Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 11:07:10 EST
From: Tulsadriller7@aol.com
Subject: Tales from the Ranch, Chapter 27/?

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

TALES FROM THE RANCH
Copyrightc 2003 by Tulsa Driller 7.  All rights reserved.

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

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

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

Tales from the Ranch
Chapter 27: Things to do on Your Honeymoon
     As they were standing there, holding each other, looking
into their mate's eyes, exchanging champagne nectar with their
kisses; Dale became aware that there was a large basket of
flowers sitting on the coffee table that he hadn't really noticed
before.  It was an arrangement of red, long stem roses, white
mums and pink carnations.  They were beautiful.  There was an
envelope hanging from the arrangement.  He would have to ask
about that, but right now there was something more important to
do.  Enjoy being with his lover.
     Their lips were sticky from the champagne and some had run
from the corners of their mouths.  It didn't do any good to try
to lick it off, but it sure felt good to both of them.  It was
very erotic to take a sip of the golden liquid and share it with
each other.
     Soon the glasses were empty.  Craig kissed Dale on the end
of his nose and took the flute stems to be refilled.  As he
turned around, Dale moved to look at the flowers.  In large
script, the words on the envelope said, "For Dale, My Everything"
     He untied the card and opened the envelope.  Inside was a
piece of card stock and lettered in flowing script was, "10
Reasons Why I Love You."  Reasons 1 through ten said, "You are
Dale Richards."  Below Reason Number 10 were the words, "You
complete my life.  Love, Craig".
     Tears welled up in Dale's eyes and flowed down his cheeks.
Never had anything caused the impact this card did.  Craig sensed
what was happening, set the glasses on the coffee table and
walked into Dale's arms.
     "Thank you, thank you," Dale blubbered.
     They held onto each other as if they were afraid the other
was going to vanish.
     "You are welcome," Craig said.  "And. I mean every word of
it."  He had tears in his eyes, too.  They continued to hold each
other, standing so they could both look at the flowers.
     Finally Craig, without saying anything, eased Dale onto the
loveseat without breaking contact.  With one hand he picked up a
glass and handed it to Dale, then picking up the other, they each
took a sip, this time swallowing it themselves.
     When Dale could talk again, he said, "They are beautiful and
so are you!!  Thank you for rescuing me from a hum-drum life."
     "Shh. you didn't have a hum-drum life, you just weren't
aware there is a wonderful world about you. and we are going to
enjoy it together."  They kissed again, then each took another
sip of champagne.
     Almost as if they had rehearsed it, they set their glasses
on the coffee table and reached for the other again.  Hands
rubbed each other and mouths devoured tongues, which were trying
to swab the other's tonsils.
     No words were spoken.  There was no reason for them as they
started pulling the other's clothing off.  They finally had to
stand up to open belts and unzip pants.  They toed their loafers
off and soon were standing there wearing only socks and boxers.
And. there was a hard cock sticking out of the fly of each pair.
They each cupped the other with their hands, then gently lowered
the other's shorts to a point where gravity took over, pooling
them around their ankles.
     If possible, each was more turned-on than they ever had
been.
     Craig started to kneel in front of Dale, but without saying
anything, Dale pulled him back up and led him to the bedroom.  As
they went past the clothes rack, Craig picked up the vanity case,
as they probably would need the lube.  He hoped so, anyway.
     Standing on either side of the king-size bed they turned the
covers back and crawled on top, each wondering why a couple would
want to sleep in such a large bed.  Although they were both large
men, they would have been happy in a double bed, but enjoyed the
queen-size bed they had at home.  But only because of the extra
length, since they were tall.
     Making love to each other had never been hurried, although
sometimes of a morning it might seem like it.  Tonight it was
almost as if they were in slow motion, nothing was hurried and
they took turns pleasuring the other in many different ways,
bringing each other almost to the point of climax several times.
Both felt sensations in and on their bodies they had not
experienced before.
     Finally, as Dale was lying on his back with Craig on top of
him, rubbing himself on Dale's hairy body, almost as if they had
rehearsed it, Craig slipped downward to lick Dale's nipples.
Dale spread his legs apart and Craig slipped between them without
thinking about it.  He could feel Craig's steel-hard cock jabbing
him in the groin and he instinctively raised his hips and Craig
slipped a little further down on Dale's body.
     When that happened, Dale wrapped his legs around Craig, who
took it as a signal that Dale was receptive to being entered to
complete their copulation.  He wet his fingers with some of the
precum each had produced.  It was much slicker than the
commercial product and soon Craig had Dale moaning and moving
around on the bed, whimpering and rubbing Craig's chest, back and
shoulders.
     "Do it," Dale gasped, not wanting the good feeling of
Craig's fingers to end.
     Just to be on the safe side, Craig uncapped the lube bottle,
putting a pretty good squirt of liquid up Dale's love chute, then
worked it around with his fingers, gently withdrawing them and
placing the head of his cock at the entrance.  The head slid in
easily.
     "Com'on, give it to me, stud," he told Craig.
     Calling Craig "stud" had somewhat the same effect on him as
calling Dale "cowboy".  They were coupled, as one, and proceeded
to give the other a good ride.  This wasn't just a fuck, this was
making love to the man each loved and while they were giving all
they had, it was still gentle.  Craig was enjoying playing with
Dale's nipples and rubbing his hands through the hair on his
chest and stomach.  He was careful not to make contract with his
cock, which had leaked enough precum to fill his navel to
capacity. it was running down his sides.  Craig dipped his finger
in and fed each with the clear, sweet nectar of Dale's passion.
Dale leaned up to kiss Craig.  Somehow that action allowed Craig
to go a little deeper and he hit Dale's magic button, then
experienced the same feeling he and Dale had twice before.  It
seemed that he passed into another area of his rectum.  Dale's
eyes opened as he realized what had happened.
     Without warning, he erupted onto their stomachs and as his
sphincter tried to clamp shut, it triggered Craig, who felt like
a gallon of cum was being shoved through a small tube.  Dale
relaxed between each shot, which seemed to allow Craig to expel
more cum.  Their orgasms seemed to go on forever.  It was a
delicious feeling, being as one body and each reacting to the
others muscular spasms.  This was the ultimate sexual feeling as
far as both were concerned.
     Mouths searched for the other, then Craig wanted to taste
Dale, so he sat up enough he could harvest some of the love juice
Dale had shot.  He put some in Dale's mouth, then fed himself,
leaning down so they could kiss and stir the offering around in
the other's mouth.
     No words had been spoken, just sounds of love and pleasure
and there had been plenty of that.
     They lay like that for several minutes and when Craig
started to slip out of Dale, he felt empty, but fulfilled.  As
they started to separate, the cum which had dried peeled off
them.
     "I love you," Craig whispered contentedly in Dale's ear.
     "I know. and I love you, too," searching for another kiss.
     They still didn't separate and must have dozed a bit after
their euphoric state of bliss, because this time they really were
stuck together when they came to.
     "We. are a mess," Dale laughed, pecking Craig on the nose.
     "Don't you just love it?  I do," Craig answered.
     "Yes. I do and I love you and I hope you never forget it."
     "I won't. especially if it's always this good."
     "No question about it, you turn me on," Dale said, sealing
the statement with another kiss.
     This time it was Craig who crawled off the bed and offered
Dale his hand to help him.  Amazingly with all the cum that had
been produced, the sheets were still dry.  Dale wondered how that
had happened, but was glad they didn't have to sleep on cum-
soaked sheets tonight.
     Dale led the way to the bathroom with Craig following
closely.
     "How about I fill the Jacuzzi and get it ready while we
rinse off in the shower?" Dale asked.
     "Fine with me.  The champagne must make you horny, so I'll
go get it," Craig said, wiggling his eyebrows and running his
tongue around the outside of his lips.
     "You make me horny, and the champagne is just an excuse,"
Dale laughed.
     Craig was waiting for Dale to stand up from adjusting the
Jacuzzi.  When he did, he asked Dale, "But. didn't the champagne
help your anxiety about losing your virginity?"
     They fell together, laughing.
     Craig retrieved their glasses and rinsed them out, refilling
them.  Dale had the Jacuzzi filled and was adjusting the water
temperature in the shower when Craig came back into the bathroom.
They exchanged another kiss, then took a sip of champagne before
stepping into the shower.  It didn't take them more than a couple
of minutes to rinse themselves off each using a washrag and bar
of soap to "de-cum" the other.  They dried just enough to not
drip on the floor on their way to the whirlpool.  It was too bad
they couldn't sit side by side and enjoy this properly, but this
one was like the one in their apartment, it was built for one
person or two midgets.  Nevertheless, they enjoyed the undulating
jets of water and it did help them relax a little more, although
the sex and champagne were working their wonders, too.
     They finished the champagne and played with each other with
feet and hands, occasionally reaching out for another kiss.
Before they got out of the bath, each was more than just a little
hard.
     "Do you have some more virginity to lose?" Craig asked with
a grin on his face.
     "I'll never be a virgin again. and I thank you for it," Dale
teased.
     They both laughed at that and stood in tub, taking turns
drying each other as the water drained out.  As they snuggled
together in the bed, Dale noticed that it was 1:30 a.m.  What a
wonderful experience that had been.  They wrapped themselves
together and immediately went to sleep, dreaming pleasant dreams
of the other.
     * * * * *
     It was hard to tell if it was the long drive, the champagne
or the wonderful sex they'd had the night before, but they slept
until almost 8 o'clock.  Craig had to pee and Dale opened his
eyes as Craig got out of bed.  The room was bright and sunny, as
they had not closed the drapes when they went to bed.  Only the
sheer curtains blocked the strong sunlight.
     Dale, with his morning woody, followed Craig and his
erection into the bathroom and they stood side-by-side while
peeing.  The cum and champagne cocktail had caused each of them
to have "morning breath" so Craig retrieved their vanity case so
they could have their toothbrushes, paste, razors and shave
cream.  They made short work of getting ready for their morning
shower and seemed to spend more time kissing and rubbing against
each other than getting clean.  It felt wonderful to both of them
to be out of town and have a totally different routine.
