Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 02:35:44 -0800 (PST)
From: Waddie Greywolf <waddiebear@yahoo.com>
Subject: "Cabbage Patch Cowboy Part 20"

DISCLAIMER: WARNING!!  This is a work of homoerotic fictions written by an
adult for the purpose of entertainment for other adults.  If you are not
eighteen year of age or you have any problem with this type of literature
then this is a warning to read no further.  The author will not be held
responsible for any reason if you do.  (Codes: M/M M/b M/t Gay Incest Anal
Oral True)    

Comments/questions:  waddiebear@yahoo.com
Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf

========================================================================
CABBAGE PATCH COWBOY PART 20

Buck sat bolt upright in his seat.  He was sure he felt Waddie squeeze his
hand.  He turned to Linda Sue with a grin.

"He squeezed my hand.  I felt it! I'm sure he squeezed my hand because he
heard me crying."

Linda Sue had tears running down her face.

"Were you trying to tell me to stop crying, Sweet baby?"  he asked Waddie.
Another big grin spread across his face.

"Sit here, next to him, take his hand, Darling."  Buck told Linda Sue.  She
took Waddie's hand in hers and Buck spoke to him again.

"Aunt Linda's holding your hand.  Show her you can hear me, Sweet baby."
They waited for a minute and a broad smile spread across Linda Sue's face.

"I felt that, Waddie, my Sweet baby.  My darling child.  I know, now, my
Darling.  The miracle has occurred.  I spoke with your beloved aunt in
Dallas and she's on her way.  She has much to tell you and I have much to
tell your dad.  He doesn't know yet.  I wanted to tell him in front of you.
I know you can hear us so I'll tell him tonight.  I can't let it go a
moment longer.  You were so right, my Sweet baby, I did see that little boy
again I lost too long ago.  I thank God for this miracle and I thank God
for you."  Once again she felt Waddie gently squeeze her hand.

"Oh God, Linda,---I knew his last trial was going to be bad but not like
this,---not like this.  He may die.  He may die before we get to ask him to
be our son.  We could use a miracle right now.  I don't understand.  Gip
tells me in the truck on the way here the miracle has happened and I would
live the miracle tonight.  Strange things have happened.  Dr. Dyer took my
blood to give to Waddie without testing."

"Sweetheart, I have something to tell you.  I will tell you about the
miracle Waddie has brought us.  You remember the miracle that everyone said
Waddie would bring us?"

"Yes, we never figured out what it might be."

"It's occurred, Darling, it's happened.  I feel awful for my part in it
all, but for you, Waddie, and myself,---the three of us, together,---Waddie
has brought us a miracle."

"What do you mean, Sweetheart, tell me."

"Do you remember telling me the angel who saved your life on Iwo Jima, told
you, you couldn't die because you had a son at home to live for?"

"Yes, but---?" Linda Sue put her finger to her lips to quiet him and let
her finish.

"All along you've thought it was Waddie because Morgan made him your
`Godson,' right?"

"Yes, of course, but---?"

"The angel didn't say you had a `Godson' to live for, he told you, you had
a `son' to live for.  You misunderstood him.  The truth is,---you have a
son you know nothing about."

"I don't understand.  How is that possible? I've never been with another
woman but you, Dear, I swear."

"The night we went to the motel before you were shipped out, we made love."

"The memory of that night was one of the reasons I made it back?"

"When we made love that night I did something awful.  I'm so ashamed of
myself I don't even know how to tell you."

"What is it, Sweetheart?  It couldn't be that bad."

"After you went to the restroom and removed the condom, you threw it into
the waste basket next to the toilet.  I was so afraid you wouldn't come
back I did something incredibly stupid and immature.  I was so much in love
with you, Buck, I wanted your child.  I didn't care if I had to raise him
by myself.  If you didn't come home I wanted a part of our love to survive.
I wanted a part of you to survive.  I know what I did was selfish, I didn't
obey your wishes; however, what's done is done and no matter the
consequences I must tell you."

"What, for God's sake, tell me?"  Buck whispered taking Linda Sue's hand in
his.

"I went into the restroom and I saw the condom laying there.  Without
thinking, I reached down and retrieved it.  I took some of your sperm and
impregnated myself.  I didn't think it would take and laughed at my
stupidity."

"Are you trying to tell me you got pregnant and had my baby?"

"Yes, I gave birth to your child, Buck.  I was living with Aunt Agatha in
Dallas and decided I'd done the wrong thing.  I thought you'd be angry with
me for not obeying you and probably wouldn't want me after that.  I thought
we could have other children."  Linda Sue hung her head in shame.

"After talking to Aunt Agatha I decided I'd done you a great disservice by
not going along with your wishes. I was afraid you'd come home and be so
angry with me you'd never want to see me again. Worse yet, you might think
I had relations with another man and was trying to trap you.  The thought
occurred to me, you might feel if you couldn't trust me to abide by your
wishes and trust me with something like this why would you want to trust me
about anything.

I stayed in Dallas the entire time of my pregnancy.  No one at home ever
knew about my pregnancy; they still don't.  I never came home during that
time.  My cousin Clara was a nurse at the Methodist Hospital where I had
the baby and gave him up for adoption."

"My God, Linda Sue.  You mean I have a son out there somewhere.  Why
haven't you told me before now?"

"I was too afraid, Buck. I thought we could have more children. It was a
horrible thing for me to do, I know.  I've had to live with the pain and
sorrow every day since.  I've wanted to tell you so many times, Buck, but I
didn't because I was a coward.  I'm so sorry, Buck."  Linda Sue started
sobbing and Buck took her into his arms to comfort her.  He gently kissed
her on her neck and behind her ear, gently soothing her pain as a myriad of
thoughts raced through his mind.

"I still believe in the vows we made to each other, Sweetheart; now more
than ever.  How many of my mistakes have you forgiven me for?  You've lived
with and adjusted to my male bondings without being threatened.  What's
done is done, let's live for tomorrow.  Stop thinking about you and me and
let's start thinking about us.  We'll get through this, Darling.  We'll
find our son, I promise.  What can you tell me about him? Do you have any
idea where the child is now?"  Buck pleaded with her.

"I only got to the see my baby for a few minutes before they took him away.
He was the most beautiful little boy, Buck.  He looked just like you.  He
had the deepest blue eyes, a little dimple in his chin, and platinum blond
hair.  I looked at my baby entire body carefully before I gave him to the
nurse. He had a mole on his right big toe,---but here's the miracle,
Buck,---he had a port wine birthmark on his leg up next to his groin. It
was in the shape of a perfect cowboy boot." she looked up at Buck as all
expression left his face and seemed to drain of all blood until it was
white.

Buck had seen and admired Waddie's birth mark on his leg many times.  He
thought it was a tattoo the first time he saw it.  It was a perfect western
cowboy boot.  He thought like Waddie and Gip it was God's way of telling
him he wanted Waddie to be a cowboy.  Buck looked at it closely the first
night Waddie stayed with him in his room at his parents home.  He looked at
it on the way to the hospital.

On his face Linda Sue saw the look of realization, disbelief, horror, pain,
sorrow, joy, thanksgiving, and forgiveness mixed together.  If what Linda
Sue told him was true,---that meant,---he couldn't even bring himself to
think the thought.  He couldn't say it to himself,---it just couldn't be!
No, no,---surely he misunderstood and her further explanation would set him
straight.  The mere thought was too Earth shaking for him to handle. His
eyes began to water, tears ran down his cheeks as he slowly backed away
from Linda Sue slowly shaking his head.

"Waddie is your son, Buck." she said for him what she knew he couldn't say
to himself at that moment.  She nodded her head afterward, `Yes, it's
true.'

"Oh my God!  No, this can't be,---! You're telling me,---?  Is this a cruel
joke?"

"It's not a joke of any kind, Darling, Waddie is your flesh and blood.
He's your son.  I gave birth to Waddie.  He's our child.  Your blood flows
through his veins."

It was Buck's turn to lose it.  The big man wanted to let out a wail of joy
mixed with pain and grief. He wanted to do as David in great joy and dance
naked around Waddie bed, praising God.  He wanted to cry aloud in agony for
the sufferings of the man-child laying next to him in a coma.  He wanted to
shout for joy.  If this was true it meant God had indeed answered what he
considered his hopeless prayers.  The thought of Waddie as his real son was
almost too much for his heart to bear let alone comprehend the enormity of
the miracle.  Buck sat heavily into the chair underneath him.

`There's no other word for it in the English language that fits so well as
`miracle,'' he thought to himself as Linda Sue comforted him.  The miracle
brought mixed emotions.  My boy lies near death's door due to that
worthless son of a bitch, Willie.  Buck flashed so angry he could see
himself dragging Willie deep into the desert and blowing brains out to be
enjoyed by the scavengers.  He quickly made it go away but still felt the
heat around his neck from the adrenalin rush.  He was the Sheriff.  He had
to uphold the law and it applied equally to all men; even the meat
machines.

"I never knew until this afternoon when I saw the birthmark on Waddie's
leg.  That's why I went crazy, Buck. I never suspected Waddie might be my
baby until I saw his birthmark as he was laying there in the truck.  I knew
when I saw it, Waddie was my baby.  I realized he was our child.  I thought
my baby was gone forever and we'd never be able to find him. That's why I
reacted like I did and Jimmy Sue pulled me away to talk to me.  Linda Sue,
Dan and Gip have known for sometime.

Waddie told me one day, before we were married, when I was sad about giving
up our baby that if I trusted him, I would one day see the little boy I was
so sad about.  I never told him I was sad about a little boy but he was
right.  He swore me to secrecy and when I asked him how he could know this,
he told me he had all ready told me too much.  If I truly trusted him to
tell the truth, I would see that little boy again.  My baby was sitting
next to me the whole time telling me not to grieve, he loved me, he forgave
me.

