Cabbage Patch Cowboy
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 6

Jimmy Sue held the wedding shower for Linda Sue. Her house was the largest, and almost all the women in the community were there except Judy and Dorothy. They received invitations. Buck asked Jimmy Sue to invite them due to his and Morgan's close relationship. Jimmy Sue did as requested but received no reply.  Morgan's wife and step-daughter didn't send so much as a card. The night of Buck's bachelor party was the Saturday night a week before the wedding. It was thrown by Morgan Lovejoy, Dan Justin, Quinton Tate, and Gary Stiles. Morgan, Dan, and Gip picked up Buck along with Waddie. Buck thought the boys should be a part of the celebration. Morgan and Dan agreed, they were too close to Buck not to be included. They needed to see what adults do at these things anyway. Then, too, the deciding factor was hardheaded old Buck. He wasn't going to have a bachelor party unless the boys were included.

"Them boys have become Dan and me's world. No boys, no Buck," he said, and, he meant it.

They got Buck into the car, and the boys blindfolded him. Waddie and Gip giggled like crazy because they knew what was coming. Buck had no idea. They drove for a while, got out of the car and led him into a building. He guessed correctly, it was the Grange Hall. They set him on a tall stool, like a bar stool, and Dan and Morgan disappeared. The boys kept him company. Dan and Morgan soon returned to keep him company while the boys disappeared. Finally they returned and Buck was told he could take off his blindfold. Buckely Livingstone Claymore got the shock of his adult life. For once in his life, Buck Claymore had no words to say. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He settled for shaking his head and grinning from ear to ear. In front of him stood close to two hundred of his dearest men friends of his community naked as the day they were born, including Waddie, Gip, Morgan, Dan, Gary, and Quinton; all naked down to their boots. They refused to give up their boots. A cowboy don't care about the rest of his clothes, but he's stark naked without his boots.

They all yelled, "Surprise!" and you can bet your ass the big man was surprised. Buck lost it. The big son of a bitch had tears coming down his face as he hugged first one then another, but they wouldn't let him go on until he took his clothes off. He had to undress in front of all the men. Didn't bother Buck a bit. He threw his clothes off faster than any of them. After he pulled his boots back on, he stood up, and the men went crazy applauding and whistling for the biggest man there. Then they let him hug each and every one. No one held back from the big man. Nobody seemed to give a damn they had his big cock sticking in their belly or theirs in his. They only laughed harder and hugged all the tighter. They all loved him. Many went through school with him. Some were the shy, smaller kids he and Morgan protected, included, and encouraged all those years, and they, most of all, told him of their love and greatest wishes for happiness in his marriage. They expressed no doubt he would be the best of fathers.

He carried Gip in one arm and Waddie in the other half the night. He was so proud and grateful to Morgan and Dan they included the boys. It was his way of saying, 'I'm sorry for being such a stubborn, hard headed old curmudgeon, but ain't this fun?'' Gip and Waddie commented to each other, by now, being nude in front of many grown men meant nothing to them. Dad Dan and Morgan laughed at the boy's lack of inhibitions or shyness. Dan couldn't have been prouder of or happier for Gip.  Being around Waddie and Buck did exactly what he thought it might. Gip was no longer shy about meeting anyone, would walk right up to a naked man and introduce himself. So would Waddie, and they were included in everything. They were not retiring or hiding behind their dads. Dan had to admit, if it wasn't for the Friday evening naked poker games, he didn't know whether he could have done it or not. As it turned out, the party was such a success he and Morgan felt very proud.

When Dan, Morgan, Quinton, and Gary came up with the idea they didn't know whether they'd get a lot of flack or men not wanting to come and get naked. Every man except six accepted as fast as they got their invitation including the regular minister. One man was in the local hospital with pneumonia, but there were five others who declined; the sheriff and four of his deputies. They thought they should remain on duty in case there were any disturbances from the party. There wasn't any disturbances. No one missed the corrupt sheriff and his hand fed deputies. No one else wanted to miss the party, and all were glad they attended. It was talked about and laughed about for years afterward.

"There ain't never been another bachelor party in this town like old Buck's," they all said, "Yeah, I was there, naked as a jay bird, ‘cept’n for me boots. Had the time of my life. Boy was old Buck surprised. T'weren't your usual bachelor party, ‘at's fer damn sure," they were heard to say.

Waddie shared with his brother Gip what he suggested to Buck about running for sheriff. They came up with a unique plan to get the men at the party talking about it.  They placed themselves by men they knew were influential in the community, and Gip would start their conversation. "Ya’ know, Waddie, I been thinking ‘bout what we were discussing the other day, and I think I really didn't understand what a great idea you come up with. Our Uncle Buck would make one hell of a sheriff for this county. I think we should try'n convince him he could win," Gip said.

"Aww, I tried, brother, but he just laughs at me. He won't take me serious. Thinks I'm pulling his leg or set'n him up for some'um. I ain't. I's dead serious, I think he'd made the best sheriff this county ever had, but shoot, I'm just a kid, what the hell do I know? I gotta' agree with you, Brother, Uncle Buck is the perfect man for the job of sheriff, but it'll take more’n you’n me to convince that hard headed uncle of mine he should run for sheriff. He don't see himself the way other men see him as a hero, a good man, a leader in our community, and someone loved by everyone in the county. Why, the man's honest to a fault, and you can bet your boots he wouldn't be running the department on graft," Waddie replied. The boys would agree, then start talking about rodeoing or something else, but they would overhear the men talking.

"Hey, Joe. Ju' hear what them kids was talking about? They got a damn good idea, Buck Claymore running for sheriff. Hell, Buck would make a fine sheriff for our county; one we could be proud of instead of that money grubbing asshole we got now." Then several others would get going and agree. Waddie and Gip would move to another group and start the same conversation with the same result. The word spread through the men like wildfire, and by the time Gip and Waddie got around to the opposite side of the hall, all the men were talking about it. They thought it was not only a good idea, but one whose time had come. They thought it was a fine idea, and several of the most important men in the community approached Buck. Buck was no dummy. He knew where the talk started, gave his evil eye to the boys, then winked at them and grinned real big. He was proud they thought enough of him to get talk started. He wouldn't talk much about it that night, but it sure started him thinking.

There was a lot of drinking, a few of the men got drunk, but there were no fights. There were no words of temper exchanged. The men quickly found out it's just real hard to be angry with a man when you're both standing there buck ass naked. Whatever disagreement two of them might have, the humor of their naked state overcame any hostility and ended in them hugging and declaring their everlasting friendship for each other. The usual things went on with a strip tease popping out of a cake. Every man got an erection and laughed at each other. Then they laughed at Waddie and Gip because they got erections. The men were so loaded by that time nobody gave a shit. The young lady was treated with respect, and almost died when she saw the guest of honor's huge cock hard as a rock. It was the biggest damn penis she ever saw on a man in her life, and she played it up big time with Buck. She even told Buck, his bride to be had to be the luckiest woman on the face of the Earth. Buck blushed, and all the men hooted and hollered.

"And I see your boy is going to grow up just like his old man," she said and motioned to Waddie. Waddie blushed but nobody told her any different. Waddie and Gip were sitting next to Buck, and she played it up to them, too. Waddie and Gip blushed along with their big cowboy uncle. A good time was had by all. Waddie and Gip ended up the next morning with a very sick Buck Claymore in his bed. They played nurse to him with aspirin and cold wash cloths for his head until early afternoon.  He was grateful to have the boys there to help, and thanked Dan several times for letting Gip stay over to help Waddie. Aside from his usual pull of Comfort now and then, Buck wasn’t really a drinker, and he had a little too much. He was paying for it half the day on Sunday. He missed church. So did almost every man in town.  They even had to bring in a substitute minister because their regular minister attended and was too damn sick for services. The women all looked at each other and snickered while some clucked their tongues. They knew what went on. They didn't know about the nudity, but they knew about the bachelor party; however, because it was for one of the most beloved men in the community they were willing to turn their heads the other way, just this once.

* * * * * * *
The big day was almost upon them. The wedding of the decade, some folks called it, between Mr. Buckley Livingstone Claymore and Miss Linda Sue Davenport.  Every relative known to both families was invited. There was an open invitation to the entire town in a full page announcement in the local newspaper. Everyone was welcome and the town took the young couple to their hearts. Judy and her two kids were noticeably absent, but they were invited. Buck insisted his brother's family be included, and they were. They chose not to come. They didn't send regrets or a congratulations card. Morgan didn't apologize for them. He knew he didn't have to. Morgan was Buck's best man and Linda Sue asked her younger sister, Mary Ann, to be her maid of honor. Of special note to the entire town was the young handsome ring bearer Mr. Waddie Claymore Lovejoy, Morgan Lovejoy's son and Buck Claymore's Godson.