     By the time they dressed and picked up their clothing, which
was in the living room, it was almost 9 a.m.  Although there was
a coffeepot in the room, they hadn't used it.
     "Are you hungry?" Craig asked?
     "Starved," Dale said.
     "Let's go down to the dining room for breakfast, then we can
come back to the room and freshen up before going to the trade
show."
     "Fine with me," Dale replied.  Then he added, "And thank you
for the flowers.  I want to keep the card forever."
     "You already thanked me. last night. and other times, too,"
Craig said.
     "I want to thank you every day for the rest of our lives.  I
love you more than you will ever know."  Dale had tears in his
eyes again.
     They stood in each other's arms and exchanged kisses, but
this didn't cause either to have an erection, just the enjoyment
of holding the other.
     "Come on, I'm hungry after all the exercise last night,"
Craig said.
     Dale laughed as they made their way to the door.
     The elevator made no stops on the way to the mezzanine
level.  Dale didn't realize until later when they went back up to
their room that only one elevator served the upper three floors,
the mezzanine and lobby, not stopping anywhere in between.
     The restaurant wasn't busy and the hostess seated them at a
table for two.  A waiter appeared with menus and they ordered a
pot of coffee and orange juice.  After a suitable interval, the
waiter was back to take their orders, which was for a typical
country breakfast for each.
     "I don't know about you, but I'm never that hungry at home.
If I'm on a trip, I can't wait to get to the restaurant for
breakfast."
     "Must have rubbed off on me," Dale said, with his 1000-watt
smile and a sparkle in his eyes.
     Craig made a mental note to be careful about putting food or
drink in his mouth when Dale looked like he was amused.  He
didn't want to spew food all over the elegant dining room.
     They chatted about the trade show and the possibilities of
what they could do over the next few days.  Their food arrived
shortly and they dug in like they hadn't eaten for a couple of
days.  Dale remembered that he hadn't eaten that much on Friday
and asked Craig what he'd eaten.
     "I had a bowl of soup and a sandwich for lunch and the salad
at the IHOP in Killeen last night.  What about you?"
     "A hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and vegetables for
lunch and the salad last night, Dale answered."
     "No wonder we're starved - and it's been 14 hours since we
last ate!"
     It would be safe to say that both fairly inhaled their food.
     "This should hold us until noon," Craig laughed.
     "Already planning your next meal?" Dale teased.
     "Yeah, I suppose so.  They generally have a pretty good food
court at these shows, but we can always go to a restaurant, too.
     "Let's just see what we feel like when we think we're ready,
okay?" Dale asked.
     "Sure, we don't have a schedule.  Are you ready to go to the
room for a couple of minutes, then head to the show?"
     Dale signaled the waiter for the check.  Craig left a tip
and Dale took care of paying for their meal.
     Craig showed Dale how to use his key card to access the
elevator.  Dale had noticed the evening before that the bellhop
had used a card, but hadn't realized why.  Soon they were in room
2207.
     While Craig was in the bathroom, Dale debated about giving
Craig the neck chain he'd gotten him for his birthday.  He
decided to wait until a more romantic time.  Craig came out,
after having used the toilet and brushing his teeth again.  Dale
used the bathroom while Craig checked the rooms to make sure they
had everything picked up and put away.
     * * * * *
     They walked the block to the Tarrant County Convention
Center in the morning sunshine.  It was going to be a perfect
day.  Craig hoped that the weather would be the same the rest of
the time they were here.  They hadn't looked at the weather
channel, but he seemed to remember that it was supposed to be
clear and not hot.
     The registration booth for the Ft. Worth Builder's Show was
right inside the main door and Craig walked to the advance
registration section.  He gave his name and was given two
folders, which contained the identification badges that would
allow them in and out of the show without paying admission.  Also
included were tickets for various vendor shows in the main
theatre, schedules of showings, coupons for food and drink, a
note pad and ball point pen.
     They hung the cords for their badges around their necks.
Craig was pleased to see that Dale's badge showed that he was a
member of the firm of "Albrecht and Bastian, Architects," with
Williamsport being shown as their home city.
     "I just hope that nobody asks me what a floor joist is while
I'm here.  They'll throw me out for being a fake," Dale laughed.
     "Won't happen," Craig said.
     Dale couldn't get over the size of the show, vendor booths
lining the walls, big displays scattered throughout the
concourse.  Represented were appliance distributors, lumberyards,
window manufacturers, door manufacturers, insulation systems,
roofing materials, turf companies, heating and air conditioning,
stone, brick, concrete, lighting, home entertainment,
landscaping, gardening, power tools, power equipment, sprinkler
systems. the list went on and on and so did the displays.
     "Where do we start?" Dale asked.
     "Right here.  We just wander from one booth and display to
another.  If you see brochures that look interesting, pick one up
and put it in your folder.  Feel free to ask questions.  We've
talked about building a house, this will be your chance to see
building materials and everything that you can think of to put
inside the house, too."
     It really was an eye-opening experience for Dale.  He had
just never thought about all that he was seeing.  It certainly
made the new crew quarters at the Bar-W look like a child's
project compared to what a mansion would require in the way of
furnishings.
     This show was open to the general public, but there was no
free admission for anyone.
     Some booths had videos showing applications and usage for
their products.  Craig told him that they did need to look at the
schedule of showings in the main theatre.  Some were movies and
some were live demonstrations of equipment and techniques, so
they stood off to one side to look at that.
     Craig was interested in alternative building materials and
there were two shows, which happened to be back to back, starting
at 10:30.  Each was only about 10 minutes long.  They didn't have
too much time before those shows, so started wandering in that
direction.
     A water garden display caught Dale's attention.  He'd never
thought about building something like that, but it was ideal for
a patio or even a large yard.  The pools on display were even
filled with fish.
     Craig was interested in an electronic-controlled lighting
system, that could turn lights on and off in any room in the
house, using a computer program.  It didn't take long for their
folders to start bulging and they'd only been there a little over
a half hour.
     One of the showings they went to was a video presentation
and the other was simply a series of displays with a man
extolling the virtues of his product.  Neither answered Craig's
questions so he made a note to find their booths and go ask
questions.
     It appeared that 90% of those attending the show on Friday
were architects, builders and vendors.  The general public would
be there on Saturday and Sunday, making it a lot more crowded on
the floor.
     Finally, about 12:30 Craig asked Dale if he was hungry or
thirsty.
     "I'm surprised, but I could eat again.  I wonder if there
are any good Mexican restaurants in the area?"
     "I think so."  Craig pulled a visitors brochure out of his
folder and spread it out where they could both look at it.
"Yeah, here it is, 'Mama Rosas Cantina", Craig said.  I've eaten
there before and they have good food.  Everything is prepared to
order and hot.  It's not one of the chains where they fry enough
taco shells to last the week on Monday and stuff them full of
cold hamburger and taco sauce as needed."
     "How far is it?" Dale questioned.
     "About five blocks.  Let's go back to the hotel and freshen
up and then head up there.  I think it's on the free trolley
route, so we can ask the doorman at the hotel where it stops."
     "You're on," Dale said as they headed to the door.  They
exited out a side door and that put them right across the street
from the hotel.
     They dumped their folders out on the desk.  The room had
been cleaned.  While Dale was in the bathroom, Craig checked the
water for the flowers.  He didn't know if the maid had filled it
or not, but the level was adequate.  He congratulated himself on
having a florist in Williamsport forward his card and arranging
for the flowers to be in the room when they checked in.  Same
thing for the champagne
     * * * * *.
     The doorman told them they could catch the trolley right
there in about 5 minutes as it ran a loop that would put them at
the corner, a few doors from the restaurant.
     "Do you want to ride or walk?" Craig asked.
     "How about riding up and walking back?  We can shake the
food down that way."
     "Fine with me."
     The five minutes passed quickly as Craig pointed out some of
the buildings in the area.  The diesel powered tram pulled up to
the curb, discharging five people.  Dale and Craig were the only
ones to get on.
     The trolley stopped at least once in every block and the
route actually took them about 12 blocks before they were at the
restaurant stop.  That gave Craig a chance to point out several
other interesting buildings.  They would walk back on a different
route so he could show him others.
     They ordered a pitcher of cold Mexican beer that arrived at
the table with ice floating in it.  The pitcher and glasses had
been in the deep freeze.  Needless to say, the beer was very cold
and tasted good.  They ordered a combination dinner for two with
a plate for each, then shared the order.  There were two each of
burritos, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, Chile Relanos and plenty
of chips with both red and green sauce.  There were also two
generous scoops of guacamole.  True to Craig's word the food was
wonderful.  The tacos were hot and crisp, filled with ground
beef, small pieces of potato and peas.
     "You can always judge a Mexican restaurant by the tacos they
serve and this is a real Mexican restaurant," Craig said.
     Dale had to agree with him.  He loved Mexican food, but the
restaurant's around Williamsport served "Tex-Mex" and this was
probably more authentic.  It certainly tasted better to him.
     They took their time eating, then headed back to the hotel
before going to the convention center.  Craig pointed out several
buildings which he liked, both old and new.
     They wandered around the show for another 3 hours, again
picking up a lot of brochures and advertising.  A number of
vendors were having drawings to give away various products from
Jacuzzi tubs to appliances and services.  They registered each
place they could as none required you be there to win.
     Craig enjoyed the show.  It had certainly grown in size
since he was last there and he thought it was a better show.
Certainly he'd seen enough to make it worth the time and expense
to attend.  And especially because he could share it with his
lover, who seemed to really enjoy the day.
     They left the show using the same exit as at noon, ending up
across from the hotel.
     Craig didn't know about Dale, but he was tired of standing
and walking.  Dale wasn't that tired.  He was used to hard work
and being on his feet all day.
     As they were riding what they thought of as their "private
elevator" to their room, Dale asked about their plans for the
evening.
     Craig simply said, "We have dinner reservations at Bistro
Nicoise at 8 o'clock.  It's an elegant French restaurant, so we
need to wear jackets and ties."
     "Are they going to have more than 4 pieces of silver at each
plate?" Dale teased.
     "Nah, I think they just bring 'em as y'all need 'em," Craig
snickered.
