Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2021 15:24:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: styln10@comcast.net
Subject: 27. Robbie's True Love III

27.

Brunch was a huge success ,and everyone ate well. The feast was
fantastic. Sam said he needed to get back to the ranch to see about the new
horses. Daryl, of course, was going back with him. They bid their goodbyes
with hugs and kisses from everyone and best wishes on their newly announced
engagement. They walked back to their room to pack and then drive back up
to Santa Barbara and the ranch.

Sam had work to do. While Sam was driving, Daryl called his Grandmother,
Alma to tell her the news. "Gran! Good morning and I hope you are doing
well? We all wished you could have come down for the party. It was
beautiful and the family asked how you were. Elsa told us when she arrived
at the party that you had come down with a cold . Are you feeling better
now??" Alma said she felt better, she was sorry to miss the party and that
she was glad everything went so well.

"I have some exciting news to share. Do you remember the man I mentioned
when I got down here two weeks ago? His name is Sam, Sam Wilson, and you
will really fall in love with him like I did. We, UMMMÉwell, We are
engaged. He asked me the other night just before we left to go to the
party. I know this is sudden and we are not getting married for a while,
since we really need to get to know each other much better than we
currently do. He is so kind, thoughtful and generous. He's so incredibly
handsome and he loves me so very much, as I do him. I have never felt this
way before.  After Steven left me, I never thought I would or could love
again. I was so hurt by him. I hope you happy for me!"

Alma was shocked and pleased at the same time, concerned that it happened
so soon after meeting. "When do I get meet this wonderful man?"

"We are planning to come back up the San Francisco in a week or so to pack
my things, so you will meet him then. I hope, you will like him. He makes
me so incredibly happy!"

"We're headed back to the ranch now. Sam is in charge of the large horse
barn, taking care of the horses and buying new stock. He has six stable
hands who help out of course. He just brought five new horses for studding
and breeding, and they are gorgeous. They were delivered yesterday morning
before we headed South for the party."

"I have to quit working for Robbie and Tommy in Town, because I have been
offered a new job at the ranch. Gerald, the head houseman/butler just had a
massive heart attack and although he survived it, his doctor advises he
should retire, so I have been offered the job!  He will be well enough to
train me in all the aspects of running the huge house. I have accepted the
offer and that way I have income, can stay and work with this wonderful
family and of course (more importantly) I can be with Sam!! Gran, I am so
happy and in real love for the first time!!!"

Alma took a deep breath, sighed, smiled and asked, "Does Elsa approve?? If
she does, then I do too! I just want you to be happy!!"

"Yes Gran, she does approve, and she has gotten to know him a bit while
staying at the ranch!"

"That's great to hear, but let me talk to this young man, Daryl!!"

"Yes mam!!"

Sam uttered a small hello after Daryl handed him the phone.

"Now young man, I am Daryl's Grandmother Alma. I raised him to be kind,
loving and to helpful to others. I expect no less from you if we are to get
along. He is the most important thing in my life and if you hurt him in any
way, you will feel a rath from this family! You can't imagine and you don't
want to have to deal with me, young man! You understand, Sam? I mean REALLY
understand boy??"

Daryl started to laugh at what Alma had said and how she said it. Sam's
look of abject terror was priceless. He just muttered, "YES, MAM!!" Alma
started to laugh, and Sam was speechless as Daryl took over the phone,
still laughing.

"Oh Gran, that was priceless! Thanks for that!!"

Sam was still speechless after the onslaught he just received from Alma!!
"Please tell him I am totally kidding. I can tell I scared the crap out of
him, am I right??" Be happy, young man. I can't wait to meet him when you
come up to get your things to move South. I love you baby, so very much,
and only want the best for you! Talk to you soon and be careful driving."

"Love you so much Gran. See you soon!!!"and he ended the call.

They arrived at the ranch in about an hour and everything looked
peaceful. They put their bags in Sam's house and Sam changed into work
jeans, boots, and a tee shirt. Daryl did the same.  They were both full of
the brunch they had at the hotel, so they would skip lunch. As Sam walked
to the horse barn, Daryl was going to find Elsa, but suddenly remembered
she was not back yet. She was coming back to the ranch with the senior
Blackford's.

