Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2002 09:36:16 EDT
From: Tulsadriller7@aol.com
Subject: Tales from the Ranch, Chapter 13/?

Disclaimer:  The following story is a work of fiction.  If you
are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man
relations, please exit this page.

TALES FROM THE RANCH
Copyrightc 2002 by Tulsa Driller 7.  All rights reserved.

This is a story of men who have two common interests.  You will
see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is
also the story of young men who love other men and their coming
of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding.  It is a
story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues
but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's
world.

This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any
specific person or persons.  Any similarity to actual persons or
events is entirely coincidental.  This work is copyrightedc by
the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the
specific written permission of the author.  It is assigned to the
Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but
it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the
written permission of the author.

PLEASE:  In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist.  My characters
have unprotected sex.  I hope you use proper precautions because
I'd like you to be around the read the last chapter of this
story.

Tales from the Ranch
Chapter 13:  A Surprise Sunday
     After having a bite of breakfast, muffins with orange juice
and coffee, it was time to get dressed for church.
     Dale had one really nice sport coat and slacks outfit that
he had bought recently when he was asked to attend a Soil
Conservation awards banquet with Marty, Chris and Mort and Margie
Morton.  The Bar-W had received two awards and Marty felt Dale
should share in the honor as he was the one who oversaw the
design and building of the terraces in a couple of fields.
     They dressed fairly quickly, not touching each other as they
usually did.  Dale was a little nervous about attending church,
as the Episcopal Church was foreign "territory" to him.  Craig
had explained briefly that they stood to sing, knelt to pray and
sat to listen.
     He further stressed that Dale was welcome to go to
communion, even if he hadn't been baptized.  If he wanted to
receive communion, he was to kneel at the rail next to Craig and
hold his cupped hands palm up to receive the wafer and to say
"Amen" when the priest put it in his hand.  If he didn't want to
drink from the common chalice, he was to leave the wafer in his
palm and the priest bearing the chalice would take the wafer, dip
it in the wine and place it on Dale's tongue.  If he wanted to
drink from the cup, he was to put the wafer in his mouth and when
the chalice was offered, he was to place his hand on the base and
help the priest guide it to his lips.
     If he chose not to receive communion, he could either remain
seated in the pew while Craig went to the rail, or he could kneel
at the rail beside Craig, folding his arms, palms on his
shoulders to receive a blessing.
     This gave Dale plenty to think about and he decided to
follow Craig and see what happened.
     It took them less than five minutes to drive to the church.
Craig parked in the large lot and they walked up the front
sidewalk and through the door where two men, both of whom Dale
already knew, greeted them.  Morris Johnsmore, who was the
accountant and financial advisor for the Bar-W and Eddie
Thompson, who was the coach at the junior high school.  Dale
often helped umpire for the little league team Eddie coached.
     He was a little more comfortable now.  He'd always heard
that only the "upper crust" people went to church there.  He
didn't think Eddie was rich, but he didn't know about Morris
Johnsmore.  They were handed a stapled folder which had the
church service printed in it.
     Dale followed Craig down the long aisle.  Craig paused, then
directed Dale to a chair in the row.  This was kind of neat, no
pews, but nice upholstered straight chairs.  As he was sitting
down, he was aware that Craig genuflected, then sat next to Dale,
pulling a needlepoint-covered cushion from under the chair.  He
knelt on the cushion, crossed himself, said a brief prayer, and
then crossed himself again before sitting back on his chair.
     Dale looked around the building.  It was beautiful, stone
pillars going into a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows that
reached upward from about 6 feet above the floor, then up high
there were more stained glass windows.  In the front behind what
was called the "high altar" was a beautiful, bright stained glass
window, somewhat contemporary in design with what he assumed to
be religious symbols all over it.  The building seemed huge.  His
grandmother's entire church could fit in the area where the altar
and choir were.
     About that time, he heard the organ music start and his eyes
were drawn to many rows of pipes about halfway up the wall on
either side of the front, above what he later would learn were
called the "choir stalls".
     The organ started softly, with low notes playing a melody,
then softer sounds above it.  Craig pointed to the program and to
the line that said "Organ Prelude".  It was listed as "Chorale
number 2 in b minor, by Caesar Franck."  The music continued with
the sounds changing, soaring to a louder volume, and then getting
soft again.  Just as the sound almost faded out, the organist
must have come crashing down with a huge, loud chord.  The music
got softer, then repeated again.  Dale could feel the low notes
vibrating throughout the building and the brilliance of the other
notes was almost overwhelming.  The music went on and finally
came to an end after a very soft melody.  He'd certainly never
heard anything like this at his grandmother's church.