     "Good, 'cause I get confused when they put forks and spoons
on the same side of the plate."
     Craig laughed.  He couldn't think of a formal place setting
where that was true, but it was a funny statement, anyway.
     By this time they were at their door and Dale pulled his
card out of his billfold to let them in.
     As per Craig's request, a tray of assorted cheeses and
crackers was sitting on the coffee table and there was gin and
scotch on the bar, with a bucket of ice and glasses next to them.
The only thing missing was someone to mix their drinks for them
and they could take care of that.
     "Wow, it looks like the 'Happy Hour Fairy' has been here,"
Dale said, amazed at the unexpected surprises he'd had already
experienced since they had arrived.
     "Does he look like you or me?" Craig teased.
     "You," Dale exclaimed, grabbing Craig and spinning him
around for a long kiss.
     As they finally broke apart, Craig said, "Another kiss like
that and I won't need a happy hour."
     Dale was anxious to demonstrate again, so they locked lips
together.
     "If you'll take your clothes off, I'll fix drinks," Craig
said.
     "Are you trying to bribe me, because if you are, it worked,"
Dale said, starting to unfasten his belt.
     As Craig headed to the bar, Dale followed, wrapping his arms
around Craig's waist and loosening his belt, too.
     "Let's see which happens first. you get the drinks mixed or
I get both of us naked," Dale said, rubbing his hands up under
Craig's polo shirt.
     "No contest.  I can't mix drinks while you're feeling me up
and tearing my clothes off."
     Craig turned around and they helped each other strip, then
Craig returned to his task, filling two glasses with ice, gin and
olives.  For some reason, they were both more than just a bit
hard when Craig handed Dale a glass.  He then moved the flowers
to the desk to make more room on the coffee table.
     Exchanging kisses, they settled on the love seat and Craig
leaned against Dale, working themselves into their favorite
position.  Dale was sitting with his back in the corner, one leg
stretched along the back and his left on the floor.  Craig
wiggled against him so they could look at each other, exchange
kisses and allow Dale to set their glasses down between sips.
     "Did you enjoy the day?" Craig asked.
     "Yes, it was great to spend it wandering around with you and
not have a schedule to deal with."
     They sat there silently, helping each other with their
drinks and crackers, idly tracing designs on the other's skin,
exchanging small kisses and relaxing.
     When they finished their martini, Craig got up to fix a
second round.  Dale slipped into the bedroom and got the box from
Mercier's Jewelry.  Since he was nude, he didn't have any place
to hide it on his person.  So, he put it down in front of the
cracker tray.
     He sat down and Craig was soon back in his favorite
position, having handed Dale a fresh drink before he sat down.
     Craig spied the box.  "What's this?" he said, leaning
against his lover and pointing at the box.
     Dale picked the box up and handed it to Craig.  "Happy
Birthday," he said, hugging him and kissing his left cheek.
     "But. my birthday isn't until Sunday," Craig said in a
teasing voice.
     "Okay, let me have it back and I'll give it to you on
Sunday, then."
     Craig leaned in for a kiss.  "No, since you insist, I'll
open it now."
     He untied the gold cord and took the lid off the box.  He
was pleased as he'd wanted a chain but had never indulged
himself.
     "It's beautiful.  Thank you."  This time Dale got a full-
mouth kiss.  "Put it on me. please," Craig said.
     Dale unfastened the clasp and put the chain around Craig's
neck, refastening it.  It looked perfect to him, but any
adornment on Craig's body would look fine.
     "This is an 18-inch chain.  He has shorter or longer chains
if you don't like this length," Dale said, adding, "Happy
Birthday, love."
     "Let me go look in the mirror," Craig said, jumping up.  He
went into the bathroom and admired it in the full-length mirror.
"This is just perfect."
     "Let's see what it looks like when you are wearing a shirt,"
Dale said, picking up Craig's shirt and taking it to him.  He
helped Craig slip it on.
     Again, it was the perfect length.  You could see it clearly
in the vee of his polo shirt and Dale was pretty sure it would
show up if he were wearing a regular sport shirt.
     Craig admired it and was truly pleased.  He pulled his polo
shirt off so he could rub his body against Dale's.  "Thank you,
hon, how did you know that I'd like to have a chain?"
     "I didn't.  I wanted to get you something that you might
enjoy wearing and that other people could see.  Especially me."
     Craig gave him a passionate kiss and when they broke away,
he hugged Dale and said, "Thank you, thank you, again."
     They made their way back to the love seat, settling in
again.  Dale was very pleased that Craig liked his chain.  He
thought it looked sexy on him, but Craig looked sexy just being
Craig.
     Craig was thinking that he might go to the jewelry store and
buy Dale a chain just like it.  He could save it for a special
occasion, or maybe even Christmas.
     The Edam and Gouda cheeses were good.  They weren't
expensive brands, but just something to nibble on with their
drinks.
     "Do you want to go through the shower before we get
dressed?" Craig asked.
     "Yeah, and I probably should shave, too," Dale said, taking
Craig's hand and rubbing it over his cheeks.
     "Might not hurt.  If we're going to dress up, it'll just
make you look all the more handsome, although I might not be able
to stand to look at you all decked out in your new duds.  And."
he rubbed his finger over Dale's upper lip.  "This is really
starting to look great on you and I like the way it tickles. no
matter where you use it on my body," he giggled.
     "You want it used on your body?" Dale said, grabbing Craig
and tickling his nipples with his fingers, then running his
tongue over them before applying his mustache to each.
     Craig usually wasn't ticklish, but tonight he was - at least
there.  They had a good time rubbing each other, nipping,
pinching lightly and exchanging kisses.  Of course, it had the
expected reaction - both were hard.
     The clock said 6:15. and their dinner reservations were for
8 p.m.  Hmmm. Dale knew a way to entertain Craig that would give
them a real reason to cleanup before they got dressed.
     He indicated to Craig that he wanted to stand up and when
Craig did so, Dale stood, gathered Craig into his arms and
carried him to the bedroom.  By the time they had wonderful sex,
shaved, showered and dressed, it was almost 7:45 as they arrived
in the lobby.  Both looked like they had just been the stars at a
men's fashion show.
     The doorman hailed a cab and they were at Bistro Nicoise at
the appointed hour.
     * * * * *
     It was a beautiful, but intimate restaurant.  The dining
room was almost filled, but the noise level was non-existent.
There was a 3-piece combo on the stage, with a woman singing
"old" songs from the 1930's thru the 1960's and it sounded
wonderful.
     The Maitre d' seated them in a corner of the room at a table
where they could sit at a 90-degree angle to each other and both
look over the dining room.  It was a perfect table.
     Their waiter was Andre, a young fellow, but extremely
efficient and correct.
     "May I bring you gentlemen a cocktail?" he asked, the
question directed to Craig.
     Craig ordered martinis, the way they liked them with no
vermouth, shaken, and the waiter left.  Shortly, his assistant
arrived to fill their water goblets.
     Dale and Craig were looking the dining room over.  The
furnishings were elegant, heavy thick draperies, oil paintings
and modern watercolors on the walls.
     The drinks arrived in crystal stemware. Dale realized there
was no ice in the glasses, but the martinis were ice cold.  "If
you order drinks either "shaken" or "up" they shake them with ice
and serve them this way," Craig explained.  "Instead of olives,
they put a twist of lemon peel in the drink."
     As they were saying "Cheers" and touching the rims of their
glasses, Andre brought menus and a wine list to their table.
Dale opened his menu and there were no prices on it.  He realized
that the reservation was in Craig's name, therefore, he was
Craig's guest in the eyes of the waiter.  Well, he could live
with that.  Actually it felt good to be pampered, especially
since Craig was the one doing the pampering.
     The only problem was that the menu was largely in French and
Dale didn't have a clue as to what anything was.  'Okay, Craig,
you're gonna get it,' he decided.
     His eyes twinkling and his 1000-watt smile turned on, he
leaned over to Craig, who luckily didn't have anything in his
mouth.
     "My menu doesn't have any pictures.  Do you think they have
cheeseburgers?"
     Craig had figured he was going to get a question like this.
     "If that's what you want, I'll order a child's plate for
you.  Do you want French Fries or 'Tater Tots', he asked Dale,
giving it right back to him and kicking him lightly on the ankle
as he said it.
     They both laughed quietly, not daring to make a spectacle of
themselves in this place.
     "Will you order for me then, please?  I'll love you for it,"
Dale told him.
     "Do you want beef, chicken or seafood?" Craig asked.
     "You've never suggested anything that I didn't like, so I'll
leave myself in your hands. kind of like I was about an hour
ago," he smiled.
     "Touche," Craig said, snickering.  Then he added, "I'll
order for both of us if you don't mind."
     "Fine.  Surprise me," Dale said, taking a sip of his drink
and relaxing, since he didn't have to worry about what to order.
Craig had made up his mind about the meal, and then studied the
wine list, finally picking a red French Bordeaux to go with the
entree.
     When Andre returned to their table, Craig discussed his
selections and asked that the courses be served with the
appropriate wines, except for the Bordeaux.
     The Sommelier arrived at the table and Craig briefly
discussed the food and wine.  He returned to the table with a
bottle and held it out to Craig for inspection.  Craig read the
label and indicated that the wine would be fine.
     Dale watched in fascination as he prepared the bottle to be
opened.  Although he was wearing a silver chain with a tasting
cup around his neck, he presented the cork to Craig, then poured
a small amount into a stemmed glass.  Craig took a sip of the
wine, letting it sit on his tongue, and then swallowed it.  "That
will be fine."
     The Sommelier filled Dale's glass about two-thirds full,
then did the same with Craig's glass.
     Dale's first impulse was to pick the glass up and take a
sip, but something told him that it might not be the right thing
to do.
     Craig leaned over.  "This wine is for the entree.  There
will be different wines served with each course."
     Dale was glad he had his guide to help him, because he knew
this was going to be the dining experience of a lifetime and he
was looking forward to it.
     The first course was a Lobster Parfait served with a dry
champagne.  It was presented in parfait glasses and consisted of
chunks of lobster tail with a somewhat tart sauce drizzled over
it.  Dale and only eaten lobster tail once before - in a
steakhouse and it was nothing like this, which seemed to melt in
ones mouth.