Buck sat there stunned.  It was too much for him to handle.  He broke out
into heavy sobs and Linda Sue took him in her arms.  She comforted him and
went on explaining.

"Don't you see, Darling, Waddie is the miracle that's been promised to you.
Mr. Urial even told you the miracle will change your life and mine.  How
many times have you told me you've prayed every day since meeting Waddie
that he was your boy?  How many times, Buck?  Gip knew I'd seen Waddie's
birthmark.  He knew the miracle had come to pass.  I'm so sorry, I've been
a terrible woman and a worse wife to you.  I've deceived you and not told
you things you should have known all along because of my own fears and
insecurities.

Now look what I've done to our baby.  He may die and I won't have a chance
to hold him and tell him how much I love him." Linda Sue was sobbing in
Buck's arms as well.

"There, there, Darling.  If this is true, how could I be mad at you for
telling me this. Does Waddie know?  Who else knows about this."

Waddie's known since the first time we met him here in the hospital. It's
been five years our child has had to keep the secret of who his real
parents are.  His angel told him we were the people he had to live for
along with Dan, Jimmy Sue and especially Gip.  He gave Waddie a choice to
go with him and return to God or live as if he didn't know about the future
until I accidentally discovered he was our child.  He went through all
those beatings and nearly being killed a couple of times because of my
stupidity and his love for us.

Gip's known since our wedding night.  That was the secret the angel said
Waddie could share with his brother.  Dan and Jimmy Sue have only known
since the night Waddie ran away.  I told Jimmy Sue about my baby and his
birthmark.  Dan told Jimmy Sue about you having to give the state missing
persons information and mentioned Waddie's birthmark to her.  She put two
and two together and asked Gip, who wouldn't lie to her.  Dan, well, he
figured it out for himself but Gip told him he couldn't confirm his
suspicions until Mr. Urial appeared to them and told Gip it was okay.

You remember Aunt Agatha at the wedding how she took to Waddie and insisted
he come to visit.  She asked Gip about his birthmark behind his ear.  He
told her and he went on to describe Waddie's cowboy boot to her.  I told
her about my baby's birthmark the day I gave Waddie up and she remembered.
She put two and two together and confronted Waddie.  He couldn't lie to
her.  As it turned out, his angel sent Aunt Agatha to be his adult guide,
counselor and friend.  He couldn't have sent better.  No matter what you
may think of me and my foolish actions Waddie's brought to us the miracle
that Aunt Agatha told us about.

"Oh my God, it's beginning to make sense from the things Waddie's told me
since he was five years old.  That poor kid's know all this time.  I asked
him one time if he had to live his life like he never knew the future and
he confirmed it."  Buck spoke softly.

"Think about it, Darling. It is a miracle.  It's the miracle you've prayed
for that Waddie was your son.  Well, Buck, he is your flesh an blood.  God
heard your prayers and that's the miracle he had for you.  Waddie is the
son you had to live for!  Ask Doctor Dyer.  He's known a little over three
years, since I went to him about my inability to get pregnant.  When he
examined me he knew I'd had a child.

The doctors Scott and White knew, too, but were gracious enough not to say
anything.  Dr. Dyer left it up to me to tell you.  He urged me to tell you
and let you look for our child.  He asked the gender of the child and I
told him.  He asked if I noticed any outstanding features the baby might
have to aid in identification.  When I told him about my baby's birthmark
and other identifying marks, he realized right away it was Waddie.

He never said a word to me; however, I remember, he dropped his clipboard.
A voice told him to talk to Waddie first.  He knew from that day but he,
too, was sworn to secrecy.  Dr. Dyer and Aunt Agatha have been in constant
communication for the last three years.

Remember the same afternoon Dr. Dyer told me I couldn't have more children
he called Waddie and Gip into the hospital.  He didn't lie to us.  He
checked the boys for mumps but what he really wanted was to talk with
Waddie and Gip.  They explained why they couldn't tell and he couldn't
either until I discovered Waddie was my child.  Oh, and by the way, the
boys told him I couldn't have any more children.  Mr. Urial told them."

Waddie's and your angel, Mr. Urial, said I had to find out Waddie was our
son by a natural occurrence before Waddie's future begins to unfold the way
it should.

Buck sat there for a minute with no reactions of any kind.  The pieces
began to fall together like dominos stacked closely together on end.  They
came flooding into his mind ever faster.  The times when he and Waddie were
alone together.  How many times had Waddie wanted to tell him he was his
son.  Buck remembered the night in Beaumont when Waddie ask him if he could
call Buck `dad' at least once a day then cried his little heart out in
Buck's arms.

Buck knew it was important to the boy but he could only imagine how
important it was to Waddie; how deeply the boy needed that.  Buck thought
it was a sweet whim at the time and was more than glad to indulge the boy.
Truth was, Buck wanted to hear Waddie call him `dad.'

He thought about the time sitting next to Waddie the night of his sixth
birthday when he asked him if there was something he didn't know about
Waddie.  Waddie didn't lie to him.  He told him the truth.  Buck didn't
know he was his son.  Waddie tried to tell him that night how important
Buck's relationship was to him; how much he loved and needed Buck. How
afraid he was Buck would be taken away from him before he had a chance to
love him as his dad.

Yet, he knew, if he wanted their love bad enough, he had to live as if he
didn't know these things.  Buck even asked him that very question.  He
didn't lie to Buck.  Buck just didn't understand the implications of the
answer.  Buck gathered himself and took Linda Sue in him arms.

"Thank you,---." he spoke softly and kissed her then he broke down again.

"Buck, I---" Linda Sue started crying too.

"Shuuu---" he calmed her and kissed her gently, "Thank you for being a part
of this miracle.  I believe you, now.  I have to believe you.  I want so
desperately to believe you and I think you love me too much to make this
up.  All the pieces fit together. Somehow, I don't think Morgan knows the
truth."

"He doesn't, Buck.  Aunt Agatha confirmed that for me on the phone.  She
has all the documents.  Affidavits and sworn statements notarized that
Waddie is our child.  Her story of how she went about getting all these
documents is a story unto itself.  You would be proud of her, Buck.  She is
a Lioness."

"God help me,...this is all too overwhelming...." cried Buck.  "For all of
this, you must understand I have nothing but love for you and forgiveness
in my heart but I need for you to understand something.  It's very
important to me."

"Anything, Darling."

"I need to be alone with my son, tonight, Sweetheart.  I need you not to
feel rejected.  I'll only ask this once but I need to be alone with Waddie
tonight as I was that first night I met him, Remember?" Linda Sue nodded
her head she remembered, "Call Dan and Jimmy Sue. Drive out and be with
them this evening so you won't be alone and tell them you told me.  Call my
parents and tell them.  Stay the night and return with them in the morning.
I love you, Darling, with all my heart but I need this time alone with
Waddie."

"I love you, too, Buck.  I'm so sorry. I'll go to the Justins and I do
understand, Buck."

"No more, I'm sorry's, okay?  Let's live from today forward.  Tell Dan,
Jimmy Sue and especially Gip I love them and will see them tomorrow
morning.  I love you, Sweetheart and thank you for my son. Linda Sue, you
have been a wonderful wife and while I wish you'd never given him up in the
first place, I can understand why you did.  God has given us a second
chance; Waddie, himself, has brought us this miracle.  Let's remember to
thank the good Lord for this miracle in our prayers along with praying for
our son."

They kissed again and Linda Sue left.  She called Jimmy Sue and she invited
Linda Sue out for the night.  She drove to the Justin's with mixed
emotions.  She couldn't help feel a bit rejected but if she did, she
thought, it was her own fault.

Buck needed time alone with Waddie to adjust to the idea Waddie was,
indeed, his son.  Dan, Jimmy Sue and Gip all understood why Buck would want
to be alone with Waddie.  They had a bond and Buck had to sort things out
in his mind with Waddie.  He wasn't rejecting you.  He needs this time
alone with his boy.  She felt better.

She knew within Buck and Waddie there were places only they knew about and
shared.  They would look at each other and fall out laughing
uncontrollably.  Buck would start a sentence and Waddie would finish it.
Waddie would start one and Buck would finish.  She realized there were ways
they loved each other she could never be a part of; however, she and Waddie
shared secrets and loved each other like Buck would never understand.
There is a great closeness between a mother and a son.  Yet, there is a
balance in all things.  She was beginning to see and understand that
balance.

 Buck sat down in the chair and took Waddie's smaller hand in his and
covered it with his other hand.  He looked at Waddie's face like it was the
first time he'd ever seen the boy.  It was the first time he looked upon
him as his son; his flesh and blood son; the fruit of his loins, thorn of
his vine, the spark from his own soul shown brightly inside this child.
The boy took the small spark of his dad's soul and tended it until if had
grown into it's own well developed brilliance that even in coma could not
be denied.

It was the longest night Buck ever spent in his life.  He felt Waddie
squeeze his hand from time to time, he was sure of it.  He wondered if he
should tell someone.  The nurse came into the room.  Buck knew her from
high school.

"Alice, I swear I'm feeling him squeeze my hand when I'm talking to him.
Is that important?"

"I would think so, for goodness sake.  It's not too late, let me call the
Doctor and see.  Be back in a minute, Buck."  she said and left and
returned in a few minutes.

"He said he'd be here in a minute.  He wanted to see for himself and said
`yes' it was of major importance."

About thirty minutes later, Dr. Dyer came into the room.  Buck was still
holding Waddie's hand.

"You really think he squeezed your hand, Buck?"

"Ever so lightly,---when I was talking to him."