     He heard a bell ring and the organist started the
introduction to the processional hymn.  The congregation rose and
started singing a hymn that was familiar.  "The Church's One
Foundation".  Dale sang along.  About the time they started
singing the second verse, he was aware of movement to his left.
Two boys dressed in red robes with white surplices were walking
down the aisle.  He recognized them.  Jason was swinging a censer
and good smelling incense was billowing out the top.  Kevin was
walking beside him carrying a silver bowl of some kind.  The next
thing, he realized that Craig had bowed and three people dressed
in green and white robes were moving down the aisle.  The one in
the middle was carrying a huge cross, flanked by the other two
carrying large candles on tall holders.  Then the choir followed,
small boys dressed in wine robes with white surplices and ruffled
collars around their necks.  That was kind of neat.  Next came
older boys, with a few women and men scattered in.  He glanced
back to the front, noticing that the choir was bowing toward the
altar, then entering their pews.
     After the choir was another person in a green and white robe
carrying another, smaller cross, then more men following.  Craig
bowed again.  All were wearing green and white robes.  The very
last person was a young priest wearing a beautiful, multi-colored
cloak.  The third verse of the hymn was completed and Dale was
aware that the organist was doing something different.  The next
sound was overwhelming.  The organ wasn't really playing the
hymn, but it was.  The congregation was singing with all their
might and he could hear tiny voices soaring above it all, singing
a different melody.  He was so fascinated that he realized he was
just standing there, watching and listening.
     The hymn was over and the choir started chanting something
he couldn't understand.  Craig pointed to the program.  It was
the Introit.  While this was being sung, the priest and two other
robed men walked around the altar swinging the incense.  He
wondered what the significance of that was about.
     The priest turned to the congregation and chanted a
sentence.  People crossed themselves and chanted an answer.  More
chanting.  Craig pointed to the program.  It read "Collect for
Purity".
     Someone (was it the priest) chanted "Glory Be to God on
High" which the congregation picking up the song on the second
line.  Oh, there it was in the program.  At the end, people made
the sign of the cross again.
     Nothing like his grandmother's church.  All they did was
sing loud hymns, shout "Amen" and preach in a loud voice.
     This church service had dignity.
     There were more chanted prayers, then people sat down.  One
of the men who had come in last, wearing a green and white robe,
walked to a small pulpit to read some scripture.  After that the
choir chanted a Psalm.  It was beautiful.  Dale thought, "I've
never heard anything like this."
     Someone else, dressed like the first person read more
scripture from the same location.
     As soon as he was through, people responded by saying
"Thanks be to God."
     The organ started again and the congregation rose to sing
another hymn.  Dale realized there was movement up around the
altar.  The three young men carrying the big cross and candles
stood in front of the altar.  They stood there during the first
verse, then started moving, the cross and candle bearers walked
about halfway down the aisle, with Jason and Kevin moving in
ahead of them.  Two men, again in green and white robes, but not
alike followed.  One was carrying what looked like a big book in
a gold holder.  The procession stopped and stood as the
congregation and choir finished singing the hymn.
     Jason and Kevin moved back to stand in front of the last
person in the procession.  The Deacon took a silver spoon and
added some incense pellets to the censer.  Smoke billowed.  He
announced the Holy Gospel and Dale noticed people making a small
sign of the cross on their foreheads, lips and breasts.  Incense
was offered over the book which was being held open.  Dale almost
jumped out of his skin.  There was a trumpet fanfare from back
behind him.  He looked around and Craig whispered, "Look on the
back wall up above."
     Dale turned to stare.  There were a lot more organ pipes up
high on the wall and some of them were pointed horizontally.
They looked like they were made of copper.
     The minister started chanting.  Craig bumped his arm and
pointed to the words in the program.  The minister ended with
raising the book and announcing, "The Gospel of the Lord" and
people responded with "Praise be to thee, O Christ."
     The organ started again and played while the procession
moved to the front of the church.  While people were moving, the
priest who was wearing the beautiful cloak climbed the steps to
the pulpit, crossed himself and the congregation responded in
kind, then sat down.
     The sermon was short and to the point.  The priest talked
about brotherly love and tolerance for people who had different
life-styles than you might have.  Dale listened carefully, not
sure he was hearing right.  Was the priest saying that it was
okay to be gay - that people should love you regardless?  Craig
had told him this denomination was liberal and tolerant, but he
didn't think it was a public thing where they talked about it
from the pulpit.  Wow, they'd have to talk about this over lunch.