     The next course was Creme of Tomato soup.  It was somewhat
spicy, served hot with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with
fresh basil and chives.  It was accompanied by a small glass of
dry sherry.
     The entree was Fillets of Beef with Bearnaise Sauce,
accompanied by an Onion and Mushroom Souffle and Roasted
vegetables.  The Red Bordeaux had been ordered for this course
Hard Rolls and whipped butter were served, also.
     The next course was Watercress salad with a light Sour Cream
Dressing.
     After this was a "palate refresher" of Raspberry Sorbet.
     The restaurant's "Chocolate Bar" was wheeled in to their
table.  There were at least a dozen chocolate creations ranging
from a chocolate souffle to a chocolate torte, chocolate mousse,
chocolate ice cream, chocolate pie, chocolate cheesecake and
others.  It was a chocoholics delight.
     Dale took a piece of the chocolate cheesecake and Craig
chose the chocolate torte.  The champagne had been on ice and new
glasses were brought for it, along with fresh pears and apples
and, finally, coffee.
     The meal was served leisurely, no rushing and with an
adequate amount of time between courses to allow that wine to be
finished.  The taste treats were wonderful and Dale had always
heard the term "fine dining".  Now he knew what it was.
     They discussed the food as they ate it, from time to time
almost like excited children as they discovered a new taste.
They frequently held hands since they were sitting next to each
other.  Craig was sure that Andre had seen them a couple of
times, but they didn't care.
     Finally, the meal drew to a close.  Dale looked at his
watch.  They had been there almost two hours.  He couldn't
believe it.  They had consumed a lot of very excellent food, yet
neither felt stuffed.  The bill was presented and Craig used his
MasterCard to pay.  Dale wondered how much the bill amounted to,
but he wasn't about to ask.  This was Craig's treat and it had
been another great experience for the two lovers to add to their
scrapbook of memories.
     The Maitre d' had called a taxi for them and it was waiting
as they stepped out the door.  The ride back to the hotel didn't
take long and Craig steered Dale into the elegant cozy bar for a
nightcap, ordering a Drambuie on the rocks for each of them.
     They were still talking about the meal as they rode the
elevator to their floor.  The room was lit by dim light and the
drapes were open so they could see the city lights.  They stood
close to each other, looking out the window and Craig pointed out
several things of interest.  They were on the east side of the
building so they could see planes in their landing pattern
approaching the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport.  They were both amazed
at how evenly spaced the planes appeared to be.  Although it was
30 miles to downtown Dallas, they could see the lights of the
tall buildings there.  All of the freeways were busy and Dale was
thankful they lived in Williamsport.
     They went into the bedroom to change clothes.  Dale was
surprised to see that the bed had been turned down and mints
placed on their pillows.  'This is living well,' he thought.
     "How tired are you?" Craig asked Dale.
     "I'm not ready to go to bed, unless it's to play around,"
Dale answered.  "I don't think I could go to sleep right away
after all that food."
     Craig had a funny look on his face.
     "What.?" Dale asked.
     "Hey cowboy, y'all wanna go to a gay bar?"
     "Sure," Dale said, brightening up.  "I've never been to one.
This will be whole new experience."
     "Well, there's a bar called 'Chaps' that's within walking
distance.  It's a country-western gay dance bar."
     "Well, what are we waiting for, let's go!" Dale said,
clearly excited at the idea.
     "Podnur, put on your Levis and cowboy boots and we'll go
shake some ass and two-step around the room."
     "Just one problem."  Dale's face fell.
     "What's that?" Craig asked.
     "I don't know how to dance."
     "Well, it's not as if we were going to try to tango or cha-
cha, this is just good 'ol shit-kickin' dancin'," Craig laughed.
     "Okay," Dale said, holding out his hand for a 'high five'.
     They pulled on their 501's, cowboy boots and polo shirts and
headed for the door.  Dale noticed that he could see Craig's new
chain.  He stopped at the door, turned around and gave his lover
a kiss, which was reciprocated.
     As they left the hotel, the doorman gave them a knowing look
as they set out down the street.
     * * * * *
     The bar was only three blocks from the hotel and as they got
nearer they began to see men entering and leaving the place.
     There was a doorman collecting a $10 cover charge from each
person and stamping the back of their hands.  He gave each of
them a ticket good for a $4 drink.
     It didn't take long for their eyes to adjust since it was
dark outside.  Dale was stunned, the dance floor was larger than
a basketball court and it was full of mostly men, dancing
together, or in groups. and it looked like some were dancing by
themselves, too.  It was hard to tell with all the movement on
the dance floor.  There were strobe lights, mirrored balls and
laser beams punctuating the dance area.
     They became aware that the dance floor made up only about a
third of the building, as there were several rows tables and
chairs around the perimeter of the dance floor, then a balcony
with booths.
     "Have you been here before?" Dale asked Craig.  He had to
speak loudly.
     "It's been at least 4 years, but I used to come here with
friends from time to time."
     "Wow.  This place is something else," Dale said, wondering
how many people were in the club.
     "Coors beer okay?" Craig asked.
     "Sure," Dale said, giving Craig his ticket.
     "My ticket and a little cash will buy two beers, you can get
the next round later."
     Craig made his way to the bar and Dale stood there, looking
around and taking it all in.  He couldn't believe that all of
these men were probably gay.  Most were dressed as he and Craig,
but there were a number of guys wearing leather chaps and not
much else.  There were plenty of bare chests, sporting nipple
rings, leather harnesses, hairy guys wearing tank tops, guys
wearing dog collars and other leather gear.  Some had huge key
rings attached to their belts and were wearing engineer boots
instead of western boots.  All in all, it seemed that anything
went.
     Dale was glad he had Craig with him, but before he got back,
some fellow dressed as he was, walked up, put his arm around
Dale's waist and asked him to dance.
     About that time Craig walked up, handed Dale his beer and
said, "Hi Sweetie, y'all ready to find a place to sit?"
     The other fellow shrugged his shoulders and moved away.
     "Let's move up to the rail and watch them dance for a little
bit.  I need to see how this is done," Dale said.
     He and Craig made their way to the sidelines.  Dale really
couldn't see any step pattern to the dancing, although later the
DJ put on a record called "The Texas Two-Step" and everyone
seemed to be in sync with that music.
     After that recording finished, the DJ announced that the
floor should be cleared for a dance lesson.  About 30 men came
out, dressed in Levis and white vests, wearing boots.  One of the
men was wearing a headset and announced that he was going to talk
these men through a dance routine, then everyone could try it.
     The music started and the men were stepping, turning,
kicking and following the instructions.  Dale and Craig had
finished their beers and dropped the bottles in one of the many
trashcans sitting around the bar.
     When the leader/instructor announced that everyone was
welcome to join these men for the second time through, Craig
grabbed Dale's hand and pulled him to the middle of the dance
floor.
     The music started and they followed the instructions,
watching the other men.  Within two minutes they had the steps
down and were enjoying dancing with each other.  Dale was having
the time of his life.  It was certainly different than going to a
high school dance.  If they had allowed the boys to dance with
each other (as the girls sometimes did) he would have gone to
every one of those high school hops.
     True to what Craig had said, they "shook ass" and danced
around the floor, stompin' and kickin'.  After several dances,
they were ready for another beer so Dale went to the bar to get
them.  This time they were both propositioned to dance by other
men.
     They went back to the rail, sipping their beers and watching
the others dance.  Dale thought it felt really good to be with so
many other men and have a good time.
     They danced two more dances; both slow numbers and both
enjoyed the experience of dancing close together in each other's
arms.
     It was past midnight when they headed back to their hotel.
The shift change meant that a different doorman was on duty when
they went back into the lobby.
     "Did you cowboys have a good time at the 'Chaps'?" he asked.
     "Sure did," Craig said.  Dale wondered how he knew, but then
realized that they looked the part and had come from that
direction.  It didn't upset him.
     * * * * *
     They were both tired enough that they were ready to go to
bed almost as soon as they stripped off their clothes.  It had
been a long, fun-filled day and the best part was that they had
been able to enjoy it together.
     After brushing their teeth and washing their faces, they
made their way to the too-big bed, crawling in and wrapping
around each other.  They exchanged kisses and both went
immediately to sleep.
     * * * * *
     Saturday dawned as another bright and sunny Texas day.  They
were in a weather pattern that was typical of late September -
beautiful, sunny days and not too hot.
     Craig woke up first.  Dale was lying on his back, still
sound asleep.  Craig was on his right side, facing Dale.  They
had separated sometime during the night, but were still touching
as Craig had his left arm lying across Dale's furry chest.  He
needed to pee, so carefully eased himself to the edge of the bed,
trying not to disturb his lover.  It was almost 7 a.m.
     He made his way to the bathroom, relieved himself, then
washed his face and brushed his teeth.  Going back to the bed, he
carefully moved himself up next to Dale, getting into a position
where he could admire this wonderful man that was next to him.
     Soon, just looking at Dale wasn't enough.  He wanted to run
his fingers over his body, kiss him and make love to him.  He had
an idea.  Putting some saliva on his finger, he started teasing
Dale's left nipple.  Then he spread his fingers, gathering up
some of the fur that covered his pecs, he closed his fingers
together and pulled gently.
     The beautiful, sleeping man came to, grabbing Craig's hand
and kissing it.  Then he rose up, grabbed Craig in his arms and
lay back down, pulling him partially on top of himself.
     "Hey, no fair. you've brushed your teeth already.  I've got
'beer mouth' this morning."  With that he jumped out of bed and
followed his morning woody into the bathroom, peeing and brushing
his teeth, then washing his face.
     He bounded back onto the bed and it seemed as if the two men
were trying to crawl inside the other, kissing, rubbing,
tickling, and kissing some more.  Whatever they were trying to
do, felt good to each of them.  They proceeded to give each other
a tongue bath and were pleasuring the other by doing so.  It may
have started out as innocent play, but the lovemaking soon turned
serious with fingers and tongues poking inside the other, every
place they could find to insert them.