"Sometimes those things are involuntary muscle spasms.  The hand is being
held therefore it's looking for a signal from the brain.  If the expected
signal doesn't come, it twitches.  May I...?"  Dr. Dyer asked motioning for
Buck to let him hold Waddie's hand.

"By the way, Sheriff Claymore, now you know how Geppeto must've felt."  the
Doctor said smiling.  He ran into Linda Sue on her way out of the hospital.

"Wise acre!  You knew all along.  That's how you knew my blood would be a
match for Waddie's."

"We're so happy for you and Linda Sue we can hardly talk about anything
else.  I spoke with our dear friend Agatha this evening three times all
ready.  She's a remarkable woman, Buck.  She's bringing you proof positive
that Waddie is your son."

"I think the world of her all ready, Doctor.  She was right, so was
Mr. Urial, Gip,---Waddie would bring me a miracle.  It's more than a
miracle,---he's my son.  Yes,---I think I do know how Geppeto must've
felt."  Buck smiled as he winked at the Doctor.

Dr. Dyer took Waddie's hand in his.

"You have to talk to him Doctor.  Tell him you're here and need to see if
he can squeeze your hand."

"Waddie, you know the sound of my voice. This is Doctor Dyer, I need you to
squeeze my hand if you can hear me."  a big smile came across his
face. "Once more please.  Fine!  Fine!  He seems to be responding, Buck.
You were right to have Alice notify me.  We know he's aware.  Beyond that
we can't say.  Stay with him.  Let him rest but talk to him occasionally.
Let him know you're by his side. Have his mother talk to him and hold his
hand.  One or two at a time but I don't want more than two and yourself in
here at any one time.  Understand?"

"I sure do, Doctor, and thanks for coming so quickly."

"I told you once if those boys were ever in trouble to bring them to me as
quickly as possible.  You did and quite possibly save Waddie's life.  It's
but a little on my part to repay you and your family for your kindness to
me and my wife over the years. Neither of us have family and you can't know
what being included has meant to us.  I thank you, Sheriff."

"Buck, Doctor, ---Buck."

"Then call me Wayne, Buck."  he winked at Buck and wrote a note on Waddie's
chart.  He told Buck he was going home for dinner could he bring him
anything.  Buck told him he was fine and thanked him again.

Buck talked on and on to Waddie.  He would feel Waddie squeeze his hand
when he was silent like he wanted Buck to talk to him some more. Buck would
start in again.  Then he remembered talking to Mr. Urial on Mrs. Jessup's
porch.  He told Buck not to leave Waddie's side he would need him.  He knew
he wouldn't.

"I don't want to tire you, Sweet baby, by talking to you too much.  When I
don't talk it's `cause I want you to rest for a while and heal.  I need you
Waddie.  I need you to come back to me. I can sit here the rest of the
night and couldn't tell you enough times how much I love you."  he felt
another squeeze.  "I know you love me, Cowboy.  I felt that and I know what
it meant.  I don't think there's a father and son on this Earth that love
each other more.

Sometimes when I'm silent, I'm praying to our Father to heal you and give
you back to me, but it ain't like I'm praying for a boy I love beyond
measure, I'm praying for my boy, Waddie, my son.  You can't know what
that's done for me, Son.  I feel like a giant.  I know I'm pretty big but I
even feel bigger."  another squeeze.

Buck talked and talked, remembering the fun things he and Waddie did
togther.  Once, ending up with cow shit all over them.  Buck couldn't help
but laugh at the thought and would feel Waddie respond.  Buck's mind
flashed back to that afternoon three months ago before Waddie ran away and
Morgan and Buck were still seeing each other regularly.  That Saturday
Waddie and he were working at the ranch he and Linda Sue bought next to Ed
Bloomquist's place.  It bordered the Justin's on the back side, Ed's on one
side and Lyle's on the other.

It needed quite a bit of work done on it before Buck and Linda Sue could
move into it.  Besides, it was almost imperative Buck live near town for
emergency reasons.  The place was abandoned.  One of the county clerks Buck
did some favors for tipped him off that the place was going to be put on
the market for back taxes but if he paid the back taxes, cleared the title,
the clerk would deed it to him.  There was nothing illegal about it.  It's
done all the time, even today.

It was a day of great joy and love between them.  Waddie and he grew so
close he knew he desperately wanted a closer relationship with Waddie.  He
even prayed to the Father if his brother wasn't being a good dad for Waddie
to give him a chance.  Buck was concerned but not bothered about his
physical attraction to the boy. Buck had never felt such a need to be that
close to another human, male or female, than that afternoon playing with
Waddie.

No wonder Waddie was such a kindred spirit.  The boy knew and Buck
remembered and laughed at his impishness toying with Buck who didn't have a
clue.  Buck could remember things Waddie said that playfully suggested he
was his real son.  He remembered Waddie telling him the story of Pinnochio
and innocently telling Buck how he wished he could wish upon a star.  Then
when he woke up the next morning he really would be Buck's son.

"Maybe if I really believe and wish on that star of ours God would do that
for me, Uncle Buck.  Hell, I all ready have me a Jimmeny Cricket."

"Yeah?  Who?"

"Aunt Agatha."  Waddie smiled sweetly.

"Damned if she ain't.  Can't gain say that one, Son." they laughed
together.

 Buck's mind wandered.  It's always been there, in front of him, but he
didn't have the key to unlock the truth.  He even remembered the truth in
young Shad's innocent question.

"Are you sure Waddie's not your son?" Shad had asked him. "He might be and
you just don't know it." spoke little Shad. The truth from the mouth's of
babes.

That wonderful lazy afternoon they shared together they had a great time
playing with the calves and later swimming nude together in the
creek. There was no doubt in his mind Waddie wanted him in the same way.
The added fact that Waddie knew Buck was his dad at the time and expressed
physical attraction toward him didn't change the importance of the
attraction in Buck's mind a whit.  He didn't see it as sick nor perverted.
He saw it as a huge responsibility.

One he began to accept even that afternoon. He knew he'd made the right
decision at the time and this news only solidified the angel's endorsement
that day.  Not until the boy was old enough to make his own decisions.

The picture in his mind of the joy, laughter, and love they shared that
afternoon came flooding back to him along with copious tears.  How intimate
they became and captured a love for each other that would never die.  They
both accepted the responsibility for their actions.  Waddie never taunted
nor teased his dad after that afternoon.  A new, stronger, more powerful,
loving humanity was born that afternoon between them.

Waddie never consciously tried to seduce the Sheriff again.  Didn't mean he
could grab a big old handful of Buck if he wanted to. Those man/man rules
still applied.  Didn't mean they couldn't share a knowing, lurid, lewd,
licentious, lascivious glance at one another from time to time, wink when
they caught the other looking, then break into gales of laughter which
usually ended in a hug and a kiss, which, in turn, would cause a reaction
that only confirmed their continued relationship to their possible primal
ancestors; homo erectus. (It made `um get big ole hard-ons, Cletus!)

Suddenly it became clear to him,---that's why they needed each other so
much.  There was an animal bond between father and son that would not be
denied.  Something became clear to him that he always suspected.  A healthy
sexual attitude toward the proper adjustment of any male child comes from
the physical approval of their father.  A cold, rejecting, non-physical
contact father, no matter how well he provides for his boy or claims to
love him will in most cases have a boy that spends the rest of his life
looking for the closer love of a surrogate father.

Taking a nap together in the late afternoon sun, laying on the warm
sandbar, holding Waddie close, Waddie holding Buck's dick tight between his
legs like it was his duty to keep his big buddy's cock warm and safe, Buck
had never felt more love, wanted or needed by any animal, beastie or human.
Tears began to well up in his eyes as he gently, lovingly, rubbed Waddie's
hand. He spoke aloud.

"Oh, Almighty God in heaven, Heavenly Father, Father of us all, hear my
prayer!  I cry out to you for help, Oh Lord!  Don't give me this miracle
only to take it away from me, Father. I'm begging you, Sir, please, please
save my boy.  Return him to me and his mother.  Mr. Urial I know you're
here.  You promised you would be and I know you are.  Help my boy, Sir.
Intercede for us if you can, Sir.  I know you can and tell our Father of my
prayer, my plea, but I understand his will be done.

Oh God, Waddie... my beloved son, light from my soul.  Oh Waddie, I know
the truth, now.  How long has your poor heart waited to hear me call you my
son? You've always known I love you.  There couldn't be a doubt in your
mind. How could you have such a strong heart to suffer what you have for
our love?  Is our love that great to you?  Is our love greater to you than
the heart of God?

You know in my heart I've wanted you for my own since the first day we saw
each other.  I rearranged my life to stay in this community to have your
love whether you could ever be mine or not.  I knew I had to be near you
and to have what love I could from you.  I had to be able to give you what
love I could without interfering with my brother's need for you.

I was selfish, I'll admit, by wanting you to be mine instead of my
brother's.  God in his great wisdom has seen fit to give you to me, to give
me the chance I begged for.  By our Father in heaven, I won't share you
with my brother.  But,---alas,---that's not true either.  It will be your
choice, my beloved Cowboy.  If you need to forgive and you and Morgan learn
to love again then who am I to say `no.'

Oh, Waddie,---my son,---if only I could crawl into that closet you're in
right now I would.  I'd crawl inside your brain and hunker down to make
myself as small as possible.  I'd sit and hold you and cry with you until
we both got it out; all the pain, the frustration, our need to love one
another and most of all our joy and celebration in knowing there need be no
more barriers, no more hidden secrets.  The future is our's to love.

I'd kiss away your tears and tell you, your dad will never let harm come to
you again.  I would kill any son of a bitch that looks at you cross eyed.
Come back to me, Son.  Come home to me. I need to hear my beautiful cowboy
call me his dad.  I need that, now, more than life itself, Sweet baby.  I
can't imagine a future without you, Son.