     The sermon was over and the priest moved back to the altar
area and sat down.  One of the other clergy moved to the small
pulpit (Dale later learned it was called a Lectern) to read the
announcements and invite people to coffee hour after the mass.
     That finished, the priest stood in front of the altar and
intoned the Nicene Creed, which the choir and people chanted.
Dale noticed that people bowed at the mention of the name of
Christ, then knelt on the floor when the words "He came down from
heaven," standing again at the words, "seated at the right hand
of the Father."  Everyone crossed themselves at the word, "Amen."
     Another minister lead chanted prayers with the people
responding "Lord Have Mercy" after each stanza.
     They knelt for the Prayer of Confession, then the priest
made the sign of the cross over the congregation, absolving them
of their sins.
     At this point everyone stood for the "Peace" and people
turned to each other, shaking hands and greeting each other.
Craig turned to Dale, shook his hand and said "The Peace of the
Lord be with you, squeezing his hand then embracing him.  Dale
was a little embarrassed, but realized others were doing the same
thing.  Others shook hands with both he and Craig.
     "Wow, that was different!"
     The offertory started and trays of bread and wine were
carried to the altar by two couples.  The choir started singing
the anthem, in Latin, no less.  Beautiful harmonies.  Dale was
watching the altar to see the activity there.  The priest knelt
on the steps and two altar boys (acolytes) removed his cloak, and
then draped a green, circular shaped robe over his head, resting
on his shoulders.  The cloak (cope) was removed from the area.
There was a lot of activity with the bread and wine, none of
which Dale understood, but knew it was an important part of the
mass.
     When the priest, deacon and server were finished the
congregation stood and the organ took over at first playing
softly then swelling, building to a climax.  The ushers took the
collection plates forward and one of the altar boys held a large
brass tray to take them.  He then carried them to the altar.  The
organ music continued. Jason and Kevin moved to the altar, more
incense pellets were added and the priest and deacon moved around
the altar offering more incense.  There was a lot of ceremony and
then Jason and Kevin moved out to offer incense to the choir and
finally the congregation.  At this point Dale heard the trumpets
again, soaring above the already full organ sound.  Goosebumps
and shivers went through his body and up his back.  He'd never
heard music like this.
     Things became quiet again and the priest intoned the "Sursum
corda," the beginning of the canon of the mass when the elements
were consecrated.  Dale liked the chanting of the priest and the
congregation responding.  He hoped he could learn more about it.
     The next thing he realized was the ringing of a bell, three
times and the choir and congregation singing the words, "Holy,
holy, holy."  This was the Sanctus with the Benedictus following,
"Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."  People
crossed themselves.  "Hosanna in the highest."
     The people knelt and the prayer of consecration continued,
with a bell ringing again.  The priest elevated the host, the
bell rang three times and people crossed themselves again.  More
prayer and the priest held up the chalice.  The bell rang again,
three times and another sign of the cross.
     Then the priest resumed chanting and the people picked up
with him, chanting "The Lord's Prayer."  It was beautiful.  Dale
thought it was much prettier than just saying it.
     After the prayer, the priest and deacon held up the
consecrated elements, the bell rang three times with the priest
saying "The gifts of God for the people of God."  Another sign of
the cross.  The choir started singing the Agnus Dei (O Lamb of
God) while the priest offered a silent prayer, then served those
around the altar.  The hymn finished, the choir moved to the
communion rail while the organist played softly.  People in the
congregation started moving up the aisle as the choir returned to
their seats to sing during the communion.  The row ahead of Dale
and Craig started to move into the aisle.  Craig looked at Dale,
raised his eyebrows, reaching over to squeeze Dale's forearm.
Dale nodded his head, 'yes'.
     Craig moved into the aisle and genuflected.  Dale followed
him, but wasn't sure if he should do the same.  He'd have to
asked Craig about it.  He hoped he could come to church with him
again.  This seemed like church should be, dignified, not all the
ranting and raving and pulpit pounding.
     Dale followed Craig down the aisle and as they got to the
front, saw the two Williamson families returning to their pew.
Marty and Chris spotted Dale, nodded and smiled warmly.
     As they knelt after communion, Marty leaned over to whisper
in Chris' ear.  "This must be getting serious, Craig brought Dale
to church."  Chris smiled at Marty and patted his hand.