Daryl sat down in the small living room and contemplated all that had
happened in the last two weeks. He came down to the ranch with Robbie and
Tommy, and they all thought he could be on a mini vacation, so he stayed at
the ranch with Elsa. It was beautiful there, peaceful, and quiet. The house
and grounds were spectacular. Elsa and he settled in and as he was walking
around, he met Sam as he was coming out of the huge barn. He was somewhat
dumb struck as he had to be one of the most handsome men he had ever
seen. Tall, blond and what seemed to be very well muscled. A smile that lit
up the world. They met, shook hands and a spark seemed to flow between them
at the same time. They held hands for longer than necessary and Daryl
realized that Sam was just his type of man. They had said hello and Sam
asked if he would like a tour of the ranch.

Daryl, while still holding Sam's hand, agreed so the tour started - seeing
the garden's including the veggie garden and the one for herbs. "You want
to see where I work?" They headed for the very large horse barn a bit way
from the main house. Nearby was a huge paddock where 10 horses grazed and
ran around seemingly playing with each other. It was beautiful to see, and
the horses were all equally beautiful. Sam was telling Daryl about what his
duties were and said he had been there for just over five years, having
come from a ranch in Wyoming. He was happier here and the family was great
to work for plus the benefits were fantastic!

Daryl then told Sam what he did in San Francisco and that he worked for
Robbie and Tommy as their houseman, helping Elsa, who ran their houses and
their lives. Sam said he really like both men and respected them
greatly. The family gave Sam the small house to live in after about a year
and really like his work ethic and he got along with everyone. He really
knew his job and loved working with the horses. He worked hard and long
hours.

The man that held the position before him was killed in a tragic car
accident after he was hit by a drunk driver. Daniel Blackford started
looking around for another person to take the job and through inquiries
found Sam at a smaller ranch in Wyoming, doing roughly the same thing. HE
got in touch with Sam quietly and asked if he was happy there? Sam replied,
"I do, but things are changing here, money is getting really tight, and we
have started to sell off some of the horses. I think I want to leave before
all the horses are gone!"

He asked if would like a trip to California to see the spread? Sam jumped
at the chance and asked when he could come. He was due two weeks of paid
vacation but that was if the ranchers could afford it. Turns out that they
could pay for one week and he would take the 2 weeks anyway. They asked
where he was going and Sam said to California to visit friends, not wanting
to tell them he was going for an interview. Sam left the next day and flew
to Santa Barbara where he was met by the foreman, Charlie, and driven to
the ranch. Charlie introduced himself.  Charlie explained he had been at
the ranch for 20 years and loved working there. The Blackford's were
wonderful people, and that money was absolutely NO problem, and I mean
ever!!! Sam laughed at the remark.

Sam was very impressed with the city, the ocean, and the Spanish influence
all around as they drove to the ranch. He was awestruck when the pulled
into the ranch driveway. It was gorgeous and the buildings were all in
tip-top shape. The main house was stunning and huge. Instead of a Spanish
style Casa, it looked like a huge Southern mansion with immense white
columns. The veranda was massive and wrapped around the whole front of the
house extending to the back on the left side. There were tables and chairs
set about in wrought iron with glass tops. There were a few single chairs
and tables besides. There were fans in the ceiling and there were dimmable
lights for subdued lighting. Charlie parked the truck away from the house
in front of a building near a huge horse barn. Everything looked pristine
and clean. The men walked inside, and Charlie sat behind a large desk and
bade Sam to sit in front in a comfortable chair.

"So, Sam, tell me about yourself. Where you're from and how long have you
been at the ranch in Wyoming?"

Sam smiled and handed Charlie a resume that he just glanced at and then set
it on the desk.  "Well, I am 26, and come from a broken home. My parent's
and I don't get along anymore. I am an only child. Both grandparents are
gone, and my parents are older. The reason why we are not close is because
I am gay. I hope that is okay??"

Charlie just smiled and told Sam that a good many of the ranch hands were
also gay, some partnered, and everyone is friendly!!"