You're my only hope for the future, Waddie, and I love you more'n sand in
the desert.  I know you're in there, Sweet baby.  I can feel you through
your hand.  I know you're once more on the floor of your closet.  I know
you can hear your dad.  I can feel your joy that I know and recognize you
as my beloved son.

I made you a promise once, that if you ever crawled into a closet again I'd
be right there with you until we worked it out or you decided to come out.
I'm here now, Son. I'm not leaving.  I'm in that closet with you and I'm
going to stay with you.  I promise, I won't leave until you open your eyes
and look at your old man and tell him you love him.  I promise, Son, I'll
be here for you when you wake up."

Buck broke into sobs with his forehead resting on the bed, his hands gently
holding Waddie's.  Once again, ever so lightly, ever so gently, almost
imperceptible, Buck felt his son squeeze his hand.
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buck refused to leave Waddie's side.  He didn't mind if Dan, Jimmy Sue,
Linda Sue or Gip wanted to sit with him, but Buck wasn't going to leave his
son's side.  No one argued with the big man.

They all figured he knew the truth now, he was Waddie's dad and he had that
right.  The Davenports, the elder Claymores, Linda Sue, the elder Lovejoys,
brought him food and drink.

He slept in the chair next to Waddie's bed.  He made a promise to his boy
that he would be there when Waddie opened his eyes.  He would keep it.

It got all over the county, the discovery, that Waddie was Buck's real
son. Through all of this Morgan kept a low profile.  He didn't go to the
hospital.  He did call his parents.

Ma and Pa Lovejoy heard the news Waddie was Buck and Linda Sue's natural
born child and were thrilled for them.  They weren't the least
disappointed.  They knew their position as Waddie's grandparents was solid.
If anything it only meant they'd get to see him more.  Buck proved his love
and faithfulness to Ma and Pa Lovejoy over and over again.  They had been
left out of nothing and never would be.

Aunt Agatha arrived on the bus and Linda Sue was there with her parents to
pick her up. She decided to stay with the Davenports since Linda Sue's life
was in turmoil.  She insisted on seeing her nephew.  Dr. Dyer had no
problem with his close friend, Agatha, visiting with Buck and Waddie for a
while.  He just didn't want a large crowd of people in the room at once.
He would leave that discretion up to Buck.  Everyone left the room before
Agatha went in to be alone with Buck and Waddie.  She slowly opened the
door carrying a manilla envelope in her hands.

Buck turned to see her, took her into his big arms and cried with her.
Agatha rarely cried but she knew the big man's heart was breaking.  `How
must he feel?  The poor man.' ran through her mind. She comforted him as
best she could and told him she'd been praying non-stop; her daughters
were, too.

Buck pulled a up a chair next to Waddie's bed for her and let her sit close
to him.  First she leaned over and gently kissed Waddie on his cheek.
Agatha took his hand and saw the pale color of his face.  She looked at the
jaundiced color around his eyes. It was hard for her to see her beloved
nephew this way.

"My dearest, Nephew, your Auntie Boo is here."  Agatha looked at Buck and
smiled.

"Did you feel him respond, Auntie?"  Buck asked.

"I did indeed, Buck.  He know's I'm here.  Young man, I come with great
news.  Here, Buck, I wanted you to be the first to see these papers.  I
accomplished my assigned task, my sweet Cowboy. I've brought your dad,
signed, notarized affidavits from my daughter Clara and the head nurse that
made the arrangements for you to be sold to the Lovejoys.

I have a notarized letter from the chief of staff of the Methodist Hospital
correcting the history of your birth.  Your dad will also find in the
envelope a brand new birth certificate with the date of birth and the names
of your real parents. I had them leave the name blank because you may want
a different name.  I'll tell you the rest of the story and how I came by
these documents when you're better. It's a story unto itself.  I was guided
and directed by our friend through.  He was an angel."  she giggled at her
little joke and felt a stronger squeeze.

It's hard for me to see you like this, my Dearest, considering how much
we've shared and how much I love you and your brother.  You and your
brother were so right, the `Old Password' was better than the previous."
she giggled and she could of sworn she saw a trace of a smile cross
Waddie's face.

Mr. Urial is here with you, I can feel him and I will ask him to ask our
Father to let you come back to us as quickly as possible.  There are a
number of folks here that need you, Waddie.  You can put your Auntie Boo's
name near the top of the list.  I love you so much, my young, handsome
cowboy."

Once again, Agatha smiled at Buck as she felt a slight attempt to squeeze
her hand.

"Aunt Agatha, how can we thank you for these documents.  These slam the
barn door shut."  Buck hugged and kissed Agatha again, "It's still hard for
me to believe but these are absolute proof. Complete with a Sheriff's
report of the actions. Photos of my wife pregnant.  This is incredible.

You weren't kidding when you told us at our wedding that Waddie would bring
us a miracle; certainly one I never expected.  I sit here beside him and
look at him.  We've know for a long time he looks enough like me to be my
son but I've always denied it.  Now I look at him and realize why he looks
like my son.  He is my son.  Even the words,---to say them to
myself....well, it's a miracle just to know I can call him my son and know
that he is."

"I know, Son.  There were portions of yourself you had to hold back from
him all these years because of fear of becoming too close or overshadowing
Mr. Lovejoy's love for him.  Now, you don't have to do that.  You can
become the father to Waddie you've wanted to be and best of all Waddie can
become your son.  He can call you dad and know you understand he means only
you.

God be praised that he brought us this miracle.  I'm so grateful to him,
Waddie and Gip for including me in this.  I lived to see an actual miracle
and best of all, I got to see God's work in action and had several visits
from an angel.  We must trust in Him and Mr. Urial to bring our darling
cowboy back to us."

"Aunt Agatha, I know you would do this without asking but talk to Linda Sue
for me. After my first night alone with my boy I worked everything out in
my heart and soul.  I have no bad feelings for her.  I love her more
solidly today than I ever did.  She must believe that.  I can't have her
beating herself up and going into depression over this.  My boy needs a
mother as well as a dad. I've told her all this but I'm not sure she
believes me.  Would you talk to her for me?  You always have had a way of
getting through to her and I would be grateful."

"Of course I will, Buck.  You know I will.  It will take a little time but
she has to know Waddie carries no ill will toward her in his heart.  He's
proved his love for her over and over again.  It's an embarrassment to her
but people get over embarrassment quickly enough.  You and Waddie will make
a concerted effort to bring her along as well as each other.  It will be
with great joy the three of you fall in love with each other all over
again."

Agatha stayed for a while longer and quietly talked with Buck.  She'd
talked with Buck before but mostly when a lot of other folks were around.
Talking to him alone was a treat for Agatha.  She saw a man of great depth
and sensitivity capable of great love.  She wasn't surprised by that, his
son had inherited those traits from him.  Buck exuded the same natural,
genuine warmth and charm that his son did.  Agatha would've done anything
in the world for either.

She felt she'd stayed long enough and should get back to the family.  She
hugged Buck again and kissed him gently on the cheek.

"My niece picked the right man, Buck.  I knew the first time she talked to
me about you.  I'm afraid I may bear some of my niece's burden for giving
Waddie away.  I only meant to discuss alternatives with her.  I stressed,
the choice must be her's alone.  At the time I couldn't be disappointed
with my niece either way.  She needed my support in her decision no matter
what my preference might have been.  I never consciously made a choice."
she said softly with tears in her eyes.  "If I did, Buck, I asked your
forgiveness."

"With all you've done, Aunt Agatha, how could you think such and thing.
That kid worships you and I can say I ain't too proud to kneel at your feet
and thank you for your part in this.  There is nothing to forgive.  You've
given me a son."  Buck held her and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"You're a good man, Buck Claymore."  Agatha turned and left the room with a
tear in her eye.

Buck was rejoined by Dan Justin.  Dan took Waddie's hand.  Dan and Buck
talked softly for a long while.  Buck was still strong in his resolve to be
there when Waddie woke up.

Dr. Dyer came in to check on Waddie a couple of times and Buck showed him
and Dan the documents Agatha brought him.  They were wowed that she could
gather all this information and have it notarized.

Dr. Dyer could now talk with Buck and tell him how hard it was not to tell.
Dan backed him up.  Even the short period he and Jimmy Sue knew, it was
hard being as close as they were to Buck and Linda Sue and not tell them.
Mr. Urial was right, Buck was so overjoyed he couldn't harbor any bad
feelings toward anyone.  Waddie was his son.  That's exactly what he's been
praying for the past five years.  Waddie told him if he believed hard
enough and wanted it bad enough the Lord would find a way.

To have a son was a dream he put aside but to find out this little man that
he loved so dearly was his son was more than dreams are made of.  He knelt
hourly and thanked God and Mr. Urial then prayed for the Father to let his
son come home to him.

Later that afternoon Waddie had one other visitor that claimed an angel
told him to come to his little brother's side when he heard the new of his
trial.  The nurse told Buck and he giggled.  He told her to bring him in.

Dan hugged Ed Bloomquist as he left the room so Ed could be alone with
Waddie and Buck.  Buck hugged and gave Ed a big old kiss right on the
mouth.  Ed didn't hold back but started crying.  So did Buck.

"Welcome, Brother."  said Buck, "Come, sit next to him and take his hand.
He can hear you but he can't respond."

Ed took Waddie's hand and big tear fell down his face.  He turned to Buck.

"Waddie's angel came to us one Saturday night towards the end of July.
Waddie came and spent the night with me in my old barn.  I shit right in
the hay, Brother.  You know me.  Nothing scares old Ed.  Well, Waddie was
a' talk'n to him like they were good buddies joking back and forth at my
expense so I figured the guy couldn't be that bad."