     Dale wasn't sure just how this worked, but observed several
people ahead of him.  'No problem, just what Craig had told him.'
Finally Craig stepped up to the communion rail and knelt.  Dale
waited for the next person to leave and joined Craig.  The priest
approached with the wafers and Craig made the sign of the cross
then held up his hands.  Dale wasn't sure about crossing himself
- he wasn't sure exactly what it meant - but held up his hands as
he'd been told.
     Then another priest moved along the rail with the chalice.
Craig crossed himself again, then took the cup as it was offered,
guiding it to his lips.  Dale did the same, omitting the sign of
the cross.  Wow!!  Was that real wine?
     As they left the communion rail they had to pass the organ
console.  Four keyboards!!  Lots of knobs and buttons.  No wonder
it could be loud when needed.  The organist was young, but good.
     Dale followed Craig down the side aisle into their row.
Craig genuflected again when entering the row.  Dale would have
to ask about this, also.  It certainly was a sign of reverence,
this he knew.
     There were a lot of people in church but communion moved
fairly quickly.  Dale sat quietly while Craig knelt and offered
his prayers of thanksgiving.  Unbeknownst to Dale, one of the
prayers was in thanksgiving for Dale and for he and Craig to have
a good life together.
     More activity at the altar as communion ended.  Dale thought
it looked like they were putting things away, but knew it was
part of the ceremony and ritual of the mass.  There was a final
prayer of Thanksgiving that all repeated together.  Then the
Blessing with the priest making the sign of the cross over the
congregation.  Everyone repeated the sign.
     The priest then said, "The mass is ended, let us go forth in
the name of Christ."  The people responded, "Thanks be to God."
     The organist started playing the last hymn, announcing the
first stanza on the trumpets, and then coming in with sound of
full organ.  "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones".  The choir and
congregation started singing.  The acolytes removed the garment
the priest had been wearing and placed the cope around his
shoulders and fastened it.  The recession was the same as the
procession, except going to the front door of the church.  Jason
and Kevin led the procession with Jason swinging the censer and
Kevin walking beside him.  Craig bowed for the processional cross
and Dale did the same.  The organ roared on the last verse and
one could hear the small soprano voices of the young boys soaring
above the others.  After the procession was over, the organist
started the closing music, the postlude as the program called it.
     It was wonderful with different sounds echoing back and
forth.  It sounded like several trumpets of different loudness.
They sat to listen and at the very end, Dale heard the copper
trumpets on the back wall again.  The sound made him shiver.
     As they started to exit their row, Craig asked Dale if he
would like to go to coffee hour.  Dale told him it would be fine
if he wanted to go.
     They left their row of chairs, Craig genuflecting and Dale
bowing; following him to the parish hall.
     They entered the room and the first people they saw were the
Williamson's.  Marty shook hand with Dale, then Craig.  "Glad you
could join us today, Dale.  Is this your first time here?"
     Dale told him 'yes' and Marty laughed and told him, "I hope
we didn't overwhelm you.  This service is pretty daunting for a
first-timer."
     Dale said, "I really enjoyed it.  I don't know what
everything is about, but it's very dignified and beautiful."
     They started to move away to the table with cookies, punch
and coffee.  Marty whispered something to Chris, who spoke up.
"Would you fellows like to join us for our Sunday family dinner?
We would be honored if you could eat with us.
     Dale was stunned.  Sunday dinner with the Williamson family?
He didn't know about that, but guessed the invitation was offered
in sincerity.  He looked at Craig and they nodded to each other.
     "Thank you.  I think we would enjoy that."
     Marty said, "It's almost noon now.  Join us for cocktails at
12:45.  We'll probably eat about 1:15."
     After offering their thank-yous the guys moved to the
refreshment table.  Craig greeted several people he knew.  Dale
knew two or three people and both introduced friends to the
other.
     About that time, Father Tikker came in, greeting people.  He
looked a lot different, wearing a long, black cassock with his
clerical collar and had a three-bladed hat on his head.  He was
greeting everyone as he made his way across the room.
     Spotting Craig, he approached, giving him a hug.  He said,
"My dear, wherever did you find this handsome man?"  Dale about
passed out.  Before Craig could make the introduction, Father
Tikker said, "I guess Craig is going to be rude and not introduce
us.  I'm Father Tikker, but you can call me George or Father
George.  Dale was a little flustered at the familiarity of the
priest with Craig and him, but managed to tell him his name.
     Craig was enjoying Dale's moment of discomfort but knew how
he felt as he had encountered this when he met the priest for the
first time.