"That's good to hear as I don't want to cause any problems if I get the
position! I told the parent's some time back and they basically told me I
no longer had parents, to pack and get out, so I did just that. I packed my
meager belongings and got in my truck that I bought the year before,
working at odd jobs before I learned of the job with horses at the ranch in
Wyoming. I applied and got the job, learning from there. It is a small
place with only about 10-15 horses and now they are barely hanging on. When
Mr. Blackford called, I guess he had heard about the ranch and my work so
here I am. I am single and I drink very little, never have smoked anything
(if you know what I mean)!! I live a quiet life, love to read, watch old
movies and play board games. I would love to work here if the job is still
open? I love the look of the whole place!!"

Charlie smiled and said let's go over to the horse barn and you can see
what you're getting yourself into! The walk was short, and Sam was excited
to see all the horses. Before they reached to barn, Sam asked how many
horses were on the ranch?

"Besides the private horses for the staff and the Blackford's, we have
close to 30 head and have facilities for breeding and studding. In total
there are close to 1000 acres here. We have chicken and sell eggs, we have
also a few dairy cows for milk and a hundred head of beef cattle.  We have
a full-time staff of 30 men and women working here and it is very
profitable. On the very back end of the property there are a few working
oil wells too!!

They walked into the large barn and again Sam was very impressed with what
he saw. It was clean, very neat, and all the stalls were beautiful. The
stalls had names of the horses posted on each gate. Sam walked over the see
a few of the horses and Charlie handed him a few apples from a large basket
and a few carrots. The horses seemed to love their treats and several
nuzzled him to sort of say welcome. He stroked them and fell in love right
way with the whole area. Charlie watch as Sam dealt with some of the horses
and knew immediately he would be a great fit at the ranch.

"Let's head back over to the main house as it is about time for lunch and
where you will meet the true head of the ranch! Her name is Miss Ellie, and
she has been with the ranch for many, many, years and rules the roost, so
to speak. She is a fabulous cook, and everyone loves her. If you pass
muster with her, you're a shoo-in for sure. Only senior members of staff
are allowed to eat at the house. There is another kitchen over by the bunk
houses for the rest of the staff.  They also are treated well and the cook
there is named Walt. You will meet him later on."

They entered the kitchen from the back patio where Miss Ellie was making
sandwiches. There was also a huge bowl of potato salad and a pitcher of
sweet tea with ice. Charlie introduced Sam to Miss Ellie and told her Sam
was applying for the job of manager of the horse barn. Sam was awestruck by
Miss Ellie. Standing before him was a large black woman with huge breasts
and smile that could light up a room. "I'z pleezed tuh meet cha
Mr. Sam. Hope y'all's is hungry, cuz I got's me a mess of vitals fo y'all."
Sam smiled and loved Miss Ellie from the start. It was a nice day and
Charlie asked if they could eat out on the patio. "Wy sur nuff
Mr. Charlie. Y'all go sitz yo selvs down and I'z bringen lunch!!"

Sam and Charlie went out to the patio and sat under an umbrellaed
table. Miss Ellie brought lunch and they dug in. It was, as usual,
fabulous!!

This is so much better than the food we had at the other place. They ate in
silence for a bit and sipped their sweet tea. "Sam, do you think you would
like to take on the job here? You seem like a natural fit and the horses
seemed to get on with you right quick!"

"So, you are offering me the job?"

Charlie smiled and said, "Yes, as Mr. Blackford left it up to me. I have
been hiring and firing here for years and you will fit in very well. So, I
think you want the job, right??"

Sam smiled and nodded and said a big YES!!! "I will have to get back to
Wyoming and turn in my notice, pack, and drive out here. Can you give me a
week or two?  Would that be ok??"

"That will be fine.  I will add a signing bonus as soon as you sign a
contract with us and we will pay for you for your move, mileage, gas, etc."
Yet again, dumb-founded, Sam just smiled, and a silent tear ran down his
cheek.

Charlie put a contract in front of Sam. It was a simple one-page contract,
with duties, hours and what his pay was to be. He was management, so a flat
salary was listed at $90K a year, plus bonuses and he was be given a
two-bedroom house in which to live, with one bath, a living/dining room
area, and a small kitchen. A very comfortable house or so it seemed. "Would
you like to see your new house? It was built about 10 years ago and very
comfortable. It is furnished completely, but if are some things of your own
you wish to use, we can plan to store the things you don't want to
use. Will that be ok with you?"

Speechless, Sam answered, "I have no real furniture, a small chest that was
my grandfather's where I keep papers and I have a nice desk that I bought
and would like to keep. I have my books, CD's, and a large wall mounted
TV. I have my clothes, boots, and a small collection of cowboy hats, about
four that I like. Other than that, I can put it all in my truck!"

"The owners of the other ranch will be dismayed by my leaving, but I am
sure they will be relieved as well. I don't know how much longer they can
hang on to the ranch. May I stay here tonight and then can someone take me
to the airport tomorrow so I can fly to Wyoming and get back here to my new
home? Sam stopped, picked up a pen and signed the contract with out batting
an eye.  "Now Sir, may I please see my new house?" Charlie smiled and
picked up the contract. Then the pair headed over to Sam's new house.

The house was white one story with green shutters and the front door was
painted the same color.  There was a pleasant, covered front porch. There
were flowers planted in beds along the front of the house with a carport
along the right side. There was a kitchen door as well, and of course, the
front door. They entered the house and Charlie handed Sam the
keys. "Welcome home Son and we hope you will be happy here!!"

Sam looked around the nicely furnished house. The living room had a small
love seat and matching chair in dark leather. There was another nice chair,
off to the side, in a lighter brown fabric, side tables and three lamps.
Sam went to check out the bedrooms and bath. There was a queen size bed in
the master, tasteful furnishings done in shades of off-white, tan, and pale
green. The other bedroom was small and held a twin bed and a dresser. Sam
thought it would make a great den for his desk and the bath was in between
the two. There was wall to wall carpeting in dark tan and a small wood
burning fireplace. Charlie said there was a stack of firewood in the back
of the carport.

The kitchen was fully functional with dishes, glasses, plates and
silverware, stove and refrigerator, and a small table for two in the
corner. The house was about 1000 square feet and looked very
comfortable. Sam knew he would be happy here. He just needed to get moved
and adjusted to California life in his wonderful new job. Maybe even lucky
enough to find a wonderful man to share it with. Only time would tell.

Sam was invited to have dinner at the house that evening and it was
spectacular. Rib-eye steaks on the grill to wonderful medium rare, baked
potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, also done on the grill, and a bit burnt,
just the way he liked it with butter, S & P.

Two ranch hands joined Charlie and Sam for supper. Dave was an older
gentleman in charge of the cattle and had been with the ranch for years. He
seemed very nice and gave Sam a warm welcome. Next was a man named Curt who
was sort of an all-around guy that could do cattle, horses, garden, and he
had been there about 10 years. He made himself useful when someone got sick
or was on vacation. Everyone sat on the patio as it was a nice
evening. They had a choice of beer, wine, or sweet tea. Sam opted for sweet
tea and the others had a beer.  Dinner was simple fare consisting of
Bar-b-que ribs, potato salad and homemade baked beans. They ate, chatted
about the ranch giving Sam and insider's view of what went on behind the
scenes.  Curt said he was gay as well. Charlie introduced the men and
happened to mention that Sam was gay. Curt had a partner who worked in town
as a CPA . They got married about five years before and had been together
for a total of 23 years. They lived on the ranch. Curt asked if Sam was
single? Putting his head down Sam said sheepishly that he was and not
dating anyone, but hopefully things will change when he moves here. Only
time would tell, but from what Sam had seen so far, he was very impressed
and couldn't wait to move!!!

Here ends Chapter 27 and I hope everyone enjoyed the insight into Sam. Stay
tuned for the next adventure with everyone, Daryl moving South to be at the
ranch and with Sam. His new job of running the house. What will happen with
Robbie and Tommy with him leaving? They were happy for him but Robbie,
always thinking, may have an idea up his sleeve. Wait to see what happens.

As always play safe, be mindful of others, be kind and generous. Wear your
masks and get vaccinated if you're not already!! Pray that these wildfires
in California are over SOON!!! As always, thanks to my dear, darling, Allen
for his work as editor and chief of this little novel.  Many THANKS my
love!!! And please, Donate to Nifty for their grand work of delivering
these stories to all of us!!!

Best Wishes to all,

Your Sexy Chef