"Wa'ju'do?"  asked Buck.

"Opened my eyes."  Ed said rather sheepishly.  Buck couldn't stop laughing
put his arm around Ed and pulled him close, "He told me I had to come to
Waddie's side and let him know I'm here and above all to pray for him.  I
promised him I would, Buck, and there ain't no way in hell I ain't a'
gonna' obey that angel."  Buck couldn't help but laugh and Ed's sincere,
child like, reverence for Mr. Urial.

"Talk to him, Ed, he'll squeeze your hand.  He'll let you know he hears
you."

"Listen Cowboy, this, here's you big brother, Ed, talk'n to ya.'  Ah, shit,
Sweet baby, I can't stand to see ya' like this. Why'd that damn angel make
me promise to come be by your side, I'm doing ya' more harm that good being
here." Ed couldn't help himself, he started crying.  "Damn it, Waddie. I
didn't come because no damn angel scared the shit out a' me, I came
because,---well, because,...." Ed looked at Buck, Buck smiled and nodded to
Ed, "because I love you, Little Brother.  You're the only little brother I
got, Darlin' and I'll be honest wit cha' I'm selfish.  I don't wanna' have
to do without my little brother.  We've leaned on each other and meant too
much to one another to say goodbye.  Come'mon, Cowboy, fight for it. You
can do it.  Come back to me.  You can't stay there you made me a promise."
Ed paused and looked at Buck.

"He squeezed my hand! I felt that, Darlin'!  You know your big brother's
here `cause he loves ya'!  I felt that, Cowboy.  That's good!  That's good!
Now, the other promise I made to that angel was to talk to Him.  I been
trying, Waddie.  I ain't to sure I'm getting through.  There's a lot of
static on the line `cause there's lots of people better'n me sending
prayers to him.  But, I made Mr. Urial a promise and I'll be damned if'n I
ain't gonna' keep it.---- I will... I will... I'm a' praying for ya', Sweet
baby."  Ed was smiling after feeling Waddie squeeze his hand a couple more
times.

"I better go now, Cowboy, there's a line of folks that want to talk with
ya.'  You gotta' know there ain't a damn one of `em loves you more'n your
big brother."  Ed squeezed Waddie's hand gently one more time and felt
Waddie squeeze back. "I know you love me, Darlin,' and I'll be back to see
ya.'  Get better!"

Ed let go of Waddie's hand, turned to Buck and cried.  Buck held him and
consoled him.

"He asked Mr. Urial if'n he could tell me his secret that night, Buck.  I
damn near fell out of that hayloft hoot'n and a holler'n that he was your
son.  It took me a few minutes to really believe but then I ain't never
know'd that boy to tell a lie.  I'm so happy for you and Linda Sue,
Brother.  You look tired but happy so I know it's changed your life."

"Yeah, more'n you know, Brother.  I can't thank you enough for what you
done for us, Ed.  I'll never forget that and I agree with Mr. Urial, you're
a good man, Ed." said Buck holding Ed tight and then kissed him with more
than a brotherly kiss.

"You're welcome in that old barn of mine any time, Sheriff.  Any time."

"May be quicker'n you know, Old Friend.  Thank's for coming to see your
little brother.  Love ya', Brother."

"Well, I don't have ta' say it,---you know how I feel `bout you, Buck."  Ed
let Buck go and left the room with a tear running down his cheek.

The morning of the third day Gip was with Buck.  They brought Buck
breakfast and Gip wanted to sit for a while with Buck and his brother.  Gip
held Waddie's hand and talked softly to him.

Gip would feel Waddie gently squeeze his hand from time to time.  The door
to Waddie's room opened slowly and there was Randy and Sarah Crenshaw with
Earl D. and Billy Bob. They'd left the boys with Gus, Dora, and Brenda Lou.
Gip hugged and kissed them all for coming and left the room so they could
visit.

Buck allowed Randy and Sarah to visit first and then told the boys to come
after they left.  Randy Crenshaw took his boy's hand in his, laid his
forehead on the edge of Waddie's bed, and wept inconsolably.  He gathered
himself and sat there for the longest time looking at Waddie.

"Talk to him, Randy," Buck encouraged, "he can hear you. Let him know
you're here.  It'll mean the world to him to know you thought enough to be
by his side.  He squeezes our hand every now and then to let us know he
hears us." Buck encouraged Randy.  Randy put his other hand under Waddie's.

"Listen Cowboy, this is one of your other dad's talking.  One who loves you
more'n you'll ever know.  It's Dad Crenshaw.  Ma Crenshaw and I had to come
and be with you to let you know you have more than our prayers, you have
our hearts laying in that bed with you, young man.

Your two keepers weren't about to let us get down the driveway without them
in the back of the truck.  Your mom Crenshaw had a big stick, like your
Uncle Buck, and tried to beat `em off, but they just took it away from her
and jumped in the back anyway."  Randy Crenshaw looked at Buck and winked.

I felt that, Cowboy.  You rest and listen to the folks that love you.  Earl
D. and Billy Bob rode all this way in the back of our pickup to tell you
they love you.  Your dad Gus, ma Dora, and even Brenda Lou cried their
heart out because they couldn't come with us but they knew someone had to
stay home with the boys and they wanted us to come.  They love you so much
they wanted us to be with you.  They send their love and hope you
understand why they can't be here.

We got everyone back in Bandera praying for you.  There are signs on the
road, `Pray for our Waddie.'  Our phone hasn't stopped ringing. We had to
come tell you how much we love and miss you.  You have to get better, Son.
You have to come back to us, you haven't taught your old Dad Crenshaw all
you know `bout roping yet.  There's one tiny little buckaroo that we tried
to keep the news from but he has ears like a radar net and over heard us
talking.

He was so devastated.  No one could console him but finally Earl D. managed
to get him to listen.  Shad sends his love and told me to tell you he's
praying for you and to get better for him. "  Randy Crenshaw smiled and
then his eyes got real big.

"I felt that one, Sweet baby!  Damned if I didn't!  Here momma, you say
`hello' to our boy."  Randy offered Sarah Crenshaw Waddie's hand.  She sat
down and gently took Waddie's hand and began to speak to him.

"Waddie,---what can I say to you that you don't all ready know from my
heart.  You above all my boys know how I feel about you.  I've said so many
prayers,---God and I are on a first name basis.  I even started call'n Him
`Howard.'  Remember?  You told me when you were younger you thought
everyone was praying, "Howard be thy name...." Sara Crenshaw giggled, "He's
probably tired of that Crenshaw lady nagging Him about helping her boy.  I
hope He is and gets so tired of hearing from me He'll let you come back to
us just to shut me up.  I know you're gonna' come back to us, Sweet heart,
you're a major part of a number of people's lives.  Everyone of the boys
are devastated and are praying for you around the clock. We love you so
much, Waddie."

"Oh,---I felt that, Darling.  I know you can hear me.  I love you, Son."
Sarah was shedding tears of joy.  She felt Waddie squeeze her hand as well.
She hugged and kissed Buck on the cheek and told him how sorry she was that
his son was in such bad shape.

"You and Randy heard the news?"

"We knew when you came to get Waddie and Gip." said Randy Crenshaw, "Waddie
told us of his miracle that would happen and then the miracle happened for
us because you good folk prayed for us.  We couldn't be more grateful.
We're so happy for you and Linda Sue, Buck.  Course you realize you have to
share him with us, Brother."  Randy Crenshaw laughed as he hugged the big
man, "Is it all right to send the boys in?"

"Sure, Waddie'll be thrilled to know they came all this way to be with
him."  Buck said.

Earl D. and Billy Bob came into the room.  They hugged and kissed Buck
congratulating him on finally finding out this wonderful young cowboy,
their little brother, was his son.  Buck was flabbergasted that all these
folks knew and he didn't have a clue.  He didn't care, Waddie was his now
and he wasn't ever going to let go. Earl D. sat in the chair next to
Waddie.

"Hey, Little Brother, what the hell you trying to do to your bubba Billy
Bob'n me?  When we got the news we dropped everything we were doing to come
with dad an ma to be with our little bubba.  By the way, that boarding
house was so damn empty and quiet after you and Gip left. The animals would
one by one come to your room and walk around in there missing you.  They
all loved you and are praying for you too.  We had to cheer Mrs. York up.
She missed you two so much.  Billy Bob and I sent Phil and Ben to Austin.
She felt so bad.  She's praying for you, Brother.

Our little brothers, especially Shad, cried their hearts out they couldn't
come and be with you.  I thought I never would get our baby brother to stop
crying long enough to talk to.  He told me he was the first one we
should've told.  I asked him why and he told me you said he was the closest
in the family to God because he was the last person to be with him before
coming here.  God would listen to him.  There's not a doubt in Billy Bob
and my mind that he will, too.

Gus told us to tell you he loves you and thanks you for helping him out the
afternoon you helped him with the Morgans.  That was real special to
him.---Hey, he just squeezed my hand, Sheriff.---there was more to that
afternoon than helping him with them damn ponies, wasn't there, Cowboy?"
Earl D.  chuckled.

"That's right, I thought so.  I bet Billy Bob my boots.  Just joking with
ya,' Cowboy.  You know we love you.  Felt that, Sweetbaby.  I know you can
hear me so do your best, Little Brother. We need you.  We're looking
forward to you, Gip and your brothers visiting next summer.  Now, I'm
gonna' let my better brother talk to you, my love.  Here's Billy Bob."

Billy Bob took Waddie's hand and he immediately felt Waddie gently squeeze
it.