     They never thought of making love as being an "it's my turn
to have you do this to me" type of thing.  It was never intended
to be that way for them.  They enjoyed giving as well as
receiving and the love act was started with no preconceived idea
of how it was going to proceed or end.  Again, as they seemed to
be doing lately, they brought each other close to a climax
several times using different methods.  Today, they ended up in a
'69' position, on their sides and were using hands to tickle
balls, the perineum and finally, invade the sphincter.
     Dale was getting close and he knew Craig was, also.  He
accelerated his efforts, swallowing Craig to the balls.  Craig
wanted to prove he could do that, too, and had managed to get all
of Dale's cock in his mouth and down his throat.  He had
discovered the joy of pleasuring him by contracting the muscles
in his throat.  He knew Dale was leaking a lot of precum because
he could feel it going down his throat, but he couldn't taste it
as the end of his tongue was against Dale's ball sack.
     Using his index finger, he started teasing Dale's rosebud.
It immediately dilated, but Craig didn't have any lube available.
He didn't want to withdraw from having Dale's cock buried in his
throat.  So he just lightly rubbed his finger in a circle and
from time to time lightly pulled the black hairs that grew in his
ass trench.  That's all it took.
     All of a sudden it seemed as if Dale's cock had doubled in
size, then started to spasm.  For Dale, that's all it took.  He
didn't know how much cum he fired, but it must have been a record
amount.  Craig pulled back so he could taste.  It wasn't as sweet
as other times, but he remembered the beer from the night before.
     His efforts with Dale's cock helped trigger his own orgasm,
not that Craig needed any help.  With what seemed like no
warning, he was shooting a big, thick stream into his lover's
mouth and he could tell that Dale was swallowing as fast as he
could.  Dale had the same taste experience.  Craig was also
slightly bitter this morning.
     Their orgasms seemed to be completed about the same time and
they moved into a position where they could exchange kisses and
the rewards of their harvest.
     Murmuring, "That was the best" and "I love you" to each
other they slowly came down from their sexual plateau.
     In the short time they had been together, two inexperienced
men had learned how to push the other's buttons - and they had
learned to do it well.
     Finally they decided they had better get out of bed and get
the day started, although maybe they both would have liked to
recharge and do it again.
     * * * * *
     Craig glanced at the bedside clock as they got out of the
bed.  It was almost 8:15.  'Wow, that had lasted over an hour and
it didn't seem like 5 minutes,' he thought.
     They didn't waste any time in the bathroom or shower.  By
the time they had breakfast - and yes, they were starved to death
again today - the morning would be almost half over.
     "I suggest that we have coffee and rolls in the coffee shop,
then a light lunch because Mom will have a bountiful meal for us
tonight and I can guarantee you that she takes it personally if
you don't eat as much as she thinks you should," Craig laughed.
     "What about a big breakfast, skip lunch and enjoy dinner?"
Dale asked.
     "I don't care.  Let me tell you what I thought we could do
today, but we don't have to do any of it," Craig said.
     "Okay.?" Dale questioned.
     "I was going to suggest that we go to the Ft. Worth
Botanical Garden.  They have a nice restaurant for lunch and
there is a gift shop.  The place is huge as it covers a little
over a hundred acres.  We can't possibly see more than just a
little bit of it today, but it's worth taking the time to go
there.
     "Then, I'd like to take you to the Kimbell Art Museum, not
necessarily to see the art exhibits. they are more than worth
seeing. but to see the building.  When we were in architectural
school, our instructors would bring us here to study the
building.  Louis Kahn designed it and he died about 2 years after
the museum opened in 1972.  It's a masterpiece and I think you
will enjoy seeing it.
     And then. don't forget that we are supposed to be at my
parent's house around 3:30, so we do need to plan our time
because we need to be back here about 2:45 to freshen up and
dress for going to my folks.  It's casual, but I think we should
wear slacks and nice sport shirts."
     "That's okay with me.  I don't have any suggestions and you
certainly have done a fantastic job of helping me have a good
time. especially in bed," Dale leered.
     "Keeping you entertained in bed is the most fun I've ever
had, but there is a world outside, too," Craig teased back.
     By this time they were dressed as the night before.  They
could wear Levis and polo shirts with their boots and not look
any different than half the men in the places they would be
going.
     They took their "private elevator car" to the mezzanine
coffee shop and were seated immediately.  Dale suggested their
usual "at home" breakfast of coffee, juice and sweet rolls and
that's what they ordered.  It didn't take them very long to eat
and they were out of the restaurant in 15 minutes.
     As they walked outside, Craig gave the claim check for their
car to the doorman and the car was brought to the front door
within 3 minutes, the car valet holding the door open for Craig
and doorman opening Dale's door.  Dale noticed that Craig gave
the car valet a couple of ones.
     The Botanical Garden wasn't too far away.  Traffic was
lighter, probably because it was Saturday morning and they were
pulling into the parking lot about 10 minutes later.
     As they were driving, Craig recited a little of the history;
that it was the oldest garden of this type in Texas, covering 109
acres, there were about 2,500 species of plants and trees and 21
specialty gardens.  There was a fall festival in the Japanese
Gardens, an herb festival and their annual Fall Plant Sale was
going on right now.
     "Do you think I could find something to take to your
parents?" Dale asked.
     "That's really sweet of you.  I know they would appreciate
it.  You are so thoughtful," Craig said, squeezing Dale's hand.
     They walked to the entrance and found out that today was a
"two for one" day and they could each get in for one paid
admission.  Dale paid the $5 and they were given a map and
brochure showing the various gardens and information on each.
     Craig headed for the Japanese Gardens and Dale followed.
Although he had seen pictures of Bonsai plants, he didn't really
realize the training that had to be done to get the miniature
shrubs and plantings to grow into their present shapes.  He was
astounded that copper wire was used to twist limbs into their
sculpted shapes and further surprised to learn that many of the
specimens were over a hundred years old.  Incredible.
     The collection was large and the gardens had other plantings
of exotic shrubs, trees, flowers and sculpture.  It was a very
peaceful setting and there were plenty of benches where visitors
could sit to enjoy the presentations and meditate if they so
desired.  There were bridges over ponds and flowing water,
winding paths and even small temples dedicated to the various
Japanese religions.
     Dale had a hard time believing that something like this
existed, let alone in the middle of a big city.  It was so
peaceful.
     The next area they entered was the Fall Plant Sale.  There
was everything from spring flowering bulbs to evergreens,
orchids, small trees, potted mums, Amaryllis bulbs for Christmas,
and flower seeds harvested from their own specimens, guaranteed
to grow in the Central Texas climate.
     The men saw several things they were interested in, but
Craig suggested they visit the Herb Festival first and maybe go
to the Treasure Tree Gift Shop before deciding on buying
anything.
     So, the next stop was about a block away at the Herb
Festival.  They were selling everything from potted herbs, herb
seeds, and recipes using herbs to books on growing herbs.
     The fun part of this was being able to look at and touch the
various plants.  One could rub the leaves between your fingers
and get the delicious aroma of the oil from the crushed leaves.
     Dale decided that for themselves, they should buy either
plants or seeds of some of the basic cooking herbs; parsley,
basil, chives, marjoram, rosemary, cilantro, thyme and oregano.
The next question was if they should buy the live plants or
seeds.  They finally decided on the live plants when they found
out that they could probably be grown on their balcony or in the
sunny window of their kitchen.  The young fellow they talked to
suggested they buy either a half whiskey barrel or a large (about
25 to 30-gallon) plastic flower pot for their balcony and fill it
with a mixture of sand, good topsoil and peat moss and keep it
watered in hot weather.
     "What about adding manure?" Dale asked, thinking that they
had plenty at the Bar-W.
     "That would be excellent, just don't add too much or you'll
burn the plants just like in using granular fertilizer," they
were told.  "Actually something like "Miracle Grow" is the safest
to use."
     "Does your mother need any herbs?" Dale asked.
     "I don't know.  I know she has a small kitchen garden, but I
don't really know what she has.  I guess that she could always
use another herb, or even a duplicate of something she might
already have," Craig told Dale.
     They decided to talk about it over lunch, thanking the young
man, telling him they would be back before they left.
     The next stop was the Treasure Tree Gift Shop.  They had
herb seeds and about any kind of flowering bulb you might want.
In addition, there were all kinds of items for the yard, patio,
house - wherever.  Sundials, thermometers, garden railroads,
fountains, water pumps; most of which they had seen at the
Builder's Show the day before.  They wandered around, finally
buying a picture book of the gardens at the height of each of
their display times.
     By this time it was 11:15, so they decided on an early lunch
in the Garden Restaurant.  There was a different flowering
specimen on each table.  The table where Dale and Craig were
seated had a delicate pink orchid on it.  It was beautiful and
they each commented on it.
     "We'd better add a greenhouse to our house plans, then you
can grow orchids," Craig teased.
     "This one is certainly beautiful," Dale said.  Craig had
some information about orchids and Dale was amazed to learn that
many orchids (although not all) were parasites, attaching
themselves to other plants and nourishing themselves on the
systems of those plants.  Mistletoe was the same thing.  It had
no "root system" and could not grow by itself.  It liked apple
and oak trees as its host.
     As they were looking over the menu, Craig said, "Remember,
we'll have a large meal this evening, so plan accordingly."
     Dale decided on the "Garden Meatloaf" which seemed to be
about half beef and half vegetarian as it had mushrooms, zucchini
and squash in it. He ordered Angel hair pasta with Mariana sauce
to go with it.
     Although that sounded good, Craig decided on their chicken
potpie with a small house salad.  He wanted to be able to enjoy
his mother's efforts because he knew she had been cooking all
week.
     * * * * *
     Doris Bastian had, in fact, been planning the dinner all
week and had done most of her preparations on Friday.  Her son
may have been the middle child, but he was the "take charge" type
and had actually helped his older sister maintain her place on
the honor roll.  He was always beyond his years, but she was
thankful that the school didn't try to "skip him" a grade.  In
high school he took Advanced Placement courses, which allowed him
to concentrate on his major - architectural science when he
started college.
     She had a hard time deciding on a menu because Craig liked
all food that was put before him and he had told her that Dale
was easy to please, too.  She finally decided on a rib eye roast.
