
worked Bubba slowly, and then, he’d stop. He’d work him up again and
stop. Finally he knew Bubba was about to have a fit, and he took him
all the way. Bubba shot such a load Waddie thought he wasn’t going to
get it all down, but he did. Then he cleaned his big buddy up, grabbed
his bandana from his jeans, and gently dried Bubba’s cock.
Bubba pulled him
up in his arms to kiss him, and held him tight. He was going to do the
same for Waddie but Waddie told him ‘no.’ He wanted to do that for his
buddy. He didn’t want anything in return. Bubba made love to Waddie
until he went to sleep with the sweet, lingering taste of bear honey in
his mouth.
* * * * * * *
Church the next
day was pleasant. All the folks of the community were thrilled to have
Bubba home and the two Longhorn football stars. They were glad to have
Waddie back among them, and wished him well. The pastor was back, and
gave another good sermon on the love of families, friends and their
importance to everyone’s lives. He spoke of the healing power of love,
and the power of love to transcend even death. It gave Waddie an idea
he had to ask Mr. Urial about. After the service the two families
returned to the Crenshaw’s for Sunday dinner. Phil, his family
and friend was invited for dinner and stayed. Then they said their
goodbyes and left to return to Kerrville. They had a good time and
enjoyed the comradery of the Crenshaw family, Waddie and Bubba.
The day was too
short. Waddie knew the next day he would have to return with the boys
and immediately after lunch catch a bus to Dallas. Waddie rode a little
with his brothers. He wanted to get the younger ones in the saddle for
at least the feel of going after a huge critter with a relatively thin
rope to catch it. Shad actually landed a catch but was so excited he
forgot to dally his rope, and lost it completely. He was upset;
however, Waddie praised him and assured him it took him much longer to
land his first catch. When he finally did, he forgot to
dally his rope the first five or six times. Shad felt better and Waddie
had him laughing and giggling in no time.
He told them
all, above all the accuracy and quick times, it means nothing if they
didn’t have a good time doing it. Waddie insisted they invest as much
time learning to enjoy roping as they do learning how to do it right.
Dad Crenshaw couldn’t have agreed with him more and told his boys so.
Waddie got Toller to loosen up, and to Toller's amazement it started to
improve his times. He was more relaxed, and having a good time at it.
Sunday evening
Earl D. and Billy Bob decided to give Waddie and his big buddy their
privacy in the barn. They stayed in their room in the house. Bubba and
Waddie didn’t tell them until later, but they were grateful. They were
pretty conservative with their loving. They knew they had to get up at
the crack of dawn, and they were tired. Bubba was going to stay around
home for a while. He didn’t know how long, but he’d keep in touch.
They made love
and Waddie was amazed he was beginning to shoot more each time Bubba
took him, and Bubba was thrilled with his little buddy. He was watching
his little friend become a man before his eyes. It was something they
would share the rest of their lives. It became a solid bond between
them, and Waddie always looked up to the big man who saved his life,
tended his wounds, nurtured him, loved him, and welcomed him into
manhood.
The next morning
there were sad, rushed goodbye because the boys wanted to make sure
they got Waddie back to Austin and to the bus station on time. Dad and
Ma Crenshaw told Waddie to bring his brother back with him if he could.
He was more than welcome. All the boys wanted to see them rope
together. Waddie promised he’d try. Bubba and Waddie pretty much said
their goodbyes when they got up that morning, and promised each other
there wasn’t going to be a lot of emotions. There was one final hug.
They almost lost it but recovered quickly.
The boys were
off, back to Austin as the family waved goodbye from the road.
Again they were quiet, but for a shorter period of time than before.
They pulled themselves out of it, and were the three brothers off on
another adventure. Waddie could tell they were being up for him;
however, they weren’t looking forward to a week away from their little
buddy. They’d grown accustom to his face, and come to love him deeply.
He sort of became the boarding house mascot and all the men loved him.
They were happy for him going to see his great aunt and brother. Billy
Bob and Earl D. asked if there was anything they could do to help.
“Yeah. Call Dad
Dan and talk to him. Tell him you and your family would love to have
Gip come to the ranch for a week. You guys have a break in classes that
week, and will be home, too. I have a feeling he just might go for it.
Then have your dad call Dad Dan and invite Gip to come back with me for
that week. After that, I’ll buy Gip a bus ticket and we can put
him on a bus to go home. I kinda wish Dad Dan and Uncle Buck
would come spend several days with us at your home and take us both
back. I love you guys, my new family, but I miss my loved ones at home
a lot. I have a feeling I’m suppose to go home before much longer
anyway. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me. You’ve given me a new
family I know I can come visit, be with anytime and be welcome. I never
had a loving family. It’s something God gave me because I prayed
for so long to have a family with lots of brothers and a wonderful Mom
and Dad. You’re family is what he gave me, and I’ll be forever
grateful.”
Earl D. and
Billy Bob were quiet. They knew sooner or later they were going to have
to give up their little buddy, but it wasn’t going to be easy. All the
Crenshaws knew it, so did the Franz, but they didn’t allow themselves
to talk about it. They’d cross that bridge when they came to it.
* * * * * * *
They got back to
Mrs. York’s in record time. Waddie’s butt was not sore at all anymore;
although, they were still putting the medication on him. He carefully
packed it away for his trip to his aunts. He had lunch with the men and
Mrs. York. They were all happy for him going to visit his aunt, to see
his brother, but they were going to miss him. They all wanted to know
who they were going to pester when they got bored? Big Phil and Ben
related to Mrs. York and the others what a great roper their little
buddy was, and how much they enjoyed roping with him. They were
impressed.