The night before the wedding Buck was a nervous wreck trying to tie up loose ends, but Waddie was trying to calm him. Waddie insisted his uncle sit down and breathe deeply several times while he held the huge man in his arms. Waddie told Buck it would be all right. Waddie told him to calm down. A small, almost six year old boy was calming his mountain of an uncle. It was a funny scene but not to them. Waddie didn't just call on his uncle to calm down, he tapped directly into the little boy inside his uncle and told him, "Now calm down. Ever’thing's gonna' be just fine. Waddie guarantees it," he encouraged Buck.

The big man calmed down and thanked his diminutive buddy.
Buck hugged and kissed Waddie, "Thank God, you're here with me, cowboy; don't know’s yore’ old uncle could a’ made it through without you," he said with a sigh shaking his handsome head. Waddie knew damn well he could, but he appreciated the sentiment.

"If you made it through the war to come home to me and Aunt Linda, you shore’ as hell can make it though yore’ wedding, Uncle Buck,” Waddie said and roared with laughter at his big buddy. “Come on, Uncle Buck, what you need is a good hot shower and your nephew to scrub yore' back. It may be the last time he gets to scrub your back, but he's gonna' make damn sure he gets it really clean for tomorrow," Waddie promised.

"Let's do it, cowboy, but I guaran-damn-tee ya' it won't be the last time you scrub your old uncle's back. Can you imagine me asking the lovely Miss Linda Sue Davenport to scrub an old cowboy's back?" Buck asked. They both laughed.

"Damn, I'm gonna' miss you, Uncle Buck, but I'm so happy for you I can't be sorry or sad. When you love somebody like I love you, then you want happiness for them, and I want that for you and Aunt Linda," Waddie said.

"Would you believe me if it told you I was gonna' miss you a lot?" Buck asked.

"Sure I would, but I don't want you to miss me. I'll be here when you get back. I want you and Aunt Linda to have a wonderful honeymoon, and I ain't so young I don't know what happens on a honeymoon," Waddie replied.

"Oh, you do, do you?" Buck asked with a grin.

"Yes, sir, I do, and don't ask me to tell ya,' 'cause if'n you don't know by now, you're up shit creek without a paddle, Son," Waddie said and giggled.

Buck roared with laughter at his nephew, especially Waddie calling him son. "Damn, you're growing up fast, Waddie. I talked with yore’ dad about your wishes.  You're gonna' stay this last two weeks in June with mom and dad, your grandma and granddad, and Friday afternoons, Dad Dan is gonna' pick you up to spend the weekends with them and Gip. How's 'zat sound?" Buck asked.

"Great, Uncle Buck. I have a great time with Dad Dan, Momma Sue, and my brother. They're like family to me. I know they think on you and Aunt Linda as family," Waddie replied.

"I hope so. We think on them that way. I love Dan, Jimmy Sue, and Gip and so does Linda Sue. She thinks the world of them. They're damn good folks, and they think on you as their second son," Buck said.

The two men were in the shower, Waddie finished scrubbing his uncle's back, and they were almost through. They rinsed, got out and toweled each other dry. "I apologize, cowboy, but I just gotta' pick up my buddy and carry him into bed one last time before we part. It's important to this old buckaroo," Buck said. Waddie giggled at his uncle's silliness, but he knew a part of him was serious. Buck never failed to steal a kiss on the way to the bedroom. They got into bed, turned out the lights, and Buck pulled Waddie up close to him. Waddie reached up and kissed his uncle gently on the mouth. Buck returned it with equal gentleness. "Gonna' miss holding on to my little buddy, Waddie."

"I'll miss you keeping me warm, Uncle Buck, but damn it, don't talk like that. Things may not be quite the same, but they'll be better in some ways. Dad Dan told me that, and I agree with him," Waddie said.

"Dan's a wise man. You can go to him with anything, Waddie."

"I know, we're both lucky to have him in our lives, Uncle Buck. I'm so proud of you, and proud to be a part of your life." Waddie turned his head up to Buck and kissed him with a lingering, gentle kiss.

"Waddie, if I have a son, he could never take yore’ place in my heart. Don't mean I won't love him just as much, but there'll always be a special place in my heart for you. Goodnight, cowboy, I love you."

"Love you, too, Dad. Rest well with peaceful dreams, Sheriff," Waddie added to get a reaction. He got one. Buck pinched him on the butt and made him holler.

* * * * * * *
The wedding came off without a hitch. Dad Dan and Momma Sue were in the wedding. Gip was an usher and performed his job with dignity and all seriousness. He and Waddie kept grinning and winking back and forth to each other. Gip thought his big brother was a knock out in his small, white tuxedo and black cowboy boots.  (It was West Texas, for Christ sake. What the fuck did you expect? Pumps?) Waddie kept the wedding rings in his right jacket pocket. He kept checking every ten minutes to make sure they didn't jump out. He performed his duty without a flaw, except when it came time for him to give his uncle the rings, he found two massive hands lifting him up to hold him, and his uncle stole a kiss. The audience went, "aaawww."

"Uncle Buck, this ain't the way it's suppose ta' go. H'it ain't the way we done it in rehearsal," Waddie whispered in a mock upset tone.

"I know that. Will you lighten up, cowboy?" Buck said in firm tones then grinned real big and winked at his bride, "I just wanted to steal a kiss from my best buddy what was so good to hold on to his Aunt Linda's and my rings. Remember, you gave her our engagement ring. You got 'em, buckaroo?" Buck asked.

"I remember, Uncle Buck. Yes, sir, I got ‘em. Here they are," Waddie said and gave Buck his ring for his bride, turned to his Aunt Linda and handed her the ring for his uncle. "Aunt Linda, I'm so proud to be a part of your wedding. I love you and Uncle Buck so much, and I'm very happy for you."

Linda Sue had tears in her eyes as she took his hand and spoke. "I love you, too, little one, and I'm proud to have you be an important part of our wedding. You'll always be an important part of our lives," she said.

"You always did love her more'n you did me," Buck said in a mock hurt tone. Buck stole another kiss and giggled at Waddie's objections as he put him down, turned him towards his dad, and patted him on the butt to go to him. The audience giggled and again went "aawww." Morgan took Waddie's hand, turned him around and held Waddie pressed back against him to watch. Waddie was so proud to watch his uncle and aunt finally tie the knot.

There was a huge reception at the largest gathering place in town, the Grange Hall. There was a wonderful shaded area off one side of the hall that was perfect for an outdoor reception. Everyone was there including Linda Sue's Aunt Agatha and her two daughters, Clara and Zelma, who drove their mother down from Dallas.  Aunt Agatha was charmed by Waddie, and asked him to sit with her for a while. She seemed fascinated with him and thought his resemblance to his Godfather was uncanny. After everyone ate a wonderful wedding dinner of barbecued brisket, deer sausages, and ribs, Waddie and Gip got Aunt Agatha and her daughters a piece of wedding cake and some punch, then he and Gip got some for themselves. Aunt Agatha was impressed with the closeness of the two young boys who called each other brother. They talked about all sorts of things and Aunt Agatha asked Gip about a small red area behind his ear.

"Oh, that? It's just a birthmark, ma'am. It's a small one. Waddie's got one on his right leg what looks jes’ like a cowboy boot. It's up further on his leg than I suppose would be polite to discuss with a lady, ma'am," Gip allowed. Aunt Agatha smiled and nodded her understanding.

"Well, Gip, that's very gentlemanly of you, but I don't think the word 'groin' is going to shock this old lady," Agatha said and smiled.

"Yes, ma'am, ‘at's pretty much where it is," Gip replied and grinned.

"I'd say that was an unusual birthmark, indeed, Gip," Aunt Agatha agreed, smiled at Gip, and raised an eyebrow at Waddie.

'Oh, Lord, she knows,' Waddie thought, 'Dear God and Mr. Uriel help me, she knows. I saw the connection cross her face. She knows I saw it. She knows I know she knows. Oh, Lordy, what the hell am I gonna' do? Think fast, Waddie,' he encouraged himself.