"Well, it's good to see you again, too, Little Brother.  I love you,
too...I felt your message through your hand.  I told my better looking
brother that if'n you and Gus shared something that afternoon, more power
to ya.'  No two men deserved to share a little love with each other more'n
you and our dad, Gus. We think the world of that man and his family as
well.  They love you and send their love.  I'd give you a big hug and a
kiss from Brenda Lou and Ma Franz if'n I could.  But I better wait until
you're a little better.  Talk to the Big Man, Waddie.  We've been begging
him to let you come back to us.  Fight for it tiger.

You're our little brother and we know what you're capable of.  Besides,
that, Cowboy, you're a part of us, you're a Crenshaw man, and, damn it, we
don't want to have to do without you.  I love you, Waddie."  Billy Bob felt
Waddie gently squeeze his hand again and winked at Buck.  "He heard me..."
he told Buck.

"We better go now and let you get some rest, Sweet Buckaroo.  We'll be here
for a while."  Earl D. said.  He and Billy Bob left and sent in Enid Justin
who had just arrived.  She took one look at Waddie, hugged and kissed Buck
and sat down next to the bed.  She took his hand.

"Now what the hell is this?"  Enid spoke softly to him.  "You laying up
here in this damn bed when there's rodeoing to be done. Hell, from the
sounds of them Crenshaw folks you gotta' get better, Little One.  I'm `a
tell'n you they ain't gonna' take `no' for an answer neither.  There are
some awful long, sad faces out there in the hospital waiting room.  I don't
know if they're gonna' make it if'n you don't."  she felt Waddie squeeze
her hand gently, too.

"Awh hell, Cowboy, you gotta' know your Uncle Enid loves you.  I won't kid
you... I don't know if I could do without you either.  There'd be one awful
big hole in my heart if you don't come back to us.  I know you got the
fight, Cowboy, and you certainly got the prayers coming your way.  You got
mine fur damn sure.  I cussed and shook my fist at the Old Man and then
humbly got on my knees to tell him how sorry I was for being mean but I was
hurt'n inside for a very special Cowboy.  I asked him to help you come back
to us, Son.  I haven't stopped asking him and I won't.

Everybody out there is praying for our Cowboy.  Gil Saunder's couldn't talk
to me when I told him.  He had to call me back he was crying so bad.  He
sends his love and is praying for you.

Your little brothers are worried sick.  Besides, I'm counting on the four
of you coming to Bandera next summer and spending a day or two with your
Uncle Enid.  You get some rest, my handsome buckaroo, and I'll be around to
see you again, real soon.  Love you, Cowboy."

Enid felt Waddie squeeze her hand once more and a tear rolled down Enid's
face.  She told Buck how sorry she was this happened but Agatha had called
and told her the news that Waddie was his son. She said she hooped and
hollered so loud they could've heard her in three adjoining states. She
congratulated Buck and told him it truly was a miracle.  She patted him on
the back like a buddy then left with a tear in her eye.

The morning of the third day shortly before noon the Chief Deputy pulled
his patrol car up in front of the hospital with a huge bear of a man as
passenger.  Bubba came directly to the station.  He said a quick hello to
Carol Anderson and asked Lyle if he'd take him to the hospital.  Lyle was
more than happy to take the big man and told him on the way that things
looked grim.  Waddie could barely respond but they knew he was aware of
what was going on around him and who was there.
 
Bubba slowly opened the door and saw Dan sitting there with Buck and the
two men went to him.  They both hugged and kissed him and told him to come
in.  He sat in the chair next to Waddie and had big tears running down his
face.  He took his hand and just sat there for a minute.  He barely felt
Waddie squeeze his hand.

"You know it's your running buddy, don't you, Cowboy?"  Bubba managed to
get out.  Once again he barely felt Waddie's gentle squeeze.  He lost it
again.  "I'm trying to be strong for you, Sweetbaby, but I'm afraid you're
the one that's gonna' have to be strong for old Bubba. It's breakin' my
heart to see you lying there like this.  I need to see you get better to
heal this old heart of mine.  I saw Mrs. Anderson for just a minute and she
made me promise to tell you she loves you and she and Jannie are praying
for you.

Seems like half the damn town is out there in the waiting room on their
knees praying for you and Lyle Rawlings told me the other half was in
church praying for you.  You gotta' come home to us, Cowboy.  My being a
good Samaritan couldn't have been for nothing.  God just ain't that cruel.
He ain't cruel at all. I'm a' praying for you, Young'un, and I got every
trucker and waitress worth their salt praying for you, too.

Most of all, Cowboy, ya' gotta' live for this good man beside me here.  He
knows you're his boy now and you can call him dad and really mean it.  I
love you, Little Buddy."  Bubba said and felt one light squeeze from
Waddie's hand.

Bubba promised Buck he'd be around for several days and would come back.
He cried in Buck's arms and told him he was so glad that now he knew the
truth.  Buck held on to the big man like he was a rock he needed for
support.  Dan Justin broke down in Bubba's arms and they comforted each
other.

Buck wouldn't let anyone else in to see Waddie from that point on.
Dr. Dyer said Waddie didn't seem to be responding the way he'd like.  He
was fighting but it was too soon to call.  Doc. Dyer thought it best if
Waddie didn't have any more visitors for a while except immediate family.

It was Wednesday evening and Waddie had been in a coma since Friday night.
Gip begged his Dad to let him stay the night with Buck.  His Dad could see
the pain in his eyes and knew his heart must be breaking.  Dan told him he
could.  Dan told Buck, he and Jimmy Sue were taking Linda Sue home with
them.  They were going home and get some rest.  They'd be back first thing
in the morning and bring them breakfast.

Buck sat there awake most of the night.  Gip drifted off to sleep several
times but Buck didn't say anything.  He was glad Gip could get some rest.
Buck would occasionally snooze with his head on the bed next to Waddie's.
The night was a long one.  He didn't try to talk to Waddie all night.  He
wanted him to rest.

Linda Sue and Jimmy Sue brought him and Gip breakfast the next morning with
a thermos of coffee. They ladies left the room and Buck, Dan and Gip were
sitting there eating, drinking their coffee and talking quietly.

Buck thought he heard a small voice from somewhere.

"You never know who you're gonna' run into in a closet anymore.  Too damn
much traffic! Let's give `em up, Dad, they're over rated."

Buck turned to see his son's eyes open and smiling at him.  He laughed at
Waddie's joke and almost spit out his breakfast.  He couldn't put his food
down fast enough to take Waddie's hand.

"I told you I'd be here to tell you I loved you, Son, and I meant it.  I'll
always be here from now on.  You're my boy now and I ain't never gonna' let
you crawl into any more closets if'n I can help it."

"I heard you tell me that, Dad and that was one of the main things that
kept me hanging on.  I love you so much, Dad, and now you know.  I've
always been your son. No one can ever take that away from us again."

"It's so good to have you back again, Sweet baby.  Lot of folks been
praying for you."

"I know and I love them all, but lemme' have a bite of that, Dad, I'm
s'damn hungry I could eat a bear."  Buck looked and smiled at his son.

"Of course you can have a bite but we'd better ask the doctor first.  Oh
Son, I'm so glad you're back, I love you, Waddie."  Buck leaned over and
kissed Waddie on the cheek.

"I love you too, Dad and I had to come back.  I couldn't leave two men that
loved me as much as you and Dad Dan.  So, you gotta' know I love you, too,
Dad Dan."

"I love you, too, Cowboy,---I'm gonna' get Doc. Dyer."  Dan ran out and
announced to everyone, Waddie was awake and hungry.  Everyone was excited
and in tears.

"My little brother.  Come up here and give your big brother a big kiss,
Darlin.'" Gip kissed Waddie and Waddie put his arms around Gip and pulled
him closer.  Buck had to turn away he almost lost it again.  "You be the
main reason I came back, Darlin,' but chu' knew that all ready.  God, I
love you Gip."

"I love you too, Big Brother."

Doc. Dyer had just driven up in the parking lot.  He'd gone home to eat and
change clothes.  He was thrilled to hear the news and went to Waddie's
side. He had tears in his eyes as he checked him out. He poked and prodded.
Took his temperature, his pulse and talked to him.

"You really hungry, Son?"  Doc. Dyer asked.

"Bring the cow in the room with salt and pepper.  Don't bother to kill it!"
Waddie said drolly and winked at Doc. Dyer.  The doctor laughed.

"Sense of humor is a good sign, Young Man.  Welcome back.  You damn near
scared me to death. We'll get you a tray but,---you can only have liquids
and soft food for several days.  At least through the weekend."

"Ah, darnn.  I had my heart set on a steak."  Buck and Dan laughed with the
doctor.

"By the way, Doctor,---What ever happened to that poor woman who backed
into the airplane propeller?"  Dr. Dyer looked at Waddie in amazement and
laughed.

"You heard that?  You were out.  There's no way in hell,---! Oh, I give
up!"

"I watched you and Dr. Baker hose out my guts with a red rubber hose with a
funny little brass thing on the end of it.  I watched him sew me up, too.
Did a damn good job. Please, thank him for me until I can thank him
myself."

"You were out, how could you possibly know,---oh, never mind.  When will I
learn?"  Doc. Dyer laughed and rolled his eyes toward heaven.

"And I have some wonderful things to tell you and Mrs. Dyer about a
beautiful little girl I met.  I spent the afternoon with her sitting on my
lap and talked to her and your dad; another Dr. Dyer.  She said to give you
both a big hug and a kiss and tell you she loves her name and she's happy
living with your mom and dad.  She sat in my lap and we talked for hours,
Doc.  She didn't want to let me go."

"Don't tell me another thing until I get my wife here.  I want you to rest
first.  Some visitors but not all at once and a few minutes at a
time. Agreed, Dad?"  Dr. Dyer spoke looking directly at Buck.