It wasn't quite as tender as prime rib, but her family thought it
was more flavorful.  Her butcher knew what she was after and
supplied a 10-pound roast for eight people.
     For the salad course, she decided on mixed greens with green
onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper strips and chunks of
avocado with her own special creamy dressing.
     She had a hard time deciding on a potato dish and finally
came up with twice-baked potatoes.  These had bleu cheese, garlic
and sour cream mixed with the potatoes.
     Craig had always loved roasted vegetables, so she came up
with a mixture of zucchini, green peppers, onions, carrots,
yellow squash and fresh green beans.  These were sauteed, then
finished in the oven.
     Of course, there had to be his favorite fruit salad and
another salad of pasta with a creamy cheese dressing.  And, of
course, corn on the cob.
          Craig's favorite cake was a 3-layer carrot cake with
cream cheese icing.  Everyone else loved that cake, too.  After a
short debate with herself, she decided that Craig was too old to
have candles on his cake.
     * * * * *
     After their lunch, the men made their way back to the Herb
Garden and purchased the herbs they had decided on, buying
several things for gifts for Craig's parents.  The next stop was
to buy several Amaryllis bulbs at the Fall Plant Sale.
     "I'd like to come back here again when we have a whole day
and just wander around.  This is a beautiful park," Dale said.
     "Would you rather stay here for a while instead of going to
the Kimbell Museum?"
     "No, not today.  If we spend too much time anywhere, we
won't get to visit many places.  I'd rather see a little bit of a
lot, then come back to do the tours later," Dale said.
     "That's fine with me.  I'm the same way, go visit and see
what you want to explore later."
     They hauled their purchases to the car and Craig drove to
the Art Museum, which wasn't too far away.  Dale glanced at his
watch.  It was 12:25.  That should give them about two hours
here, he thought as Craig parked their car.
     Craig went through the history of the museum and gave Dale
some facts about the building and collections.  It was a huge
building, longer than a football field and twice as wide and
largely built out of reinforced concrete that was cast in place.
Yet it presented the feeling of being light and airy.  Travertine
marble, copper, glass and steel completed the outside of the
building.
     They paid their admission and walked into the building,
which was even more stunning than the outside, if that were
possible.  It was finished with travertine marble, quarter-sawn
white oak, anodized aluminum, mill-finish stainless steel, slate
and ceramic tile.
     Craig loved this building.  He seemed to discover new facets
of the construction and appearance each time he visited, which
had been a considerable number of times.  Again, Dale couldn't
get over the feeling of peace as they walked in.
     They started walking, looking into the various gallery
rooms, with Craig leading the way to see some of his favorite art
pieces and paintings.  They wandered for well over an hour and
hadn't even seen half the building when Craig suggested they go
to the Museum Shop.
     This was a great experience as there were prints of some of
the museum collection which were suitable for framing,
reproductions of some of the sculpture, books, mobiles, and some
things that were the typical gift-shop junk - but which probably
sold to a lot of people.
     Craig found a print of "The Fountain" painted by Hubert
Robert, a French painter in about 1762.  Dale had admired the
painting and Craig had always liked it.  It was full-size, about
44 x 35 inches and he bought it to have framed after they got
home.
     "Something to remember our honeymoon," Craig told Dale.
     "Hmmm. all I have to do is look at you and I'll remember it,
but this is beautiful.  I really like it.  Thanks."  Much to
Craig's surprise, Dale hugged him and gave him a peck on his
cheek.  An older woman saw that, but had no reaction, so Craig
returned the gesture.
     "We don't need to rush, but we really ought to be going so
we can freshen up and change clothes," Craig said.  Dale looked
at his watch.  It was almost 2:30.  This day was really going
quickly.
     As they drove under the canopy at the entrance to the hotel,
Craig got out of the car and told the valet that they would need
the car in about 30 minutes.  The young fellow gave Craig a claim
ticket and said he would park the car in front instead of in the
garage.
     They took the herb containers out and made their way to
their room, which had been cleaned.  The flowers were back on the
coffee table and the liquor was on the bar.  Craig set the box
containing the plants on the bar.  They had been told that they
should be watered tomorrow.  Dale was carrying the print and he
leaned it against the mirror on the dresser so they could admire
it again.
     "Are you going to have a quick shower?" Dale asked.
     "Yeah, that sounds good. but darn it. no time for hanky-
panky, I'm afraid."
     "Not to worry, we've probably not fully recharged anyway,"
Dale said, poking Craig in the chest.
     "You may be right there, I don't think I've ever cum so much
and you about drowned me, too," Craig teased back.
     They stripped off their clothes and crawled into the shower,
lovingly helping wash the other.  Although it was erotic, they
didn't get aroused - very much, anyway.
     Both selected dress slacks and a print sport shirt after
putting on socks and boxers.  Craig brushed their dress loafers
to get the dust off and help restore the shine.  They both looked
sharp, but they looked sharp in their Levis, too.  Just as they
looked without clothes.  They admired each other, and then
exchanged a passionate kiss.
     Dale selected the herbs they'd purchased for Craig's mother.
Basil, parsley and chives.
     "I'm going to stop at a liquor store and buy a couple of
bottles of wine to take to my Dad," Craig said.
     "Let me pay for them," Dale asked.
     "I'm not keeping track of things like that," Craig said,
"but that's fine     as long as it's from both of us."
     "Okay by me.  I brought plenty of money, but we didn't
discuss paying for any of this before we left home.  Maybe we
should have."
     Craig interrupted.  "Let's don't even go there.  We are here
to have a good time and we're certainly taking care of that.  We
can figure this out when we get home if you want to."
     "Okay," Dale said brightly, giving Craig another kiss as
they started for the door.
     * * * * *
     The drive to Craig's parents only took about 20 minutes and
five of those were spent selecting two bottles of a nice red
Bordeaux wine.  Craig thought it was from the same vineyard as
the wine from the night before, but only about a third of the
restaurant price.  'Oh well, that didn't make any difference.
This was their weekend to celebrate and they were doing that.'
     Dale paid for the wine and the store had a nice gift box
that would hold two bottles.
     Craig drove onto his parent's driveway and both his parents
were at the car before they could get out and gather their gifts.
     While Craig's mother attached herself to him, Frank came
around to Dale's side of the car and offered his hand to shake.
"I'm Frank, Dale, and welcome to our house, son."  He then
embraced Dale, which totally surprised him.  Dale returned the
gesture, feeling extremely welcome.
     They traded people.  Frank went back to welcome his "other
son" and Doris grabbed Dale into a bear hug, kissing him on the
cheek.  She was shorter than Craig, so he had to lean over.  "Oh
my," she exclaimed, "Craig said you were handsome, but that
doesn't adequately describe it."
     Dale turned red.
     "I'm Doris, but I guess you already know that."
     Craig and his father were standing side-by-side, with their
arms around the other's waist, smiling at Doris and Dale.
     Dale was amazed at the family resemblance.  Craig looked a
lot like his father, but had his mother's blond hair and
definitely her nose.  Craig had his father's eyes and compact
build.  They were the same height and probably weighted the same.
     Dale and Craig pulled their packages out of the car and
followed Frank and Doris into their house.
     "Emmm, something smells good," Craig said as they arrived in
the living room.
     "I hope I've fixed your favorites, Craig," Doris said.
     "Mom, anything you cook is my favorite."
     Frank was standing there, looking at Dale.  He normally
didn't pay too much attention to what other men looked like,
thinking Dale was extremely good-looking, but would never have
guessed that he worked on a ranch.
     Dale handed him the box containing the wine.  "This is
something for your bar and Craig and I hope you enjoy it."
     "Thanks, guys, I appreciate it."
     "Mom, Dale and I visited the Botanical Garden this morning
and thought maybe you could use some herbs in your garden."
     "That's sweet of both of you to think of that and I
appreciate it.  Thank you," she said to both of them.
     Doris was looking at Dale and liked what she saw.  Dale was
more than just handsome; he was rugged looking without being
rough.  Her son definitely had good taste and she hoped they
would make this work.
     Frank spoke up.  "I know it's not time for happy hour yet,
but the bar is open and I'm taking orders."  There was no doubt
about what that meant.
     "Scotch and soda for me, Dad," Craig said.
     "I'll have Beefeater Gin on the rocks with olives," Dale
said, having seen the Beefeater bottle on the bar.
     "My kind of guy," Frank said.  "Hon, do you want your usual
scotch?" addressing his wife.
     "That's fine, Frank.  Make it a light one or I may never get
Craig's birthday dinner on the table," she laughed.
     Frank turned to the bar and in a short time had drinks ready
for everyone.  They wandered into the kitchen, enjoying the
aromas coming from the oven.  Doris opened the door to baste the
roast.  It was beautiful and was just starting to cook as it had
only been in the oven about 20 minutes.
     Craig was standing next to Dale and put his left arm around
Dale's waist.  At first Dale was a little embarrassed, but
realized he was with their family and it was fine.
     Doris immediately spied the ring on Craig's left hand.
"Craig, is that a new ring, I've not seen it before?"
     "Yes, Mom.  Look."  He turned to Dale and took his left hand
so she could see both.
     Doris got tears in her eyes.  "Craig. Dale. I'm so happy for
you.  Look, Frank. look at these beautiful rings!!"
     Frank admired them.  "I guess this means that you fellows
have made a commitment to be together?" he asked.
     "Yes," they answered together, emphatically.
     "Congratulations, we're celebrating more than just Craig's
birthday tonight, then."  He raised his martini glass.  "Cheers.
and welcome to our family, Dale.  Doris, we've got two sons now."
     Dale was blinking back tears and he noticed that Craig was
doing the same.  He walked over to Craig, putting his arm around
his shoulder and kissed him on the cheek.
     "I hope that doesn't make us brothers," Craig laughed.
     They all laughed at that statement.
     "Come on Dale, let's go out onto the patio and visit while
Craig and his mother catch up," Frank said.
     Dale followed him out the sliding door from the kitchen.
The yard was beautiful, tastefully landscaped.  There was a small
water garden with a fountain in one corner of the yard.  Dale
headed toward that and saw goldfish in the little pond.