"Brother, that cake was so good, would ju’ mind very much git’n yore’ big brother another small piece while I keep Aunt Agatha company," Waddie said looking at Gip with a pleading look of near desperation. Gip didn't fully understand, but would do anything to please his big brother. Getting Waddie another piece of cake was a small favor.

"Sure, Bubba, be glad to. I'd like another piece, too. You, Aunt Agatha?" Gip asked in consideration of the mature lady.

"I've had enough, but thank you, young man. It was most mannerly of you to offer. I appreciate your kindness," Agatha said and smiled graciously at the young man.  Gip left for more cake. Agatha patiently waited until Gip was out of hearing range.  Well done, young man. Very diplomatic. So, how long have you known, Waddie?"  Agatha smiled sweetly and asked quietly.

"I almost died about a year ago, Aunt Agatha. I can't talk about why I almost died, not because I don't know, but it's just too painful for me to talk about. If you ask Aunt Linda or Uncle Buck they will tell you. A beautiful angel come to me, and told me many things. He gave me a choice of going with him to God or returning. He told me everything, Aunt Agatha. He told me I had to return for my brother Gip and his folks, but most of all, for Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda Sue. Until that time, I didn't know about them, and I thought I would have to live my life in the horrible place where I almost died. I didn't wanna’ live no more, Aunt Agatha. It was so bad, and no one loved me enough to care. The angel told me who my real parents were, and I had to live for them; they need me."

"Indeed, they do, Waddie. Has it been hard for you, dear?" she asked. Waddie looked away in the distance. A tear rolled down his cheek. "That answers my question, child. From the look of panic on your face a minute ago, I take it you don't want me to say anything."

"It ain’t time yet, Aunt Agatha. The angel told me I had to wait," Waddie said.

"How long?" Agatha asked.

"He didn't say, but I get the idea it's somewhere around my tenth or eleventh year," Waddie replied.

"And you're how old now?" she asked.

"You should know, Aunt Agatha," Waddie replied and smiled sweetly at her.

"Of course, how dense of me and how clever of you. You will be six years old the tenth of next month. So we're looking at four to five more years. That's a long time, Waddie," she lamented.

"I know Aunt Agatha, but my angel sent me Uncle Buck to love and believe in me. I've lived with my uncle, and slept in the same bed with him for the last year. I come to love him dearly. He loves me as much as I love him, but he's unsure why. He feels guilty sometimes, ‘cause he loves me so much. Since he's my Godfather he thinks that makes me the son the angel told him he had to come back for. You see, the same angel what come to me saved his life on Iwo Jima," Waddie explained.

"Remarkable. I believe you, Waddie. I believe every word, otherwise you wouldn't have known. I saw the minute your brother spoke of your birthmark you knew I would know. I saw it flash across your face. Beyond that, it's just too bizarre not to be true, and that, sometimes, is the way of miracles," Agatha said.

"I'll be around my uncle constantly, because we've developed interests together in roping and rodeoing. He won't let that connection drop. He's already invested a lot of interest in that for both of us. Aunt Linda Sue is the hardest for me. She pines her heart away for her lost child while he's sitting next to her holding her hand. She thinks my tears are sympathy for her. Her pain hurts me deeply, and I only want to say to her I have no bad feelings, Mom, I only want to love you. I did share with her more than I should. I told her she would one day see the boy she was missing so badly. I told her I couldn't tell her how I knew, but if she trusted me and believed I wouldn't lie to her, it would happen. I swore her to secrecy."

"Waddie, you're a most remarkable child. I don't want to keep your secret, but I will if you wish. However, you must allow me to tell my niece and her new husband I am most impressed with you and for them to always be open to you. Most of all, since I am now privy to this information you must allow me be your aunt. I have never wanted or needed to be a child's aunt more in my life, and I think you could use an understanding adult," Agatha said.

"That sounds good to me, Aunt Agatha, and I couldn't agree more. You are, after all, my Great Aunt Agatha," Waddie said with all the love in his heart. He stunned the older woman. His words shook her to her core. The matronly, dignified, refined lady took Waddie into her arms, hugged, kissed him, and shed a tear. Her niece was looking at her, saw the exchange, and called her husband's attention to them.

"Yes, child, I am your great Aunt Agatha. Will you promise to come visit me? We have much to discuss. I want to know everything if you’ll share it with me."

"I would love to visit you, Aunt Agatha, and tell you all. My angel never said I couldn't tell my great Aunt Agatha. In fact I prayed for someone to discuss this with, and he may well have sent you to me. The man who was my uncle's best man is my dad who bought me from the hospital in Dallas. Would you want me to bring him around and introduce him?" Waddie asked.

"That would be very nice, but here's your brother with your cake. Enjoy that first. I must get in the reception line to congratulate my niece and her fine looking new husband," Agatha said.

Aunt Agatha excused herself, and went though the reception line to congratulate the happy couple. Linda Sue introduced her new husband to Aunt Agatha as her beloved aunt whom she lived with while working in Dallas. "I see you've been charmed by Buck's Godson, Auntie Boo," Linda Sue commented.

"I must tell the two of you something," she made sure she had Linda Sue and Buck's full attention, "Waddie is an exceptional child. He has been touched by the hand of God. I have long prayed to meet such a person, and now I have met two. Your husband is the other, my dear niece. You are blessed my child to have this man call you wife," she said, hugged Linda Sue, then hugged Buck, and kissed him on his cheek. "But, my most important message to you is always keep your hearts and home open for that boy. He will, one day, provide you with a miracle," Aunt Agatha said, turned, and walked away in tears. Linda Sue looked at Buck and neither knew what to make of Aunt Agatha's prediction.

"He charms everyone. How does he do it, Linda Sue?" Buck asked shaking his head.

"I know how he does it. It's those big blue eyes people look into and see no end of love inside him. I also think a lot of you has rubbed off on him in the last year. I sometimes have a hard time figuring out where his personality ends and yours begins and vice versa. While he's definitely his own person, it's like he wants to become you. He idolizes you. He imitates you. He wants to be like you. I've never seen a kid so in love with a surrogate parent."

"Ah, but I'm more than just a substitute, dear, I'm his Godfather. Morgan told me half of him belongs to me," Buck said proudly.

"Which half?" Linda Sue teased.

"Easy. The half what loves me," Buck replied.

* * * * * * *
Aunt Agatha returned to Waddie and Gip. She had more questions for Gip. "And you, young man, are one of the most handsome young men I've ever met, and your parents are friends of both the bride and groom, is that right?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'ma, Aunt Agatha, my mom right there, and my dad beside her were both in the wedding, and I was an usher," Gip replied.

"They're fine looking people. I see where you get your good looks, and they've accepted Waddie as your brother?" Agatha asked.

"Oh, yes, ma'am. Waddie calls my dad, Dad Dan and my mother's name is Jimmy Sue. He calls her Momma Sue."

"I think that's wonderful. I can tell both of you are very much in love with each other, and that's a wonderful thing. Guard that love carefully through the years, and you'll be glad you did. It's also right that you should call each other brother. You are brothers," Agatha declared.

Waddie put his arm around Gip and pulled him close. "Aunt Agatha is a wise and kind lady, Gip," Waddie said.

"I agree, brother," Gip replied.

Waddie brought Morgan over and introduced him to Aunt Agatha. She charmed and flattered Morgan until she had him eating out of her hand. Then she hit him with her question. "I would very much like to have your son visit me in Dallas for several days towards the end of summer if you would see clear to allow him to do that.  He is a wonderful young man, and I'm sure I would enjoy his company," Agatha said.

"Well, ma'am, he's currently in the charge of my brother Buck and his new wife, your niece I believe, until the end of summer when Waddie has said he'd like to come back to live with me. Perhaps you could arrange something with them. If it's all right with them, then I have no problem. I'm sure Waddie would enjoy a visit to Dallas," Morgan agreed.

"You are very kind, Mr. Lovejoy. It's been a pleasure to meet you, and you have a fine son you should be very proud of," Agatha said pouring on the compliments.

"Thank you, ma'am, pleasure to meet you, too," Morgan replied.

Aunt Agatha returned to Linda Sue and her new husband. "Mr. and Mrs. Claymore, I understand Mr. Claymore's Godson is in your charge until the end of summer.  I'd like to have him come to Dallas for a visit either the last week in July or the first week in August whichever is most convenient for you and him. If you could arrange it I'd be most grateful. I'll send a bus ticket and meet him when he arrives. He told me he'd like to visit, and I think I would enjoy the young man's company," Agatha said.