     "Dale, I'm glad you were here this morning.  Did you enjoy
the service?"
     "Yes, Father, I did.  I don't begin to understand very much
of what it's all about, but I hope I'll have a chance to learn.
     "By all means.  We will have a new Inquirers Class starting
next month.  Everything about the service is explained in detail
and we study the faith and salvation, too.  Please think about
joining us.  There is no obligation to become a member unless you
decide so."
     "Okay."
     Father George turned to Craig, then took Dale's arm by the
elbow.  "Paul and I are hosting a cocktail party for the Dignity
Group this evening at 6:30, after Evensong.  Why don't you and
Dale join us?  It's just cocktails and finger foods.  You don't
need to bring anything; Paul has been slaving over the stove for
the past two days.  Could hardly get the choir rehearsed," he
laughed.
     Dale thought he was hearing wrong.  Did the priest say "Paul
and I"?
     Craig said, "We haven't made plans for the evening, but will
consider it.  Is it at the rectory?"
     "Yes, we hope to see you there."
     About this time another fellow walked up.  Craig recognized
him as being the organist.  Father Tikker took charge of the
introductions.
     "Paul, this is Dale, Craig's friend.  Dale, this is Paul, my
'better half' - at least he thinks he is."  He giggled.
     Dale's face was another "Kodak moment" and Craig really
wished he had a camera.
     Paul acknowledged Dale and they both shook hands.  Dale told
him, "I really enjoyed the service and especially the music this
morning.  Thank you."
     Father Tikker spoke up.  "St. James in Williamsport is a
liturgical oasis in the middle of a desert.  There are not many
churches in the country that have a service like we do and, I
might add, do it right."
     Dale said, "Pardon me for asking, but you sound British?"
     "Yes, but I'm trying to learn Texan.  It just doesn't sound
right to say something like "Seek and ye'all shall find."  He
laughed.  "The Queen's English is understood here, but doesn't
translate to local dialect."
     All of them enjoyed the joke.
     A lady came up and wedged herself between the four of them
to talk to Father George and Paul.
     Craig and Dale nodded their good-byes and made their way to
the parking lot.  After they got in the car, Dale said, "I am
absolutely stunned.  Never in my dreams did I think a church
service could be like what I witnessed this morning.  Then being
invited to join the Williamson family for Sunday dinner.  And
then - A Gay priest?  AND his lover?"  What more earth-shaking
things am I going to find out today?"
     Craig laughed.  "I guess it is a pretty good shock with it
all happening at once.  Did you really enjoy the service?"
     "Yes.  The church is beautiful, the music was wonderful and
the ritual and ceremony is impressive.  I don't begin to
understand it, but hope I have a chance to find out more."
     "You will.  There's a lot I can explain, but there was no
use trying to tell you ahead of time what you were going to see.
It would have made no sense.  We'll go over it when you want to.
     "I'm as surprised at being invited to Sunday dinner as you
are.  I've had business dealings with Marty before, but have only
encountered Marty and Chris in a social occasion once at the
Country Club and that was a wedding reception.  That shows how
much they like and respect you - us - or they wouldn't have
invited us.
     "Yes, I have known Father George was gay ever since he hit
town about two years ago.  He made no bones about the fact that
he was gay and that he wouldn't take the rector's job without
Paul becoming the music director.  Marty was Senior Warden of the
Vestry, the parish governing body.  He didn't have a problem with
it and only one person made an objection.  Mr. Perkins, the
organist/choirmaster was wanting to retire and wasn't too happy
about trying to train a new boys choir, so both jobs were open.
The parish kind of lucked out getting them both as there were
offers from three other parishes in the United States that were
for more money, but they didn't want to do the same "high church"
liturgy we have here.  Everyone in the church loves both of them
and Paul can throw a mean "high tea" for the little old ladies.
They think the two can do no wrong.
     "The bishop had a little problem, but both George and Paul
came from England and had the endorsement of the Archbishop who
was head of their diocese in England.  Our bishop relented when
he was reminded that St. James contributes more to the Diocesan
budget than two larger church's in other cities."
     "That's impressive," Dale replied.
     "Well, Babe, you've certainly gotten your eyes opened this
past week, haven't you?"
     Craig started the car and drove down the street.
     Dale sat in silence for a couple of blocks.  "Yes, so much
has happened.  You said you were going to 'show me the world' and
it's a lot bigger place than I thought.  We haven't even left
Williamsport, yet, have we?"
