Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 06:49:12 -0800 (PST) From: Waddie Greywolf Subject: "Cabbage Patch Cowboy Part 14" 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 14 Waddie got a tear in his eye when Bubba drove away. Earl D. took his hand and squatted down to talk to him. "Hey, hey, Cowboy! He'll be back this evening. I know you're thinkin' it's gonna' be hard telling him goodbye tomorrow but he'll be back before you know it. We love him, too. Next to our dad he's number one in our lives. He's our brother, same's you, now. Come on! Let go buy you some clothes." Earl D. and Billy Bob had an old pickup truck that belonged to Bubba before he gave it to them to travel back and forth to school. It was in pretty fair shape. The boys kept it running in top condition. It was what Waddie referred to as a `shit kicker truck.' All `shit kicker pickemuptrucks' have cattle racks on the back and a protective metal grill over the back window. Waddie loved old trucks and he knew he was going to love the two outstandingly good looking men he was sitting between. His dick hadn't gotten soft since he saw them bound down the front steps of Mrs. York's place. They got to the `Hitch'n Post' and introduced Waddie to the owner. His name was Gil Saunders. He hugged and kissed the two men and turned his attention to Waddie. "We brought you a good'un this time, Gil. Y'ain't never gonna' guess who his aunt is?" Billy Bob crowed. "You guys wait here for a minute. I'll be right back." instructed Gil Saunders. He disappeared into his workshop in the back. He returned with three photos and handed them to Waddie. There were two close up photos and one full photo of Waddie and Gip at a rodeo wearing their favorite white and red rodeo chaps Uncle Enid gave them for Christmas a couple of years ago. "That you and your brother, Gip, young man?" Gil ask smiling. "That `ud be us, Sir." confirmed Waddie. "You Waddie Lovejoy, Son?" asked Gil. Billy Bob's face fell like a final curtain. "Yes, Sir, Mr. Saunders, That ud' be me." "Just hung up the phone from talking with your Uncle Enid as you walked in the door. I have to call her back,...I promised her I would. Gimme' a' hug, young'un. She's worried about you but seeing who you're with, she ain't got a care in the world. By the way, you and your brother like them bat wing chaps I made for you a couple of Christmas's ago?" "You made those, Mr. Saunders? We love `em. That's our favorite, lucky pair of rodeo chaps. We won't ride, less'n we're wearing `em. I shit chu' not, Sir." "That's wonderful. I enjoyed making them. Got more pictures in the back of you and Gip at a rodeo wearing `em. That, Gentlemen, is how I recognized the young man. You come for some duds, Youngster?' "Yes Sir. Basic stuff; jeans, sock, shirts." "Let me call Enid real quick and I'll get back to you. By the way, Son, just call me Gil. You've shown me proper respect. Now I know you have manners, call me Gil. You two will still refer to me as Mr. Saunders." said Gil as he broke up laughing at Earl D. and Billy Bob. They followed him back. They wanted to see the photos of Waddie and Gip in their rodeo chaps. Waddie did too....he didn't remember seeing them. "Hello"---- "Guess what? He just walked in the front door with two of the biggest, meanest, ugliest som'bitches north of the Pecos."----- "The Crenshaw brothers."----- "Who were we just talking about?"---- "I certainly have not! He's standing right here, inside my store. I recognized him from his photo you gave me."----- "Yes, your nephew!" The three men could hear Uncle Enid's yell all the way across the back room of the store. "She wants to talk with you, Son. She don't believe me." said Gil disgustedly. "Uncle Enid, it's Waddie." "Goddamn! Saints be praised, it is you, Son. How the fuck are you, Darlin'?" "I be just fine, Uncle Enid. I had to run away from home. My dad went nuts. He almost killed me, Uncle Enid. My angel told me to go, to run away and I did. No one back home knows where I am. My angel don't want them to know for a while. I have to stay away for some reason. I guess it's to protect me from my dad. I can't and go back to living with him. I won't go back to living with him, Uncle Enid. I'm sick and tired of being beaten for something I didn't do. Maybe you've all ready heard about it." "Yes, I did, Son. Dan called me immediately. We've all been so worried but I told Buck, `I know that kid well enough to know he's being taken care of by good people.' They wanted everyone to know in case you called and not to be worried. It's hard not to worry when we all love you so much. You couldn't be doing to damn bad with those two beautiful men you got on your arm. They're a couple of fine looking cowboys. Many's the men who'd sell their fuck'n grandma into slavery for one night between them two ole boys, I'll tell ya'" "I'm just a' praying they know how to knock boots, Uncle Enid." The three other men didn't hear what Waddie told Enid but they could hear her laugh loud and clear. "I'm sure of it, Cowboy. You may be a little young for their taste but then again, I've seen you in action, Sweet baby, and you've surprised the shit out of this old lady; that's fer damn sure! You call Agatha yet, Darlin'?" "No, Ma'am. I was gonna' ask Bubba if'n I could call her tonight and pay the phone charges to the lady I'm staying with. I was gonna' call you tonight, too. I didn't want you worrying about me." "Is that old Bubba Franz? He still driving that old plum colored Peterbuilt?" "Yes, `um! You know Bubba?" "Oh hell, yes! He probably don't remember me. I was running buddy with an old lady trucker for about a year and a half. I met him several times. Ask him if he remembers old lady Mother Trucker and her running buddy, Moon Shine. You couldn't be with better people, Waddie. That man, Bubba, is one hell of a fine man. That man walks with God, Son. I've been in touch with Agatha to see if she's heard from you. Can I tell her I've heard from you and you're gonna' call her tonight." "Sure, I know I can trust you not to give away where I am right now. You can tell Aunt Agatha. She's okay. She's Gip and my buddy, just like you are, Uncle Enid." Enid was quiet on the other end of the line. She almost lost it for a minute. The kid could toss off the most loving comment as if it were simply accepted fact. "I can't go home until my angel Mr. Urial says so. I don't want to put the temptation in front of Uncle Buck or Dad Dan to come get me. It ain't time yet, Uncle Enid. Let me give you the phone number where I'm staying and you can pass it on to Aunt Agatha if you would? I'd appreciate it." "You know I will, Son. I love you as much as the rest of `em and I know Agatha worships you and Gip. What's the number?" Waddie hollered at Earl D. and Billy Bob. "Mr. Crenshaw's...what's the phone number to Mrs. York's place. Will she let me take a call there this evening?" "Sure. She has separate phones for the upstairs and downstairs." Earl D. gave Waddie the upstairs number and he repeated it to Uncle Enid. Waddie got the address from Earl D. and gave it to Uncle Enid. Enid was living in Austin at the time. "I know I don't have to ask you not to tell the folks back home my whereabouts. You can tell `em you know the people I'm with and you think they're good folks. Maybe that'll help put Uncle Buck and Dad Dan's hearts to rest a bit." "I promise I'll do that, Waddie. Of course I won't tell a soul but Agatha. She's a sweet lady and I`ve come to be quite fond of her. Not that way, youngster. She's been a good friend. I may drop over to see you one day next week but I'll call first and make sure you're gonna' be there." "I'd like that, Uncle Enid. I'll introduce you to my new brothers. Damn, they be fine looking men, Uncle Enid!" Again Enid laughed at her nephew's candor. "It's good to hear your voice, Uncle Enid, and you know I love you very much." "Awwhh, Sweet baby, you know your old Uncle Enid loves you, too. Now, do me a favor and put that no good son of a bitch, Gil, back on the phone." Waddie hollered for Gil. "Uncle Enid would like to talk with you again, Sir." Waddie told him as he handed Gil the phone and walked over to Earl D. and Billy Bob. They pointed out ten different pictures of him and Gip in their white and red, bat wing, rodeo chaps. They were hot pictures. Waddie's dick got hard when he saw the handsome, knock out, cowboy standing next to him in the pictures. His brother never failed to get his dick roaring hard. He started adjusting it and the two brothers caught him. They laughed their ass's off. "I'm sorry guys. It's just every time I see a picture of my cowboy brother my dick gets hard." They broke up again laughing at Waddie's honesty. Then he looked at them and they were hard, too. It was Waddie's turn to laugh. "We been standing here talking about what fine, good looking, young cowboys you two make. Makes my dick hard! How `bout you, Brother?" "All you have to do is look! That things been trying to get out of there for the last fifteen minutes." They laughed again. Gil was on the phone a good while with Uncle Enid and the men went back out to the store to look around. Waddie wanted to see if they had boot cut jeans in his size. He found three pair and set them on the counter. He found some nice socks and selected five pair. He found some inexpensive white cotton t-shirts. He selected five of those. Waddie picked out three really pretty Western shirts. He found a nice straw hat for summer. His buddies liked that and urged him to get it. Gil came back into the store and smiled like the Cheshire cat. He had a legal pad of notes from Uncle Enid. "Okay, let's see now. You've all ready picked out some stuff. You have to pick two more pair of jeans, Waddie. Uncle Enid's orders, Son! We don't say `no' to Uncle Enid. I learned the hard way, trust me! You have three nice western shirts. You've got to pick out two more. Don't be shy, Waddie, she's picking up the tab for all this. By the way, you two, go pick out any pair of Justin boots you want, they're a gift from Enid to make sure