"Well, certainly, Auntie Boo. Let me discuss it with my husband, and we'll contact you as soon as we return from our honeymoon. Will that be soon enough?" Linda Sue asked.

"That will be fine, my dear, and, Mr. Claymore, it has, indeed, been a pleasure to meet you, and it is with great honor and pride I welcome you to our family. Our family is truly blessed, and you, sir, have a most charming and lovely bride. Of course, I'm a bit prejudice, my love for her is great," Agatha said.

"Thank you, Aunt Agatha, for such generous words, and I'm also proud and honored to become a part of your family. I'll try to live up to your expectations. We'll surely make arrangements for our Godson to visit. I think he would gain much wisdom from a visit with you," Buck replied.

Aunt Agatha beamed. Buck captured her heart. She knew from the time Linda Sue described him to her almost seven years ago he was the man for her. It only confirmed it in her mind. She prayed to God to let her witness a miracle, and he heard her prayer. He not only granted her prayer, he made her a part of the miracle.  She had a front row seat; more than she ever hoped for. She wondered what else this remarkable child, Linda Sue's son by Buck Claymore, would have to tell her.  She would pray daily for the child. God would listen, he would forgive. He sent his angel to guide him. She must add Waddie to her prayers, not only prayers of thanks, but prayers for protection and guidance for this beautiful child.

She returned to her two daughters and made preparations to return to Dallas. Aunt Agatha left the small town with a full heart, so full she thought at moments it would burst. Her daughters were amazed at her radiance. She positively glowed. She looked ten years younger. Her daughters would gently question her, but the most she would tell them, with tears falling from her eyes, was she became a part of a miracle that day, a wonderful, beautiful and precious miracle she prayed for all her life.  Agatha prayed on the way home for God to let her live to witness this miracle. Then, she would have no regrets, but with the fullest of hearts return to his beloved arms as soon as he should call her home.

"What do you make of that, dear?" Buck asked his bride.

"Auntie Boo has her ways, darling. She's a shrewd but kindly woman who would hurt no one. She did the same with me when I was young. She saw a lonely little girl and took me under her wing. Obviously she senses in Waddie what we all do. A fount of love within a hurt little soul who’s only now learning how life and love should flow. He could do worse than a visit with my Auntie Boo," Linda Sue said.

"Well, she certainly was impressed with Waddie. Did you see, he reduced her to tears? I wonder what she meant, he's going to provide us with a miracle. As far as I'm concerned, he already has. I couldn't love a kid more. I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself from scooping him up in my arms to give me the rings. I saw the unconditional love in his little face when he looked at me to hand me the rings. I've stolen so many kisses from him, I just had to have one more," Buck said.

"I'm glad you did, darling," Linda Sue replied and kissed Buck," When he turned to me and said what he did my heart leaped to my throat. It was with such love and honesty he said it. Your simple gesture made him feel all the more included, like we didn't forget him in our joy."

* * * * * * *
Dan and Jimmy Sue came over after all the commotion died down and asked the happy couple when they planned to return from their honeymoon. Buck and Linda explained while they didn't have a strict schedule they planned to return around the first of July. "We have to be back for Waddie's birthday," Buck insisted, "He ain't never had a birthday party or cake for that matter. I plan to see he don't miss another," he said quietly to Dan and Jimmy Sue. They looked at each other, shook their heads in disbelief, but agreed with Buck's resolve.

"Is his birthday in July?" Jimmy Sue asked.

"Yes, the tenth," Buck replied. Jimmy Sue looked at Dan and just shook her head.

"Gip's is the eleventh," Jimmy Sue said like the amen to a prayer. All four stood quietly for a moment.

The boys came running up and stood by Dan Justin. He put his arms around a boy on each side and pulled them close. "Did you know your birthdays are within a day of each other?" Dan asked them.

"Yes sir, Dad," Gip replied, "we know'd since the first day we met. Why, is it important?" he asked. The adults laughed at his honesty and innocence.

"Do you find that a coincidence, cowboy?" Dan asked Gip.

"Naw, sir. Waddie’n me jes' done figured it was God's way of saying, 'You're brothers, I want you next to each other,'" Gip said as a matter of fact.

It wasn't the answer the adults expected. They were stunned at the simplicity and seemingly valid understanding of the boy's reasoning.

"I have no doubt, that's exactly what he was trying to tell the two of you and us slower adults as well. How could we have missed it? Thanks, men," Dad Dan said to the boys while Buck, Linda Sue, and Jimmy Sue shook their heads and laughed. There was no doubt in their minds that's exactly what God was trying to tell them.

Linda Sue looked puzzled for a moment and asked her husband, "Buck, are you sure Waddie's birthday is July tenth?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, dear, Morgan showed me his birth certificate. Why?" Buck asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's just such an unusual coincidence his birthday and Gip's are one day apart," she said as a cover for the real intent of her question.

"Yes, but I'm satisfied with the boy's answer. I believe them. You didn't see them the first day they met. Them boys was like two old friends what ain't seen one another for a while, yet they picked up their conversation and their love like they weren't apart more'n a few minutes. Even Dan was impressed. Said he'd never see nothing like it before," Buck said with awe.

 * * * * * * *
The reception was over, and it was time for the bride and groom to be off on their honeymoon. Their bags were packed and loaded in the back of Buck's brand new Ford he bought two weeks before. There was the usual throwing of rice, and Quinton helped the boys tie tin cans to the rear bumper. They wrote in washable poster paint, 'Just Married' across the back windshield. The young couple were off to explore the West. They wanted to see Carlsbad Caverns, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and several other sights they listed. Buck was invited by his old war buddy Audie Murphy to visit him in his home in Hollywood.

Everyone in the two families, including the boys, helped clean the Grange Hall. No one left until nightfall. Ma and Pa Claymore left with the Davenports to the Claymore's to fix dinner for the workers. It included Morgan, the Justins, Dr. and Mrs. Dyer, the Ingersols, Quinton and his parents. It was a sit down, family affair, and everyone was in great spirits.

"Waddie, Gip?" Dad Dan asked to get the boy's attention, "What with the wedding and all, Mrs. Claymore's ain’t had no time to pack a bag for Waddie so would you boys like to stay here tonight, and they'll bring you out in the morning to the ranch?" Dan asked. Waddie looked at Gip and knew it was fine with him.

"Yes, sir, Dad Dan, that would be fine with us," Waddie replied. The Claymores were pleased. The boys gave Ma Claymore a hand clearing the table, and while the adults talked and had coffee, they washed and dried the dishes for her. She was thrilled to have the time to sit with her guests and join the conversation.

The boys finished and came back to stand next to Dad Dan. He put an arm around each boy. "Say what you will, I got my arms around the best two boys in the county," he said, then stole a kiss from each.

"Hear, hear!" agreed the rest of the adults.

Dr. Dyer had a couple of comments. "I can't believe the way Waddie has developed in the last ten months since I first met him in the hospital. My Lord, the way you've grown, Waddie, you're going to be bigger than your uncle. I'll give your dad credit, Son, he did the right thing by allowing you to stay with the Claymores. No one can doubt the love in their home or their love for you. It shows in your maturity and growth. Never saw a kid grow so fast in a year. It's truly amazing. I could be wrong, but I swear Gip has almost doubled in size."  

"Well, I'll tell y'all one thing," Quinton said, "in three years ain't nobody in the state of Texas, man or boy, what's gonna' beat the two of them at roping. You're looking at two fine cowboys who are gonna' make history for our little town." The boys blushed and Quinton winked at them.

Everyone said their goodbyes, and the Claymores promised to have the boys out early the next morning. "No rush," Dad Dan told them.

"You boys want more dessert?" Ma Claymore asked.

"Not me. You want anymore, Gip?" Waddie ask him.

"No, ma'am. I'm about ready to drop. If'n you don't mind, I think we'd like to go up, shower, and go to bed," Gip replied.

"Fine. I'll pack Waddie's bag in the morning. Now, I know the rules. You boys won't be disturbed unless we holler up first. I'll wait 'til you come down tomorrow morning to go up and pack Waddie's clothes," Ma Claymore said.

"Thanks, Ma Claymore," the boys replied, hugged her and Pa Claymore goodnight. They ran off up the stairs to Buck's room.