They finished
lunch, and Waddie said his goodbyes again. He told Mrs. York it seemed
like lately his life was one long goodbye. Billy Bob and Earl D. got
him to the bus station thirty minutes before the bus was to leave. He
told them to go on back, but they wouldn’t hear of it. They were going
to see him off. The final call came for boarding, and Waddie hugged and
kissed his brothers. They both had tears in their eyes and promised to
call Dad Dan, and have their dad call him, too. Waddie gave them Dad
Dan’s phone number, and his Uncle Buck’s as well. He told them to give
Dad Dan their address and phone number in Bandera and give it to his
Uncle Buck as well. He told them to give them the address of Mrs.
York’s. They all ready had the phone number there.
Waddie knew it
wouldn’t take much for his uncle to find the address if he really
wanted it. He knew he could trust their word. They wanted him to stay
away for a while. If nothing else to make Morgan worry. He knew nothing
the others knew. Morgan’s own parents knew everything Buck and the
family knew, but shared not a word with their son. According to Buck
and several others, Morgan was near the breaking point from worry. He
got angry at Buck, and claimed he wasn’t doing his job as sheriff to
find his boy.
Buck reminded
his brother, Waddie was no longer his boy, and to get that out of his
head. As sheriff, Buck did his job by serving the court order to Morgan
that Waddie was permanently removed from his home. Morgan had no more
responsibility for the boy. He lost his son, just like the boy tried to
warn him for several years. Waddie knew Dan and Buck wouldn’t come
after him until Mr. Urial told them to. He also knew the time was
drawing near. He could feel it. He was almost ready.
A visit with his
beloved Aunt Agatha, his brother and another period spent with his
adopted family in Bandera, Waddie knew he would be ready to go back to
those he loved, and create a new life for himself. For all he’d been
through, he thought he was pretty damn lucky. Lots of kids have no one
to turn to. They don’t have a ready made family in the wings like he
was so fortunate to have. He would always have the Crenshaws, and after
his last trial he would have his real mom and dad. But still he needed
the security and love of one man right now, more than all the others.
He needed Dad Dan most of all. His love for Buck was unshakable but his
love for Dan Justin was deep.
He waved goodbye
to his brothers, and shed a tear as the bus pulled out of the station.
He was amazed the bus wasn’t more filled with people. He had a seat to
himself way in the back and away from the others. He really didn’t care
to have anyone to talk to. He had a long trip ahead, he wanted to
relax and think about the wonderful times he shared in the last month
with Bubba and his new family; to say nothing, of half the Texas U.
football team. He came to love everyone of the men. He dosed off for a
few minutes. When he awoke there was someone sitting next to him.
He looked up and smiled at the fine looking man in a white suit.
“I didn’t
frighten you this time, did I?” he asked sweetly.
“No, Sir. As a
matter of fact it’s quite a comfort to see you again. I know you’ve
been with me all along, I really appreciate it, but it sure is nice to
see you. You know I’ve always loved you, Sir. You been s’damn good to
me and my folks.”
“Well, I guess
I’m not too different from you, Son. I like knowing folks appreciate
me. We’re told not to fall in love with those we watch over, but in
your case, I couldn’t help falling in love with you. I’m afraid you’re
stuck with me the rest of your life.”
“I could imagine
worse fates, Mr. Urial. It certainly was nice of you to drop by and
give me a little company on this trip. I only wish I could see you more
often. You make me feel at peace, and help me understand why I’m going
through certain things. By the way, Sir, I’m almost healed from my
dad’s last beating. If it weren’t for you sending Bubba to help me,
you’d be taking me through that light portal.”
“We couldn’t let
that happen. I came to you once you understood we have an investment in
you, and so far you’ve done everything like you promised. I’m proud of
you and my boss is thrilled. I’ve come to you, not only to visit a
spell, but to talk to you about what’s ahead. I can’t tell you what
will happen because of the chance your knowledge might change things
and we’re almost there, Son. What’s going to happen will be your worst
test yet, but I’ll be with you. You won’t feel a thing. I begged that
option out of the Old Man, and he agreed; told me Himself, you’d been
through enough. He winked at me, and asked if I was becoming fond of
you.
Well, you can’t
lie to Him, and I thought it might cost me this job. I told Him the
truth and He roared with laughter. Said He’d overlook it this time. I
think what you told me was right, and I’d forgotten you’ve spoken
directly with him a couple of times. He forgive even me for breaking
the rules. Then again, He made us to be able to love and care. I try to
stay detached but sometimes I just can’t. So you see, you’ve taught me
a lesson, too, young man. For that, I’m grateful to you.”
“Weren’t
nothing, Mr. Urial. I just saw you were concerned, and I wanted to help
if’n I could. You been s’damn good to me, it was the least I could do.
I won’t ask any questions ‘cause from the sounds of what’s to come I’d
rather not know. I trust you to be with me and protect me. I only hope
you can console those who love me.”
“I will, Son,
you know that, but this whole thing is to teach your mother a lesson in
love. It’s going to be a hard lesson for her; however, it will change
her life and certainly your dads. His heart so yearns to have you as
his adopted son, he was hurt when I told him and the others when you
came home you must live with Dan Justin and his family. He doesn’t
understand it’s only for a while. You all ready know it’s necessary for
what’s to happen, and also to fully establish the bond between the
Justins and yourself. You’ve yearned for a closer bond with
them all these years, so the Old Man thought that would be good for you.