     "Look, being gay isn't a bed of roses, but we have the
support of a lot of people.  Some you might expect it from won't
be and others will surprise you.  But, we both still have to be
careful.  Okay?"
     "Just take me by the hand and guide me.  With you at my side
it will be a lot easier as you show me the way.  I just want you
to know I love you."
     "And I love you, too, with all my heart and soul," Craig
replied, squeezing Dale's hand.
     * * * * *
     They stopped at their condo for a few minutes to use the
bathroom and freshen up.  They exchanged heart-felt kisses and
enjoyed being with each other for a few minutes with no pressure
to do more than hug each other, rubbing the other's back.
     It was just after 12:30 and time to go to join the
Williamson families for Sunday dinner.  They were right on time,
pulling into the driveway in front of the house.  Neither had
been to the front entrance before and both were very appreciative
of the front hallway, which had a stairway going to the second
floor and three doors, one a closet where Marty hung their coats
and the other two opening into a front parlor and dining room.
Craig and Dale were both relieved that they didn't have to wear
jackets for the meal.
     Taking them into the living room Marty made sure that
everyone knew everyone else.  Craig and Jeanine had never met
each other until today.
     Martin announced that the Sunday specialty of the house was
Bloody Marys and proceeded to pour drinks for everyone.  Another
new drink experience for Dale.  It was really spicy, but good
with a celery stick to stir with.  Chris pointed out that there
were cheese sticks, crackers, celery, carrots and broccoli with a
couple of bowl of dips on the coffee table.
     About this time Jason and Kevin came bounding down the
stairs with Sandy right behind them.
     "Hi Dale," they each greeted him.  "Hi Craig," they greeted
him, too.
     Dale responded, "Jase, Kev, it's good to see you.  I saw you
in church this morning and I was really impressed with the church
service and your parts in it."
     The boys were very proud that Dale had noticed them.
"Thanks," Jason said.  "It's kind of a neat job."
     Kevin was about to burst with pride that he'd been noticed,
too.
     Marty suggested that the boys get some of the snacks and
their grandfather fixed them what he called a "Virgin" Mary which
was like everyone else's drinks, except for no alcohol.
     Chris, Martin and Jeanine were visiting together and talking
to Jason and Kevin.  Marty was talking to Dale and Craig in
another corner of the room.
     Marty asked the two, "Do I understand that you fellows have
decided to live together?"
     Dale immediately reddened, clearing his throat, starting to
talk. and then realized he didn't know what to say.  Was Marty
unhappy about this?  What should. or could he say?
     Craig came to the rescue.  "Yes Marty, Dale and I are going
to see if we can make a go of it as a couple."  Dale about passed
out.  His face was red and he felt warm.
     "Well, congratulations.  You are both fine men and I have
every confidence that you'll be good to each other and for each
other.  He shook hands with both, then gave each a squeeze on
their arm.
     Dale was still standing there in a daze.
     Marty sensed Dale's discomfort.  "Dale, don't be embarrassed
about this.  My best friend in college was gay. still is," he
laughed.  "And he's still my best friend and he and his lover
come to spend a few days with Chris and I a couple of times
during the year.  I have nothing but respect and high esteem for
both of them."
     Dale still didn't know what to say and Craig again came to
the rescue to keep the conversation going.  "Marty, I think a lot
of Dale and that I'm very lucky and you are lucky to have him
working for you."
     "Yes, I know.  Dale has come a long way in a short time here
and I have a lot of faith and trust in him," Marty said.
     Marty got his father's attention and motioned him to join
them.  Martin said, "Just a minute, let me freshen everyone's
drinks," the proceeded to refill glasses with ice and Bloody
Mary's.  About that time Chris walked over with the food tray and
offered each another tidbit.
     Martin came back to the group and Marty told Dale and Craig,
"I don't know if anything has been said, but Mort's wife has
inherited a tidy sum of money from an aunt who recently died.
They have come to a decision that they want to travel and Mort
has told me that he wishes to retire."
     Dale's first reaction was, "Oh, no!  That's terrible.
You'll never find anyone to replace him that knows about the
operation of this ranch."
     Marty smiled.  "I was going to tell you this tomorrow, but
seeing you at church this morning we decided to invite you to
dinner and discuss this today.  I'm glad you are concerned about
this, but I think Dad and I have come up with the perfect
solution to Mort's retirement."
     Dale was still surprised at Mort's retirement and couldn't
think of anything to say.
     Marty continued.  "Dale, if you will take the job, we'd like
to offer the General Manager's job to you.  And. I hope that you
will take it.  Mort can't say enough nice things about you and he
agrees that you can do the job and do it right."