"Damned if they ain't just like Morgan and Buck, Hon," Pa Claymore said to his wife.

"Yes, but Pa, there's some’um special ‘bout them boys."

"I know what chu' mean, mother. They grab yore’ heart and don't let go."

* * * * * * *
"Should we sleep in our room across the hall or Buck's bed?" Gip asked.

"Where would you like to sleep, little brother?" Waddie asked, took Gip into his arms, and kissed him gently on his forehead.

"Buck's bed, of course. I miss him already, and I know you must. At least we can sleep with his smell all around us," Gip said to his brother.

"I don't miss him 'bad.' I do miss him, but I wanna’ miss him 'good.' I wanna’ be glad for him and Aunt Linda and think they're gonna' have a great time together.  Then, too, I got my little brother to help me over any sadness, and you're big brother will do his best to see you through," Waddie kissed him again gently. Gip turned his head up to Waddie's and they kissed a deep and lingering kiss in each other's arms. "See, that helped a lot already. Let's get our clothes off and try that again," Waddie said. The boys threw their clothes off and stood naked in front of each other looking. They stood for several minutes admiring the beauty of each other's perfect young bodies. Finally, Waddie held out his arms to Gip, and he came to Waddie. Waddie held him in an embrace.

"I love you, Waddie," Gip said softly.

"That makes me feel so good to hear you say that, little brother, and I love you more'n words can tell," Waddie replied.

"Ain't never had me nobody what loves me like you do, Waddie. My parents -- they love me like their son, and I love them as a kid should love his parents, but they's some’um special ‘bout you loving me and me loving you. I'm always so proud when I'm with you. Everyone in town knows you're my friend, my best buddy, and my bonded brother," Gip said.

"Don't you think I feel the same way about you, Gip? If there's any doubt in yore’ mind lemme’ know so's I can tell you a hun'nert times, if necessary, of my love for you. If I didn't have you, Gip, I wouldn't wanna’ go on living. I think about you morning, noon, and night. Uncle Buck gets frustrated with me sometimes when he's trying to talk seriously about something, and all I can talk about is you. I love you, too, cowboy, with all my heart. Don't never doubt my love, Gip. One of the reasons I came back and didn't go with the angel to live with God was because of you. He showed you to me, told me your name, and told me I would call you, 'Gip.' I didn't make it up. I didn't give you that name, the angel done told me," Waddie said.

"I guess that's the real reason I love you so much, Waddie, is you prove to me ever’day how much you love me. You put me first before yourself all the time, and try yore’ damnedest to make sure I'm happy. You do a wonderful job, too, I might add. When we're roping you encourage me, but when I miss you don't criticize me.  You tell me, 'It's all right, buddy, let that one go, we'll get the next one.' It makes me try all the harder to win your approval, and when I do make the catch you lavish me with praise. You don't take none for yourself when you make your catch, but we's a team."

"I know, Gip, but I don't need a lot of that. Seeing you make a good catch, seeing how you beam with pride when I tell you ya’ done good, makes my heart beat faster in my chest, and I can't wait to get my cowboy's clothes off of him and hold him in my arms like this," Waddie said and gently nuzzled Gip to get him to kiss him again. They kissed another kiss that was more passionate and caused each of their young cocks to grow hard. Gip reached down and took hold of his brother's dick and moved the foreskin back and forth a bit which sent Waddie to his tippy-toes. "Easy, cowboy. You know how sensitive you are. Let's get in the shower and clean up.  It's been a hot day, and it's gonna' be a warm night. I need to scrub my little brother's back."

"I know I need to scrub my cowboy's back," Gip replied, and the boys went off, arms around each other to the shower. Waddie learned if he adjusted both shower heads a certain way the stream of water would crisscross. Two could stand in the middle, and neither would have more of the water than the other. He carefully adjusted the temperature to Gip's preference, a bit warmer than he preferred, but he soon got used to it. They stood for a while in an embrace, then soaped their cloths and bathed each other. Gip loved to wash Waddie's penis. He knew how sensitive it was to Waddie. He would carefully pull back his foreskin and clean him with little or no discomfort. There was always some, but he became so good at it, Waddie told him he'd rather Gip do it than do it himself.  f course, he always got a roaring erection every time Gip touched him. Gip could see Waddie was going to be as large as his uncle or larger.

Gip would allow Waddie to wash his penis. He wasn’t as sensitive as Waddie, but the mental idea of having his big brother, his cowboy, holding his penis and wash it for him with all the gentleness in the world caused him to get an erection every time. It didn't help any when his big brother would stand behind him, put his big arms around in front of him, kiss him behind his ear and run his tongue down his neck while doing it either. Waddie would kiss Gip's back in a certain spot that would make Gip want to collapse in Waddie's arms in ecstasy. As they rinsed they would make the sweetest love, and sometimes, Gip had the feeling he was going to overflow with his love for Waddie. That's the only word he knew to describe the feeling he experienced.

As they were drying each other, Gip asked Waddie about it. "Waddie, sometimes when we're making love and kissing, I feel like my love for you is going to overflow out of my body. Have you ever had that feeling?" Gip asked.

"Almost every time we make love, Gip," Waddie assure him.

"I never felt nothing like it before, but I stop just before overflowing," Gip further explained.

"Do you think it would feel good to overflow?" Waddie asked.

"I don't know. I guess I'm afraid because I don't know what would happen if I did overflow. Have you ever overflowed?" Gip asked.

"Yeah, Gip, lots of times, brother," Waddie replied.

"What does it feel like, Waddie?" Gip asked.

"You described it best. You overflow. It’s an overflowing sensation, but it's wonderful. After you 'overflow' you feel so relaxed, at peace with yourself and the world, nothing can touch you. It's almost like God reaches down, puts his hand on you, and makes this wonderful feeling go through your body. It kinda stretches out the person you call 'you' inside, and makes you realize what a hug from God must feel like. It almost becomes a sacred thing, or at least it does to me, 'cause I always remember to thank him right after. It's best to do it in someone's arms because you have them to share the experience, and it makes your souls stretch together," Waddie explained.

"Did someone teach you about this, Waddie?" Gip asked.

"Now what do you think?" Waddie asked and grinned real big at Gip.

"You're lucky to have an uncle like Buck," Gip replied.

"Well, he didn't exactly teach me.  It happened by accident the first time we showered together. Then he showed me how by doing it to hisself, but grown men got they'selves an extra benefit we don't," Waddie said.

"What's that, Waddie?" Gip asked.

"Well, ‘member when you felt Buck's big balls -- you also felt your dads -- and they told you one day you'd have them, too?" Waddie asked.

"Yeah," Gip replied.

"Them big balls of theirs produce tiny little critters what makes a women pregnant with a baby, and they're called sperm. When they 'overflow,' they call it 'coming,' and they shoot a lot of it out of their penis in a sticky fluid, and it flies all over the place. It feels twice as good to them because when they 'overflow' they really overflow. When we do it, we git the same feeling, but we don't have no sperm shoot out. That's because our balls ain’t descended into our ball sacks yet, and they don't produce no sperm. They will later as we grow and mature," Waddie carefully explained.

"When will that happen?" Gip asked.

"When we's about eleven or twelve; some guys as early as ten, and some as late as thirteen. Depends on the guy, his body, and how fast he's maturing. The way we's growing we'll probably hit 'bout our ninth burf-day," Waddie said and giggled at using the cowboy vernacular he loved so much.

"What do they do after it flies all over the place?" Gip asked.

"They usually take a towel and clean it off theys'selves, but I think it's a terrible waste," Waddie lamented.

"Why, cowboy?" Gip asked with surprise.

"'Cause I love the way it tastes. I love Uncle Buck's come or as he likes to call it, his baby batter," Waddie said with a grin.

"You tasted his 'overflow'?" Gip asked.

"It's called 'come,' Gip. Yep, his come flies all over the place and sometimes gets on me. I take my finger, wipe it up, and put it in my mouth. Uncle Buck got kinda upset the first time he caught me doing it. I told him if it landed on me, it was only fair it was mine to do with as I wanted, and since I loved the taste, h’it was mine to eat. He didn't argue with me. He just gimme' his mean glare followed by one a' his big-ass grins," Waddie said and laughed.

"Gosh, that's kind of exciting. What does Buck's baby batter taste like, Waddie?" Gip asked.