you take damn good care of her nephew. Said she'd personally kick your butts if'n you didn't." Billy Bob and Earl D. hooted with laughter and were stunned that she would do that. They hit the boot rack immediately. "She told me to send a pair to a Mr. Bubba Franz with you, Waddie. Do you know his size?" "Sure do, Gil. He told me his size was fourteen triple E. I looked in one to see if it really was that big. It was. I also sniffed it when he weren't looking." Waddie said quietly with the back of his hand to his mouth. Gil roared with laughter. "Done the same thing myself, youngster. Still do, every damn chance I get. You never out grow it, Waddie. It'll be with you for life. You just have to adjust and learn to live with it." Waddie and Gil broke into gales of laughter. "Oh, by the way, Darlin' she wants you to pick out a nice pair of boots for yourself to wear when you go to Dallas to visit your aunt." "You sure about all this, Gil? I feel awful funny. I love my Uncle Enid but damn----" "I know, Waddie, but she's just that way. She overwhelms everybody. Honey, she's become the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas. She can afford to be generous. You're lucky, Waddie, you and your brother, Gip, have such a wonderful woman for an aunt. I know her well enough to know she'd be hurt if you didn't accept her help right now. You're in a tight place right now and she wants to help. Let her, Son. She's trying to do her part and it's her way of telling you she's so damn sorry for the way your dad treated you. She'd go break him in two herself if your Uncle Buck would let her. Damn, she loves that man. Talks about him, you, Dan, Gip, Don, Lyle, Quinton, Clyde and Oatie. Now that's one kid I'd love to meet sometime. I've heard stories." "Every damn one of `em's true, Gil. Oatie's a handful." Waddie picked out the rest of the clothes Uncle Enid wanted him to have and a nice felt hat she told Gil he could buy. He chose two nice western belts with large belt buckles. He picked out a beautiful pair of boots for himself and picked out a pair he knew Bubba would like; size fourteen triple E. Waddie's whole head would fit inside one of the boots. The boys agreed with Waddie's selection. Bubba would love those boots. The Crenshaw men picked out two beautiful pair as well and were as giddy as school boys. Hell, they were school boys. They got everything together and Waddie signed his name to all the sales slips to show the stuff was received. He signed for Bubba's boots and Earl D. and Billy Bob signed for theirs. They all hugged, kissed Gil and promised to come back to see him. He treated them nice and was gracious. Waddie liked the man. He shook his hand and thanked him sincerely. Gil was impressed with Waddie's maturity. The men threw their stuff in the back of the truck and drove back to Mrs. York's. They didn't realize it was so late. They'd been in the store four hours or better. Bubba's truck was all ready there. Waddie was thrilled at the sight of Bubba's truck. "Will you throw cold water on this one, Brother?" laughed Billy Bob. "You're one to talk, Brother, I seen you sneaking them glances at that big man's jeans." Earl D. laughed as he parked the truck. Bubba was sitting on the porch with Mrs. York enjoying a big glass of ice tea. He didn't look too stressed. "My God, did ju' men buy the whole damn store?" "He had few things left but we're going back tomorrow for the rest." Billy Bob shot back at Bubba. Bubba just roared with laughter. "Y'ain't gonna' believe what we have to tell ya,' Big Brother." Earl D. smiled at Bubba. "If it concerns this one," Bubba nodded toward Waddie, "I'd believe any damn thing you told me. I've seen what he can do, and it's frightened this old pilgrim, I'll tell ya'" "We didn't pay a penny for all these clothes." stated Billy Bob. "Did the cops get your license number as ya'll drove away?" Bubba laughed. "We didn't steal `em neither. An old truck'n friend of your's bought `em for us. She was Mother Trucker's running buddy, Moon Shine." said Billy Bob. "You're lying like a damn railroad track! How could ju' lie like that to your big brother? Are they lying to me, Waddie?" "Naw, Sir. They be telling the truth. You just don't remember or maybe never knew Moon Shine's real name was Enid Justin." "Son of a bitch! Excuse me, Mrs. York, I apologize, Ma'am." "No need! Been around men who used worse language than that. Feel free, you won't bother me. Only around the table I expect decent language. Anywhere else, hold forth." "Moon Shine was Enid Justin? Your Uncle Enid, Waddie?' "Same lady, Big Man." Waddie handed Bubba a big paper bag with a box inside. "I talked with her on the phone at Gil's store. He's close friends with her. She said for me to pick these out for you, Bear Man." Bubba's mouth dropped open before he even looked inside the package. He put his hand in, pulled out the box, saw the Nacona boot logo, opened the box and saw the pair of boots Waddie picked out for him. The big man lost it right there on the porch. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged and kissed him. "Who's taking care of whom around here. Last night you buy me a big steak dinner with your stories. You go shopping with these yahoos and your Uncle Enid drops out of the blue and sends you home with a beautiful pair of expensive boots for me,----? You're one hell of a running buddy, Waddie. Glad to call you my buddy, Sweet baby. These are exactly the boots I was a' looking at about a month ago when I wanted a nice pair but money got tight. I put that idea on a shelf for later. Now look! Can you guys believe this?" "What are you talking about, we got new boots, too, look!" The brothers showed Bubba and Mrs. York their new boots and Bubba just shook his head. Mrs. York excused herself to finish dinner and said she'd ring the dinner bell in about thirty minutes for them to wash up. Bubba looked Waddie in the eyes and spoke gently. "Don't you even say `no' to old Bubba tonight. Understand, Sweet baby?" Waddie looked down at his old boots and back up to Bubba's eyes and smiled. "I understand, Sir. I love you, Bubba!" said Waddie quietly. Bubba grabbed the boy and held him tight. "My love for you grows by the hour, Waddie. I can't think of nothing else but you, Sweetheart. Come'mon, lets take your stuff up to your room and start putting it away." The men were cleaned up when Mrs. York rang the dinner bell. They went down to dinner. They were the only four men there that evening. Even the graduate student left and went home for the weekend. Just as well. Mrs. York was in the mood to cook one of her favorites, sauerbraten. A pork roast marinated in vinegar, red wine, and spices then seared on a high heat for several hours. It was heaven. Waddie never tasted anything so good. Bubba had it before because his Ma, Dora Franz was a good old German lady. The Crenshaw boys had eaten it because Mrs. York fixed it before. There was never a tiny piece left. There wasn't that night either. The four men couldn't get enough. Mrs. York was pleased her cooking was enjoyed. She loved to cook and her rooming house was her calling. They were having dessert and coffee when the upstairs phone rang. The Crenshaw boys told Waddie to run answer it because it was probably for him. They weren't expecting any calls. Sure enough Waddie was thrilled to hear his Auntie Boo on the other end of the line. "Auntie Boo! It's so good to hear your voice. You know I talked with Uncle Enid earlier this afternoon and asked her to give you the address and phone number of the room and board place I'm staying at here in Austin. How are you, Auntie Boo?" "I'm fit and fine, Young Man. Thank you for asking but I want to know how you are?" "I'm much better now that I've heard your voice, Auntie Boo. I was pretty bad for a couple of days. My dad, Morgan, almost killed me. He went nuts and Mr. Urial told me to run, to get away. It wasn't safe for me to be there right now and won't be for a while. I have to stay away until Mr. Urial tells me it's safe to go home. I can't and won't go back to living with Morgan Lovejoy and those awful people again. Mr. Urial told Uncle Buck I was to live with Dad Dan, Gip and Momma Sue until Aunt Linda finds out she ain't my aunt. She told Momma Sue about giving her baby away and the birthmark. When I went missing Dad Dan was talking to Momma Sue about identifying marks on my body and mentioned the wine colored cowboy boot on my right leg. Well, like you, she put two and two together and Dad Dan figured it out after Uncle Buck learned that I wasn't Morgan's kid. Morgan hadn't been honest with his brother about me. Mr. Urial appeared to Gip and Dad Dan to tell Gip to be honest with his parents. They wouldn't tell. Besides the time is near, Auntie Boo, I just feel it." "I concur, Sweetheart. I've had a visit from him, too. He's instructed me to do several things that I've accomplished. I never thought I was capable of doing what I did but he gave me the strength and courage of a lioness. Are you going to be able to get up here to Dallas for your visit the last week of June?" "I don't see why not, Auntie Boo. I could hop on a bus here as well as I could from home. You think my brother might want to be with me?" "Of course, he would. You leave that to Auntie Boo. I'll get him a ticket in the mail tomorrow and I can send you one, too." "No, no. Not this time Auntie Boo. I have money to pay for my own ticket. Some truck drivers took up a collection for me and I have enough money. So let me buy my own ticket to show you I want to come see you not just because you send me a ticket. I love you, Auntie Boo. You've been Gip and my rock through this craziness and I know you'll continue to be." "Then I won't send your brother a ticket until I've heard from you about arrival time." Agatha allowed. "That'll be fine. I'll check with the bus company this week and give you a call or have the information ready for you the next time you call." Waddie said. "Oh Waddie, I do so love the two of you boys. I almost couldn't imagined having one of you