     Craig was ecstatic.  Dale was confused and unsure of what
he'd just heard.  It wasn't computing in his brain.
     "You. you want. me. to be the ranch foreman and manager?  I.
I. can't. do that. I don't have enough experience."
     "Look, Mort isn't leaving until the end of the year. after
Christmas.  That's over three months away.  Dad and I have every
confidence that you can learn the few things you don't already
know by the time that happens."
     Martin broke in.  "Dale, we wouldn't offer this job to you
if we didn't think you could handle it.  I've watched you and
your interaction with the other employees here.  Everyone
respects you and all of them, to a man, always comments that you
aren't afraid to get in and do the job, even when you could just
as well supervise.  Last week, baling and loading hay was a good
example.  You were out there working harder than anyone else and
yet you had time to get your supplies ordered and other paperwork
accomplished, too."
     He clamped his free hand on Dale's shoulder.  "You can think
about this offer is you want to, but the answer had better be
yes."
     Marty added, "Dale, if we didn't think you could do this, we
wouldn't have asked you to begin with.  We feel that you. and now
Craig. are part of our extended ranch family and we feel we are
making the right decision."
     Craig started to shake Dale's hand in congratulation, then
said, "Oh, what the hell," and gathered Dale in his arms and
planted a kiss on his cheek.  "Congratulations, guy, you can do
this!"
     Dale was still reeling from the announcement, job offer,
refusal to take no for an answer, being hugged and kissed by
Craig. told by Marty that he was glad he and Craig were a couple.
it just was more than he could comprehend at the moment.
     "Marty. Martin. Thanks for your confidence in me.  I never
dreamed that I'd even be a foreman here, let alone the general
manager. I just can't thank you enough for your faith and trust
in me.  I don't think I deserve this honor, but I'll do my best
to not let you down."
     Marty's next move surprised Dale even more.  He wrapped his
arm around Dale and gave him a pat on his back.  "Welcome to your
new job as a vital part of the operation of the Bar-W."
     Dale was still confused about all that had just happened.
Craig was standing there, beaming, but with tears in his eyes.
He was so proud of HIS MAN and what Martin and Marty had said
about Dale. about them.
     What a week this had been.
     Martin cleared his throat and in a louder voice said,
"Excuse me, but Marty and I have an announcement to make.  The
two women and Jason and Kevin got quiet.
     "Marty and I have asked Dale to take Mort's position as
general manager of the Bar-W when he retires at the end of the
year.  We think that Dale has accepted, but we are not going to
take anything other than a 'yes' for an answer.  So, Dale, thanks
for accepting!"
     Dale, but this time, had managed to regain some of his
composure and said, "I am overwhelmed by the suddenness of this,
but I can assure you that I will do my absolute best not to let
you down.  I thank you for your confidence."
     Marty spoke up.  "I have just one thing to add.  Dale, I
know you are somewhat embarrassed about being public with this,
but I want to tell you in front of our family that all of us
support you and Craig and are very glad you are going to share
your lives with each other.  You have the full support of this
group of people and if we can help the two of you with anything,
please let us know."
     Martin spoke up.  "Congratulations!!"
     Chris and Jeanine had hugs for both Dale and Craig and
welcomed them to their extended "Ranch Family".
     About this time, Mrs. Wood started putting dishes of hot
food on the sideboard in the dining room.  As they gathered
around the table, holding hands as per their family custom, Marty
offered a prayer, thanking God for their good fortune, asking His
blessing upon the food, their family and for Dale and Craig.
     Sunday dinner was delicious.  Mrs. Wood was a good cook and
every meal was a treat when she prepared it.  The menu included a
cup of hearty cream of mushroom soup, a wonderful tossed green
salad, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fresh
corn, stewed apples and home-made dinner rolls.  A nice light
burgundy wine was served with the meal.  Dessert was a choice of
either lemon cake or peach cobbler and served with coffee.
     Dale and Craig were surprised that Jason and Kevin were
allowed a small amount of wine, but realized that the boys were
largely treated as adults.
     The table setting was beautiful with white china, sterling
silver and elegant crystal goblets and claret wine stems.
     Conversation was lively and ranged from current events to
what was going on at the ranch to what was going on at school.
The story had started to get around town about the happening at
Eddie Thompson and Coach Paul Dennison's houses.  Although it
wasn't necessarily polite dinner conversation, there was
speculation as to who might have pulled the stunt.  Since Marty
was on the school board, he was particularly interested in the
story.