     "Craig and I attended the Ft. Worth Builder's Show yesterday
and I saw an exhibit where they had a couple of these set up.
One was about 8 feet tall and had a couple of waterfalls above
the pool."
     "Craig hasn't seen this yet.  We just had it put in about 3
months ago.  It's pleasant to sit and listen to the running
water."
     They settled into comfortable patio chairs close to the
water and fell into a natural conversation.  Frank was easy to
talk to and was interested in the Bar-W Ranch.  Amazingly he'd
heard of it and knew of its reputation for fine beef and
excellent horses.
     Frank asked a lot of questions, which Dale proudly answered
and told him about the ranch expansion, the Williamson's
commitment to their employees and the building of the first of
three possible houses to provide a place for their employees to
live.
     Frank was impressed with the size of the ranch and how it
was divided and used.
     "I hope that Doris and I can come down soon and I want to
see the place."
     "Great, we can saddle up some horses and ride back up the
river.  There is some really rough terrain within a few miles of
Williamsport."
     After a short time their drinks were empty.  "Come on Dale,
let's go raid the bar again, then you can visit with Doris and
I'll talk to my other son."
     Dale followed him into the house, busting with pride that
Craig's parents had accepted him with no reservation.  He was
proud to have them as 'parents', too.
     "Dale, go see if Doris and Craig are ready for a refill,"
Frank said as he was washing their glasses.
     He headed to the kitchen.  "Frank said to check if you were
ready for fresh drinks."
     "I am," Craig said.  "What about you, mom?"
     "I'm going to go slow for now, but go ahead," she told
Craig.
     Dale took Craig's glass back to the bar.  Frank washed it
and gave Dale a new drink for each of them, then followed Dale to
the kitchen.
     "Alright, mother, I've had a nice visit with one son.  Are
you ready to trade so I can talk to the other one?"
     That made Dale extremely proud to hear that statement.
     "Don't tell her any of the details of our sex life," Craig
said with a smirk as he followed his father out of the room.
     Dale turned red and Doris laughed.
     He and Doris had a similar conversation to the one he'd had
with Frank.  Both of them were proud of Craig and of his
accomplishment in his chosen field and it was obvious they were
proud of Dale, too.
     "Frank and I were concerned about Craig living in a small
town, that he wouldn't have the opportunity to meet men like you.
I just didn't think there would be other men who. would. be like
him (she tried to carefully choose her words).
     "My experience in this is pretty limited, but I've been
amazed at the number of others we've met together and we have a
group that is sponsored by our church that seems to be both a
support and a social group.  My employers are very supportive and
insist that Craig go on trips with me when he can.  Next week is
a big horse show in Waco and we are both going with them."
     "That's wonderful.  Not all would be so willing to do that
and you should be proud to work for them, too," Doris said.
     "I am.  They have been extremely good to me."  Dale then
told Doris about Marty inviting Craig and him to be present last
Sunday when they told Jason about losing their dog, Sandy.
     Doris had tears in her eyes.  "I just hope my two daughters
do as well finding a good husband as Craig did in finding you,"
she said.
     Again, Dale was a little embarrassed, but proud of what
Doris had just said.
     "I think Craig is pretty special, myself, and I think I'm
the lucky one.
     "Well, Craig will always be my baby, but you'll be our son,
too, and we're glad you are part of Craig's life.
     Dale found that Doris was just as relaxed and easy to visit
with as her husband.  As he sat there visiting, Doris was working
on meal preparation, so he told her about the cooking class they
were taking and they discussed that in detail.
     "I've always believed that if you could read, you can learn
to cook.  Most recipes are detailed and easy to follow and some
of the cookbooks have good step-by-step pictures to follow, too.
If you fellows lived closer I'd have both of you proficient in
the kitchen in a couple of weeks.
     "You know, I should have worked with Craig when he was in
high school, but he was taking Advanced Placement courses the
last two years and had to keep his grades up, so I didn't even
think of trying to teach him about the kitchen.  I guess at that
time I just assumed that he would get married and. I'm sorry,
Dale, I didn't mean it to sound that way. but that he would marry
in a traditional manner and his wife would do all the cooking."
     "No apology necessary.  You know, being gay is somewhat new
to me, too.  I guess I always thought I'd get married to a woman
someday and have children, but didn't have any interest in
helping the process along."
     Doris laughed.  "I've heard that in many states they allow
male couples to adopt children.  If you and Craig really want
children, you might look into that."
     "We haven't discussed that, but thanks for the input.  It
may be something to check out later.  I don't have any idea how
Craig might feel about it, but I wouldn't be opposed to it after
we get settled and know this is permanent."
     "Oh, Dale, I can tell it's going to be permanent.  Trust me,
Mothers know these things."
     Dale didn't know whether he should agree or not.  He and his
mother had never been 'best friends' as Craig and his parents
seemed to be.
     "Dale, I don't mean to pry, but Craig indicated that you had
lost your grandparents and mother. and aren't sure where your
father is?"
     Dale briefly told her the story, ending with the fact that
the last he knew, his father was in the Galveston area, working
for a construction company.
     "I'm really sorry to hear that.  Our family has always been
close and we've always tried to treat Craig and his two sisters,
Susan and Becky, fairly and see to it that they had everything
they needed to prepare them for life.  Some aren't so lucky, but
it seems that you've overcome the odds and turned out extremely
well."
     "Thank you.  My grandparents both worked hard and they
didn't have an easy life.  My mother, too." he said.
     About that time Frank and Craig arrived back in the kitchen.
Craig walked over to the stood where Dale was sitting.  Standing
behind him, he put his arms around his chest.  "She didn't make
you tell anything you weren't supposed to, did she?" he teased.
     "Yes, she knows the whole sordid story now.  I'm going to
have to crawl back to Williamsport in shame."
     Everyone laughed.  Dale felt so comfortable with these
people.  Frank and Doris were as wonderful as their son.
     Dale got a twinkle in his eye and flashed Craig his famous
1000-watt smile.
     "Oh no, he's going to get me again," Craig laughed.
     Frank had a funny look on his face.
     "Wha.? He questioned.
     "Every time Dale gets a gleam in his eye and puts on that
goofy smile, I know that he's going to say something funny.  Last
night it was about the menu in the French restaurant not having
any pictures. and the night before."
     Dale turned red.
     Frank started laughing and so did Doris, so Craig told the
story about the menu not having pictures and Dale asking if he
could get a cheeseburger.  "God, that's funny.  Dale, I love your
sense of humor," Frank said.
     Doris was laughing, too.  "What about the night before?"
     Dale shot Craig a warning look, but knew Craig was going to
tell the story, anyway.
     Craig repeated the story as all four of them laughed so hard
he could hardly finish the part about the manager thinking he was
going to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
     Dale was somewhat embarrassed, but everyone was enjoying the
story so much that he didn't care.  These were truly people who
loved each other.
     * * * * *
     It wasn't too long before Susan and her "fiancee to be"
arrived at the house.  Introductions were made with Frank telling
Susan that Dale was their new son.
     "Well, thank goodness he's not a swishy-acting faggot,"
Susan laughed.  "I'm glad to have a new brother instead of a new
sister.  I'd never forgive Craig for that."
     Dale was introduced to Chuck, who had a quick smile, firm
handshake and was good-looking, too.  Craig had met him before
and they embraced each other.
     Frank was busy fixing drinks when Becky and her current
boyfriend arrived.  She and Stan had only been dating about three
weeks.  Craig, of course, hadn't met him but his parents seemed
glad to see him again.
     Susan took care of the introductions since Doris was busy
and Frank was in the other room.
     ". and these are my two brothers, the handsome one is Dale
and the good-looking one is Craig."
     Everyone laughed.
     Stan seemed shy and Dale wondered how he would fare when the
family all got started teasing each other.  "I'm pleased to meet
you," he said quietly, shaking both of their hands.
     About that time Susan noticed Craig's ring, then looked at
Dale's hand.  She let out a shriek and grabbed both hands,
holding them together so she could admire the rings.
     "Wow, Craig.  I always thought I'd get a ring first!"  She
looked at Chuck when she said that, then added, "These are
beautiful.  You guys have good taste."
     Of course, Chuck had to look at the rings, then Becky 'oohed
and aahhed' over them, too.  Stan didn't have any comment.
     Frank arrived back in the room with a tray of drinks.  It
appeared that Becky and Stan were drinking cola, and Dale
wondered if there was any alcohol in them.  Craig had a similar
thought and wondered if Stan would be more fun if he had a
couple. or four drinks.  He needed something to loosen him up.
Somehow he doubted that he and Stan would ever be brothers-in-
law.
     Doris had put a tray of hors d'oeuvres on the counter.
Everyone was helping themselves so Dale moved over to see what
she had put out.  There were crackers, dips and cheese.  He liked
it that the kitchen was large and everyone seemed to congregate
in the area to visit and enjoy the company of each other.
     "Frank, have you shown Dale your railroad, yet?" Chuck
asked.
     "No, and Stan hasn't seen it either," he replied.  "All
aboard," he said in a big deep voice and led the way to the
basement.
     The men had barely cleared the door to go downstairs when
Susan said, "What a stud my brother landed!  If I didn't think
Chuck and I were going to get married, I'd fight Craig for him."
     Becky looked startled
     Doris laughed.  "Honey, I don't think he's available. and I
think they are really in love with each other.  Craig and you got
lucky and found the right person the first time around."
     "Mom, that's disgusting.  I know Craig's gay, but you don't
have to make fun of me," Becky said.  She sounded bitter.
     "Becky, relax, you'll find the right man when it's to be.
Don't try so hard.
     "I know.  Stan's a nice guy, but he's such a wimp about
everything."
     "When you said that Craig's new friend was a cowboy, I don't
know what I expected, but Dale looks like a combination of the
Marlboro man and a model for Armani. and I wouldn't mind seeing
him model briefs for Calvin Klein, either," Susan said.
     Doris got amused.  Apparently Dale had gotten her older
daughter turned on.  She wondered if Chuck would get lucky later
tonight, not knowing if they were actually having sex.
     Becky was strangely quiet, but neither Doris nor Susan was
going to ask any questions.