"Agreed, Doc."  Buck took Dr. Dyer in his arms and hugged him then it was
Dan's turn.  Dr. Dyer had a couple of tears in his eyes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Waddie began to quickly recover.  He had such great joy in visiting with
the folks that had come to his side to be with him.  He spent almost a
whole day with Bubba, Earl D., Billy Bob, Ma and Pa Crenshaw and his
brothers.  He was so glad to see them and they were thrilled he was getting
better.  They phoned home right from the room.  He talked to everyone of
them back there including his favorite.  He was crying on the phone and
Waddie was trying to console him.

"Oh, Waddie, don't never scare me like that again.  I had to do some
powerful pray'n to pull you through this, Big Brother."  Waddie smiled and
wanted to giggle but he didn't.

"You know, you ain't gonna' believe this but my angel told me when the Old
Man got your prayers they were the ones that put the vote for me coming
back over the fence.  He told Mr. Urial, he didn't have a choice, Shad
Crenshaw's been pray'n for his big Brother and I have to let Waddie go
back.  As much as I love the Cowboy, I can't keep him when Shad needs him."

"Really, Waddie?  God and your angel said that?"

"Shad, now what'd I tell you the first rule of being a cowboy is?"

"A cowboy don't never lie.  I believe you, Waddie."

"You just remember to thank him for hear'n your prayers, Shad, and tell him
how much you love him.  He'll appreciate that.  So will I , Sweet baby.  I
love you so much, Little Brother, for your love and prayers.  Thanks,
Shad."

"You're welcome, Waddie.  I love you, too.  Come see me soon's you can."

"I promise."

Waddie then talked last to Dad Gus and cried on the phone with him.  Gus
could barely talk to him.

"So glad you came home to us, Son.  Don't know if'n my old heart could give
you up.  You know I love you, come see us real soon."

"I love you, too, Dad Gus."

Waddie shared many things he spoke to Thane about with the Crenshaws.  They
were all in tears that their boy was taking care of their other boy while
he was in a coma.  He told them stories Thane related to him that they
never told Waddie and only they could have known. He told Earl D. intimate
secrets only he and Thane shared.  They had no doubt that Thane had taken
him by the hand and loved him while he was away.  It only made Waddie and
Gip all the more close to the Crenshaws and Franzs.

He was sitting up by the third day out of coma and was able to have a lot
of his family come in and visit.  Ma and Pa Crenshaw had to get back and
said their tearful goodbyes.  Earl D. and Billy Bob stayed a while longer
to ride back with Bubba so they wouldn't have to ride in the back of the
pickup truck.  Waddie was pleased his bothers could spend a little more
time with him.

He got cards from all over the place.  Every brother in Bandera made a card
and sent to him.  Of course his favorite was Shad's.  It was so plain and
sweet.  Waddie cried when he read it.  It was good to be alive and it was
good to feel the love of his family surrounding him.  Their love was like a
deep well of healing water he was welcome to drink from to heal his body
and his spirit.  There seemed to be a never ending flow from the springs of
their hearts that poured into him like the waters from a spring thaw.  The
doctor couldn't believe how fast he was recovering.

Waddie told his dad and granddad about visiting with his great granddad. He
told his dad that his granddad was a copy of him and his dad.  He was
outrageous and had something funny to say about everything.  He told his
dad stories about him and his granddad that only he could know.  He told
his granddad a couple his great granddad related to Waddie about him that
he never even told his son.  Buck wept that his granddad had a chance to
meet and be with his boy.

"Yeah, Pa Claymore," Waddie chuckled, "he told me about the day you and him
went fishing and crossed this field to get to the river and ya'll didn't
know there was a bull in the pasture.  He told me all his fishing tackle
ended up on the bottom of the river after the bull ran the two of you off
the bank."  Buck and his dad roared with laughter and slapped each other on
the back.

"He told me you dived all afternoon until you found his tackle box. He said
you both had a great afternoon swimming but cha' didn't catch no fish."
again everyone laughed.

His brothers were there everyday to sit with him.  Oatie had much to tell
him and Clyde let him.  The four got their heads together the fifth day and
called in Lyle, Don, Quinton, the Sheriff and Dad Dan.  Mr. Urial told
Waddie before he came back that now was the time to lower the hammer on
Willie.  The men gathered in Waddie's room.  Buck knew his boy's well
enough to know just about what was coming and told Dad before they walked
in the room.

"They're gonna' deliver the boxcar robbers to us and there was a practical
reason they couldn't tell us `til now."

The boys told the men exactly who, when and how the boxcar was broken into
and where they hid the stash that Willie and his gang had stolen.  They
told of conversations the four of them overheard of Willie and his gang.
They also told why they were afraid to say anything `til now.  Furthermore,
their angel told them not to until Waddie came back this time.  Now was the
time to let their crime be know.  Now, they could be tried as adults.

The deputies and Buck were astounded they went to the trouble to keep
Willie and his crew from getting the stuff.  Waddie told Buck exactly where
to look in Willie's closet for proof of stolen guns and ammunition.  They
probably could find the same in the other boy's houses.  Sure enough, they
found Willie's stuff under the floor boards of his closet and the same with
the other three boys.  Buck couldn't have been prouder of his boys and Dan
was ready to bust a button.

The Cotton Belt railroad was so glad to get their stolen property back they
gave each boy a hundred dollar reward.  Once again the four boys were heros
of the small community.

They had a quick trial for the four and with charges upon charges they each
got six years in Huntsville State Pen.  Child molesters don't do well in
the pen.  Willie became the boy of a huge con by the name of Big Joe. Big
Joe took one look at Willie's tight, little, athletic bum and got a hard on
that dripped to get between those little cheeks.  He pulled strings and had
Willie transferred to his cell within a couple of days.

And Big Joe,---well, he didn't get that name because he was small anywhere.
He was said to have the biggest dick in the whole damn prison.  Lucky
Willie.  Got himself a husband.  Willie was giving up his ass to Big Joe a
least once a day and sometimes twice.  To say nothing of the number of blow
jobs Willie was expected to give Big Joe and his friends.

All Big Joe had to do was snap his fingers at Willie, he was on his knees
in front of one of Big Joe's buddies, undoing his pants and getting his
cock out to get it in his mouth as fast as possible.  If he didn't he
wouldn't get out of bed for a week.  Big Joe would beat him within an inch
of his life.  Willie learned to be a right nice cocksucker and wife to Big
Joe.  He didn't smart mouth nor talk back to Big Joe much.  He was too
afraid and too busy being a good little wife for Big Joe.

The boys were really happy to know Willie made friends so quickly.  Well,
there was no question, he was a good looking man with the buns of death.
Big Joe thought so, too.

Waddie reluctantly stayed in the hospital another week.  He wanted to get
out because the summer was almost over and the boys were going to have to
get back to school.  He grumbled but he knew the doctor knew best.  He was
anxious to go home with his mom and dad.

Waddie and his mom had many long talks by themselves and grew more and more
close.  Linda Sue couldn't believe that Waddie had no bad feeling toward
her.  He told her she shouldn't beat herself up.  She did what she thought
was right at the time.  By the time Waddie got out of the hospital, Linda
Sue was ready to become Waddie's full time mom.  She was elated.  She
couldn't thank Aunt Agatha and Jimmy Sue enough.  She hugged and thanked
Dan Justin for loving Waddie as much as he did.  He assured her loving
Waddie was one of the easiest things he'd ever done.

Her friends and the community watched her change over night.  She became a
mature responsible woman.  She became more active in community activities
and ultimately accepted a position on the school board.  Auntie Boo was
included in many of their talks and she came to love and appreciate her
niece even more from the proud and heroic way she handled herself through
all of this.  Aunt Agatha was so happy and proud of her role in this
miracle she couldn't thank Waddie and Gip enough.

They were only too happy to have her love for her thanks. Their Auntie Boo
continued to be the four boy's counsel on everything from family matters to
girls.  They never were afraid to write or call their Auntie Boo about any
subject.  They could always expect sound advice.

Buck couldn't tell Morgan Waddie turned out to be his boy after all.  He
didn't think Morgan would believe him, anyway.  Furthermore, he wasn't real
happy that Morgan almost killed his boy twice.  He told Ma and Pa Lovejoy
to tell him but only if they wanted to.  They knew Buck wasn't going to
stop them from seeing Waddie.  They were still his grandparents as far as
Buck was concerned.  Hell, he still thought of Ma and Pa Lovejoy as his
other set of parents.  He'd do anything in the world for them and proved it
many times.

They chose to tell their son.  Buck was right.  He wouldn't believe it and
told them it was all a trumped up lie to take his son away from him.
Morgan's parents got copies of the sworn affidavits, the sheriff's report
and the letter from the chief of staff of the Methodist Hospital in Dallas
and showed Morgan.  He still wouldn't believe it.  However, after a couple
more years growth when anyone saw Waddie and Buck standing next to each
other they looked like bookends.

There was no doubt in anyone's mind in the community and Morgan finally had
to admit they looked too damn much alike not to be father and son.  The
town folk really did start to refer to Waddie as Buck junior.  Buck beamed
when they called Waddie Buck junior.  Waddie walked a little taller, too.

Morgan managed to talk to the judge in their small town and arranged to
have his marriage to Judy annulled. While the judge wasn't too crazy what
Morgan had done to Waddie he figured Morgan had suffered enough at the
hands of those people and rid him of them.  Morgan also followed the court
order to the letter and didn't try to see nor speak to Waddie.  Morgan was
no longer legally married to Judy and told her she could take off anytime
she wanted.  He didn't want anymore to do with her.