You realize the
unconditional love Dan Justin and his family have for you, and you need
that until everything comes to pass. Waddie they love you like you were
their son, so do the Crenshaws. You’ve managed to bring love back into
their world after the loss of their son, Thane. It was a real set back
for Randy and Sarah Crenshaw. They’ve been going through the motions of
raising the rest of their boys. They love them and they’re proud of
them, but they weren’t living to the fullest before you came along.
You’ve become a part of them, and you can’t deny they’ve become a part
of you.”
“No, Sir, I
can’t. Wouldn’t want to, but I was just a’ wonder’n if— ?” Waddie broke
off his sentence, then thought he’d finish, “Naw, I won’t ask. It ain’t
none of my business no how. I’m just a kid and don’t know about things
like that.”
“You love them,
don’t you?”
“With all my
heart, Mr. Urial, I’d do anything for them. You gotta’ know that, Sir.”
“Then, I’d say
it is your business. Hell, Son, don’t do no harm to ask. I’ll take your
request to Him. He doesn’t get mad at any request. He might say ‘no,’
but cha’ ain’t lost nothing by asking.”
“I’s just
wonder’n if He’d let you bring their boy, Thane, to see them for
a few minutes so's he could tell them he’s fine, happy, and they should
let his memory rest. They don’t have to let go of his love, just
know in their hearts he’s all right, and will be with them again. They
feel so guilty there wasn’t more they could’ve done for him. They’ve
never lost trust in Him, Mr. Urial. They still love their Father.
Shouldn’t that count for something, Sir?”
“Well, He’s let
me do that before with some folks, so it’s not such a far out request.
It’s just in their case they never thought to pray about something like
that. If folks don’t tell Him what they want, He can’t do anything.
Since you love them and asked for them, He just might. I won’t promise
‘cause He might think it’ud do more harm than good. I know you plan to
tell them about your real dad, what you’ve been through, and the
miracle that you’ll bring to your dad and mom. Take them and the Franzs
to the barn with Bubba, Gip, Brenda Lou and the two oldest boys. Have
the two next oldest watch the boys in the house. If I can I’ll appear
to them, but I’ll let you and Gip know ahead of time.”
“I’d really
appreciate it, Mr. Urial, and I understand it may not happen. I know
He’s pretty busy, and might not want to do something that unusual.”
“I’ll see what I
can do. You’re faith, Gip’s faith, and Bubba’s will give me a lot of
swing. Also, the stronger the belief within a group like you, Gip and
Bubba the easier it is for me to appear to others. Have them pray
for what you asked. Ask Buck and Dan to pray for what you ask. Have
your aunt Agatha pray as well. She swings a lot of weight with the Old
Man. He thinks she’s a little bit of 'okay.' So do I. I get a real kick
out of her stubbornness of purpose once she’s agreed to take on a task.
Her heart is
really full right now. She was going to surprise your brother; however,
his bus arrives fifteen minutes after yours, so she couldn’t plan much
of a surprise. As it is, Gip doesn’t know for sure you’re going to be
there. His brothers told him you would be and he’s hoping so. It
will still be a pleasant surprise for him. By the way, if you and
Agatha wish, you may tell her daughters your secret. They’ve been good
and faithful to their mother, you and Gip. Well, cowboy, you have a
rest stop coming up in a few minutes. I better go and let you bleed
your lizard.” Mr. Urial winked, and Waddie fell out giggling at the big
angel.
“That’s funny,
Mr. Urial. You heard!” he winked back at Mr. Urial.
“Of course, I
was right there. Like to have laughed my ethereal ass off at you
telling Bubba your stories. Even in the truck stop I couldn’t help
laughing. You’ve brought me a lot of joy and happiness, Son. That’s why
I love you. See you again soon, my friend.”
“Love you, too,
Mr. Urial. Goodbye and thanks for the visit.”
Waddie slept
longer than he thought. This was the last rest stop before Dallas. Only
another hour away.
His bus pulled
into the station right on time and he could see Aunt Agatha waiting for
him. He bounded down the steps of the bus and saw an enormous smile on
his aunt’s face. He was in her arms in a second, and they both shed a
few tears. Her daughter Clara was with her. Waddie gave her a hug and a
big kiss on the cheek.
“Young man,
you’ve really grown. You’ve got to be a foot taller than when we
visited for the holidays. Don’t you think, Clara?” his Auntie Boo asked
her daughter.
“I would say so,
Waddie. You really have grown. Momma always hates to see her nephews
and nieces grow up.”
“My brother’s
bus is due in fifteen minutes, right Auntie.”
“Well, yes, how
did you know? Now, why did I ask you that? Somehow, I all
ready know.”
“Yes, Ma’am, I
had the whole back of the bus to myself. I had a visitor ride and talk
with me for sometime. He didn’t frighten me this time, Aunt Agatha. It
was really nice to see him again.” Agatha giggled at Waddie’s matter of
factness talking about an angel riding the bus with him.
“I recall the
first time he appeared to me. I remembered what you told me and laughed
to myself. You’re description helped a lot. Let’s get your bag and put
it in the car. By that time, your brother’s bus should be pulling in.
He doesn’t know you're going to be here, so it will be a surprise for
him.”
They no sooner
put Waddie’s small suit case in the trunk than the bus from El Paso
pulled into the station. They went back to wait. It was full, and they
had to wait until they saw Gip’s broad smile to see his brother
standing by his Aunt Agatha. He was beside himself with joy. Agatha
waited patiently and dabbed at her eyes as they hugged and kissed. They
told each other they loved each other. Then Gip smiled real big at Aunt
Agatha and gave her a smirk like, ‘You’re the sly one, aren’t you?’ He
hugged and kissed her.