"It tastes like Uncle Buck. It's like... like tasting his smell or his presence. Like now, lying here, we smell him all around us and his come has his own distinct flavor.  He grumbled and pretended to be angry with me when he caught me tasting it, but I knew he was trying hard not to smile. I could tell he was actually proud I liked the taste of his come. Told me he used to love to eat my dad's come. Said he couldn't get enough of it. Used to sit in class in high school dreaming of how my dad's come tasted and get a big ol' hard-on, then get home and almost rape my dad to suck his come out of him for another taste. After about the fifteenth time, he saw how much I was enjoying it, and he asked me if I wanted a big ol' glob of it. He fed it to me off his finger, and man was it good. Now, when we jack off together, he always takes pity on me, and feeds me a little. I'd eat it all if he'd let me, and he knows it. He thinks I'm too young for that, and I appreciate his guidance. He's never been wrong yet. At least he tells me about anything I wanna’ know and tells me the truth. I can take whatever he tells me to the bank. H’it don't mean I don't beg him for more, though, 'cause once in a great while he gives in and I get seconds," Waddie said and laughed.

"Dad don't tell me much about that sort of thing," Gip said and sounded disappointed in his dad.

"Bet he would if you asked him, Gip. I got a feeling you’n me could talk with Dad Dan about anything, and it wouldn't bother him none. I'll bet you, he'd be just like my uncle. He'd tell us the straight skinny with no bullshit," Waddie said.

"Can you teach me to come, Waddie?" Gip asked.

"Sure, if you like. Be happy to. I can tell you what to look for and how it should feel. I'd like to show you with my mouth if you trust me," Waddie said.

"You mean, put my pee-pee in your mouth?" Gip asked.

"Of course, we's buddies ain't we. I just cleaned yours, and I know you ain't dirty. You know how you wanted to feel me all those months and were afraid. Well, I've wanted to taste you all these months, and take you in my mouth."

"I don't know if I could do that, I mean take someone’s penis in my mouth. Maybe you but nobody else," Gip said.

"I wouldn't ask you to until you were sure you wanted it. Just 'cause I taste you don't mean I expect you to taste me. What kinda buddy would I be to talk you into some'um you ain't ready for? I'd never do that, Gip. Just like touching each other, if'n you never want to taste me, I ain't never gonna' love you any less, but it ain't gonna' do you no harm to see if you like me tasting you. If you do it's just another way I can show you how much I love you," Waddie said.

"Well, let me think about it for a while. Roll over on your stomach, and let chore' brother rub yore' back," Gip offered.

"You know you don't never have to ask Waddie twice to do that," the young cowboy told his partner.

Gip began to rub Waddie's back; Waddie relaxed and closed his eyes. The hot shower, and the warm air from the hot summer night relaxed him. "Waddie, can I ask you 'bout something what's been bothering me?" Gip asked.

"Sure, Gip, you know I'll tell you about anything you ask me," Waddie replied.

"What does Aunt Agatha know about you and your birthmark I don't?" Gip asked.

Waddie froze. He knew his brother was a sharp kid. There wasn't much got by him, but this was unexpected. Every muscle in Waddie's body tensed. Gip could feel it through his hands and realized he probably bought up something maybe he should not have. Waddie was chagrined. What was he going to tell Gip? He couldn't lie to his brother. "Gip, would you trust me to tell you I want to tell you with all my heart, in the worst way, but I can't. The angel told me some things, but he made me promise not to tell anyone. I ain't never broken my promise to him. I ain't told nobody some of the things he told me to keep secret, but when you told Aunt Agatha about my birthmark, it triggered a memory in her, she put two things together, and by accident discovered one of the major things the angel told me not to tell. I think he sent her to me so's I could talk with an adult about it and not keep it bottled up inside me," Waddie explained.

"The angel told you not to tell nobody, not even me, yore’ best buddy? I would never tell a soul. I told you things I know you'll never tell nobody. You already done told me many secrets you know I'd never share with another -- but wait a minute -- okay, I think I understand. My reasoning ain’t right. I weren’t think’n this out all the way. I really can't expect you to go against your word to one of God's messengers, 'cause if’n you did, then I really couldn't trust you either. I'm sorry, Waddie, I shouldn't have asked. I shouldn't a' put you on the spot like that. I know you'll tell me when the time is right. I'll leave it alone," Gip said with remorse.

"No, no, h’it's all right, buddy. Don't chu' think I wanted to tell you ever' thing in the worst way? It ain’t been easy keeping a secret from you. Damn, now I feel awful. I feel so bad because it's something I would love to tell you and share with you as my buddy, my brother, and my love. It's something I need to tell you -- you of all people. I need to share it with someone close to me who loves me, and I can trust. God help me, Gip, you gotta' know it breaks my heart. Please believe me, cowboy, I wanna' tell you in the worse way, but I can't," Waddie lamented and started weeping quietly.  

"Uh, Waddie...?" Gip's voice level rose in alarm.

"Yes, Gip?" Waddie asked.

"Uh, we ain't alone in the room no more, brother," Gip whispered.

"What are you talking about, Gip?" Waddie asked.

"You better take a look. I think it's your angel, Waddie," Gip replied.

Waddie turned to look and saw the light from Mr. Uriel forming not far from the bed. "Don't be frightened, Gip," Waddie said, and took Gip in his arms, "It's Mr. Uriel, my angel. You can see him?" Waddie asked.

"Yes, Waddie -- I can see him," Gip barely got out.

"He's a good man, Gip. Angels ain't nothing to be afeard of, brother. He's our friend. Hello, Mr. Uriel, good to see you again, sir," Waddie hailed him.

"Nice to see you young man, and this fine looking young man is the young man you returned for whom you call 'Gip,' I believe?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Uriel. Say 'hello,' Gip, he won't hurt chu' none. He's an angel," Waddie encouraged his brother.

"Hello, Mr. Uriel," Gip said quietly, “Good ta’ meet’cha, sir,” he remembered his manners.

"Hello, Gip. Good to meet you, as well. You have a wonderful young man for a buddy, a brother, and beloved friend. You may always trust him. He will never betray your trust. He will never lie to you, Son. At the darkest moments in your life, he will be there for you. He wasn't trying to hold out on you as a friend. I did, indeed, tell him not to tell anyone, but I sent his Aunt Agatha for him to talk with. Since you decided to trust his word his angel told him he couldn't tell, my Boss told me I could allow him to tell you what he knows. The Almighty One told me you can be trusted not to tell anyone. Certain things have to come to pass, but if you tell anyone, it could upset the balance of the future. It could be disastrous. Can you keep his secret if he tells you, Gip?" Uriel asked.

"Yes, sir, I know I can. I love Waddie too much to ever betray him," Gip replied.

"I believe you, Son, and so does my Boss. Waddie, if you want to share with your brother, you may, but we still expect you to share with your Aunt Agatha. You will visit her the last week in July and have a good time. She will help guide you, Son. She's a wise and strong women whom God has chosen to bless. You may go with him Gip if your parents will allow, since you will already know what she will come to know. By the way, men, that bit you two pulled at Buck's bachelor party with the conversation about Buck running for sheriff went way beyond the Old Man's expectations. The heavens shook for two days from His laughter. He thought that was a little bit of heaven himself. He's told your story to all the saints and laughed every damn time.

"It's also why He wants Gip to share this with you, Waddie. It will make it just a bit easier for you. You're going to discover Gip has inner strengths neither of you would ever guess. He will lead you by the hand through this, Waddie, trust him. He will, one day, save your life. Now I must leave you. God has blessed both of you.  Love and cherish one another. When you teach Gip to 'overflow' tonight, Waddie, hold him tight afterward and pour your love into him. He'll be confused, but your love will show him the way. He will call out to you his name of love for you alone, and it will bond you as brothers. Even though you were born of different parents, God has made you so. In the sight of Our Father you are brothers," the angel told them.

"Thanks, Mr. Uriel. Thanks a lot. Good to see you again, sir," Waddie said.

"Goodnight, men, sleep peacefully knowing His love surrounds you, and hold each other close against the darkness of the night." Mr. Uriel raised one hand in goodbye and winked out like a night-light. Waddie held Gip who was almost too afraid to breathe. He gently kissed Gip behind his ear to bring him around to reality.

"I promise, Waddie, I won't never doubt you again about anything. I believed you about seeing an angel, but I thought it was something you may have thought you saw or heard. Oh, my brother, I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?" Gip asked and started to cry.

"Hey, hey, cowboy, there ain’t nothing to forgive. I would love you if you told me I’s full of shit. At least you tried to believe me, and some folks don't. Uncle Buck does, 'cause he knows Mr. Uriel. He's the same angel what saved his life on Iwo Jima. Told Uncle Buck he couldn't die because he had a son to live for, and he thinks it's me, his Godson. That's the secret, Gip. The angel really meant he had a real son to live for he don't know about. If the angel told him he had a 'Godson' then that would have meant me, right?" Waddie asked.

"Yes, I understand, but where's Uncle Buck's real son?" Gip asked.

"I'm getting to that. Remember the 'come' I told you about, a man's baby batter he shoots inside a woman to get her pregnant so's she'll have his baby?" Waddie asked.

"Uh-huh," Gip replied.

"Before Uncle Buck left for the war, he and my Aunt Linda didn't know if he would come home from the war or not. He could've been killed and not come home. Aunt Linda wanted to sleep with him, because he never slept with a woman before. She didn't want him to die without ever having shot his come inside a woman. Well they done it," Waddie said.

"And did she get pregnant?" Gip asked.

"You're following just fine, Gip. No, because Uncle Buck didn't want her to get pregnant. If he got killed in the war, then she would have to raise his kid alone, and he loved her too much to burden her with that responsibility. She was so young she could've found another man to be her husband if Uncle Buck didn't come home. He agreed to sleep with her, but only if he could wear a rubber or condom. Do you know what that is?" Waddie asked.

"Yeah, dad showed me one and told me what they were for. Told me not to pick up one that was used and try to use it for a balloon," Gip said.

"Yeah, well, Dad Dan was right, 'cause they usually have a man's come in them. You don't wanna’ mess with old come. Fresh come out of yore’ buddy, fine; old come in a rubber, no," Waddie explained.

"So your uncle wore one, but it caught his come so your Aunt Linda couldn't get pregnant?" Gip asked.

"Damn, you're sharp, Gip. ‘At's exactly right. After they done it, Uncle Buck went to the restroom in the motel, took off the rubber full of his come, and dropped it into the trash can next to the toilet," Waddie said.

"Oh, no, she didn't?" Gip put his hand over his mouth in awe.

"Yes, she did, Gip. Aunt Linda got it out of the trash, and put some of his sperm inside her, 'cause she loved him so much she didn't care. Even if something happened to him, she would still have his baby," Waddie explained.

"So now she's pregnant, and yore’ uncle goes off to war not knowing, right?" Gip asked.

"Shit, Gip, you could almost tell this story. What happens next?" Waddie asked his intuitive brother.

"Aunt Agatha lives in Dallas. I know your aunt went to live with her in Dallas to work in a big department store. Linda Sue has second thoughts about the baby, and... "

"Damn, you're really sharp, brother, lemme’ help you out here. She's afraid if Buck comes home, finds out she had his baby and went against his wishes, he might not trust her no more. He might be angry with her, and not wanna’ marry her. She decided she and Buck can have other children if he comes back so she'll give the baby up for adoption; however, instead of legal adoption she lets the nurses in the hospital find a home for the child, and signs all the papers showing the adopting parents gave birth to the baby. Actually, they sold the baby to the new parents. The head nurses' cousin had a nephew, a man, who couldn't have no children who was looking for a boy to adopt or buy, and he bought the boy to be his own son."

"Oh, no, Waddie. No fucking way. Oh, my God. Morgan was the man what bought the baby, and that baby was..." Gip started crying in Waddie's arms, sobbing in sorrow and sympathy for his beloved brother whom he realized he was, only now, just beginning to know. What pain Waddie must have suffered, and now that he knew, not being able to tell must be horrible for him. How could this boy be that strong? He was only one day older than Gip. Gip knew he couldn't be as strong as Waddie. Then he began to see the strength inside Waddie was what he fell in love with the first day Waddie took him into his arms. Waddie’s strength of purpose never let a doubt enter Gip's mind. Waddie was going to love Gip, and Gip was going to love him. This revelation doubled Gip's love for his brother. Something clicked inside Gip, and he felt a wellspring from deep within his gut that told him he could be strong, and he would share this burden with his brother. He wanted to know, and damn it, now that he did know he was going to be strong for Waddie.

"There, there, my sweet cowboy brother, go ahead and say it. Trust me, it will help you understand," Waddie encouraged his brother.

"The baby Morgan bought from the nurses was you, Waddie, my friend, my best buddy, and my brother. That means Morgan ain't chore' dad, Judy ain't yore’ mom and those two awful kids of hers ain’t no relation to you whatsoever. The angel was right when he told your uncle he had a son to live for. It was you, but you're also his Godson. No wonder Aunt Agatha was impressed and stunned. She was a changed woman after she talked with us, but what did the birthmark have to do with anything?" Gip asked.

"Before my mom, Linda Sue, gave me to the nurses she saw two birthmarks on her baby. A large mole on my big toe and the cowboy boot birthmark on my right leg next to my groin. She told Aunt Agatha when she returned to her home in Dallas, and Agatha remembered all these years. She was already suspicious because of Buck and me looking so much alike," Waddie explained.

"That’s fantastic. So your uncle has no idea you even exist as his son?" Gip asked.

"No, he knows we have something very powerful and strong between us, but he don't know why. He loves me like I was his own son. What he don't know is, I am his son," Waddie said.

"And, you've known for...?" Gip asked.

"Almost a year, Gip. It'll be a year on our birthday," Waddie replied.

"When can you tell them? When can they know?" Gip asked.

"That's the hard part. I can't tell them and neither can you. We can't tell nobody. Things have to happen the way they're suppose to, or it will alter the way things turn out in the universe. I don't understand it, and I don't expect you to either. We just have to accept what Mr. Uriel tells us. I don't know when this is all gonna’ happen, but I get the idea it's gonna’ occur in my tenth or eleventh year," Waddie said.

"My God, Waddie -- lemme' see -- six, seven, eight, nine, ten," Gip counted on his fingers, "You mean you have to live four or five more years with Morgan as your dad and those awful people?" Gip asked.

"Yes, but you have to understand, up 'til a year ago, the first five years of my life, Morgan was the only dad I knew, and I loved him. This may sound strange, under the circumstances, but I still love Morgan as my dad. You can't turn love on and off, Gip. Do you think you could walk out of this room and forget about me overnight?" Waddie asked.

"Oh, God, no, Waddie, don't even talk like that. I wouldn't wanna’ live without you," Gip assured his brother.

"Well, maybe you can understand why I love Morgan. Morgan ain't all bad. He's got a lot of problems he ain’t dealt with, but I think he's trying. The angel told me I'd have to get several more beatings from Morgan before the time comes for them to find out about me, but my angel will be there, he'll put his hand on me, and I won't feel nothing. I won't even cry. I ain't told you some of the other good things what's gonna' happen. You and me are gonna’ have us two more wonderful brothers to love who will become a part of our family. Together we’re going to declare open season on Willie. There's something we get on Willie what's gonna' blow him out of the water," Waddie said.

"Like what?" Gip asked.

"Don't know exactly, but I trust Mr. Uriel; you should, too," Waddie said.

"I do, Waddie. I trust you first and him second," Gip replied.

"Well, it probably should be the other way around, but I don't think Mr. Uriel would mind. He's an understanding kind of guy. I know he must've scared the crap out of you. He did me several months ago. ‘At first day I met you, Uncle Buck and I were riding back in his truck. We was talking ‘bout thanking Mr. Uriel for saving Uncle Buck's life, bringing him and me together, and all of a sudden Mr. Uriel was sitting next to me in the truck -- big as you please with a big smile on his face. I told Uncle Buck, I damn near pissed my pants. I want you to be sure and remember to tell Buck you met Mr. Uriel. He'll believe you," Waddie said.

"Did your uncle see him?" Gip asked.

"No, but he knew he was there. Once he appears to you, you kinda get this sixth sense when he’s around. Uncle Buck thanked him for saving his life and bringing us together. He did see the seat was indented where Mr. Uriel's butt was sitting, and saw it spring back when he disappeared. Uncle Buck don't never doubt me no ways. I would never tell that man a lie or your dad either for that matter," Waddie said.

"Dad's convinced you never would. So am I, Waddie. I love you more'n ever now, brother," Gip said.

"How 'bout letting yore' brother Waddie show you his love. Lie back on the bed on that big pillow," Waddie encouraged his partner.