here without the other. I've only been doing for you what I was instructed to do, my dear young man; however, you and your brother's love has made my job much more than just a task, it's become a labor of love." "Uncle Enid bought me a bunch of clothes today, Auntie Boo. She's been so good to me and Gip. I went into a store to buy a couple of necessary things and walked out with half the store. I could never repay her nor you for your love and kindness to me." "What are you talking about, Son. You all ready have paid us back. Your love is quite enough for us; for all us grownups. You're a major part of a number of people's lives. I've received several calls from Dr. Dyer asking if I'd heard from you. May I tell him I have?" "Oh sure, Auntie Boo, and tell him I plan to call him soon. Tell him I'm healing and there's no infection. My face is looking a lot better. The bruises are going away fast. I'll tell him, too, when I talk to him. I don't see why you couldn't give him my phone number here and tell him not to give it out. It's for his use only in case of an emergency or if he wants to check on me. What do you think, Auntie Boo?" "That man would take your secret to his grave, Waddie. He thinks the world of you and your brothers. Some day when you and Gip are older we'll sit down and I'll share his letters with you. He's so proud of your accomplishments. He looks upon the four of you as his boys. I think that's partly because you boys have made sure he and his wife are always included in family affairs. You and Gip are their family. They love you with a passion. To answer your question I think it would be a lovely idea. He wouldn't even give the sheriff your number if he tortured him. That's not likely to happen with the current sheriff. Can you tell me the folks you're staying with?" "The Crenshaw brothers. Earl D. and Billy Bob." "Not the Texas Longhorn Crenshaw brothers?" "That `ud be them, Auntie Boo." "My word, Waddie. You be sure and get their autographs for this silly old lady. I've been following their careers. This is too much! The Crenshaw brothers taking care of my nephew. What won't the good Lord think of next? Unbelievable! My girls are heart sick in love with those two boys. We either listen on the radio or watch every Texas U. game the broadcast on T.V. Well, I can verify for Buck and Linda Sue not to worry and I won't either. You're in good hands, Son. Those two boys and their family are thought highly of all over the state." Waddie giggled that his aunt knew of the Crenshaws and was such a fan. He learned more and more about this wonderful little lady, his Auntie Boo, every year. "I'd better let you go. I'll call again toward the middle of next week and see if you have a time of arrival here in Dallas from the bus company. I'll be there to meet you. Take care, Waddie, I love you very, very much." "Your love has been the only thing to keep me going sometimes, Auntie Boo. Never doubt that your nephew loves you, too. Goodnight." Waddie went back to finish his dessert. The grownups didn't dare intrude on his privacy but were all waiting to see his reaction. "I can't believe it. My dear, little, old Auntie Boo is a crazed, Texas Longhorn fan and made me promise to get autographed pitchers of you two." he said sort of disgustedly. Billy Bob and Earl D. laughed their ass's off. Bubba thought it was pretty funny, too. "While you're at it, you may as well sign three more for my three brothers. I know they'll want your pitchers." "What about you, Cowboy?" Billy Bob asked. "Oh God, you walked right into that one... set `tat boy right up,----go fer' it, Waddie! Knock it out a' the park, Son!" laughed Bubba. "Naw, I know what chu' two look like. Do'need no pitcher." said Waddie with a wicked grin. Mrs. York damn near choked on her dessert. Bubba fell out laughing and Waddie joined him. He leaned over against Bubba he was laughing so hard at the downcast, dejected look on the two men's faces. "Of course, silly, I'd love to have your pitchers." Mrs.York got a big kick out of that. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The men decided to give Mrs. York a hand with the clean up. Earl D. washed dishes , scrubbed pots and pans and Waddie dried. Billy Bob cleaned the dinning room swept and vacuumed. Bubba grabbed the mop bucket and mopped the entire kitchen area. They were through with everything in about an hour. It would've taken Mrs. York several hours to finish. She was grateful to the men for having a little time to relax. The men sat on the front porch in the cool of the evening and Mrs. York joined them for a while. She excused herself to get an early start to bed and the men went to their rooms to clean up and go to bed. Waddie and Bubba headed for the upstairs head to clean up. Mrs. York had the upstairs bath room at the end of the hall enlarged. She had a plumber install four toilets with modesty stalls. Four sinks and a huge walk in tiled shower area with four spigots. She had two, one hundred gallon hot water heaters that never ran out of hot water. It would come out so hot you had to be careful to add cold water quickly or scald yourself. Earl D. and Billy Bob heard Waddie and Bubba in the shower and decided to join them. Bubba was gently bathing Waddie's butt and he showed Earl D. what he was particularly worried about. He explained he'd leave the ointment he was using on Waddie with them tomorrow morning. Bubba bought two new tubes for Waddie that afternoon. Bubba instructed the boys, they were to put the ointment on Waddie in the morning after they helped him clean his back side and helped him dry. Bubba told them to repeat the procedure in the evening before he went to bed. The brothers were intent and serious with no joking around. They asked questions and watched. When Bubba finished and handed Waddie the wash cloth, they stopped being serious. "You didn't tell us there were fringe benefits to this job, Big Brother. You mean you make that poor young man bathe that huge body of yours?" "Bubba don't make me do nothing, Gentlemen." spoke up Waddie as he was scrubbing his buddy's back, "I do this `cause I love the big man and it makes our dick's hard. See..." Waddie turned to them with a big boner sticking straight out and Bubba waved his at them. "Damn, Brother, the kid's hung like a Shetland Pony. We underestimated our Bubba once again." The brothers fell out laughing. They were really having a good time with Bubba and Waddie. They felt like Waddie had been their little brother since he was born. Of course they were use to their big Bubba and could get away with murder with him. Bubba gave as good as he got. Bubba invited them into Waddie's bedroom to show the brothers how he wanted the ointment applied to Waddie's butt, back and face. He was extremely gentle with Waddie and knew the boys would be, too. The brothers kept asking questions. They didn't want to leave but Bubba knew what they were up to. "Look, you're gonna' have him to yourselves for several weeks. I may get to see him a couple of nights after tonight. Now, we told you we loved you now get the fuck out. Go to your room. Go to bed." Bubba just howled with laughter. The brothers were giggling as they were practically booted out the door. Bubba closed and set the night latch on the door. He wasn't about to be disturbed tonight. He had some major loving to give to a certain young man and he didn't want his concentration interrupted. "Damn, do you have that effect on every one you meet, Young'un?" Bubba asked his buddy. "Not every one, but the main ones. If I decide I want `em to like me there ain't much they can do about it. I try hard to be nice to all people but every now and then there comes along someone special-like,... and you do your damnedest to show them how you feel, please them, make them feel good about themselves and let them come to the conclusion on their own that they're much happier with you around than without you. Just like I hope I done with you, my big, handsome Grizzly bear." "Well, if'n it were a bear trap you set, it worked." Bubba said to Waddie, "I should take you to Alaska and have you teach them bear hunters how to make a Grizzly fall in love with `em, then they wouldn't have to shoot so many. Every home could have their own, big, lovable, Grizzly bear to play with the kids, let `em curl up in his big arms, keep `em warm, and let `em sleep secure. `Cause they know there ain't no boogey man what's gonna' hurt `em s'long as their love'n Grizzly's there to protect `em." Bubba nodded his head for emphasis as he finished. Waddie continued the monolog, "And then, if'n they're real lucky and been good to their Grizzly, bathed him, brushed his fur, rubbed his tired old back for him, bring him a new pair of boots, tell him how handsome he looks in `em, they just might get a little extra lovin' from their big bear and steal a little of his honey." Waddie giggled at their monologs. Bubba was paying rapt attention to his little buddy, nodding his head in agreement then fell out laughing when Waddie finished. "By the way, Big Man, you did look extra handsome in that new pair of boots at dinner tonight. My dick stayed hard all through dinner." "So'd mine, you scamp. I'd move my big foot around in them boots and think about my little buddy bringing them to me and my old dick stayed hard. I was almost afraid to get up and help after dinner. But you remember what I told you earlier on the front porch, Cowboy. Bubba meant that!" "I won't say `no', Bear Man. I promise; although, I'd be perfectly willing to just play catcher for my big Grizzly. I guess even Grizzly's need to show someone a little love'n now and then." "Bet your pretty little ass, Sweet baby, and it is pretty even if it's a little under the weather right now. It will never be that way again, I guaran-damn-tee-ya.'" "You know a chunk of me is going with you when you leave here tomorrow, don't you?" asked Waddie softly. "And a big chunk of my heart's gonna' stay right here in your back pocket, Little One. I know the good Lord knows what he's doing but when I took