“I can’t thank
you enough, Auntie Boo. You’re one in a million. I should’ve known.” he
turned to her daughter gave her a hug and a kiss.
“And, you, Ms.
Clara,— get prettier every time I see you.”
“Oh, you,— ”
Clara blushed. They got Gip’s bag and put it in the back with Waddies.
Clara drove and Aunt Agatha, Gip and Waddie sat in the back. Gip was in
the middle. He grabbed Waddie’s hand with his left hand, Aunt Agatha’s
with his right, and held their hands all the way to Agatha’s home.
Agatha was thrilled.
“It’s so good to
see you, brother. You have no idea how I’ve missed you.” Waddie told
Gip.
“I’ve missed
you, too, Waddie. Our brothers are missing you as well. Oatie swore
you’d be here, and Clyde backed him up. I could only pray you might be.
I should’ve had more faith in our Auntie Boo. But Auntie, it is such a
nice surprise, and I love you for arranging it.” Gip gently squeezed
her hand and she patted his.
They arrived,
said their ‘hellos’ to their aunt’s other daughter Zelma. Auntie showed
them to the guest room, let them be to unpack, and clean up for a light
dinner her daughters were preparing. She said she’d return in about
twenty minutes to get them. They shoved their suit cases under the bed,
and fell across the bed making love to each other. Gip began crying in
Waddie’s arms. His brother was comforting him and soothing him.
“I’m here, now,
Brother. I ain’t going anywhere without you again, I promise.” Waddie
made the tenderest love to his brother, and Gip grew strong again. They
lay there for a few minutes in each other’s arms.
“We better get
cleaned up. You know Auntie Boo is prompt.” Waddie laughed as they
headed to the washroom. They no sooner finished than Agatha came to get
them for dinner. She could see they washed and combed what hair they
had, it was so short. The ladies prepared a nice meal of tuna
casserole, some vegetables and a small salad. It was just enough
without feeling stuffed. They talked about all sorts of things through
dinner. Mostly they all wanted to know what Waddie had been up to.
Clara and Zelma wanted to know what the Crenshaw boys were like. The
daughters went off to get dessert and Waddie excused himself for a
minute from his aunt and brother. When he returned he had three manilla
envelopes. He handed Auntie Boo one, placed one at Clara’s place, and
one at Zelma’s place.
“I’ll wait ‘til
they return before I look at mine. I assume they’re all the same.”
Waddie smiled and nodded. “I didn’t share this with them. This will be
a nice surprise.”
Zelma and Clara
returned with cake and ice cream. They saw the envelopes, and asked
Waddie what could be in them?
“They’re
presents for you, for your kindness to me, and my brother every time
we’ve visited. We appreciate its been extra work for you and it’s our
way of saying we love you.” They blushed and assured the boys they
loved having them there. They couldn’t believe when they pulled the
photos out. Not only was it pictures of the two Crenshaw boys
personally autographed to them but six more of the U.T. team. They were
speechless. That earned Waddie a big hug, a kiss from each of them, and
his aunt, too. She was thrilled beyond words.
“Those Crenshaw
boys are two fine looking men, Waddie.” he agreed as Zelma and Clara
giggled
Gip looked at
Aunt Agatha’s eight pictures and had to agree. They were some fine
looking men, especially the Crenshaw boys. The ladies wanted to know if
they were twins and Waddie told them the story of Earl D., Brenda Lou,
and Bubba. They were in tears when he finished.
“Auntie Boo, my
friend who rode with me part way said, if you agreed, we could share
with Cousin Clara and Cousin Zelma our secret. They’ve earned the right
to know, he told me. Would you care to tell them?”
“If he said it
was all right, I’d love to, Waddie. I trust you. I know you wouldn’t
tell me unless he thought it was all right.”
The ladies
looked at Waddie, Gip and their mother with puzzled looks on their
faces. Agatha spoke.
“We never meant
to deceive you girls. We also never lied to you, but the three of us
have been harboring a secret for the last five years we couldn’t reveal
to you until now. Waddie’s angel rode with him for a while on the bus
coming up from Austin, and told him it would be all right to tell you.
Do you remember, Clara, when Linda Sue had her baby and later she told
us he had an unusual birthmark on the inner thigh of his right leg?”
The girls looked
at their mother, nodded, and then, looked at Waddie.
“I discovered,
quite by accident at Buck and Linda Sue’s wedding while conversing with
Gip and Waddie that Waddie has a red cowboy boot birthmark on the
inside thigh of his right leg. Waddie saw it in my eyes immediately
when I put two and two together. He knew a year earlier because his
angel told him.
As it turned out
his angel sent me and Gip to share his secret until Linda Sue finds out
by accident Waddie is her baby; which we’re told will be very soon. So,
you see girls it was true, I find both these young cowboys charming and
pleasant company, but Waddie also happens to be your blood relative.
He’s your cousin. He’s the baby you helped sell to the Lovejoy’s,
Clara, but you never knew they lived in the same small town Buck and
Linda Sue were from. No one told you.”
Clara was in
tears. Pleading for Waddie to forgive her. She didin’t know. She was so
sorry. Waddie went around to her, and took her in his arms to comfort
her.
“Of course I
forgive you. There’s nothing to forgive. It will soon be fixed. No
‘cause for tears. I thought to tell you would bring you joy that I’ll
soon be reunited with my real mom and dad. They don’t know yet.
Something has to happen before my mom discovers I’m her baby, and then
she has to tell my dad, Buck, who doesn’t have a clue. It will be a
miracle for him and her. So you see, you unwittingly participated in a
miracle.”