She asked if she could stay on as his housekeeper for food and a place to
stay at least until she had her baby.  He agreed and even gave her a small
salary over and above money for food and running the house.  He paid all
the bills.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Waddie's heart softened towards Morgan as the year went on. They were well
past the six month period but Morgan hadn't made any effort to contact
Waddie.  Thanksgiving of that year Buck asked Waddie what he thought about
inviting Morgan.

"I think it would be a great idea, Dad.  I certainly won't be afraid of
Morgan with my family around and what can he say to me anyway.  He knows
I'm your boy; lock, stock and birth certificate.  Truth is, Dad, I still
love Morgan and I miss him.  I know why you loved him so much as a brother
and still do.  We need to repair that in our lives."  said Waddie.  Buck
took Waddie in his arms and kissed him gently on the forehead and held him.

"Have I told you today, I love you?"

"Let's see,---?  When you woke me up this morning.  When we got into the
shower, while we were showering, after we got out of the shower, after
breakfast.  Before we came to the Justins, on the way to the Justins, after
we got here.  Three times since---"

"All right!  All right!"  Buck giggled, "Your old man loves you!  Get use
to it!  Ya' Hear!"

"You don't love me a whit more'n I love you, Dad.  Just to call you my dad
is an act of love for me, Sheriff Claymore."  Waddie told Buck.  Buck
hugged and kissed him again.

"Okay, we'll try to patch that hole in our road.  He may not come.  I'll be
surprised if he does."

Buck invited Morgan but since Judy was legally not his wife anymore the
invitation didn't include her.  Morgan told him he'd let him know.  About a
week later Morgan handed Buck a letter for Waddie and told him to read it
first.  If Buck thought the letter was all right then give it to Waddie.
Morgan said he would come for Thanksgiving if Waddie could find it in his
heart to be his friend. Otherwise, it would be too painful for him.  Buck
read Morgan's letter.

Dearest Waddie,

It's been almost a year since I've spoken with you.  I've seen you around
town and with your friends going past.  I appreciate your smiles and waving
to me.  It said to me, I don't think you're a monster, you still deserve a
smile and to be acknowledged.  That simple gesture's helped me more than
you'll ever know.  For once in my life I didn't try to read more into
something than was really there.  It was part of your spirit of giving that
I've always admired and cherished.

To say to you that I'm sorry for what I did is not enough for what I put
you through. You use to tell me the punishment was not what hurt you the
most.  What hurt you was I didn't believe in you nor trust you enough to
give you the benefit of the doubt.  I know how you must have felt.  No one
believes in me nor trusts me anymore.  Not because I lied to anyone but
because I didn't believe the truth the only person in my world that truly
loved me was trying to tell me.

I was wrong, Waddie, and for that I'm so very sorry.  There's no other word
I can use to make you understand the extent of my sorrow.  What I did to
you was horrible, Waddie.  I have no defense about the way I treated you.
Buck was right, if I came upon a man beating a pony, the way I beat you,
for whatever reason, I'd want to kill him.  Yet, there I was, doing the
same damn thing to someone I loved.  I still ask myself, "How could I have
done that?"  I don't have an answer; certainly not one that would make any
sense.  However, I am making a concerted effort to find out why.

You knew all along I wasn't your real dad and Judy wasn't your Ma. You were
right, I was telling you a big lie while demanding the truth from you. I
was a hypocrite.  I was the one lying to you.  You never lied to me. You
tried to warn me and I only laughed at you and your talk of an angel and
God.  I'm not laughing anymore.  I hope and pray I've come to my senses by
realizing what I lost.  I think I have.  I know I can never be your dad
again, I accept that and won't try, but I can't forget the love we shared.

It was special and for all my journey through this life it was the most
valuable thing I ever had.  I guess that old saying is true after all, "You
never know how important something is to you until you've lost it."  The
grief I've suffered over the loss of your love has been almost too much to
bear.  For what I did I deserved to suffer that grief as painful as it may
seem.

I'm reaching out to you to express my deepest hope to you.  I would
consider it an honor and privilege if you could find it in your heart to be
my friend.  I'm not asking for more than that but if you do, I'll do my
damnedest to see that I never betray that trust.  I'm not asking for
immediate forgiveness.  I expect, to earn your friendship and love.  It
will take time but I'm willing to try if you'll let me.  I know I don't
deserve it but I'm asking for one more chance to show my love for you.

 I love you, Waddie,

 Morgan

Buck promised he'd give Waddie the letter and bring Morgan his reply.  Buck
gave the letter to Waddie.  His dad told him to take it into his room and
read it by himself and make up his own mind as to his reply.  It was
Waddie's decision but Buck didn't want to influence it.

Waddie sat down at his desk and wrote a short reply to Morgan's letter.

Dear Morgan,

I would be happy for you to join the family for Thanksgiving.  I have no
problem considering you for a friend; however, right now I can't forgive
and I won't forget for exactly the reason you stated in your letter.  Not
for the beatings nor the pain afterwards, I've all ready forgiven you for
that.  What I can't forgive is not trusting me and denying my love for you
by thinking I would have done those things you were punishing me for;
especially cutting the pony.  I would never do that and to have you think
and insist I did was the greatest hurt of all.

Maybe, one day, if we become good friends, I can tell you I forgive you and
then I'll try to forget.  God wants us to forgive those who trespass
against us, but he didn't specify a time limit.


If you're serious about being my friend then you'll understand there are
two things I will not tolerate: I will never allow you to talk `at' me
again.  I'll talk `with' you as long as you like and if you ever doubt me
again, there won't be another chance.  I think, after what I've been
through, I have the right to demand that of you; no, I have the right to
demand that of any man that seeks my friendship.  I don't think that's too
much to ask. After all, it's all I ever asked of you.

Waddie

Waddie folded the letter neatly and inserted it into a nice envelope.  He
walked into the living room and asked his dad to read it aloud so his mom
could hear it, too.  Buck did and had tears in his eyes as he finished.

"Do you think I'm being too mean by demanding those things, Dad?"

"No, Son, I don't.  I think it's a beautiful letter but it tells him you're
not going to run jump into a friendship with him if he ain't willing to
take the time to earn your trust."

"I liked the part about God didn't set a time limit for forgiveness.  I
never thought about it that way but it's something to consider.  I'd say it
applied perfectly in this case."  said Waddie's mom.

"Yeah, me, too!" said his dad.  "It tells him, `If you work at it, I may
forgive you but if you ain't interested I still may forgive you but you'll
never know.'  No, Son, I think this is a fine letter and I'll take it to
him tomorrow.  Then the ball will be in his court. You've left it up to him
whether he wants to be your friend on your terms, and you're right, you
have every right in the world to demand he never doubt you again.

I love my brother deeply but this has to be between you and him.  I may
offer you advice but I won't tell you what to do.  So far, I don't think
I've needed to offer you a hell of a lot of advice.  You seem to have you
head on pretty straight about this.  I hadn't considered you'd given it
much thought."

"I've thought about Morgan a lot, Dad.  You don't turn love on and off.  At
least I can't.  Maybe there are folks like Judy and Dorothy that can but I
don't want anyone like them in my life.  Between you and mom, I still love
Morgan. He was the only dad I had for the first five years of my life.
It's hard for me not to love him like a dad but I'll never, again, share
that with him.  With four loving men in my life I consider to be my dads
there isn't room for one that doesn't trust nor believe in me.  Course
you're my main man, Dad, you always will be.  You know that but you're big
enough and secure enough in our love you have no problem sharing.

I've been thinking a lot about what Mr. Urial told me about helping Morgan
get away from those people.  I can't very well help him unless I have some
communication with him.  Maybe we can be friends but I've done my begging
and pleading with him.  I'll wait and see how much he wants to be my
friend."

"Make's sense to me,---you, Dear?"  Buck asked Waddie's mom.

"A lot of sense.  I don't think it would take much to get him away from
Judy.  I don't think Morgan is the kind of man that can live by himself
though."

"One problem at a time, Mom."  Waddie laughed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Morgan was deeply touched by Waddie's letter.  He had no problem with
Waddie's demands.  It was, as he stated, after all, what he'd asked from
the beginning.  Morgan finally woke up to the fact he was bankrupt when it
came to his record of trust and learning to love.  He hit bottom and his
pride finally turned into introspection.  He had nowhere to go but up.  He
saw the journey as one step at a time, one day at a time.  He was intent on
change and unbeknownst to everyone was seeking therapy one day a week in
the next largest town.

Morgan did attend Thanksgiving and was welcomed by all. Everyone heard
Waddie asked him to come and that was enough for them.  They were gracious
and kind to him. Waddie went to him, put his arms around him, hugged him
and gave him a kiss right on the mouth.  Morgan didn't hold back.  Neither
did he misinterpret Waddie's welcome to be more than that but he was
humbled and pleased.

With everyone standing around the Thanksgiving table holding hands, Dad Dan
asked Waddie if he would say the blessing.  Waddie said a fine prayer that
expressed what most were thinking but at the last he added his own thanks.

"And most of all we're thankful to have one of our family with us who has
been away for a while.  Thank you, Lord, for guiding him back to us.  Our
family wouldn't be complete without him.  Help him and guide him, Oh Lord,
and give him wisdom, strength, and courage to find and know love again.  We
ask in Jesus name."  Waddie said, "Amen" and the rest of the family echoed
it.  Morgan was in tears in his dad's arms and later thanked Waddie for the
sentiment.  Thus began a great period of healing between Morgan and the
family.

He was invited and came to most family functions that he was home for.  He
was good to his promise to Waddie.  He worked hard at becoming Waddie's
friend.  He never imposed nor insisted he have his way.  He gave to Waddie
and joyfully accepted from him.
  

End of Part 20
Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf
Questions/comments: <waddiebear@yahoo.com>