     Doris gave each of the girls some tasks to do in the
kitchen.  She had set the table that morning, so the dining room
was all ready to go, except for putting food on the table and
lighting the candles.
     * * * * *
     The men, meanwhile, were having a ball with the trains.
Frank really did have as much equipment as Santa Fe and the room
was full of tracks going everywhere with a big switchyard along
one wall where freight trains could be made up.
     "How long have you been into model railroading?" Dale asked.
     "I got my first train when he was 32 and he's been playing
with it ever since," Craig laughed.
     "I was not 32," Frank said.  "I'd just turned 33."
     "See, an even bigger kid than I always thought," Craig said.
     There was more laughter from everyone.  Dale loved his new
family.  He certainly felt good being with them.
     After about 20 minutes of playing with the trains, Frank
said, "Let's go back up and have one more drink.  Mom ought to be
ready for us to eat when we're through with that one."
     They trooped back up the stairs and headed to the bar.  The
kitchen was producing some wonderful aromas and both Dale and
Craig realized they were hungry.  Well, good, they wanted to do
justice to the meal Craig's mother had put together for her sons.
Dale wondered if Chuck was treated as well by Frank and Doris as
he was.  He'd have to ask Craig about that later - if Craig even
knew.
     * * * * *
     When they sat at the table to eat, all joined hands and
Frank asked the blessing with thanksgiving for Craig's birthday
and for Dale becoming a part of their family.  Each person at the
table was included in the blessing.
     "Amen" they all said and started on the salads that were at
each place.
     The table looked beautiful, with a light blue liner under a
white lace tablecloth.  There were blue napkins to match the
liner, white china with silver trim, sterling silver, Waterford
stemware, a water goblet and claret stem - the same pattern as
Doris had given Craig - all under a glowing crystal chandelier.
The lights were dimmed and the candles made the atmosphere cozy.
     Doris had split the couples up so they could visit with each
other.  She and Frank were at the ends of the table, with Dale at
her right, then Susan and Stan.  On Frank's right were Craig,
Becky and Chuck.  It was her hope that Frank, Craig and Susan
could help draw Stan out of his "shell".  Doris liked Chuck and
Dale was also easy to visit with and her daughters were in the
middle of the table where they could easily talk to everyone.
     There was a lot of teasing and kidding as they started their
meal.  When they were finished with their salad, Chuck helped
Doris clear the plates.  Dale asked if he could help and Doris
told him he could bring the serving dishes in and set them on the
buffet so they could be passed around the table.  There were
several warming trays for the hot food.
     Craig had been right.  His mother was a wonderful cook and
the food was delicious.  Everyone ate heartily and the
conversation remained spirited with questions about jobs and
things that were going on in each of their lives.  Everyone had
questions about the Bar-W Ranch and Dale was pleased at the
interest.
     For Frank and Doris it was a great evening.  It was the
first time in about four months that all of their children had
been in the house at the same time and was also the first time
that each had a "significant other" with them.  They didn't
realize until that night that it was lonely with just the two of
them in the house by themselves most of the time.
     Susan had her own apartment and Becky lived in one of the
dorms at S.M.U.  While the distance wasn't far, traffic and their
schedules kept them from visiting their parents as often as
everyone might like.
     By the time they were through eating, there wasn't much
left.  Doris wasn't even sure they could get two decent-sized
sandwiches out of the roast that was still on the platter.  She
suggested that everyone move into the family room and they would
have dessert in there shortly.  This time it was Dale and Becky
who helped clear the table while Doris rinsed the dishes to
prepare the china, silver and crystal to be hand washed a little
later.
     She flipped the switch on the coffee maker, as she knew at
least two people would want coffee later.  The cake was on a
crystal cake stand.  She got out a container of vanilla ice cream
and a bottle of champagne.  The flute stems were on a tray on the
kitchen counter.
     Doris wanted to cut the cake and serve it in the family
room, so had set up a small table to hold the stand, plates,
silver and napkins.  Becky carried the cake in; the other items
were already there.
     Frank went to the counter to open the champagne and pour it.
He poured the golden nectar and soon everyone had a glass.  Happy
Birthday was sung, then there were presents to be opened.  Craig
got the usual articles of clothing, gift certificates and a piece
of crystal stemware for their dining room and a nice tool kit
with screwdrivers, a hammer, wrenches, and several other items.
His father gave him a cordless screwdriver.  Craig proudly showed
everyone the chain that Dale had given him the evening before.
     Then the cake was cut and served with ice cream and coffee
for those who wanted it.  The cake was Craig's favorite and Dale
knew why as soon as he tasted the first bite.  He didn't want to
be a pig, but joined Craig in having a second piece.
     Shortly afterward, Becky and Stan left.
     Becky had barely backed her car out of the driveway when
Craig asked, to no one in particular, "What cemetery did she
visit to dig him up?"
     Everyone laughed.
     Susan spoke up.  "This is the worst one yet."
     Doris said, "I'm getting a little bit concerned about her
because you are right, they just keep getting stranger."
     Frank added, "It was like pulling teeth to get him to even
answer questions with a yes or no.  I finally gave up and talked
to Craig and everyone else at the table.  Why bother."
     Chuck laughed.  "Is this the way you talk about me when I'm
not around?"
     "Oh, absolutely," Susan said, giving him a peck on the
cheek.
     Frank explained to Dale and the others.  "Becky is 23 years
old and thinks she's going to be an old maid if she isn't married
by the time she gets her degree.  Unfortunately, she seems to
date any man who smiles at her.  I think she's too aggressive and
doesn't wait for a man to ask her out and Stan was probably
afraid to say 'no' when she asked him."
     "Well, whatever her problem is, I can't do anything about
it.  Besides, Chuck and I need to be on our way.  Craig, have a
Happy Birthday.  Dale, I'm glad you are part of our family now.
And. I'm sure that Craig is luckier than you are," she laughed.
     "T.h.a.n.k's heaps - I think," Craig replied.
     Dale laughed.  "All I can say is, 'I love him'."
     Everyone said their goodbyes and Susan and Chuck left in his
car.
     * * * * *
     "What do you fellow have planned for tomorrow?" Frank asked.
     "We really haven't made any plans.  Maybe go to church, then
see some things in Dallas," Craig told them.
     "Why don't you go to church with Mom and me and then we'll
take you out to brunch afterward?  We can go to the country
club," Frank said.  Doris was nodding her head.
     "Where are you going to church?" Craig asked.
     "We're still going to St. Phillips on Morris Lane, the 11
o'clock mass," Frank replied.
     "Can we talk about it on the way back to the hotel and then
call you a little later?" Craig asked.
     "Sure, we know that you want to make the most of your day
tomorrow and show Dale some of the sights here.  We're just
pleased that we could help you celebrate your birthday and to
meet Dale, too," Frank said.
     "Especially to meet Dale," Doris agreed.
     "Can we help with the dishes?" Dale asked.
     "No, Dad and I can do them.  You guys run along and either
go have a good time or get some rest.  It sounds like you've had
a busy two days here already," Doris said.
     "We'll talk about tomorrow and let you know as soon as we
get back to the hotel, okay?" Craig asked.
     "Okay."
     They gathered up Craig's birthday presents and Doris
provided a large bag to put the clothes in so they didn't have to
fool with the shirt boxes.
     "Thanks for the shirts, wine glass and tool kit and
screwdriver," Craig said, hugging both his parents.
     "You are welcome, son.  Hope you get good use out of all of
it," Frank said.
     "Thanks for the wonderful dinner.  The food was certainly
good," Dale said.
     "Mom, it really was a great birthday dinner.  All my
favorites.  Thank you," Craig told her.
     Frank and Doris both hugged Dale.  Doris kissed him on the
cheek.  "Take good care of my son," Doris reminded Dale.
     Frank said, "Welcome to our family, son.  I've always wanted
two boys, now I have them."
     "Thank you," Dale said.
     Frank and Doris hugged Craig, too, and then walked the two
men to their car.
     * * * * *
     On the way back to the hotel, they decided that although it
would be fun to spend some time with Craig's parents, they
wouldn't get anything done if they went to church, then went to
brunch, so decided to decline the invitation.
     "Are you sure your parents won't be unhappy?" Dale asked.
     Craig squeezed his hand.  "No, I don't think so.  They know
we want to see Dallas and it's not as if we can't come back
another weekend soon," Craig told him.
     "I understand.  And. I sure had a great time with them
today.  They are so accepting of the fact that you and I are
partners.  I feel fortunate to know them."
     "You're part of the family now.  I guess if you are now a
son, too, that makes us brothers and our relationship with each
other has become incestuous," Craig laughed.
     "Mom always liked you better," Dale laughed, quoting an old
Tommy Smothers line.
     "Sibling rivalry?" Craig said, laughing.
     "Seems that way."  They both were still laughing.
     By this time they were back at the hotel.  Since the gifts
were in the trunk and it was locked, they decided to leave them
where they were so they didn't have to cart them to the room and
back.
     A different doorman welcomed them and Craig asked for a
claim check for the car.
     * * * * *
     Back in their room, Craig called his parents to tell them
that they were going to spend the day on their own, but would
talk to them before they left town on Monday afternoon.
     They took their clothes off and sat on the love seat in
their boxers.  They were tired and it felt good to sit and touch
each other, their arms holding the other.
     * * * * *
     (to be continued)
     * * * * *
Author's Note:  This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the
only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my
readers' feedback.  I would appreciate your comments, criticism,
suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say.  All
Email will be answered.  If you wish to receive e-mail
notification of subsequent postings, please let me know by
sending your request to the following e-mail address:
TulsaDriller7@aol.com

A special THANK YOU to DANNY and GARY in DALLAS for their help
and input to this chapter and the next.  Their help was
invaluable as I'm not that familiar with Dallas.  Some of the
information was downloaded from websites and it's hard to put the
places into a story where you are (hopefully) seeing it through
Dale and Craig's eyes.  Thanks for the overwhelming response to
previous chapters.  I have received positive replies from all
over the world and continue to be amazed at how large my
"Notification List" has gotten.  My special thanks for
proofreading help to Paul Daventon, who has taken time to help me
catch obvious errors.