“Momma told us
that day, after the wedding, on the way back to Dallas, God was letting
her participate in a miracle. We had no idea what she was talking
about, but it all makes sense now;— and, that’s why you look so much
like Buck. He’s your father. I feel so awful about my part in all
this.” Clara cried some more.
“Well, there’s a
way to set it right, Clara, if you feel that badly. I’ll tell you later
but it would be a chance for you to assuage any guilt you may feel.”
There was not much else said. Gip and Waddie finished their desserts,
and were going to take their plates to the kitchen to help. Zelma and
Clara insisted they do it. They wanted to leave their mother alone with
the boys. They hugged, kissed the boys and thanked them again for their
lovely gift.
“Gentlemen,
would you care to retire with me to my sewing room? I know you’re both
tired, want to catch up with each other, so I won’t detain you long.
I’d like you to try a sample of my latest attempt at cordial, which
I’ve affectionately named, Old Password.” They all three broke into
gales of much needed laughter. She got out three small glasses and
filled them. Waddie and Gip held it up to the light to admire the deep
red color and sniffed the bouquet. They waited as gentlemen until their
hostess took her glass. They clinked glasses and Waddie proposed a
toast.
“To wonderful
times with those we love most.” he said.
“Amen to that,
young man, amen to that.” said Aunt Agatha, Gip agreed. They all took a
sip and Waddie recoiled.
“Auntie Boo!— My
Lord!— You’ve outdone yourself! What say, little brother?”
“I have to
agree, Auntie Boo, not just because my brother said so. It’s delicious,
but it packs a kick like a Kentucky mule. After this I don’t know how
much catching up we’re gonna’ do.” Gip giggled and took another small
sip. “You couldn’t have given this batch a better name. I love that,
‘Old Password.’ It does sound like an old world secret drink,—
and so it is.” The three broke up again. Agatha was having the time of
her life with the two boys.
“Maybe I
shouldn’t have brought up our secret before I cleared it with you,
Auntie Boo. I had no idea Cousin Clara would have that kind of
reaction. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll admit I
was a bit taken aback by her reaction but, Waddie, it was meant to be.
It will only make my assigned job more easy. I’ll share that with the
two of you while you’re here, but we don’t need to get into that
tonight. I just wanted to find out how the two of you are doing and
share a few minutes before we go to bed. I’m so glad to have you both
here. You’ve become such treasures to me, and I do so appreciate your
keeping in touch and letting me hear from you occasionally. You’ll
never know how much it means to an old woman.
I was so
thrilled when Enid called with your phone number, dear. At least I knew
I could call and hear your voice. I knew you’d be all right. When she
told me you had the Crenshaw boys as guardians I couldn’t believe it.
Enid assured me that’s who was taking care of you. I called your
brother and told him of our conversation immediately.” Gip nodded and
thanked her. “Then I did as you asked and contacted Dr. Dyer, and gave
him your number.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I
appreciate that. He called me that same evening and was relieved I was
all right. He couldn’t believe the Crenshaw boys were taking care of me
either. For some reason their names took a lot of worry off folk’s
minds.”
“Not only are
the boys well thought of throughout the state, their family is well
thought of. Randy Crenshaw is the son of one of the greatest
legislators the state of Texas ever had. Those boys come from a long
line of good people.”
The three of
them talked about many things, and finally finished their cordial.
Waddie and Gip were getting sleepy. Agatha thanked them for indulging
an old lady. They hugged and kissed her again and went off to the guest
bedroom. They took a long, relaxed shower together. They couldn’t let
each other go long enough to clean each other, but finally managed to
get the job done. Waddie knew Gip was important to him, but this
separation only made him realize how much he really loved and needed
his brother. Gip was growing into an incredibly handsome young man. He
got the best from Dad Dan and Momma Sue. He was going to be more
strikingly handsome than Quinton.
They finally got
into bed, and made the sweetest love to each other. Waddie climaxed,
and Gip got his first taste of his brother’s come; he cried. He still
hadn’t come yet, and wanted to know how it felt. Waddie told him it was
worth the wait, and he hoped he was the first to take Gip. They lay
close to each other and drifted off into peaceful sleep. They never let
each other go even once during the night.
They had a
wonderful week with Aunt Agatha. The Crenshaw boy and Dad Crenshaw did
their part and called both Dan Justin and Buck to request they allow
the boys to visit their ranch for a week. Dan didn’t want to at first.
Having Gip away for a week was hard enough on him, he missed him so, to
say nothing of the empty place in his heart for Waddie. After he talked
it over with Buck he realized it would be a good opportunity for his
boys to meet some new, good folks they would remember the rest of their
lives, and he gave the boys his blessing.
They made
arrangements to leave Dallas Thursday afternoon and arrive in Austin
around nine-thirty. Earl D. and Billy Bob said they’d be there ahead of
time and be waiting on them. Gip changed his ticket and got money back
as the fare to Austin wasn’t as expensive. He tried to give the money
back to Aunt Agatha, but she wouldn’t hear of it. He might want to buy
a magazine or a treat for him and his brother. They said their tearful
goodbyes to their Auntie Boo, Clara, and Zelma. Clara recovered. Waddie
talked to her several hours, and he assured her he held no hatred or
malice toward anyone. They did what they though was right at the time.
She promised she would make amends. Whatever her mother suggested, she
would do.
Once again the
express bus wasn’t very crowded. The boys went all the way to the back,
and were alone for all practical purposes. Waddie gave Gip the window.