on this assignment I never counted on falling in love with the man I was gonna' try to help. Now, it's gonna' be tough to let go. But ya' know what, Sweet baby?" "What, Big Man?" "Let's thank the Old Man for letting us love each other. We go sometimes for long periods, it seems, without much steady lovin' then when we find a little, we want to hold on to that glow, that warmth, that sense of belonging, of being one and yet free to be individuals. We know we're gonna' be good friends, lovers, buddies for as long as we want. We may be separated for periods but we'll always have each other in our hearts. Then when we get together again, it's like we weren't apart for more than minutes. I'm like that with Red Dog and I know he is with me." "Never thought about it that way, Bubba, but I know what `chur talking about `cause I keep my brother in my heart. There's no one like him to me on Earth and when we get back together, it's like we never were apart. It sure is good, though, holding a loved one you haven't held for a while; like we're holding each other right now. I can remember sleeping with my Uncle Buck for almost a year when I was five years old. I knew at the time he was my real dad because Mr. Urial told me so. I couldn't tell him I knew, but I fell so in love with my own dad. I still am but I had to give him up to my mom when they got married. I no longer had my warm, big, cowboy buddy to count on being there during the night if I woke up and needed to reach out for someone. I could grab me a big ole handful of any part of my dad and he didn't care. He'd just pull me closer, steal a kiss, tell me he loved me and I'd drift off to peaceful sleep knowing I was protected and loved. I had to give that up over night. I was only five going on six the next month. I thought my heart was ripped out of my body. I eventually went to live with them until I had to go back living with my dad that bought me. It was hard because I wasn't old enough to understand the love we had for each other would never change and the intimacy and joy we shared that year will always be there between us. No one can ever take that away. Same with us, Big Bear. I'll always keep you in my heart. You're my hero, you saved my life. I owe you my life. I won't never forget that, I promise." "You don't owe me nothing, Sweet baby. I'm just happy as a clam in deep water being here with your right now. Now! Are we gonna' waste our evening together yaking our heads off or are we gonna' show each other how much we love one another." "I vote for the shut'n up, Big Man, kiss me." Bubba didn't wait for Waddie to take the lead. It was all in Bubba's hands and Waddie couldn't have been happier about it. The big man made the sweetest love to him and he returned Bubba's love in kind. He got himself a good bit of bear honey and surprised the both of them by shooting just a little bit the first time Bubba took him. Bubba proudly claimed it was the genuine article. Weren't much, just enough to get the flavor but something happen to Waddie when he felt that tiny bit shoot out of him. Now he knew what the grown men felt when their sperm and ejaculate comes forth from their body. Orgasm was always wonderful to Waddie but this was the big leagues. This was the prize. Bubba was so proud. Proud of his little buddy and proud of himself for being the first to receive a little of his running buddy's load. Waddie was proud of him too. They finished their third round and decided to have another go at it in the morning. Bubba held his little buddy close all night. Waddie slept soundly and peacefully. The next morning they were at it again. Bubba managed to get a little more out of Waddie and Waddie got him a good taste of bear honey. He declared that was the best tasting stuff since coach Ed. They got up, showered and Bubba applied his medicine for the last time. He left that tube and two new ones with Waddie. They got dressed and heard the breakfast bell ring. The Crenshaw's barely managed to throw enough clothes on to be presentable, washed their hands and faces and walked into the dinning area still groggy from sleep. Waddie and Bubba were bright eyed and bushy tailed. They finished breakfast, thanked Mrs. York, Bubba grabbed his stuff, including his new boots, threw them in the truck, quickly said his goodbyes so's not to get too emotional. "I pick up a load this morning and I'm heading out to visit your folks. I'm looking forward to that. I won't say goodbye, Waddie, just...I love you and we'll see each other again real soon." "On down the road, Cowboy, on down the road. You know I love you." Waddie hugged, kissed the big man. He climbed into the cab of the big rig, put it in gear and was gone. Waddie stood there for the longest time looking after him fading in the distance and felt two big hands on his shoulder. They belonged to Earl D. Billy Bob was right beside him. "You'll see him again, Waddie. He loves you too much to let you go. You love him that much, too. You'll always have each other." Earl D. was right. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mrs. York had a small suit case in her garage some student left behind years ago and gave it to Waddie to pack his cloths in to go to Bandera with the Crenshaw's. He packed what he thought he'd need for two days and maybe church for Sunday. Clean jeans, his felt hat, a pretty western shirt, t-shirt underneath, belt and his new boots. He packed his medications. Waddie wore his straw hat and old boots. He was ready to go. Earl D. and Billy Bob were all ready packed and their stuff thrown in the back of the truck. They threw a clean tarp over the lot and tied it down so nothing would blow out. They said goodbye to Mrs. York and told her to expect them back Monday before noon. Neither had a class scheduled for Monday all day. The drive to Bandera was approximately one hundred twenty miles. The Crenshaw boys had it down to a science. They drove the back roads and farm roads where there wasn't much traffic and they could drive pretty fast. It was before the days of radar and the boy riding shotgun kept a watch in his rear view mirror to see if a county patrol car pulled in behind them. They usually traveled during the day because most of the cops were patrolling at night when they couldn't be detected. During the day you could spot them and slow down. They never got a ticket but they burned up some country farm roads. At the speed limit it was a good two and a half hour drive to Bandera. The boys could make it in an hour and forty-five minutes. They kept a stop watch in the glove compartment, clicked it on when they pulled away from the curb at Mrs. York's and clicked it off when they hit the gravel road to their ranch. Their best time was an hour and thirty two minutes. They decided not to scare the shit out of their little buddy and made it in a respectable two hours and nine minutes. That was with one stop for a pee break, snack, leg stretch and change drivers. Waddie needed to take a butt break as well. The boys had him sitting on a fluffy pillow Mrs. York loaned them. It helped but he still needed a break. Waddie didn't have much time to be sad missing his big buddy. Earl D. and Billy Bob were like a two ring circus. They were all the time laughing and joking about everything and included Waddie in their fun. They asked Waddie to tell them one of his stories and he told them about him and Gip picking the fleas off the old hound dog, letting them set for a couple of days to get really hungry, dumping them in Willie's bed, and waiting for the outcome. The boys laughed and laughed. They thought that was an awful thing to do but it was so funny and from the stories they'd heard about Willie he deserved it. Waddie couldn't make up his mind which brother he liked better. Hell, they were both outstandingly handsome young men, buffed out to the max, bodies by God himself, and they were the same complections; pretty blue eyes, sandy blond hair and each kept about a two or three day growth of beard on their face because they thought it made them look sexy. Waddie sure as hell thought it did. Their personalities were different. Billy Bob was funny, irreverent, mischievous and the center of attention. He did have a serious side but he rarely let anyone but his family see it. Earl D. was almost the same but he was more retiring than Billy Bob. He had a deeper side to him, but he wasn't afraid of it. Earl D. allowed his brother center ring and was his greatest fan. He'd urge his brother on to new heights of nonsense. Together, they balanced each other well. They knew when to calm down and be serious; however, they were going home and they were in great spirits. Nothing could've shot them down. They were infectious and by the time they pulled the truck into the gravel road late that Saturday morning Waddie felt like their younger brother going home with them. They pulled around in back and out came the family from every doorway. Six strapping, rowdy boys four adults and one beautiful young girl; a young woman, Waddie thought. Earl D. introduced Waddie to the adults first. His dad and mom, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Crenshaw and Mr. and Mrs. Gus Franz and their daughter Brenda Lou. Earl D. went down the line introducing his brothers. They were lined up in descending order with the oldest being first. J. R. Crenshaw, he's really Randolph Jr. but he don't like junior and we can't call him Randy `cause that's what folks call our dad so we call him J.R.; next was a fine looking boy Waddie's age named Cassidy; next was Toller, then Jeb (who's real name was Jebadiah) Brant, and the youngest, Shad. (for Shadrack) "Now, Gentlemen," Billy Bob spoke to his brothers, "do any of you recognize our new brother?" they all looked closely and shook their heads, "You should, he and his brother stomped your butts at the Mason Rodeo two years in a row." The boys looked at Waddie. J.R. and Cassidy's mouths dropped open. The lights came on. "Son of a .....Sorry, Mom,---sorry, Dad. W. C. Lovejoy? Naw, can't be." said J.R. slowly sticking out his hand again to take Waddie's. "In the flesh, my brothers." said Earl D. "You're looking at him." "Well, they sure as hell did wax our ass's, Brother!" Cassidy stuck out his hand again to shake Waddie's the second time, then he pulled Waddie to him, hugged, and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, Brother." Cassidy told him sincerely. All the boys surrounded him and were talking at once when a sweet voice broke through their clamor. "If my brothers will excuse me, your sister would like a hug and a kiss to welcome our new brother, if you don't mind. Thank you very much." The boy quickly backed away from Waddie as Brenda Lou put her arms around Waddie, hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, Brother." she said sincerely. "Thank you, Ma'am." Waddie replied, overwhelmed. He blushed at calling her Ma'am and everyone started laughing including Waddie. He never felt more at home. He walked over and took Mr. Crenshaw's hand again. "Dad Crenshaw, it's an honor to be here with you good folk, I appreciate your invitation. I'll try to live up to the honor of being one of your sons, Sir." Randy Crenshaw was more than a little impressed by this young man. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged him and stole a kiss. "We're certainly glad to have you here, Son. I don't think it's gonna' be real hard for me to think of you as one of my boys, young man." Waddie thanked him graciously and acknowledged Mrs. Crenshaw. Waddie walked over to Gus Franz, threw his arms around his neck, hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "Mr. Franz, if it weren't for your wonderful son, Bubba, I wouldn't be here right now. I'd be dead." Waddie had tears running down his face, "I can't tell you how much I love your big son, Mr. Franz. He's my hero, savior, and my buddy. I owe him my life." Gus Franz had a few tears running down his cheek. There wasn't a dry eye among them for that matter and Gus held the boy and thanked him for telling him what Bubba did for him. Waddie hugged Mrs. Franz and she broke down, too. Waddie was home. The big folks all ready loved him and the boys idolized him. Brenda Lou thought Waddie was a fine addition to her family. The boys had been mannerly long enough. They wanted to talk to their new brother and find out about him. They fired one question after another until Dad Crenshaw had to physically pick Waddie up and admonish them to go a little slower. "You men can learn all about your new brother as time goes by. Right now it's time for lunch. Everyone wash up,---- face and hands,---- line up for inspection,... and that includes every son in this house." he said loud enough so Earl D. and Billy Bob could hear him. They scurried away to the bath room with the rest of the boys. Mr. Crenshaw put Waddie down and sent him on his way to Earl and Billy's bathroom. They were toweling dry when Waddie walked in. "Dad Crenshaw told me to come down here with you guys. Is that okay?" "Of course it is, Little Brother. I'll get you a clean towel and cloth." Waddie began to wash and was finished in a few minutes. Billy Bob and Earl D. waited for their little brother. "Remember, Waddie, you're here with us. Anything you need,----ask one of us, Dad or Mom and we'll see to it. You stow your stuff in our room after lunch and you'll bunk it in with ugly and me." Billy Bob laughed as his brother frogged his arm. "Owww, that hurt!" cried Billy Bob. "So did you calling me ugly. I ain't ugly! A little less than down right pretty, but far from ugly. We'll let our little brother judge. How `bout it Waddie." "How do you choose between two perfect things?" Waddie asked with a wicked smile. "Oh, I like this kid, Brother! He's sharp! He'll make a fine brother." They all went in to lunch, joined hands around the table, Mr. Crenshaw asked Waddie if he would say `grace.' "Sir, and Mr. Urial, I know you're here with us `cause you promised my Uncle Buck you wouldn't leave my side. Bless this household and all who dwell herein. Bless the Franz family. We thank you for your goodness to us and for the miracles we witness around us every day. Never let us close our hearts and minds to the simplest of your miracles. Thank you for the food we are about to eat to nourish our bodies. Let our love for each other grow more each day we ask in our savior's name. Amen." Every person in the room quietly said `amen' to Waddie's prayer. "That was beautiful, Young Man, thank you." complimented Dad Crenshaw "Thank you, Sir." Waddie responded respectfully to Dad Crenshaw. Waddie was sitting next to Earl D. and felt his hand on his knee as he gently squeezed it to say. `Glad to have you here, Little Brother.' * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * It wasn't hot in Texas yet. It was still early June and the hill country West of San Antonio could get really hot. Sometimes the folks were blessed with cool breezes once in a while. "Think you can sit a horse, Waddie, or would it be too painful for you." "I thing I might for a little while if one of you would put more of that ointment on me. It has something in it that deadens the pain. I should be okay. Besides, I ain't been on a pony in some time. You may have to show me which is the head and which is the tail." Waddie smiled real big. "I doubt that seriously, Brother." said Earl D. as he took Waddie by the hand down the hallway to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room. Billy Bob was right behind them. Waddie dropped his pants and Earl D. gently began to apply ample amounts of Bubba's ointment. Mr. Franz and Dad Crenshaw asked at the door if Waddie minded if they took a look. He assured them he didn't mind. "Oh Christ! Forgive me, Lord! Oh Waddie, Son, I'm so sorry." Dad Crenshaw told him, "That's unbelievable, Son, that your dad could do that to you. I hope you don't have to go back and live with him no more." "Run away again, Son, come live with us. We'd never do anything like that to you, I promise." begged Gus Franz. "I took in a run away boy a number a years ago. Was the second smartest damn thing I ever done in my life. The first was marrying my wife Dora and the third was taking in Earl D.'s little sister Brenda Lou. Lord we couldn't love a child more. She has nine brothers in all, ten including you, and she loves every damn one of `em." "I hope she comes to love me, Mr. Franz." "She all ready does, Son. You say anything nice about her Bubba, she loves you immediately. We don't get to see as much of Bubba as we'd like but he keeps in touch and calls Brenda Lou almost once a week to talk to her. If he goes longer than a week, she get nervous." Earl D. finished and Waddie pulled up his pants. Dad Crenshaw and Mr. Franz both wanted another hug. It was their way of saying, `We understand. You're safe here, Son.' The men walked Waddie out to the barns and a big rodeo arena Mr. Crenshaw built on the property. They held a number of Bandera Rodeos there for the local folks. They tried to keep it small but soon as they made an announcement, folks from San Antonio were driving out for the rodeo. The crowds got too big to handle and there wasn't enough parking. Then a lot of the local folks wouldn't come `cause all the city folks were there. Country folks aren't snobs they're just more comfortable with their own folks. Dad Crenshaw was an avid rodeo man and won good money roping. His partner, whom he grew up with, was killed in a farm accident and Dad Crenshaw hadn't had the heart to take on another partner. He was more than curious to see what Waddie could do. He wasn't prepared for Waddie's talent with a rope. Of all the men on the ranch, Dad Crenshaw was the best roper by far. Earl D. and Billy Bob were pretty good. J.R. and Cassidy were better but they needed work on their timing and accuracy. "You ride header or heeler, Son." "I can ride either, Dad, but I prefer header." "We'll get chu' a header pony then." Dad Crenshaw picked a fine looking bay gelding named `Whiskey' for Waddie. They were going to use a junior saddle but Waddie ask for a full size saddle. He and Gip had been practicing for the last six months with full saddles. At that time a requirement to compete in the adult division. They saddled the pony and adjusted the stirrups for Waddie and he rode the pony out of the barn and galloped him around the arena. It felt good to be back in a saddle. It hurt his ass a little but he didn't care. He wasn't going to let that spoil him having a good time. The other boys got their ponies saddled and to his surprise, Dad Crenshaw and the two older boys rode out, too. "Before there's any arguments, your new brother is roping with his old man. Everybody got that?" "Aww, Dad." the boys grumbled and then quickly added, "Yes, Sir, Dad." including Earl D. and Billy Bob. `Damn,---- the old man, Earl D. and Billy Bob sat a good horse. Cassidy and his brother weren't too damn shabby neither.' thought Waddie. Waddie's pick? Dad Crenshaw, hands down. He was a fine looking, middle aged man with a fit body from hard ranch work. `He was a handsome sight in the saddle. Damn near breath taking. He could be Dad Dan's bigger brother.' Waddie thought. Waddie wished his Uncle Buck, Dad Dan, Quinton and his brothers were there to enjoy the moment. Oatie would faint or piss his pants at the sight of Dad Crenshaw on horseback; that is, if'n he didn't shuck his clothes off first.' Waddie laughed to himself. The younger boys ran the barriers, Earl D. and Billy Bob helped them chute the steers into the gates. Brenda Lou joined them and decided she was going to do the timing. "She was more fair than the boys," she allowed, "They sometimes fudged for their older brothers; their heros." Earl D. and Billy Bob went first and had a pretty good time but not great. J.R and Cassidy went next. They made their catch but were slower than their brothers. It was Dad Crenshaw and Waddie's turn. Waddie let out his rope several times and fed it back through his hand like he wanted it. Dad Crenshaw watched Waddie and his meticulous manner of getting his rope perfect before he'd