     "It's really too early in the school year for two teachers
to have something like this happen to them.  It has to be spite
from a student who feels they have been wronged."
     Jason had been eating, listening to the conversation.  He
and Kevin didn't usually enter the conversation unless a question
was directed at them.
     "Dad, the Riley twins have been in trouble at school this
week.  They caused a problem in their homeroom the other day and
the principal put them in supervised detention because the school
couldn't find their parents.  Then they caused problems in gym
class the day we were being evaluated.  Both Coach Dennison and
Coach Thompson had to get on them because they were harassing
other kids."
     Marty had heard of the Riley boys and knew the two older
ones had been held back in school a couple of times because they
missed so much school they hadn't learned anything.  Most
teachers would pass boys like that just to get rid of them, but
the principal had decided that they should be failed and repeat
the grades.  Marty made a mental note to tell the school
superintendent what Jason had said.
     "Thanks, Jason.  That might be helpful.  I'll see to it that
what you told me gets to the right people."
     Dinner was over and Marty and Martin stood.  Chris asked
Jason and Kevin to help clear the table and Martin and Jeanine
had to leave because they were going to an anniversary reception.
     Dale remembered that he needed to talk to Marty about
Jason's questions from the other evening.  He didn't want to
betray any confidence, but felt that Marty should know that Jason
had questions about remarks made by other boys in his class.
     "Marty, could I talk to you privately for a moment?"
     "Sure, come on in the den," he said, excusing the two of
them.
     Dale was a little nervous and Marty thought it was because
he wanted to talk about the offer of the General Manager's job.
He started to reassure Dale, but he broke in.
     "No, Marty, that's not what I need to talk to you about.  I
need to tell you that Jason and Kevin experienced some harassment
at school the other day.  You weren't home and Jason asked me
some questions that I answered the best I could, but I really
feel that you need to have a talk with him.  And. I don't want to
betray any trust that Jason might have in me.  Obviously he needs
some answers. that should come from you as his father."
     "What type of problems?"
     "Mainly name calling, but Jason has been somewhat sheltered
and I think he may be close to the beginning of puberty.
Certainly, boys his age are aware of other boys calling each
other names and teasing each other.  So, I guess it's time for
you and he and maybe Kevin to have THE TALK.  Marty, I only wish
that I'd had a father to talk to when I was their age.  A lot of
things would certainly been easier for me. assuming I would have
had a father who was willing to listen and ask and answer my
questions."
     "Dale, I really appreciate your telling me this.  I guess
I've put this off, but the boys trust me and I need to reassure
them that they can come to me to get their questions answered.  I
don't mind them trusting you to ask questions and get answers,
but I hope you will keep me informed so I can keep their
confidence, too."
     Marty shook Dale's hand, and slapped him on the shoulder
with the other.
     "I want to talk to you and Mort in the morning, so as soon
as you get the day started, call me and I'll come out to the barn
office tomorrow morning.  Okay?"
     "Fine.  Thanks so much for your confidence.  I hope I'm
capable of taking over this job."
     "You deserve it and I know you'll ask for help of either Dad
or me if you run into a problem.  We're here to help you, Dale."
     They left the den.  Craig was talking to Chris and they both
thanked Marty and Chris for including them as dinner guests.
     As they were going out the door, Craig told Marty that he
had given some working drawings to Ray, along with a computer-
generated bill of material so he could start his estimates.
"Marty, I'll be glad to bring a set out to you in the morning."
     "That won't be necessary, I have to be in town tomorrow, so
I'll call ahead of time and pick them up at your office.  You
didn't design it as a Taj Mahal, did you?" he asked, laughing.
     Craig teased.  "No, I decided that something like the Palace
at Versailles was more in keeping with the architecture of the
Bar-W buildings."  They all laughed.
     Climbing into Craig's car, they left the house behind.
     * * * * *
     (to be continued)
     * * * * *
Author's Note:  This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the
only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my
readers' feedback.  I would appreciate your comments, criticism,
suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say.  All
Email will be answered.  If you wish to receive e-mail
notification of subsequent posting, please let me know by sending
your request to the e-mail address below.  Contact me at:
tulsadriller7@aol.com

Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters.  I
received positive replies from all over the world.  My special
thanks to RW, whom I've known for many years and value his
suggestions.  Also for the proofreading help of Paul Daventon,
author of  "Turning the Page" found in the "Adult-Friends"
section of Nifty.  Please read it.