He hadn’t seen that area of Texas, and would look out at something as
they went along. Waddie bought a couple of comic books and a Boy’s Life
magazine. They talked a lot about many things. They talked about the
good times they always had with Auntie Boo. She went out of her way to
entertain them while they were there. It wasn’t always monumental
things she planned, but they were fun and most times educational. She’d
take them to a rodeo if one was happening anywhere near. They didn’t
get to stay as long as they’d wished, but there was always next year.
They wouldn’t be quite so rushed. She understood and wanted them to go.
She thought it would be a wonderful experience for them.
At one of the
rest stops they took on several extra passengers, and one was a big,
heavy, black lady. She went all the way to the back row of the bus
which wasn’t very comfortable. She started to get comfortable and
Waddie turned to her.
“Ma’am, wouldn’t
you be more comfortable in a seat next to us, here.”
“Naw, Sir, young
man. I be fine here. If I was to sit next to you, I’d get in trouble,
and the driver might put me off the bus.”
“We’re so sorry,
Ma’am. We didn’t realize. When we sat down here there wasn’t anyone
else around. We’re not use to traveling and we’re ignorant of rules
like that. Please forgive us. We’ll gladly move up so you can have a
more comfortable seat. There are plenty of seats up ahead for us. Come
on, Gip. Let’s move up a couple of seats in case more black folks get
on the bus, they’ll have seats behind us.” Gip agreed with his brother
and also apologized to the black lady.
“You young men
have been raised as gentlemen, I can tell. You’re respectful of others
feelings and you’re thoughtful. You’re parents should be proud of you.
God bless you both.”
“Thank you,
Ma’am. We appreciate that.” Waddie replied.
“Weren’t nothing
but the truth, young man.”
Gip grabbed his
brother’s hand and mouthed the words, ‘I love you.’ Waddie couldn’t
help but hug Gip and whisper to him how much he loved him.
* * * * * * *
Well,— if the
Crenshaw brothers could have swung it, they would’ve hired a brass band
to meet the boys. As it was every athlete at Mrs. York’s piled into the
back of Billy Bob and Earl D.’s pickemup truck and were there waiting
for them. They held a big piece of cardboard that read: ‘Welcome Home,
Cowboys!’
Gip couldn’t
believe all these fine looking men came all they way to the bus station
to greet them. They threw their stuff in the back with the boys and
Earl D. and Billy Bob insisted they ride up front with them. It was a
little crowded but not bad. They were so happy to have their little
brother and his brother back with them. Gip got a hug and a kiss from
every man there. He was overwhelmed. All these good looking men made
his dick hard. He laughed thinking about Oatie. Hell, everything he had
on would’ve been off by now.
“Damnation,
little brother. You didn’t tell us what a handsome cowboy your brother
was. You saving him all to yourself?”
“I ain’t no
fool, Billy Bob. I looked at him when he got off that bus in Dallas and
said to myself, ‘Damn, I’ve lived so close to him I didn’t really
appreciate just how good looking he really is.’ I won’t make that
mistake again, brothers.”
They talked some
more and asked Gip a hundred questions. They were in love with him by
the time they arrived at Mrs. York’s. The men in the back took their
suit cases up to Waddie’s room and Mrs. York waited up to welcome them.
Waddie introduced her to his brother, Gip Justin. She wouldn’t have
anything but a big hug and a kiss. She saved one for Waddie, too. She
told him how much she’d missed his company; glad they were here,
but she had to get to bed. She had an early morning. They said their
goodbyes and went up to their rooms. She told the Crenshaw boys, she
left a couple of plates in the fridge for the boys if they were
hungry. Gip and Waddie were hungry, and she’d fixed them separate
plates of ham, sweet potatoes, green beans and left some tea for them,
too. They ate it cold and loved it. All the men came down and sat
around talking quietly while they ate.
“Is my buddy
back on the road, Earl D.?” asked Waddie
“Naw, he’s
having too good a time helping Gus with a bunch of things and wait’n
for you guys to come. He wants to see the two of you rope together. He
loves Gip and you both. He can't talk about anything else. We had a
feeling he’d stay for a while. We’re taking you down right after
breakfast tomorrow morning. We have a week’s break between classes. Dad
can’t wait. He’s been driving us nuts. He’s called three times to make
sure you’re really coming. We expected a call tonight but I guess
he...” The upstairs phone started ringing and Earl D. smiled real big
knowing who it must be.
“You guys sit
and finish your dinner. If it’s him I’ll tell him you got here, and
we’ll be down right after breakfast.”
“Naw, if’n it’s
my dad, I wanna’ say ‘hello.’ I’ll be right back, brother.” Waddie
spoke to Gip. and followed Earl D. to answer the phone.
“Hello.
Dad,— we thought it might be you. The cowboys are here and they’re
downstairs eating. Yes, Sir,— Yes, Sir.— No Sir. No, he wanted to
say ‘hello’ to his dad, he’s right here.”
“Hello, Dad.”
“Damn, it’s good
to hear your voice again, Son. How are you, and how is your brother?”
“We’re fine,
Dad. We had a wonderful time with our aunt and she sends her love.
We’re glad to be back with our brothers and the animals.” Waddie
laughed and so did Dad Crenshaw.
“We’re really
looking forward to having the two of you visit. The boys are almost as
excited as your ma and me. We ain’t been talking ‘bout nothing else
since you left, and I swear that damn Whiskey’s been missing you. You
make sure those two yahoo’s drive safe tomorrow, ya’ hear?”
“I will, Dad.
Look forward to seeing you in the morning. Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too,
cowboy. Goodnight.”
“G’night, Dad”
Waddie smiled as he hung up the phone and followed Earl D. back down
stairs.