Before Gip knew what was happening, Waddie took him into his mouth and was working on him like Gip was an all day sucker. Gip squirmed under him but couldn't deny he found the sensation unbelievably sensual. Waddie stopped for a moment. "Want me to stop, cowboy?" Waddie asked.

"God, no, Waddie, I love it," Gip replied.

"When it starts to feel really good, you don't think you can stand anymore, relax, let your body go limp and let chore’ brother do the rest. Trust me now," Waddie said.

"I will, Waddie," Gip replied.

"Waddie started in again, and he could tell the way Gip was responding to him, it wasn't going to be too long before Gip would be 'overflowing' as he put it. It was a good description. Waddie sucked and sucked on Gip's handsome penis. He knew all he had to do was pull Gip’s foreskin back, and it was orgasm time for his buckaroo buddy. He slowly reached his hand down to Gip’s cock. Before Gip could figure out what he did, Waddie pealed him back all the way and was sucking on his exposed head. Gip breathed deeply three times, remembered what his brother told him, relaxed, and Waddie took him home as he felt his brother’s body start to shake then shudder three times in quick succession. Gip's body went limp. Gip's 'overflowing' was accomplished. Waddie's younger brother had his first orgasm.  Waddie moved up immediately, took his limp brother who lay in a daze, into his arms, and began to kiss him gently on his mouth. Waddie felt Gip slowly begin to respond to him, and he started to make love back to Waddie. The angel was right. Gip was spent, and totally confused. He didn't know whether he liked the feeling or not until he felt his cowboy pouring his love into him and filling him with the sweetness that only Waddie's strength could bring to him.

What his big brother did for Gip suddenly became a thrilling and wonderful experience. It was better than coloring within the lines. It was the gentle kiss from your dad as he tucked you in for the night. It was like standing on a hill on a windy day with a kite string tugging at your heart. It was going down hill with your feet on the handlebars of your bike. It was riding in the big saddle of your dad's roping pony. It was your mom slipping you a fresh baked brownie behind your dad's back after he scolded you for something. It became a physical confirmation of Waddie's love for him. It was his brother's gift of love, and he felt the goodness and fullness of life poured over and into him. He felt weathy beyond measure to have this handsome young buckaroo for his brother. There were no words in Gip's limited childhood vocabulary to describe the sensation and the hunger with which he consumed Waddie's seemingly endless outpouring of love for him. He could never imagine any human ever showing him this much love and attention. His soul popped to the surface like a fishing cork after being thrown into the water. He was back now, floating in the stream of life with Waddie and loving him in return.

"Oh, Waddie. Oh, Waddie. Thank you, Waddie. Oh, thank you, my handsome cowboy brother. Thank you, Clay, I love you so much," Gip said. Waddie paused for a moment and knew without asking that would be Gip's secret name of love for him,‘Clay.’ Clay for Claymore. Waddie liked that. It made him feel recognized as Buck's son. He needed that, and his brother was providing it. Gip felt it. He knew it. A voice came to Gip's ear and whispered, “This is your brother Clay. Call him by this name, and you will forever be bonded together as brothers.”

Gip had no questions for the voice. Gip knew it was meet and right so to do to call his beloved cowboy 'Clay.' Gip called him that several more times. It lit a fire in Waddie's gut each time. It poured into Waddie, not only Gip's love, but his compassion and understanding as his undeniable soul mate; his bonded brother. Gip was confirming Waddie's existence, his place in the universe. Gip didn't need Waddie's verbal conformation, he had all the positive feedback he could handle. Years later, in intimate moments, or if Gip wanted Waddie to know how serious he was about something, he would quietly call him Clay and Waddie would melt. It was a name known only to them and ultimately Buck when he overheard Gip call Waddie 'Clay' one time. He knew why Gip was calling Waddie 'Clay,' but he never betrayed their trust. Waddie had his special name for Gip. He called him '3G.' It, too, was sacred unto them. That name no one but them ever knew, and Waddie will take it to his grave to be spoken once again to call his beloved brother to his arms on the other side. There will be no more need for this life’s pain, the brothers two, will be as one again.

* * * * * * *
Mr. and Mrs. Buck Claymore's honeymoon was picture book perfect. Buck and Linda Sue took their time. They didn't rush to do anything. They spent two days with Audie Murphy in the Hollywood hills, and he showed them the sights of Hollywood. He took them to the Brown Derby for dinner, and they met several stars Audie introduced them to. The stars were as interested in Buck being Audie's buddy as he and Linda Sue were in them. Audie was still a bachelor, and wouldn't marry for sometime. They left Los Angeles, headed to Las Vegas, and spent several of their last days there. They had several more days to go on their honeymoon before they were to return. They found a wonderful restaurant in one of the casinos and were having a quiet dinner.

"Having a good time, dear?" Buck asked Linda Sue quietly.

"Just being with you is a good time for me, Buck. Do you remember telling me it was best we began together and learned as we went along?" Linda Sue asked.

"Yes, I remember the night well. It was a beautiful night. One I thought about many times while wet, cold, hungry, and dirty in the trenches of France and on Iwo Jima," Buck replied.

"You were right, darling. You have learned and taught me so much I no longer feel inadequate. I had fears, Buck."

"Nonsense. If anyone taught anyone, it was you taking this old shit-kick’n cowboy and making him feel like a prince. Darlin' you're living proof the old saying was wrong. You did turn a pig's ear into silk purse. Ever’ time we’re together, I only want to get better for you," her big cowboy assured her.

"Believe me, my love, you do get better every time. I keep thinking this time can't be better than the last, but somehow, it always is. You do that to me, Buck, and that only compounds my love for you, but for all the joy, the love and play, of going, seeing and doing..." Linda Sue didn't finish her sentence, looked away to her side, then played with the napkin in her lap.

"There's something missing," Buck quietly commented. Linda Sue didn't know whether to confirm his statement or not. She didn't want to seem ungrateful or totally committed in her love for her husband. "Glad you brought it up, darlin.' For all my medals for heroism, I didn't have the guts to bring the subject up. Some hero, huh?" Buck laughed and put his hand on Linda Sue's. "We've seen and done enough, sweetheart. What we're missing is a little blue-eyed body of love back in our hometown who we both are drawn to like he's a damn magnet. I won't deny it, and I know he's what you're trying to talk to me about."

"You're right, Buck. The only word that comes to mind is we 'need' him in our lives. I didn't realize how much I needed him until we were away about a week, and then something inside me started nagging, and gnawing at me like I left my own child behind. I tried to be up for you and have a good time but..."

"There ain't no 'buts' about it, my love. I know'd from the second day we was at Audie's where your heart was. It was with me, too. You never stopped your flow of love for me, and I tried hard not to let you see the hole in my heart. I went overboard trying to see to it we had us a good time. I think we've had a wonderful time.  Bottom line darlin,' we're hopelessly in love, not only with each other, but with a bright little six year old cowboy. Our lives just ain’t complete without him. I couldn't be happier to admit to either. Let's go home to our cowboy, he needs us. I made a commitment to a frightened little boy, I'd love and protect him as if he were my own. I didn't count on falling so deeply in love, but how could any feeling person help fall in love with him. I couldn't love a kid more even if’n he was my own son," Buck said as her big husband put his hand on hers to calm her.

Linda Sue Claymore started crying into her napkin. "I love you so much, Buck. I'm proud to be your wife and call you my husband. I feel exactly the same way. I have to nurture that child some way; try to be the mother he never had and probably never will have. Let's go home, Buck."

The newlyweds had their honeymoon and were ready for their life together. They checked out of the hotel the next morning. They drove directly from Las Vegas and were home three days ahead of schedule. It was no surprise to Ma and Pa Claymore or the Davenports who just happened to be having lunch at the Claymore's with Ma and Pa Lovejoy and their soon-to-be six year old grandson. The adults made bets as to when Mr. and Mrs. Buck Claymore would be rolling in. Ma Davenport won. She announced they would arrive shortly before lunch today.  n fact, she insisted they set out two more places at the table for them. Good thing they did. No one but the six year old boy was surprised. He couldn't believe it. His birthday and Christmas came early. The two most wonderful people in his world were back early from their honeymoon. Unbeknown to them, his mom and dad, his parents came home to him.


End Of Chapter 6 ~ Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright © 2004/2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All rights reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 12/29/2012
WC 14096