even come to the line. He nudged his pony into starting position. Waddie looked over at Dad Crenshaw and winked. That meant, `Follow my lead, Dad!' The gate opened, the steer took off, the barrier dropped and Waddie's pony darted for the critter. Waddie was barely past the gate and his rope was thrown, landed, and dallied as the pony turned the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his throw perfectly, dallied his rope and his pony backed up. Dad turned to his boys and the audience that had gathered and grinned like a stunned but surprisingly pleased man. "And, that, folks, is the way it's done!" he exclaimed. He rode over to Waddie, stuck out his hand. "Fine catch, Son,---- fine catch. That ought to give my other boys something to think about. Thanks, Son." "You're welcome, Sir, you're pretty damn good with a rope yourself. We make a good team, Dad." Waddie hit Dad Crenshaw with his killer grin and wink. Their time was a record for their arena, Brenda Lou noted in the log. Eight seconds better that the fastest time. "Think we could improve that, Son?" Dad Crenshaw smiled and winked at Waddie. Waddie could tell his new dad was ultra calm but underneath he was about to explode with pride. "Don't see why not, Dad. Let's give it another go. May I suggest something that might make us a little faster." "Sure, Son, I ain't one of those types that knows it all. I just saw you in action. I'd trust any damn thing you told me. In fact I've all ready learned a couple of things just watching you." "Watch me out of the corner of your eyes, Dad. Don't never look over nor lose your concentration; keep focused. When you see me nudge `Whiskey' spur your pony immediately, don't wait, no matter where the barrier rope is. Let your header worry `bout the barrier. I promise, I won't let us jump the barrier." "Good tip, Son. Let's try it." The second steer was let loose and the barrier dropped. Waddie nudged `Whiskey' who leaped forward faster than the last time. Waddie could see out the corner of his eye, Dad Crenshaw was almost up with him. Waddie landed his rope, dallied, and lined up the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his catch, dallied and his horse pulled tight. They beat their previous time by a full minute. Another record for the arena. Dad Crenshaw was float'n on a cloud but he was trying hard to be nonchalant. He hadn't been so happy in a long time. Earl D. and Billy Bob could read their dad like a cheap dime store novel, they knew underneath the calm their dad was about to split apart at the seams with pride. They rode over to Waddie. "Will you, please, stop that? Our old man's gonna' trade us all in for you!" They laughed and shook Waddie's hand, "Seriously, Little Brother, gotta' give credit where it's due, you're damn good with a rope. We knew you had to be pretty good to be a junior champ but you just blew your brothers and our old man away. If'n he weren't in love with you before, he sure as hell is now." They laughed and giggled and Earl D. and Billy Bob and patted Waddie on the back, "You're the only other man in this county we'd venture is better'n our dad with a rope. You two could be dangerous together." Dad Crenshaw rode over to them with a big grin on his face with a pretty good idea what they were talking about. "What chu' men talking about? You two ball players, ride outa' here. Leave my rope'n partner alone! This man's an honest to God, buckaroo. He speaks rodeo fluently." Dad Crenshaw winked at Waddie and they all laughed. "Earl D. just begged Waddie to stop it. Told `em you'll be want'n to trade all of us in for him!" Earl D. and Billy Bob laughed. Dad Crenshaw smiled and winked again at Waddie. "Don't sound like too bad an idea to me, you, Son?" Dad Crenshaw laughed. "Can I have their room, Dad?" Waddie laughed. "It's your's, Son!" Then they all broke up. They all made a couple of more runs. Waddie and Dad Crenshaw bested their previous time each time. They were hot. Waddie agreed to rope heeler for J.R. J.R. was too slow getting out of the gate. He was afraid of breaking the barrier. Waddie told him he broke the barrier all the time. If you want to win you have to take some chances. He was able to improve J.R. and Cassidy's time by almost a minute. He roped a couple of times with Earl D. and then with Billy Bob. Earl D. was more serious about roping. Earl D. and Waddie's time beat one of Waddie's and Dad Crenshaw's earlier times. Earl D. rode over to Waddie to shake his hand and saw tears running down Waddie's face. Waddie suddenly began to hurt bad. He didn't have any warning. He wasn't physically crying but his butt was hurting so bad he had tears running down his face. "Dad, Billy Bob," Earl D. hollered as he got down from his pony and rushed to Waddie's side, "Waddie needs help. He's hurting bad! He can't get down off his pony. Gimme' a hand!" The three men gently lifted Waddie off `Whiskey' to the ground. Dad Crenshaw picked up Waddie in his arms and carried him to the house. He took him to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room. He gently laid him out on his stomach. Earl D. was right there. "Damn it! We should've known better. We drove him too far, too soon. Everyone wanted to rope with him. I'm guilty, too. The kid just didn't want to say `no' to anybody." Dad Crenshaw was almost in tears. Earl D. had Waddie's pants off and was applying more ointment. Some of his scabs had broken open and were bleeding again causing the pain. He settled down as the pain began to subside. "I'm sorry, Dad, it's not your fault nor my brother's. I should've told you sooner when it was getting uncomfortable but I didn't have much time. Seems like the pain came on awful quick. It's my fault." Randy Crenshaw, sat on the bed next to Waddie with his hand resting lightly on the boy's shoulder and wept. He felt so bad for this boy, whom he would gladly tell any man, was his son. "Rest, Waddie. It won't be long `til supper time. You want us to bring you a tray?" "No, Dad. Now that I got the medication on me. I'll be fine. I just pushed too hard, too soon. I was having a good time with ya'll. I'll be all right. Thanks, Brother, for putting that stuff on me. It helps and I really appreciate it." "Glad to do it, Waddie. You taught us all a bunch of good stuff today. I'm proud of you, Little Brother. However, I could pinch you for going so long it hurt you." Earl D. laughed. After a while, Waddie managed to pull on his pants and walk to the dining room for supper. The Franz's had left a little earlier and it was just the immediate Crenshaw family. Dad Crenshaw asked Earl D. to say grace. "You know I would, Dad, but I think we'd all rather hear you say `grace' this evening if you don't mind, right men?" Earl D. spoke to his brothers. All of them agreed including Waddie. Dad Crenshaw smiled. "Our father, bless this food we are about to eat. We thank you for your goodness to us. Thank you for bringing us a wonderful new member to our family. Open your heart to him that together our love may heal his body as well as his spirit. We ask in His name, Sir. Amen." Everyone followed with amen. The pain had gone away and Waddie was able to eat and have a good time answering more of the boys questions. Dad Crenshaw had a couple of good questions for him. They couldn't talk about anything but roping. J.R. and Cassidy were charged after watching and roping with Waddie. So were the two younger boys to say nothing of the grin on Dad Crenshaw's face all through dinner. Billy Bob and Earl D. had many questions for Waddie and they loved the fact that for once they weren't the center of attention as football heros. They commented to each other how great it was to be just another brother for a change. Their little brother, who they were caring for and coming to love more and more was in center ring. Waddie tried to be humble and polite, the way a cowboy should but he was enjoying the attention. Everyone helped pick up the table and carry everything to the kitchen. It was the two, next oldest, boy's turn to wash and dry the dishes and put them away. There was no grumbling. They went to work quickly. The family sat around talking for a while and Earl D. could see Waddie was getting tired. He caught Billy Bob's eye. They excused themselves and took Waddie to their bedroom. They helped him with his clothes and took him to their shower. It was another big walk in shower. Earl D. washed Waddie with supreme gentleness. After the pain medication washed off, Waddie started crying from the pain. Billy Bob dropped to his knees and held Waddie while Earl D. finished cleaning him good. "Don't even try to stop crying, Little Brother, it helps get rid of both pains, inside and out. Your bubba Billy Bob ain't gonna' let go. Get it all out, Cowboy, you're with folks that love you. Let it go." Billy Bob held him for the longest time and Earl D. had his arms around the both of them. Waddie pulled himself together. Billy Bob was right, most of the pain did go away and he felt better inside. They gently dried him and took him back to their bed. They laid him on the bed and this time Billy Bob gently medicated him. Dad Crenshaw came in to check on Waddie. "Son, don't feel bad. I thank God my boys brought you home with `em. You're welcome here anytime, Son. You're part of our family now." "Thanks, Dad, I love you." Mr. Crenshaw almost lost it when he heard those words. "We sure as hell love you, too, Son." he told Waddie as he leaned over and kissed him behind the ear. See you in the morning, Cowboy." The brothers moved Waddie up to the middle of the bed. They finished drying themselves and lay down on each side of Waddie. They turned out the light and both put a hand on Waddie for comfort and support. As he drifted off to sleep he thought, `Here I am naked as the day I was born; between, quite possibly, two of the best looking men in the world and I can't enjoy them because of my damn butt.' It was the first time in all these years of Morgan beating him that he allowed a twinge of anger to enter his mind. No problem, he'd do what he'd done many times before, he'd set his dream up as he was going to sleep. He was successful and found himself laying between the two beautiful men feeling and touching anything his heart desired as they made love to him stealing kiss after kiss. He'd dreamed worse dreams he sighed to himself. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Waddie was much better the next morning. He put on a pair of his new jeans, his nice belt, a beautiful white Weatern shirt with rich silver threads woven into the material, pulled on his new boots and got out his new black felt hat. He looked at himself in the mirror and the last few days did something to him. Waddie was never one to be prideful but looking back at him was a pretty hot looking buckaroo. Even the black eye gave him a look of cowboy you don't want to mess with. The Crenshaws were going to church and he was going with his new family. Only Dad Crenshaw wore a suit. It was a nice light blue color that matched his eyes and dark ruddy complection. It was, of course, a Western cut with yoking on the back of the jacket and front pockets. The rear pants pockets were yoked, too. Waddie was impressed with just how sharp his new dad looked. He was past quite handsome. He was stunning. He also wore his best boots. It looked like he could use a new pair. Earl D. and Billy Bob showed their dad their new boots and he was wowed by them. He knew expensive boots when he saw them. "Waddie's aunt owns the boot company, Dad. When we took Waddie to our favorite Western store so's he could buy some clothes, Waddie talked to his aunt on the phone. He told her what happened to him and who he was staying with. She told the store owner to fix us up with any pair of Justin boots of our choice. She bought all of Waddie's clothes for him. She even had Waddie pick out a new pair a' boots to take to Bubba as a `thank you' gift for helping Waddie. Was Bubba thrilled and surprised?!" Dad Crenshaw didn't quite know what to think of his boys excepting such an extravagant gift from someone they didn't know that well. His boys should be helping Waddie `cause their brother needed their help, not so's they could get something. That wasn't the spirit of giving of oneself. Waddie came to his brother's rescue. "Dad, trust me. Uncle Enid, has a heart of gold and can be overwhelming in her generosity some times. My bother and I, have a dozen pair of her boots in each of our closet. My other dad, my brother's dad, Dan Justin is her second cousin. We lost count of his boots at thirty-five pair. My Uncle Buck, sheriff of the county, has fifteen to twenty pair she's given him. There's not a deputy in the sheriff's department that doesn't have at least half a dozen pair in their closet. The store owner was the man that made my brother's and my white and red rodeo chaps we wear. He knew who I was immediately. He had nearly a dozen pictures of me and my brother wearing the chaps he made for us our Uncle Enid gave us for Christmas a couple of years ago. It's just her way of thanking someone for being good and kind to her nephew." "You call her `Uncle' Enid, Son?" "You'd have to meet Uncle Enid to understand, Dad." Waddie giggled. Earl D. and Billy Bob laughed in agreement. "She use to drive an eighteen wheeler truck like Bubba's and, well, she ain't your average aunt. She keeps her hair shorter than yours, wears only men's clothes, smokes cigars, cusses like a truck driver, and tells the dirtiest damn jokes you never wanted to hear. Uncle Buck and all the deputies are crazy about her. We all love her and don't allow no body to say nothing bad about her. Look what she done for me. I had money Bubba gave me to buy a few things for myself. I didn't call her and asked for her help. She found out from Mr. Saunders I was in his store and asked to speak with me. After talking with me for a spell, she asked to speak with Mr. Saunders again. When he got off the phone, he had a note pad filled with her instructions. She gave those boots to Earl D. and Billy Bob as a gesture of thanks and as the store owner related to us, "Tell them boys if'n they don't treat my nephew right I'll kick they're butts.' Of course she was kidding but you'd have to know Uncle Enid. She's a wonderful and generous woman." "I felt funny about it. I even asked Gil, Mr. Saunders, the owner, if he was sure this is what she wanted. He assured me it was and to let her do it. She's the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas and has the money to be generous. He pleaded with me and my brothers to accept her generosity. I was in a bad place and she wanted to show her love for me. My brothers have treated me with nothing but love and kindness. She wanted to show her appreciation." "Say no more, Son, I get the picture and I'm proud of you and your family for sticking up for an unusual relative. That sometimes takes guts. I see your point and should loosen up a little bit." Dad Crenshaw looked again at Waddie's, Earl D.'s and Billy Bob's new boots and shook his head as he laughed. He was satisfied with Waddie's explanation but raised an eyebrow when Waddie asked him his boot size. He didn't answer but put his arm around Waddie and stole a kiss. Their little church was non-denominational. It was a small little white clap-board building where a circuit preacher preached for two Sundays a month and a lay pastor the other two Sundays. Every eye in the place was on Waddie and the Crenshaws as they entered and took their seats. The men took their hats off at the door and carried them in their hands. The service started and the preacher came to a place for new people to raise their hands to let the folks know so they might welcome them. Dad Crenshaw stood. "Reverend,... folks,.... I'd like to introduce you to a fine, talented young man that the Lord brought to my two oldest boys for shelter and protection. He was badly mistreated by his dad that adopted him as a baby and I can't begin to describe to you the cruelty this young man has suffered." Dad Crenshaw almost broke down but he stiffened his back and stood tall. "Yet he holds no anger in his heart towards his dad and still loves him. His guardian angel, who is with him today in this very church, told him he had to run away and he did. The same angel told Bubba Franz he must pick up a boy that lay dying by the side of the interstate. He'd been beaten so badly by his dad and lost so much blood he was unconscious. Like the good Samaritan, the Franz's son, Bubba, picked up the boy, laid him on the seat of his big truck, took him to the nearest truck stop, fed him, cleaned his wounds, medicated him, and gave him his love. The angel told Bubba to take this young man to my boys for sanctuary. He's currently in their charge. He's been in touch with the better portion of his family that love and care about him. His Godfather, his Uncle Buck, is the Sheriff of the county in the community where he lives. They know were he is and understand he can't come home for a while. At least until tempers settle down and the legal process of having him removed from his adopted dad's home can be accomplished. Like my two oldest boys, who are brothers in the truest sense of the word, he also has a brother back home named Gip Justin. He and his brother are junior rodeo champions two years in a row in team roping. They're so damn good, they won't let `em compete with the kids no more. They have to go up against the men. And from what our family watched this young man do in our arena yesterday, every grown man with a rope that fancies himself a team roper better start practicing. By the good Lord's will my boys brought him home with them for the weekend. Our family and the Franz family have taken him to our hearts. I think the Franzs would agree we're all the richer for having him come into our lives. In a very short time, I've come to love this young man as much as my boys and I told him I'd be pleased for him to think of me as his dad. His name is Waddie Claymore Lovejoy. He's a fine young man and I'm proud to have call me `dad.'" Dad Crenshaw sat down and the folks applauded. The preacher motioned for Waddie to stand. He did, turned to the folks, smiled and nodded his thanks for their kindness. One of the men in the back spoke up. "Son, would your God father, your Uncle Buck,----would he be Buck Claymore?" "That ud' be him, Sir." Waddie turned to speak to the gentleman. "My full name is Waddie Claymore Lovejoy." He's my God father and I carry his name. "Son of a-, `Scuse me pastor, folks. Buck and me were in the same outfit in France together. Saved my life, he did. I'd heard he fought on Iwo Jima. I was wounded and shipped home. Hell of a man that Buck Claymore. They don't come no better'n that man, Son. You look enough like him to be his kid." the man said as a compliment. "I get that a lot, Sir. Everyone back home calls me Buck Junior." everyone laughed. "God love him." the man continued, "Now he's Sheriff of his county you say? Well, I declare. Heard he was the second highest decorated man in WWII. Is that true, Son?" "Yes Sir. Audey Murphy is one of his buddies. He's been out to visit us numerous times." "Yeah, I met ole Audey a couple of times, too. I'd like to get Buck's address from you later, if I could, Son." "Be happy to give it to you, Sir." The congregation and the pastor were impressed to say nothing of the Crenshaws and Franzs who knew nothing of this. Billy Bob and Earl D. looked at each other with their mouths open and laughed. The preacher was really interested by this time. "Most of us have never seen an angel, Waddie. Mr. Crenshaw say's he's here in church with you. It that right?" "Yes Sir. He's here." "Have you ever seen him or spoken with him, Son?" "Yes Sir. Many times. He's appeared to my brother as well. He saved my Uncle Buck's life on Iwo Jima. He just recently appeared to my brother Gip's dad, Dan Justin. Our poor dad was unprepared and messed in his pants." The congregation fell out laughing. "I'm a preacher, Son, but if an angel ever appeared to me, I'd very likely do the same thing. One more question