Gip and Waddie
finished their dinner and took their plates in, washed them, and put
them away. Waddie led Gip back upstairs to his room. All the guys
were in Waddie’s room in chairs, on the floor, draped across the bed,
buck ass naked. They all went up while Waddie and Gip were washing
their dishes and putting them away. They shucked off all their clothes.
Gip was struck dumb, but Waddie couldn’t stop giggling at the buffoons.
He'd become accustom to their antics. He knew what they were up to. He
knew they were crazy, but didn’t realize just how nuts they were.
Waddie looked at Gip and shrugged his shoulders.
“What would our
brother, Oatie, do in a situation like this, Gip?” Waddie grinned and
Gip winked at him. That was their signal to each other, and clothes
started flying everywhere. The men rolled on the floor laughing at them
throwing their clothes off until they stood there butt naked.
“Damn, cowboy,”
Phil spoke to Waddie, “You got pretty damn good taste in brothers.
Wouldn’t you say, men?” Every man there agreed with Phil, “You gonna’
let us all sleep in here with you two tonight?” Phil added. Ben giggled.
“We won’t do
nothing. We’ll just watch.” added Ben. All the guys agreed with him.
“Be glad for you
to, but there’ll be a fifty dollar cover charge per man, gentlemen.”
They all rushed out of the room to get the money. Every damn one of
them came back with fifty dollars and threw it on the bed. Waddie sat
on the bed, shook his head and blushed. Gip had never seen his brother
at a loss for words and laughed his ass off.
“I wasn’t
serious, guys. Now, take your money back. We don’t give a shit if you
wanna’ hang from the rafters and watch. We ain’t shy. We’re just gonna’
go to sleep. We got an early morning, and we’re tired from the trip. It
takes it out of a body on one of them buses.”
They all laughed
at Waddie’s attempt to try to make them uninterested. They let him off
the hook.
“Ah, we’s just
fool’n witch cha.’ We want you guys to enjoy your stay here tonight.
We’ll post a guard outside your door all night so’s nobody will peak
in. How’s that?”
“Not necessary.
We have a night latch on the door, besides our two big brothers are
right across the hall, and they leave their door open all night.
They’ll be happy to watch out for us.”
“Darn,” said
Ben, “They just ain’t buy’n any of our shit. C’mon guys, let’s let the
cowboys be. Welcome home, anyway, gentlemen.” they all said as they
left.
Waddie and Gip
headed for the showers with their big brothers. Waddie stopped putting
the medication on his butt and the Crenshaw boys wanted to see. They
were satisfied he was almost completely healed, but advised him to take
his medication with him to the ranch, just in case. Waddie agreed. They
quickly showered, and the men got a kick out of Waddie and Gip bathing
each other. They thought it was sweet, a couple made wise cracks, but
every damn one of them got a hard-on watching them. Waddie and Gip
would point at them and laugh. The guys would blush, and make the boys
laugh more than ever. They said their goodnights, and had to be hugged
and kissed by every animal on the floor. Gip sure as Hell didn’t mind.
Neither did Waddie. It settled down to just the Crenshaw boys, Gip and
Waddie.
“Guess you won’t
be need’n us tonight, cowboy.”
“I’ll always
need you guys; however, I’m not alone tonight, so you men can get a
good nights sleep without worry’n ‘bout me.”
“C’mon, brother!
He’s throw’n us over for a handsome young cowpoke. Can’t say’s I blame
him, none.” allowed Billy Bob as he closed the door, “See ya’ll in the
morning. Sleep well.”
“Goodnight,
Guys.” said Waddie and Gip.
The boys settled
down and turned off the lights. It was light in the room, and Waddie
could see the beauty of his brother laying next to him. He always loved
Gip from the moment he first laid eyes on him, but he was witnessing
his brother transform from an awkward kid into a fine looking,
handsome, young man. Waddie drank in his brother’s beauty as he gently
ran his hand over Gip’s body. Gip relaxed under the feel of his big
brother’s hand, and looked at Waddie with love in his eyes. He was so
relaxed now, he was with his brother. The world could stop right there,
and Gip would’ve been happy to live forever in that moment. Waddie took
Gip in his arms and gently kissed him. He was in no hurry. He wanted to
make this evening alone with his brother to be almost like the first
night of their new journey into life. He and Gip, for the first time in
their lives, were away from parental or family influence. Whatever
roads they traveled down, the folks they chose to love, were unto
themselves.
Waddie didn’t
know what his sexuality would turn out to be. He didn’t worry about it
much. His Uncle Buck, his own dad, taught him a real man didn’t have to
be afraid of any healthy sexual feelings as long as the act was
beneficial to both parties and not done at the expense of another
person. All he knew was his love for Gip was moving into a new
direction. He didn’t know the meaning or the significance of any words
he might use to try to describe his feelings, but the closest he could
come was he wanted Gip to become his ‘mate.’
He wasn’t quite
sure how he meant that. He knew men in the Navy referred to their
buddies as their ‘mate.’ He knew the Australians referred to
their close buddies as their ‘mate.’ He also knew the word implied a
person you might wish to love you and walk by your side for life. It
was most nearest that context Waddie wanted to love Gip and Gip to love
him. He wanted him to walk by his side for life. He wanted no other for
the long haul but Gip.
He knew there
was the possibility he might start liking girls as soon as his hormones
kicked in, but he would deal with that when and if it occurred. All he
knew at the moment, without the mature wisdom to conceive of a future
he couldn’t know, he wanted Gip and he wanted Gip to want him.
“I need you,
brother.” Waddie spoke softly to Gip as he held him in his arms.
“I’ve always
needed you, Waddie.”
“No, no,— I
mean,— I want you for my mate, Gip. I want you to walk by my side
through life. I can’t imagine a future without you. I love you so damn
much.”
“Oh, Waddie,
I’ve often dreamed and jacked off thinking about you saying those words
to me. What if we go through puberty, and our bodies cause us to have
desires we don’t know about now.”
“I’ve thought
about that, but I figure we’ll handle it when it comes. Let’s say we do
want to marry and have kids of our own. I’d love to have a kid like
little Shad Crenshaw. He’s the youngest Crenshaw. Don’t mean we can’t
still love each other and walk by each other’s side. Look at our
dads. J'ever see two men who loved each other more? They don't
let their love get in the way of their lives,— they allow it to enhance
them.
I love your old
man like I’ve never loved another adult man. I love Buck because our
love is a given. He’s my dad, my blood, but there’s a communion I have
with Dad Dan, I can’t describe or need to. It just is! I think you’re
gonna’ shit when you see how much Dad Crenshaw is like our dad. He even
looks like him, Gip. A larger version but he reminds me so much of Dad
Dan. He’s so damn easy to love.
Consider Buck
and Dad Dan. They love their wives, no doubt. How many times have
we laughed and giggled at them gettin’ a little from our moms? They
ain’t real quiet, but they don’t seem to be bothered we might hear.
Sometimes I’m envious of Momma Sue or my own mom when we're listening
to them gettin’ dicked really good by our dads. You know our moms
gotta’ be loving it. There’s just too many wonderful sounds coming from
their rooms for them not to be. Then, how many times have we rounded a
corner in a barn, turned around and marched our butts right out when we
caught Dad Dan with my dad’s legs over his shoulders fucking the
sheriff of our county so hard and fast you could smell the ozone? Next
time we’d find Dad Dan getting the b’jesus fucked out of him by the
sheriff. Him moaning and a’ carrying on about how he never felt nothing
so wonderful as his brother’s horse dick up his ass.” The boys had a
good laugh and agreed.
“That doesn’t
even included the number of times we stood guard for them to suck each
other off. T’ain’t fair, neither. You and I watch while our mouths
water wondering what those two big dicks would taste like. I love you,
darlin,’ ya’ gotta’ know that, but if’n our dad, Dad Dan, dropped
his pants in front of me and offer me some, you better believe I’m a’
gonna’ get me a big ole taste of our dad’s dick. I expect you’d do the
same with either of our dads, and I won’t never fault you for it. Maybe
make you tell me every detail until I got me rocks off, but that’s
icing on the cake for being brothers. You get what I mean, Gip?”
“Yeah, I do,
Waddie, and I want you for my ‘mate,’ too, big brother. I’ve found out
what living without you was like this last month and, Waddie, I don’t
never want to do it again. I may have to if Mr. Urial say’s it ain’t
time for you to come home yet, but I have a feeling it’s close.
Everything’s been taken care of, and they’ve let Morgan stew in his own
juices long enough. It’s amazing, Waddie,— his parents know everything
the rest of our family knows, but they haven’t told him a damn thing.
In fact they’ve asked him not to come around no more until he doesn’t
have those awful people living with him.”
“Will you be my
mate, darlin’?” Waddie asked as he kissed Gip gently on his neck.
“I all ready am
your mate, cowboy. Of course I’ll be your mate. Will you be mine.” Gip
asked Waddie softly.
“With all the
love I have in me, cowboy, I’ll be your mate, love you, care for you,
proudly walk by your side, protect you and best of all, laugh with you.
I love Bubba, Gip, as I know you do. I love our new families in
Bandera. I love all the folks in our family who love us and are good to
us, but yours is the love I want to carry with me though life. I need
you to want me that way, too. If you can’t, I may not make it through
my last trial."
"I do,
Waddie! I swear to God and Mr. Urial I love you. I have no
choice, I love you so much. We will be each other’s mate through life.
I’m ready to accept you as my mate." Gip pledged to his brother.
Waddie usually
wasn’t real aggressive with Gip, but that night he was. He needed his
love to feel the strength of Waddie’s love if Gip agreed to be his
mate, and he had. Waddie wanted the right to demand it of him sexually.
He wanted to overpower Gip with his love, take from him what he
needed, and give back to him what Gip needed. Gip never experienced
Waddie this way before and knew his hormones were kicking in. Gip
wanted Waddie to take complete control and take what he needed from
him. He needed only to give to his brother that evening, but he knew
Waddie wasn’t too demanding.
Gip’s joy and
passion caused the greatest climax he experienced to that point. It was
something he dreamed of since meeting Waddie. He was giving himself to
his mate, and his mate was taking his fill. Waddie brought Gip close
once, twice and finally made him climax the third time. Gip came a
small amount for his first time into Waddie’s mouth. Waddie moaned,
sucked him all the more furiously until he got a little more and then a
small amount more. Gip felt like his guts were being ripped from his
body, and he was left hyperventilating.
Waddie quickly
moved up, took his mate into his arms, comforted him, soothed him and
made love to him for a long while. Then, they cried in each others arms
as the meaning of that evening bloomed in their minds. Waddie brought
his brother across the threshold from childhood into manhood. Gip was
now a man.
They made sweet
love until they drifted off into exhausted sleep in each other’s arms.
For five years that’s all they dreamed and talked about was to be
alone, together, to make love to each other until they could barely
move, then sleep exhausted and peacefully knowing no one but the Lord
could separate them. Even then, their love would not die. There is no
grave so deep or dark it can hold the light of love its prisoner.