and I'll move along. Can you see him now, among us?" "Oh, no Sir. He appears to me at the damnest times. He's scared the,---- well, you know, Sir,.... out of my brother and me several times." Again the audience laughed. "I'd enjoy a chat with you after the service young man. I, for one,----believe you! I believe in angels as God's messengers and protectors; and Sir," the preacher was speaking to Waddie's angel, "I know you can hear me. Please give us your blessing this day." "Amen." said most of the congregation. "Today my sermon was going to be about something all together different but I'm setting it aside to say a few words about good Samaritans. It was as if something whispered in my ear or put a thought in my head to talk about this. Maybe it was your angel, Waddie. I'd like to think so. Good Samaritans are not just fiction written in the bible for a good story. They exist today. They live among us. We have several perfect examples I can think of in this community. Gus and Dora Franz's were good Samaritans many years ago. They took into their home a young man that ran away from his home for the same reason Waddie had to run away. Bubba's dad would tie him up in the barn two or three times a week, for the slightest infraction, and use an eighteen foot, black snake, bull whip on his rear until it looked like hamburger. Gus and Dora Franz took him in, gave him a home and their love. I think they would agree he's given back to them ten fold. He took their name and became their beloved son. If they hadn't been good Samaritans our community would not have been blessed with the love of a fine young man, their son, Bubba Franz. Bubba learned from Gus and Dora to be a good Samaritan. If Bubba hadn't been a good Samaritan one night and acted without regard for his own life we wouldn't have two fine and wonderful young people in our congregation today. Once again Gus, Dora and Bubba opened their home and hearts to a beautiful, talented little girl who's parents she had lost in a horrible fire. The Crenshaws are not to be left out of the Good Samaritan roll call. Randy and Sarah Crenshaw took that little girl's brother and made him one of theirs. Their entire family accepted him as their brother and son. They lovingly offered him their name and it was his choice to proudly accept it. He is indeed their son. If Bubba hadn't been a good Samaritan again and stopped along the road to lend a hand to someone in pain, someone in need, we might not have this fine young man with us that Mr. Crenshaw introduced to us today. Now, his boys are continuing that tradition of being good Samaritans. What more do I need to say? Your sermon, your lesson for today, from me, from Waddie's angel perhaps, and I know from the Good Lord himself is living among you. These folks aren't good Samaritans for praise or self gain. They're just like you. They're good folks that care about their fellow man. You ask them and they'll tell you they didn't do anything that great, they just did what they had to do. They did the right thing. Folks you don't need a long winded, hell, fire and damnation sermon today. You have the love of your Father sitting in several of the pews in this church and I have no doubt,---- not the slightest doubt in my mind, that we have an angel with us today, he heard my request and he has blessed us. We're glad to have such a fine young man like you among us, Waddie. We hope you'll return soon. Take this lesson home with you: `Always be kind and hospitable to strangers you may be entertaining angels unawares.' Let us pray. Dad Crenshaw grabbed Waddie's right hand and Earl D. grabbed his left. He could see down the row every brother and family member had joined hands. They in turn held the Franz's hands. Waddie shed a tear and so did every member of the Franz/Crenshaw households. Church was over and the congregation filed out. Everyone wanted to come by and shake Waddie's hand and wish him well. Waddie met the gentleman named Johnnie Mack Tamplin and told him to send his letter to Sheriff Buck Claymore, County Sheriff, the town and county in Texas. The man shook his hand and then hugged Waddie. Ma Crenshaw and Mrs. Franz invited the preacher to the Crenshaw's for Sunday dinner with their families. The Franzs and Crenshaws often shared Sunday dinner with each other. The preacher and his young son were thrilled at the invitation and followed the Crenshaws to their ranch. The three women and a couple of the Crenshaw boys got busy setting the table and finishing dinner. Most was prepared before the family went to church. The preacher asked several more questions of Waddie about his angel. Waddie referred to him several times as Mr. Urial. "That's his name, Mr. Urial, Son?" the preacher looked amused. "Well, Sir, he told me his name was Urial. I let grownups call him Urial. I show him proper respect I was taught, Sir. I put `Mr.' before his name as a sign of my respect for him. He's never corrected me or my brother. He seems to appreciate our respect." Once again the families stood around the table and joined hands. Dad Crenshaw ask the pastor to say grace. The pastor said a wonderful payer and at the end added, "...and Mr. Urial, Sir, we thank you and our Lord for sending this fine young man to be with us today. Let our love be with him in his trials, Sir. Amen." They all added Amen. It was a wonderful meal of fried chicken, potatoes and gravy. Fresh green beans, dinner rolls, hot German potato salad Dora Franz made that was wonderful. Everyone had a good time. Earl D. asked Waddie to tell one of his stories about his pay backs to his step-brother. Waddie wasn't too sure and explained to the pastor he knew revenge was not the Christian way but Mr. Urial said the Old Man laughed so hard the heaven rumbled for three days when he told him the story. Waddie said he liked to think of it more as a practical joke. The pastor laughed and urged Waddie to tell his story. Waddie told of the silent disease he and his brothers gave his step-brother Willie. He wasn't half way though the story and he thought the preacher, Dad Crenshaw, Gus Franz, and their wives were going to have strokes they were laughing so hard. Billy Bob and Earl D. were holding on to each other. The kids were yelling and screaming with laughter when he told of simply painting Willie's new reed in his clarinet. By the time he got to his Uncle Buck, the sheriff of the county coming down on the four of them they couldn't laugh any more. "Well, Dad, Bubba warned us." spoke Billy Bob, "He didn't lie. He said Waddie's story telling at a truck stop made the owner pick up their tabs for steak dinners with dessert thrown in. He was so impressed by Waddie's story telling. I can understand why, now." "Son, that was just about the funniest story I've ever heard and there really wasn't any permanent harm done to your step-brother other than to deprive him of his speech for six months or better. Sounded to me like he deserved to be silenced for a while. I'll bet he didn't set you up during that period of time." Dad Crenshaw said and then laughed at his own joke. The pastor agreed. Shortly after lunch the pastor and his son left to drive back to their regular church some miles away. Once again the men went to the barns but they weren't going to let Waddie ride this time. The other men rode and asked Waddie for pointers. He helped Earl D. and Billy Bob improve their time considerably. Billy Bob began to take a little more interest when he saw that he and his brother might stand a chance of being better that just pretty good. Dad Crenshaw rode with Toller his next youngest after Cassidy and J.R. Waddie hadn't seen Toller ride the day before and recognized untapped talent when he saw it. He worked for a couple of hours with Toller and Dad Crenshaw giving them tips and telling them how to improve their speed and accuracy. Dad Crenshaw couldn't believe the fount of knowledge this ten year old young man was. He had the gift of teaching someone what he wanted to get out of them. Waddie got Dad Crenshaw aside. "Dad, do you believe there's such a thing as natural talent for a sport?" "Sure do, Son. Look at you and your brother." "We have a little talent but we've worked hard to get good and it's paid off. We took what small talent God gave us and tried to do the best we could with it. You, Dad, have a natural talent on your hands and if you bring him along right,...nobody will be able to beat him. He will be the only man in your family that will be as good or better than you at roping. Trust me, Dad. That's your boy, Toller. Of all your boys I've seen ride, he's the greatest natural talent you have. He could be an outstanding competitor." Dad Crenshaw's eyes lit up and he thanked Waddie for his observation. He thought Toller might have a little more spark in him for roping but he's damn sure take Waddie's advise and work with the boy more. He was impressed how fast he learned what Waddie taught him that day. They had a light supper and Earl D. and Billy Bob were anxious to turn in and get an early start back to Austin the next morning. They cleaned Waddie again and it hardly hurt at all. They spread the medication on him and took him to bed. He wasn't hurting now and found himself between two wonderful, beautiful cowboys. They told him how proud they were to have him as a little bother and they'd never seen their dad take to anyone the way he did with Waddie. He really meant it when he welcomed him into their family. All the boys want to know when you're coming back and we want you back, too. The two handsome men lay as close to him as they could without hurting him and stole kiss after kiss. What was the poor boy to do? They were huge, strong, powerful men. He was at their mercy. They proceeded to have their way with him. He tried to protest, to fight back,----God knows he tried. They took advantage of his weakened condition and were shamelessly robbing him of kisses. Fortunately, he didn't run out. End of part 14 Cabbage Patch Cowboy Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf Questions/comments: