cpc_07

Cabbage Patch Cowboy

By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 7

While he was at the Claymores, Waddie continued to sleep in Buck's big bed. He missed his buddy, but he knew his life was about to change as well as Buck's. He realized Buck's place was with his wife. He knew all that, but hell, he was only six years old. A full year of having a bigger than life, hulking, loving, compassionate, protective, all encompassing, painfully funny, huge cowboy's body keeping him warm and comfortable every night, instantly taken away, was taking its toll on him. He tried to be magnanimous, but the more he tried, the greater he began to suffer 'big-cowboy-buddy-withdrawal’ symptoms. It's a rare, but horrible condition of being separated from the major cowperson in your life. Modern medicine has recognized it for years (puer-bos abrumpo) but little is written about it. It can be terminal if a patient has a bad enough case. It simply breaks the heart into two halves. Waddie was sure his heart stopped a couple of times already. It was not a mild case. The only cure, once afflicted, is another big, ol' West Texas cowboy buddy, but where the hell was a six year old going to find one?

It was the worst feeling of loneliness he ever felt. Even worse than the emptiness that sent him to that dead-end closet. There's a difference between being empty and lonely and pining your heart away for your buddy. Waddie named the condition 'the screaming blue meanies,' because it made him feel blue and so low he wanted to scream. A couple of nights he cried himself to sleep. One night he didn't remember going to sleep and woke up thinking he was back in Buck's arms. He was deeply touched to turn his head and see Pa Claymore lying next to him in the all-together holding him like Buck did so many times. Pa Claymore awakened, pulled him closer, stole a kiss, and told him to go back to sleep, he would help him through the night. It was sweet of him, and Waddie drifted off into a comfortable, peaceful sleep. Waddie made Ma and Pa Claymore swear they wouldn't tell Buck or Linda Sue. He would get over it. It was time for him to grow up and stop being a baby, he told them. He would be six next week for cries sake. High time he acted his age. He loved his Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda Sue, but he didn't want them concerned.

His crying at night got to Ma and Pa Claymore until they made an emergency call to a friend they knew would help. Waddie lay in bed, finally exhausted from crying his heart out, and passed into sleep. Once again he felt as if he was enfolded in Buck's big arms and was floating on the most peaceful river of sleep. He even felt wonderful the next morning when he felt a kiss on his forehead. He awoke to look into the beautiful deep green eyes of a big, handsome cowboy. His buddy Quinton gave up his Friday night to spend it with a needy buddy. Waddie couldn't have been more happy to see Quinton if he rode up on a hard charging, black stallion. Waddie was so moved he cried in Quinton's arms. He didn't have to say a word to Quinton. Quinton knew; he understood. Quinton held him tight and let him get it out. Quinton begged him to come stay with him and his parents; they loved him, too. Waddie could sleep with him every night if he wanted like he was his little brother. He was free to hold onto any part of Quinton he wanted to. Quinton wouldn't care, but he couldn't stand to see the little buddy he loved be so blue. He knew what Buck's larger than life personality could do to a man. He longed to feel Buck's arms around him for years.

Waddie took desperate measures to combat his disease. ( i.e. big-cowboy-withdrawal syndrome) He would go into Buck's closet and find the dirtiest, most worn, old pair of Buck's cowboy boots and bring them to bed with him. They were so big his entire head would fit into one. He would put one over his head, sleep with the smells of his uncle going into his lungs and find comfort for a while. When he couldn't get anymore smells from that one, he'd pull the other over his head and sleep with it. (Doctors usually recommend only one boot per night, but Waddie had it bad.) He found an old jock strap in a paper bag with gym shorts and dirty socks. The jock strap was old, and it sported several large yellow stains that were obviously his uncle's piss or pre-come. It was so big he thought it might double as a picnic basket. When he got it over his head, it came alive and made his cock instantly hard. He had to play with himself. In fact it prompted several masturbation sessions which produced the strongest dry orgasms he experienced. Then, he slept the entire night with it covering his little face. At best, his trying to be inventive only managed to keep the lonely wolf away from the door just so long until he realized, he'd been thrown out of paradise, and he didn't understand why.

He tried to think good thoughts about his mom and dad sharing their lives together. They deserved to find some happiness. If he could only be with them he knew Buck would find time for him. They had a nice, big, comfortable, old, farm house with several extra bedrooms upstairs, but they didn't say anything to him about coming to live with them. He didn't know if he wanted to now. It was almost like they didn't want him getting in the way. Many fears and imaginings are born out of loneliness.

‘Why should I feel bad about it,' he thought, 'you lived your whole life being given just enough love to tempt you to try to reach out and grab more for yourself only to have it snatched away at the last minute. This ain't no different. It's just these folks think they're sincere. They try to be, but they don't really mean it. They're just trying to make themselves feel good by being nice to the poor kid for a while; then, when they get tired of him, or get a better offer, they go their own way. Well, what did you expect? You knew Buck had to live with Linda Sue after he married her, and it ain't like he dumped you for just any woman. She ain't even a wicked step-mother, for cries sake, she's your real mother. Buck did you a hell of a favor by marrying Miss Davenport. You're legal now. You're no longer a bastard. If it weren't for you they might not have gotten married at all. They don't know I'm their kid, so why should I get invited to live with them? When they find out, are you gonna' punish them by not going to live with them, 'cause they turned their backs on you now? I might. I just might. Hell, I'm only six years old for cries sake, what do you want from me? The answer to world peace? Where am I gonna' get answers to major questions like that? I still have a tough time getting through the night without wetting the damn bed,' He argued with himself.

Buck tried his damnedest to be what Waddie needed. He readily admitted, dealing with a kid like Waddie who was intelligent, quick witted, sensitive, loving, wanted to trust, easily wounded, wasn't a cakewalk for an old, rough talking, West Texas cowboy. Buck felt like a stranger in a strange land. He was a believer, but Buck wasn't a real go-to-church-every-Sunday religious man; however, he found himself, hitting his knees talking to God asking his help and guidance with Waddie. He, sure as hell, found himself in church more often. Buck sent more 'talks,' as he called them, to heaven about Waddie than he ever did on his own behalf during the war. Because, he loved the little man so much, Buck felt he needed help, big time, and he was hoping the Big Man would take pity on him and give him a hand.

Buck thought his love alone would be the balm which would float Waddie above the hurts of the world, but he could feel the boy slowly withdrawing from him. Waddie was still Waddie, but the closeness was gone. He was withdrawn and quiet. He responded politely enough if spoken to directly, but there was little spontaneity. Buck included Waddie in almost everything he and Linda Sue did during the day and hoped he might express an interest in coming to live with them. The rest of the summer Buck, Waddie, and Linda Sue spent most of their days together, either at the farm house Buck and Linda Sue rented or at the Claymore's, the Davenport's, the Lovejoy's, or the Justin's.

It was July tenth, Waddie's birthday. Like Christmas he wouldn't mentioned a thing he wanted. He told everyone he didn't want anything but to spend the day with the people he loved. Truth was, he didn't know how to accept gifts from people, and felt embarrassed when anyone gave him anything. He didn't think he deserved it. He really couldn't figure out why they would do it. It was okay for him to do or give of himself to other people, but he didn't expect anything in return. He never got anything in return for any reason so why now, especially from folks he didn't even know real well? The Justins decided to celebrate the boy's birthday on the tenth and the following year on the eleventh. Waddie, Linda Sue, and Buck rode to the Justin’s in Bertie May.

Buck didn't bother to clean out the back of Bertie May. His tools and junk from the construction projects with Dan were still in there. He had an old oil cloth tarp he kept thrown over the mess to protect it from a sudden rain. Waddie never had a birthday party. He didn't know what you did at a birthday party. He never had a cake made for him. When they pulled up in the truck everyone came to greet them. Waddie was shocked. There were cars, pickup trucks, horse drawn buggies, and there must have been forty to fifty people whom he met one time or another. Their kids were there as well; more kids than he ever saw before. The main kid he wanted to see came to Waddie, hugged him, kissed him, and told him he loved him. Waddie did the same, and felt he was home with his brother.

They played all sorts of games and had a good time. Waddie and Gip won a lot. They were bigger, faster and more well coordinated than the other kids their age. Then they figured, since it was their party, it would be better to let some of the other kids win. They messed up on purpose, so someone else would win. Buck and Dan watched them. They knew exactly what they were doing, and they were proud of the boys. Gip didn't know any of the kids. Waddie knew a few and introduced them to Gip. Most were Waddie and Gip's age, and would be starting school with them in the fall. Almost everyone who would be in the first grade class was there. That wasn't a lot, about twelve kids. It was reported to be the biggest class of kids entering first grade in years. They called them the 'war babies' whatever that meant.

There was one kid who kept picking on some of the smaller kids. His dad scolded him three or four times, but he ignored his old man. Finally, he hurt a pretty little girl name Jannie and made her cry. He was pretty rough with her. Waddie went to her immediately, took her into his arms and held her to comfort her. Gip wasn't going to stand for anymore of the kid's bullshit. It was his and Waddie's party, and he felt he had the right to say what went on. Besides, Jannie was a sweet little girl, she didn't deserve what the bully did to her. Gip wasn't as big as the kid, but he got right in his face and told the kid in no uncertain terms he damn well better back off if he didn't want his ugly face looking like a like a plate of spaghetti with extra sauce. He told the kid he better damn well listen to him. He warned him to leave the girls and small kids alone. The little ones had as much right to have a good time as he did without worrying whether he was going to cause them grief. Several adults including Buck and Dan were watching. Buck was going to step in, but Dan grabbed him. "Let's see how this plays out, Buck; my kid's standing up to a bigger kid. I wanna' see how this goes."

The bigger kid looked surprised at Gip's challenge, but he could tell Gip wasn't backing down. He thought he was big enough to call Gip's bluff.

"Yeah, and who's gonna' make me?" Waddie walked up behind the big kid and tapped him on the shoulder. The kid turned and his eyes got real big as he looked up at Waddie.

The kid watched Waddie slowly push his cowboy hat back on his head with one finger. "Pardner, you're about to make the biggest mistake of yore’ life. My brother here, will clean yore' fuck'n clock. He's a mean ass sum'bitch, and you don't even wanna' fuck with him. He'll kick your pansy-ass so far up between yore' shoulder blades you'll have to stand on your head to take a shit. Then when he gets through with you, I'll pick my teeth with your gotdamn bones." Waddie didn't yell at the kid. He spoke quietly and forcefully, but there was no doubt in anyone's mind he meant every word. Waddie was half a foot taller than the kid, much more muscular, and out-weighed him by almost fifteen pounds. The bully changed his mind real quick, and didn't want to fuck with them, especially if they were brothers.

"Okay, I won't bother 'em no more," the kid said contritely.

The kid's dad came over and pulled him away telling him he told him not to pick on those little kids. He's lucky Gip and Waddie didn't kick his ass. "You don't know who you're messing with boy. Them boys is young cowboys. You fuck with `em, they's gonna' stomp your butt. You be nice to ‘em, show 'em respect, and they'll be nice to you," his dad scolded him.

Waddie stuck his hand out to Gip. Gip took it, and pulled Waddie to him in a hug. "Thanks, big brother," Gip said quietly.

"That's what brother's are for, Gip," Waddie said with a big grin.

The little kids came up and hugged Waddie and Gip as their heroes. Jannie gave Waddie and Gip a big kiss. They both blushed and the crowd went, "Aaawww." Waddie spoke to them softly so the adults couldn't hear what he was saying, "Listen guys, we's all gonna' start school this fall together. If we stick together, we ain't gotta' be afraid of nothing. If one of you gets picked on or pushed around by anybody you come get me or my brother, Gip, and we'll try to help, understand?" Waddie asked.

"Yes, Waddie. Thank you, Waddie. That makes us feel a lot better about going to school. We're all afraid," they replied.

"No more'n I am, guys. How 'bout chu,’ Gip?" Waddie asked.

"Me, too, guys. But listen to what my brother tells you; you get chore’self into trouble, you come to us. If'n we stick together ain't nobody what can harm us." They thought that was a wonderful idea and once again crowded around Gip and Waddie to thank them. No kid there was afraid after that, and Waddie and Gip encouraged them.

"We love you, Gip. We love you, Waddie," several of the smaller kids told them.

"We love ya'll, too, and we're really glad y'all came. Now, c'moan, let's us have a good time," Waddie said.

Of course the kids ran immediately to their parents and told them they weren't afraid of going to school anymore, beause Gip and Waddie promised to look after them if they got into trouble. After watching Waddie and Gip handle the bully with no fighting, Dan turned away he was laughing so hard. He was crying at the same time. He wasn't alone. Buck had his arm draped over his shoulder, and was laughing just as hard as tears ran down his face. "Son of a bitch!" Buck said laughing, "Glad you stopped me, Dan. Wouldn't have missed that for the world. Where did Waddie hear that? He sure as hell didn't hear it from me. I think he made it up right on the spot. It damn sure would've put the fear of God in me, I'll tell ya' that," Buck declared and continued laughing.

"Did you see the look on that damn kid's face when he turned and saw Waddie standing behind him? He didn't know whether to shit or go blind. If I live to be a hun'nert I ain't never gonna' forget that look. I wonder if he shit his pants?" Dan laughed.

"Stop, Dan. Goddamn it, stop it. I can't stop laughing now. Didn't I tell you a year ago? Didn't I tell you? Them two were gonna' be unbelievable together?" Buck asked.

Everybody had cake and ice cream. Waddie only had ice cream a couple of times in his life, but this was different. It was homemade, hand cranked, fresh peach ice cream. They had vanilla, too, and strawberry. It was the best damn stuff he ever put in his mouth.

The kid who was the bully apologized to Jannie Anderson then came to Gip and Waddie and apologized to them. They shook his hand, and told him to forget about it; have some ice cream and cake. They told him what they told the other kid's applied to him as well. If he needed help because someone was pushing him around to come to them, and between the three of them they could see it didn't happen again. He saw wisdom in that, and never again picked on smaller kids. In fact, he became one of the four or five boys who looked out for the smaller ones all the way through school. Dan and Buck never talked to the boys about it, they came to that decision on their own.

Most of the folks brought small gifts. Waddie and Gip opened them and graciously thanked the person who gave it to them. Waddie opened one gift from the Davenports that really made his eyes light up. A Gilbert Junior Chemistry Set. Waddie didn't have any idea what chemistry was but it looked awesome. He and Gip already knew how to read. Gip's parents taught him and the Claymore's taught Waddie. Waddie and Gip read to each other all their children's books, and each one could read them back. By the first grade they were reading pretty hard stuff. Waddie quietly showed it to Gip, and they started giggling. Buck saw their exchange, looked at Dan, raised both eyebrows, and looked to heaven.

"Poor Willie," Buck said shaking his head in mock concern. Once again they had to turn away they were laughing so hard. Buck and Dan enjoyed each other's company, and they found something funny about most everything. After a day's non-stop work with Buck, Dan would complain to is wife, Jimmy Sue, his sides hurt. She told him he was working too hard. He told her it wasn't the work, it was that damn Buck. He never laughed with someone as much and as hard as with Buck.

When all the gifts were opened, Waddie went out of his way to thank everyone who gave him a gift. Gip did, too. He took his cue from his brother much to Dan's delight. He'd never seen Gip so social or mannerly. Waddie got up on one of the picnic tables. "Folks! We really appreciate everyone being here today. My brother, Gip, and I wanna' thank ya'll for coming to our birthday party. We tried to thank everyone who gave us such nice gifts, but if we forgot anyone or left anyone out, please come tell us so we can thank you properly. We do appreciate all ya'll's wonderful gifts. Thanks so much." Everyone applauded, Buck beamed at Waddie and gave him a thumbs up sign. They didn't miss thanking anyone.

Dan knew he and Buck picked the right gifts for their boys. He and Buck went together to get the boy's special gifts. They walked down to the new barn, and let two young colts out into the coral with their momma. They were identical twin colts. Waddie and Gip hadn't seen them before and ran to look. The other kids followed with most of the adults. Everyone was standing around the corral admiring the two young ponies. Everybody was going on over how pretty they were. They were pinto roping ponies with the exact same patterns on them. Gip and Waddie were talking to each other about how beautiful they were and bet they'd make great roping ponies. Dan and Buck walked up behind them and put their hands on the boy's shoulders. "What do you think of the new roping ponies Buck and I bought, Son? Waddie?" Dan asked the boys casually.

"Damn fine looking ponies, Dad Dan. Y'all ought a' be real proud of `em. They sure are pretty. I hope to have one like `em someday," Waddie replied.

"Well, they're yours, men, happy birthday," Dan said.

"No way," Gip said to his dad. His dad smiled and shook his head, yes.

"Holy shit!" Waddie exclaimed, "Awww, they's just joshing with us, Gip," Waddie said.

"I don't think they are, Waddie," Gip replied.

"You'd believe me wouldn't you, Waddie?" Buck asked him.

"You know it, Uncle Buck. That don't mean I don't believe Dad Dan, I just thought he might be kidding."

"Their yours and Gip's -- your own roping ponies. Dad Dan was serious. So am I. Happy birthday, Son," Buck confirmed, hugged Waddie, and he hugged him back. Then Waddie ran to Dad Dan, and held him for the longest time, then he quietly thanked him. Dan had to swallow hard to choke the tears back.

"Yep, they're a gift from me and your Uncle Buck. Yours, too, Gip. You got Buck to thank for half of yorn," Dan said.

The boys were all over Dan and Buck. Kissing, hugging, and thanking them. They couldn't believe it. Then they hugged each other. All the kids were happy for them and came up to hug them, too, especially Jannie. She thought Gip and Waddie were about the best looking young cowpokes she ever saw, and they rescued her, a damsel in distress. She told everyone how gentle and understanding Waddie was to her, apologizing for the bully’s actions and how sorry Waddie was the big kid hurt her. He told her not to worry, his brother Gip and he would see it didn't happen again.

“All your grandparents, Momma Sue's parents, the Davenports, the Lovejoys, the Claymores, Quinton and his parents, Dr. Dyer and his wife, and Morgan went together to get you something special, too,” Dan said to the boys, “ Morgan's working today, he couldn't be here, but you can thank him later. Your presents are in the back of Buck's truck,” Dan told them

The boys walked with Dan and Buck to his truck. Buck threw back the tarp. In the back of Bertie May were two identical junior saddles; just the right size for the boys to learn to ride. They were hand tooled and well made by a local saddle maker. Gip and Waddie were stunned. They looked and admired the saddles but not for long. Waddie whispered something to Gip, they turned and ran to the senior Claymores because they were the nearest and thanked them. The Davenports were next, the Lovejoys, and finally Gip's only set of grandparents on Jimmy Sue's side. They hit the Dyer's next and wouldn't have anything but a hug from both of them. Gip followed suit. They thanked them and thanked them. Then the two boys ran as fast as they could to Quinton who grabbed one up in each arm. They threw their arms around his neck, hugging and kissing him. "Hey, Gip," Waddie said, looked at Gip and grinned a wicked grin while Quinton was holding them, "What'chu wanna' bet Quinton went in on this thing for the hugs and kisses?" Waddie asked.

"My momma didn't raise no dummy, kid," Quinton shot back, "Of course I did. Now, shut up and gimme' my money's worth," he demanded. The boys roared with laughter at Quinton and gave him his money's worth and more. They got down, hugged, and kissed his parents. They loved Quinton's parents. They grabbed Quinton's hand and dragged him back to Bertie May to inspect the saddles with them. Dan was proud of the boys for thanking the folks first before they got involved with the saddles, he could've burst with pride. Buck wasn't far behind him. When the boys came back they thanked Buck and Dan again. Buck never felt such love in his life, and Dan was in his element. All they had to do was look at each other and fall out laughing. They were in love with the boys. Two good boys they were proud to be a part of. Two separate lonely boys who came together to form a friendship that was bigger than both of them and touched everyone they knew.

All the kids at the party remembered that day for years, but they mostly remembered and spoke of the love which flowed back and forth with ease between the boys. They grew up with them and never saw them angry with each other. It became an accepted fact where you found Waddie you'd find Gip, and if you saw Gip you knew Waddie wasn't far behind. The boys kept their word. Anytime one of the kids got picked on, if they went to Waddie and Gip, it never happened again. They stuck together. They were similar to the way Buck and Morgan were except they did things their own way. They constantly had six to twelve kids running along behind them most of the time, either at Gip's and sometimes at Morgan's with Waddie. They almost drove Judy nuts. Waddie didn't give a shit. She deserved it as far as he was concerned. She did a lot worse to him.

Buck and Dan were even more impressed by the parents who came to them individually to thank them for inviting their boy or girl to the party. "They're not afraid to go to school now because of Gip and Waddie; in fact, they're looking forward to it." Then they told Buck and Dan what Gip and Waddie told the kids. The two men couldn't stop hugging and slapping each other on the back they were so proud. Buck's hip flask got pulled out of his back pocket several times that afternoon. They went around to their family members and told them. Linda Sue and Jimmy Sue shed a tear or two. The boys insisted on carrying their own saddles to the tack room Buck and Dan built off the new barn. It was really nice and could hold a lot of tack and saddles. It smelled wonderful of saddle soap and leather. Waddie and Gip would laugh for years. They both got boners every time they walked into Dad Dan's tack room.

The day came to an end and Gip wanted Waddie to stay over, but his Uncle Buck insisted he go with them; he had one other small present for Waddie. Waddie was tired and almost went to sleep on the way back to his Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda's. Waddie didn't ask where his special present was. He figured he got enough presents for the day to last him thirty birthdays. They went into the house for a few minutes, and his Uncle Buck hugged and kissed his aunt. She hugged and kissed Waddie again, and wished him a happy birthday. He kissed her back and told her he loved her. Then Uncle Buck was going to take him home to the Claymore's. They arrived at the Claymores and Waddie was quiet. For all the joy he experienced that day he hated to let go of his uncle again. Ma and Pa Claymore came and greeted them and again wished him a happy birthday. Waddie thanked them again for their wonderful present.

Buck grabbed him and carried him upstairs. "Woah, cowboy, I could swear you were considerably lighter a year ago. Another six months and Uncle Buck ain't gonna' be picking you up no more. You're getting big, Son," Buck declared.

"Guess I didn't appreciate it then as much as I do now, Uncle Buck. Makes me feel special when you pick me up and carry me. Better get it in while you can, a couple more months ought a' do it," Waddie replied. Buck laughed remembering Waddie's first night in the house with him picking him up and carrying him upstairs.

"Tired, buckaroo?" Buck asked.

"A little, Uncle Buck," Waddie answered resigning himself to losing his uncle one more time.

"You ain't ask me about my present," Buck said.

"Aww, Uncle Buck, I don't need no more presents. You're enough for me, just having you here for a little bit, talking with you is all I need. I'm grateful for what time we can spend together," Waddie replied.

"Well, it really ain't no present, it's more like a personal gift," Buck said.

"Okay, but I got enough stuff today. I don't need no more," Waddie assured him.

"If you could have anything you wanted tonight, what would it be?" Buck asked

"Another big cowboy like you to sleep with and hold me at night," Waddie said with remorse.

"Miss me that much, cowboy?" Buck asked quietly.

"Powerful bad, Uncle Buck," Waddie replied and leaned against his uncle.

Buck put his arm around the boy. "What if you could have the real thing tonight, the gen-u-wine McCoy?" Buck asked.

"That ‘ud be the best damn birthday present I got all day. I'd trade that pony and saddle for a good night's sleep with you, Uncle Buck," Waddie said with conviction.

Buck wasn't prepared for Waddie's response and almost lost it. "We'll that's your gift for tonight, cowboy, from me and your Aunt Linda. I'm gonna' stay the night with you. It was your Aunt Linda's idea. She thought her two men needed a night together," Buck said.

Waddie jumped up, grabbed Buck around the neck and started crying. "I try so hard to not be selfish, Uncle Buck, but I miss you so damn much. I love Gip and Dad Dan, but they ain't my Uncle Buck. I know I'm with you and Aunt Linda most every day, and it's selfish of me to want more, but some’um in me can't help it. I don't know what it is. Mabe I's just being selfish. Whatever it is, I can't seem to turn it off. I'm so happy you're gonna' stay the night, Uncle Buck. I love you so much," Waddie said through his tears.

"No more'n I love you, cowboy. I missed you, too. Sometimes, I can’t get to sleep at night. I lie awake, tossing and turning, and feeling empty `cause I don't have my little buckaroo buddy in my arms. Your Aunt Linda will tell me she knows what my problem is. I'm a’ hurt’n for my little buddy. Why don't you come over there and live with us? We got us a couple of extra bedrooms, and we'd be happy to fix one up for you. I couldn't sleep with you every night, but we'd be closer to each other. We'd be living together. I wouldn't have to take you home every evening," Buck said.

"You sure I wouldn't be in the way?" Waddie asked.

"You ain't never in the way, Waddie. You're the center of our lives, cowboy. Your aunt and I came back from our honeymoon three days early, 'cause we missed you. We'd love to have you. We wondered why you ain't ask before now. We hoped you might wanna' come live with us."

"I didn't know I's suppose to ask, Uncle Buck. Hell, I'm only six years old. I don't know what I'm suppose to do. Do you have any idea how scared I was today? I was so afraid I'd do something wrong to make you, Aunt Linda Sue, Dad Dan, and Momma Sue, and most of all, my buddy, ashamed of me," Waddie said.

"You didn't. We were very proud of you. Dan thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced bread. You did the leading today, and Gip followed. He was smart enough to trust his buddy's instincts, and you couldn't a’ made Dan and me more proud. But, you're right, cowboy. Honestly, sometimes the way you think and the ideas you come up with are pretty damn good. Who was it got the idea in their head for me to run for sheriff? T'weren't no grown up. I forget sometimes you're only six years old. I talk to you like you're one of my best buddies. When you're with me you're just my buddy, my pal, and my friend. You don't have no age. I forget, cowboy. That's my fault and I apologize. I'm sorry. We should’ve done the asking, but I'm doing it now. You don't have to make up your mind right away. Think about it. Let's sleep on it tonight. Then whatever you decide, I'll go along with, but I want you to know if'n you do decided to come live with us you'll make one old buckaroo awful damn happy.

"I know a pretty lady you'd make very happy. Your Aunt Linda has bugged me for two weeks to ask you why you don't wanna’ come stay with us. Dumb me, I was waiting for it to be your idea like I told you to do with Gip. I kept a’ tell’n Linda Sue, ‘I don’t wanna’ push Waddie. I love him so much, and don’t wanna’ lose any of the love we have for each other by causing him to do something he might not be comfortable with. It should be his decision.’ Now I realize that's altogether different than asking someone to come live with you. That don't take no warming up to. Reaching down between another man's legs and grabbing yore'self a big old handful, well, that's another matter. Let's shower, get us ready for bed, and yore’ Uncle Buck ain't gonna' let loose of you all night."

They showered together, but Buck couldn't get the spirit out of Waddie he had before. He was more quiet, serious, and didn't care to joke much. The couple of wise cracks Buck made to test the water fell flat. Buck saw this before but not for a long time. He was afraid Waddie was starting to give up again. He couldn't get him to talk about anything. For a kid who just got a roping pony and a brand new saddle for his birthday, he seemed awfully low. Because of Waddie’s past Buck knew the boy looked at things differently than most kids. Buck realized 'things' didn't mean as much to Waddie as they did other kids. Waddie invested in people, and Buck was afraid he was beginning to feel short changed. He kept telling Buck he was fine. He was just tired, and he'd be okay in the morning; not to be upset, he was glad Buck was there. More than glad, he was thrilled Buck was there.

They got into bed, Buck pulled Waddie close and held him. Waddie didn't reach up to kiss Buck like he usually did, and Buck didn't know what to do. He was about to panic when Waddie spoke. "It's good to feel you next to me again, Uncle Buck. This is the best present of all," he said.

"Well, then, is there a possibility I could get a kiss from my cowboy?" Buck asked softly.

"Sure, Uncle Buck, I'm sorry. I's thinking about other things, I guess," Waddie said.

Waddie reached up and kissed his uncle gently and once again melted with the gentleness of the big man's kiss. "Happy birthday, buckaroo. Seems like the world is weighing heavy on your heart tonight, cowboy," Buck said softly as he stole another kiss from Waddie, "Don't shut me out, darlin,' you're breaking your old uncle's heart. I thought we could tell each other anything? What's bothering you, sweet baby?" Buck asked.

"Oh, I don't know, Uncle Buck, I guess I just began to see life today as one big 'takeaway.' I should be real happy, but it's hard for me to look at getting things the way other kids do.”

“I know that, Waddie,” Buck said softly with understanding.

“Gip was thrilled today with the party and our presents, but I look at them as just something else to be taken away from me. Just when I think it's okay to feel safe, I get something I love taken away, and I wonder why Mr. Uriel didn't tell me about that part of life. I don't think I would've come back, Uncle Buck, if I knew how hard that part was gonna' be," Waddie said.

"You mean you feel like I've been taken away from you?" Buck asked.

"You're older than me and know about the things of life. Maybe you could help me; gimme' some advice. Think about it, Uncle Buck. I had you lying next to me like this ever’ night for a year, knowing if I woke up in the night I could feel you close to me, I'd feel safe, secure, and loved; something I ain't never had before in my life `til you come along. To go from that to sleeping by myself again was harder than I thought it would be. I know it ain’t your fault. It's just the way life is. I lost all trust before, and I'm almost to the point I don't wanna' trust anything or anyone anymore because of how life is and how it's gonna' be. I know it ain't really fair to you, 'cause however our lives change we have to go on and accept what it brings us. It just seems harder for me than it does other folks, and I don't understand why. It's like everyone else in the pool knows how to swim, but I don't. I’m beginning to think life is just one big disappointment after another. I thought that was all behind me when I decided to come back. If I come over there and live with you and Aunt Linda, the both of you are gonna' be taken away from me in September when I gotta' go back to that hell hole of Morgan’s," Waddie lamented.

"You don't have to, Waddie. He said he wouldn't force you. I'm sure he'd let you live with Linda and me," Buck encouraged.

"You don't understand, Uncle Buck. I gotta' go back to Morgan’s. I ain't got me no choice. Mr. Uriel said I have to go back. He came and appeared to Gip and me the night you and Aunt Linda left on your honeymoon. Like ta' scared the shit out a' Gip," Waddie said.

"What did he tell you this time?" Buck asked.

"He wanted to meet Gip and to tell me God said it was all right to share with Gip some of the things he told me was gonna' happen. He told Gip some things, too," Waddie replied.

"Is there something about you I don't know, Waddie?" Buck asked boldly.

"Yes, sir," Waddie replied softly.

"And, you can't tell me, is that right?" Buck asked.

"Yes, sir -- I mean no, sir. Yes, you're right, but no, I can't tell you," Waddie explained.

"But now, Gip knows?" Buck asked.

"Yes, sir. Don't ask me no more questions, Uncle Buck. You know I won't lie to you, and I don't wanna' refuse to answer you because that ain't right, neither," Waddie pleaded.

"Then I get the idea you have to live according to the way you were suppose to live if you didn't know what you know, is that right?" Buck asked.

"Yes, sir," Waddie replied.

Buck was surprised Waddie answered his question. "Then why did Uriel tell you in the first place? Seems to me all this you been through was a lot to ask of a five or six year old boy," Buck allowed.

"He knew I wouldn't come back if he didn't. I prayed to God to let me die and send me an angel to take me to heaven. I was looking down a dead-end street living with Morgan and his ready-made family. I didn't want to go on, Uncle Buck. Mr. Uriel's Boss, the Righteous Ramrod, told him to give me a choice. He wanted it to be my decision. I thought I was trapped at Morgan's for the rest of my life, and He knew I'd choose to go with Mr. Uriel if I had no chance or hope of escaping them son’s of bitches. Then Mr. Uriel told me some things. He showed me bits and pieces of the future. He showed me Gip, Dad Dan, Momma Sue, and then he showed me you and Aunt Linda. I know'd who you was the minute you walked through the door of my hospital room.

"It was all part of the agreement, if I came back not to tell no one, because if I did, it might upset the balance of the future -- the way everything turns out. That could be very bad. When you stop to think about it, God and Mr. Uriel must love me a powerful lot to trust me that much, but it weren’t just the folks I love what made me choose to return. It's something else, altogether wonderful, I wanna’ live for. I’m so sorry I can’t tell you, Uncle Buck. I guess I'm feeling down because I feel like I did when I saw the only way out of that closet at Morgan's was to die. Now I'm asking myself if deciding to live and coming back was really worth it? I still have to go through a bunch more beatings from Morgan for shit I don't do. The thing that hurts the worst is he never once doubted them two sum'bitches and that worthless whore of a witch he's got living in that house," Waddie said with considerable disgust.

"Waddie, you shouldn't say something like that about chore’ ma," Buck admonished Waddie.

"Do you really think a real mother would throw out her kid's clothes and toys while he was recovering in the hospital? You look at me and tell me from the honesty of your heart, Uncle Buck, does she deserve my respect as a mother? Has it ever occurred to you she just may not -- oh, never mind," Waddie didn't finish his sentence.

Buck was quiet for a minute. He knew the kid was right and was on the verge of tears. He tried to figured out the rest of Waddie's sentence and wondered why he didn't finish. He wasn’t going to push. He knew if Waddie wanted him to know he’d tell him. "Okay, that's a good example of why I don't think of you as a six year old. You got this whole thing thought out, and you make more sense than most adults. I gotta' be honest, though, sometimes I think you're fudging with a little divine guidance. I agree Judy don't deserve your respect, but Waddie, whatever Mr. Uriel told ju,’ don't push me out. Other than Gip, I'm your best buddy. I’m gonna’ be honest with you, yore’ daddy used to be my best buddy. He ain’t no more. You’re my best buddy now, Waddie. I don’t love your dad an iota less than I ever did, it’s just I love you more. On another level, I'm your Godfather for Christ sake. You know you can share anything with me, and it won't go no further. As I see it, that's what a good Godfather is for to listen and help if he can. I'll never put you down for talking to me about anything. I might tell you I don't agree with something, and you better seriously re-think it for your own good. Even then, I won't tell you what to do, or beat you when you make a mistake. I know it can't be like before, but maybe if you come and lived the rest of the summer with Linda Sue and me it would help. You gotta' know we both love you, cowboy," Buck pleaded and felt he was treading water.

"I know, Uncle Buck, but if a man ain't never tasted ice cream he won't miss it if'n he ain’t never tried it, right?" Waddie asked.

"Right," Buck agreed.

"Well, the way I been thinkin,’ if I don't get used to living with you and Aunt Linda then it won't be so hard for me to give y’all up to go back to Morgan's," Waddie allowed.

"Okay, I understand, that makes sense. Don't you love your dad, no more, Waddie?" Buck asked.

"You know I do, Uncle Buck, but he's gonna’ kill my love for him over time. H’it’s jes’ some’um else I'll have taken away from me," Waddie lamented.

"Would it help if I came over and spent one night a week with you?" Buck asked.

"It would, and it wouldn't, Uncle Buck," Waddie replied with a sigh.

"Lemme' see if I can get this one. You'd love to have me come stay one night a week, but it's only gonna' be tougher when you go back to Morgan's. Did I get it? Buck asked and grinned.

"You know, I tell folks my Uncle Buck's a smart man," Waddie said with a touch of humor in his voice, then giggled.

It was the first sign of lightheartedness Buck got out of Waddie all evening. He saw hope. "So, what yore' saying is, you'd rather gut it out without me, huh, cowboy?" Buck asked.

"Oh, hell no, Uncle Buck. I'm weak. Y'ain't dealing with no six year old hero here," Waddie said with a grin. To Buck's delight, Waddie giggled, "I'll take what I can get. Getting a little of you is better'n none a’ tall, and you can tell Aunt Linda it's only for a little while -- until the first of September. I'd be grateful to you and Aunt Linda for one night a week. Gimme' something to look forward to. I ain't trying to come between you and Aunt Linda, and I'll be happy to tell you why," Waddie said.

"Why, cowboy?" Buck asked.

"I come to realize what you told me at the wedding was true," Waddie replied.

"What's ‘zat, buckaroo?" Buck asked.

"I always did love Aunt Linda more'n you," Waddie set Buck up and knocked it out of the park. The big cowboy roared with laughter. He walked right into that one with his guard down. He didn't see it coming. The kid was getting good. Then Waddie really did start to giggle. He didn't get one by his uncle too often. When he did, they were lethal, and he felt he had the right to enjoy it. His uncle tickled him and made him giggle more. They wrestled around on the big bed, and Waddie finally hollered ‘calf rope’ for Buck to stop. He settled down and looked at his uncle. It was a look of the purest, most unconditional love Buck ever saw on a human face in his life, and it shook him to his foundation. The thought crossed his mind, ‘God and Morgan forgive me, I want this child for my own.’ Buck did something he never did before with Waddie. They were looking at each other in the moonlight, he slowly leaned down and kissed Waddie on the mouth; not with a goodnight kiss they usually gave each other but the kiss of one man deeply in love with another. Waddie didn't push him away, or feel the least bashful about receiving this new kiss from his uncle. He knew where it was coming from, and he responded just enough to let Buck know it was all right with him, he understood, he was comfortable with it, and Buck was welcome.

Buck took Waddie in his huge arms and cradled him continuing the kiss. It was what Waddie needed at the moment, and Buck sensed it. He needed Buck's deep love reaffirmed and poured into him. Before, he received it in bulk. Now he understood he would receive it in quality moments. It would be just as good, but it would be different. It would be like the difference in regular gas and premium. For ten months his engine was running on regular, now his uncle was pouring premium into him. It was considerably more powerful in its get up and go. It surely must have been leaded, because it got their cocks rock hard. Buck continued to make love to Waddie with all the passion of a lover, but without the touching and other foreplay. It wasn't a prelude to sex, and Waddie knew it. Buck never intended it to be more than what it was, and Waddie had no misunderstanding about it. Buck stopped and took his hand to push away the hair on Waddie's forehead and looked at him.

"Thanks, Uncle Buck. That helped heaps. Don't worry none, you got chore’ buckaroo buddy back again, and yes, if Aunt Linda could give you up one night a week `til the first of September I would love it. Now, let's get some sleep. We gotta' go out there and help them clean up tomorrow," Waddie said like a camp counselor. They lay down in their usual position with Waddie's backside pulled up tight to Bucks front. Buck's old dick was still stiff as a rod. Waddie reached around behind him, shoved it between his legs and closed his legs around it to keep it warm. It still stuck out in front of Waddie a good six inches. It was exactly the same length sticking through his legs as his was hard. Their penis heads came right together, and Waddie's rested on top of Buck's.

"Thank you, buckaroo, that'll keep that old thing warm all night. Probably keep it hard all night, too," he added and they both giggled.

Waddie turned his head up toward Buck’s, and they exchanged their usual gentle, loving, nightly kiss, but it was different this time. They both felt it and understood it. Waddie reached a new plateau in his development. He learned he could count on those he loved, but he had to stand on his own two feet. He couldn't always depend on Uncle Buck to be there every time his nose needed wiping. Waddie knew he had to let his uncle go. He was ready, but Buck saved the day by letting him know he would never desert him. Waddie realized he had to let his uncle go so his uncle could become his dad.

"Dad Dan and I were so proud of you and Gip. The families of every one a' them kids come around and told us what you and Gip told them. That was really special, and I know you meant it. You know what it's like to live with fear, and you don't want them to have to. It's like I told you before, when you start thinking about other folks instead of yourself then you know you're growing up. You're growing up fast, cowboy. I love you," Buck whispered.

"I love you, too, Dad," Waddie replied, and he meant it.

* * * * * * *
The next morning things looked a little brighter for Waddie, and he felt wonderful. His uncle was very attentive to see what kind of mood Waddie was in. Waddie knew it and played with Buck. "Quit looking at me like I's a member of the lollipop guild," Waddie said. Buck laughed. He never knew what was coming out of Waddie's mouth. "I'm better this morning. After a night sleeping with my buddy, I'm ready to leap buildings in a single bound. I was tired last night, and you being here got me feeling sorry for myself, and I apologize. I won't deny when I'm tired or down I don't think about them things, but I try hard not to. If I was to be real honest with you I guess I was hurt, 'cause you and Aunt Linda didn't ask me to stay with you. I don't know no better, Uncle Buck, and I want to try to push people away who I feel hurt me whether it's real or I imagine it. Does that make sense to you?" Waddie asked.

"Makes a hell of a lot of sense, and you're not alone, cowboy. I do the same damn thing. I try hard not to, but I'll get my feelings hurt about something, and I have a tendency to wanna’ cut that person out or punish them by not responding to them like I usually do. Look, Waddie, don't be so damn hard on yourself. This ain’t chore’ fault. I accept full responsibility for not asking you to stay with us before now. I thought I'd give you the choice, but now I think, 'How stupid can I be'? If you don't give the kid a choice to begin with, he ain't got no choice to make.' I didn't give you a choice, I just waited to see if you'd ask to come stay with us. I should a’ know’d better, Son. I'm an adult, and as you pointed out, I’m suppose to know about these things; but, Waddie, when it comes to matters of the heart, you got this old cowboy beat by a country mile. You got chore'self a direct line on how the heart's suppose to work, and you want to know why when it don't. That's only one of the reasons I love you," Buck said.

"Is yore' offer still open, Uncle Buck?" Waddie asked.

"Of course it is -- you know it is. Linda Sue would be all over you if you decided to stay the rest of the summer with us, and I couldn't be happier," Buck replied.

"Well, h'it don't make no sense taking you away from Aunt Linda one night a week when I could have both of you in the same house with me. If you don't think I'd be in the way, I'd love to stay with you and Aunt Linda," Waddie said.

"Hell, cowboy, I want you in the way. I wanna’ trip over you every damn day. Great. I'll tell mom to pack yore’ things. Later today you can pick out yore' room, and we'll get it set up for you," Buck said and hugged Waddie, "Uncles make mistakes, too, buckaroo. I'm just glad you're a forgiving little cuss and willing to overlook my stupidity."

"It'll be a stretch, Uncle Buck, but I think I can do it," Waddie giggled, and Buck tickled him to get him really going. Waddie looked at him again with the same love he had the night before and spoke, "Maybe yore’ uncle makes mistakes, mine damn sure don't, and the last thing my uncle is, is stupid. I got me the smartest, best looking, biggest damn uncle in the state of Texas, bar none," Waddie declared with all the love in his young cowboy heart.

"Gimme' a kiss, buddy. We'll seal this deal," Buck demanded. He didn't have to beg his nephew. It was as good or better kiss than the night before. They broke apart, and held each other for a good while.

"That makes it a lot better, Uncle Buck. You's a great deal sealer. You can seal any deal I make, pardner. I love you, Uncle Buck," Waddie said.

"You gotta' know I love you, cowboy, with all my heart," Buck replied.

"I do, but I think too much for my own damn good. I build up things in my mind what maybe don't exist and end up hurting myself. I ain't had a lot of experience loving and being loved, Uncle Buck. I'm a' shoot'n from the hip, pod'ner," Waddie said in his best cowboy lingo.

"You got a pretty deadly aim for such a young hombre. You got me and yore’ Aunt Linda right through the heart," Buck said as he grabbed his chest pretending he'd been shot and fell over on the bed. Waddie giggled with glee at his uncle's silliness. "I don't know what you did to Aunt Linda, but I think you unloaded both barrels on her. Damn, that woman fell for you, big time. By the way, we got a bus ticket in the mail for you from another lady I think fell in love with you, who wants you to come to Dallas the last week in July, if you still want to go," Buck said.

"I do, Uncle Buck. Maybe Aunt Agatha can help me with some of these things. Maybe she can help me understand better," Waddie replied.

"Somehow, cowboy, I have no doubt that lady can. Do you good to get away. You're old enough to make the trip by yourself."

"I think I'd like that, Uncle Buck."

"C’moan, cowboy. Let's us ride over and pick up Aunt Linda, head 'em up an move `em out to the ranch to report for clean up duty. We can get a good look at yore’ new pony, too," Buck said.

Buck told Ma Claymore they'd be back for Waddie's things later in the day. Could she pack a few things, and they'd pick up the rest as she had time to get them together? Waddie agreed to stay with his uncle and aunt.

Ma Claymore shed a tear as she hugged, Waddie. "Oh, Lord, Son. I don’t know what I’m gonna’ do without you around here. I'm gonna' miss you some'um fierce, but I know I'll see you again. I'm so happy for you," she said and shed a couple of tears.

"Don't cry, Ma Claymore. I love you and Pa Claymore more'n anything. It was Uncle Buck. He said he'd put me over his knee if'n I didn't come stay with them," Waddie said with a frown. Ma Claymore laughed, she knew better.

"That's right, cowboy. Make me the heavy. Truth is, ma, I got down on my knees and begged him to come stay with us. He told me he was happy right here with Ma and Pa Claymore," Buck said.

"That's right, Ma Claymore," Waddie said.

"Oh, you two..." Ma Claymore waved her apron at her two boys, "get on with ya' and say `hello' to Linda Sue for me."

"We will, ma. Love ya,'" Buck said as he kissed her on the cheek.

"You boys have fun, now, ya' hear?"

"We will, ma. See ya' later, sweetheart," Buck waved as they went out the door.

* * * * * * *
That day was more like a birthday to Waddie. Gip told him the same thing. They even got to eat more ice cream and cake. It didn't take them anytime to clean up from the party, and then the boys got to inspect their colts up close. Dad Dan said they should be gelded soon, because geldings make smarter and more gentle roping ponies. Most times they don't grow so large either. Gip and Waddie inspected the ponies closely and couldn't find anything different on them. They were to choose which one they wanted, but there had to be a distinguishing mark to tell them apart. On one of their hind quarter the brown patch went up more to a point than the other. It was rounded off on the other. They all could see it and tell the difference. That was the only difference, and it wasn't that noticeable unless you really looked and studied them like the boys did. Now they could tell them apart instantly. Waddie told Gip to choose the one he wanted. Gip didn't like that idea. He wanted Buck to flip a quarter. If it was heads he’d take the pointed one, if it was tails he’d take the rounded one, and Waddie would take the other. Waddie like that and agreed. Buck flipped a quarter and it was heads. Gip took the pointed patch. Waddie was just as happy to have the other. He kinda liked it better anyway. It seemed like the better pony to him, and he was beginning to communicate with it mentally.

"You men give much thought to what you's gonna' name 'em?" Dan asked.

"Yes, sir. Lemme’ talk with my brother for a minute, Dad," Gip replied.

Gip put his arm around Waddie with his hand resting lightly on his shoulder as the two boys walked away from the men. Buck smiled real big, winked at Dan, and just shook his head. They both chuckled at the boys in conference. They knew something unusual but right would come out of this meeting of the minds. They could barely stand the suspense.

"You thought of any names, buddy?" Gip asked Waddie.

"I thought about it, but I couldn't come up with much of anything. I did think about the "Wizard of Oz" and calling `em 'Scarecrow and Tin Man.'

"I like that, Waddie. All I came up with was two Indian Chief names, 'Geronimo and Cochise.'"

"Oh, fuck. I like that a hell of a lot better'n what I come up with. That's it. Which name do you want, little brother?" Waddie asked.

"Buck's quarter?" Gip asked. They shook hands and headed back to Buck and Dan "Heads you get Geronimo, tails you get Cochise," Gip whispered to Waddie. He agreed.

"Flip your quarter, Uncle Buck, please?" Gip asked. It came up heads.

"Waddie's is 'Geronimo' and mine's 'Chochise.'" Gip announced to the two men.

Dan looked at Buck, and their mouths dropped open, then they congratulated the boys on their choice of names. The men liked those names a lot.

"Don't think I could've come up with better, you Buck?" Dan asked.

"Perfect names for ‘em. They’s two great chiefs. No, I wouldn't have thought of it," Buck admitted.

Dan told them they could start walking them, getting them use to a bridle and bit, but he didn't want them saddled until after they were gelded. That was fine with the boys. They wanted to really get to know the ponies before they even attempted to saddle them. They walked the ponies by the hour. They even started getting them to come to them by calling their names. Waddie used a little whistle he could make and taught Gip how to do it. They could make them come by their individual whistles. And, they spoiled them rotten. Every time they went out to their corral they hid an apple or carrot on them, and the ponies would pester the shit out of them until they found their treat. Once in a while, one of the boys would have teeth marks on his butt because he didn't get the apple out of his back pocket fast enough, and the pony took pocket and all.

Dan asked Waddie if he wanted to keep his pony at Morgan’s with Buck's. Waddie asked Dad Dan if he could leave it with them. Dan was happy to keep his colt, but he wanted to give Waddie the option. Waddie felt if they were going to be a team they shouldn't be broken up. Dan agreed. That wasn't the only reason. Gip and the two men knew Waddie's fears. He knew Willie wouldn't harm Buck's ponies because he probably would be skinned alive if he did. Buck was a good man, but he did have a reputation around town of being his own justice. It was just easier and much safer to be Buck's friend.

* * * * * * *
Buck and Linda Sue fixed up the largest room upstairs for Waddie. It had its own bath with an old metal shower stall. Waddie was thrilled. Buck and Linda Sue couldn't have been happier to have him living with them. He tried to stay out of their way as much as possible and give them their space. He stayed in his room, read, or played with some of the games he got for his birthday. Linda Sue or Buck usually had to get him to be with them in the evening. Waddie was finding it hard to work them into his schedule. He was either going to the Justin’s to work with his pony, or Gip and he were together. He stayed a lot with the Justins, and he and Gip would walk over to Morgan's barn and take care of Buck's ponies when Morgan was on his train runs. He and Gip were close, but as time went on they became even closer. Gip idolized Waddie. Waddie worked hard to be the big brother and buddy Gip needed. He didn't have to work too hard. Loving Gip came so easy for him he would become anything Gip needed him to be.

* * * * * * *
The last week in July came, and Waddie boarded a bus to go to Dallas to visit Aunt Agatha. It was a long trip, but he looked at a magazine he brought along and watched the scenery go by. He decided to take a nap, and was still asleep when the bus pulled into the Dallas station. When he didn't get off the bus Aunt Agatha asked the driver if he picked up a young boy traveling by himself.

"Yes, ma'am, didn't he get off?" he asked.

"No, sir, would you check for me, please?" Agatha asked.

The driver walked back and found Waddie sound asleep. "Wake up, young man, we’re in Dallas," he said and genlty shook the boy. Waddie woke up, rubbed his eyes, and got off the bus into Aunt Agatha's waiting arms. He apologized for being asleep. She thought it was amusing. Aunt Agatha was so glad to see him. Her daughter Zelma drove them to Agatha’s home. They had the guest bedroom ready for him. Agatha unpacked his small bag and put his things away. Aunt Agatha was alone with him in his room.

She sat on his bed to talk with him briefly. "I'm so glad you came, Waddie. Let me tell you about my daughters. We will have supper with them tonight. They're cooking a special welcome meal for you. They know nothing. I didn't know how much you wanted me to share with anyone, so I haven't shared anything. They only know you're Mr. Claymore's Godson. I know you will be guarded with them, and I advise you to be careful. While they appear to be gracious and charming, they pick up on the slightest thing. They've been after me all month about why I wanted you to visit, and I've only told them the truth, I find you a bright, intelligent, well mannered, and a charming young man. I just didn’t tell them all the truth, so I haven't lied to them,” Agatha said softly and winked at Waddie, “They just don't know what you and I know, and they don't need to. I have no fears; I know you'll do fine, and have them eating out of your hand before the evening’s over. Then you and I can chat for a while. In the meantime we have a few minutes. Tell me how you've been," Agatha inquired.

"Good, Aunt Agatha, better now that I'm living with Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda," Waddie replied.

"That's good, Waddie. It's good you refer to them as uncle and aunt. It won't help the girls any," Agatha giggled like a conspiratorial school girl. She was so happy and joyful, Waddie laughed with her.

"I've been busy with my brother and his family. I spend a lot of time with them, but I try to give Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda their space and privacy. I don't want to get in the way or become a nuisance to them," Waddie said.

"I doubt seriously you would ever become a nuisance to them, child. I watched your uncle make a special effort to show his love for you and make you feel included in their wedding. I also saw the look in my niece's eyes when you spoke to her, and there was nothing but love. I think they both adore you. Linda Sue goes on and on about you. One day she ask me about the coincidence of your birthday being the same as her baby's. I assured her it was just that, only a coincidence, and it occurred to me as well. I told her I wasn't positive, but I believe Mr. Lovejoy said Waddie was born in Waco where his wife has relatives. I didn't lie because I told her I wasn't positive," Agatha said. They both laughed at her clever deception.

"I appreciate that, Aunt Agatha. I was concerned she might become suspicious, but I think she's sort of given up hope of ever seeing her boy again. I think it would never occur to her she was holding him in her arms. I don't look anything like my adopted dad Morgan Lovejoy, but people tell me I look a lot like my Uncle Buck. In fact, a lot of people in town call me Little Buck or Buck Jr," Waddie told her.

There came a quiet knock at the door. "Yes?" Aunt Agatha asked.

The door slowly opened just a bit, and Clara spoke, "We have supper ready, Mother," she said quietly.

"Fine, thank you, Clara, we'll be along in a minute. Well, Waddie, I'll leave you to wash up. The bath is right there, and you'll find towels laid out for you. Give Aunt Agatha a hug and a kiss. I'm so glad you're here, my love, we'll talk more after dinner. I have a feeling you have some things to tell me."

"I shore’ do, Aunt Agatha, and I've been looking forward to visiting with you to ask your guidance in some things. My angel confirmed he did, indeed, send you to me. I'll tell you all about it," Waddie replied, hugged, and kissed his Aunt, and she left. He washed his face and hands well and went in to join them for dinner.

They had a wonderful dinner. Waddie politely answered all the sister's questions with no free giveaways. He mainly talked about his and his brother's birthday party and the wonderful gifts his brother's dad, Dad Dan, and his Uncle Buck gave them; the two roping ponies and the junior saddles. Waddie went on and on about training the ponies. Aunt Agatha was quite enchanted with Waddie's growing knowledge of horses and the influence of Gip's dad and Buck had on the boy. The sisters only saw it as boring cowboy talk about animals and tuned out most of it. Aunt Agatha thought her daughters reaction was funny and would ask Waddie intelligent questions about his interest in roping. After dessert, Waddie graciously thanked both ladies for an especially wonderful meal, and told them he never ate better prepared food anywhere. It was very good, and he enjoyed it.

Agatha beamed at him. She knew exactly what he was doing and was proud of him. The two women melted under his charms and were all aglow. He gave each a hug in thanks. That did it. Now they knew exactly why their mother had the boy visit. He's a delight. She was quite right. They will have a great time together, and they did. After dinner Aunt Agatha invited Waddie into her parlor and sewing room. The girls left her a little pot of sleepy-time tea. The sisters said their goodnights and left them alone. Aunt Agatha drank a bit of her tea and reached under her sewing cabinet to pull out two small stem glasses and a dark, square bottle. She poured two small glasses of a deep, red colored liquid and handed Waddie one. She told him to wait before he tried it.

"This is our secret. The girls don't know I have this. I make it about twice a year. It's my grandmother's recipe for cherry cordial. You are not to tell anyone you had this with me. It has a bit of alcohol in it, but a small amount won't hurt you; however, it will make you have the most peaceful sleep. Sip it slowly to enjoy it," she advised. She clicked his small glass in toast, and Waddie took a sip. It was sweet and delicious, but it had an after burn that made him feel warm as it went down his throat. He set his aside, told her it was wonderful, and thanked her for sharing her secret and the cordial. She smiled. Waddie told her about Mr. Uriel's visit to him and Gip the night of his uncle and aunt's wedding to confirm that Aunt Agatha was, indeed, sent to help him. The angel wanted to meet his brother, Gip, and because Gip was willing to understand why Waddie couldn't tell him about what Aunt Agatha knew about his birthmark, God told the angel to give him permission to tell Gip so Waddie would have a close friend at home to help him. Aunt Agatha was agog. She knew he was telling her the truth, especially when he said the angel told Gip, since he would know what Aunt Agatha already knew, he could come with Waddie to visit if his parents would allow him to. Gip asked his parents, but they felt Waddie should have his first visit alone with his aunt.

"They are wise and good people, Waddie, I could tell by their son. He has a good heart and a strong soul. You couldn't have a finer young man for a friend and brother," Agatha declared.

"I'm glad I have this opportunity to be alone with you, because there are some things Gip doesn't know and maybe doesn't need to know, but I need to share with you. Things you would understand and give me advice about," Waddie said.

"I don't make it a habit of giving advice. I usually discuss options a person might have and expect them to choose the best option for themselves. I have no doubt you will choose the right options for you. What sort of thing do you have to share with me, dear?" Agatha asked.

"One isn't nice Aunt Agatha, and you're going to be disappointed when I tell you; perhaps, even cry but it's all right, I'll understand," Waddie said with remorse. Agatha looked at her grandnephew with great love in her eyes at his innocent compassion for her.

"What could be so bad, my child?" Agatha asked.

"Aunt Linda won't be able to have any more children," Waddie said quietly.

"Oh, Lord in heaven. Dear God. You're so right, my dear," Aunt Agatha said as she wiped a tear away, "That is devastating news, and it will be so painful for her, but eventually, she'll have you. Do you think this is God's punishment for going against her husband's wishes? Has anything been said, Waddie?" Agatha asked as many questions rushed through her mind.

"No, ma'am. She don't know yet, and won't until our doctor tells her. I get the feeling God wants all of her devotion and Uncle Buck's as well to be given to me and my brother. It also has something to do with them playing a larger role in the community as understanding people who wanted something out of life and only got it as a miracle. I never ask for that Aunt Agatha. It was none of my doing," Waddie said with remorse.

"No. Of course you didn't, dear, I know you didn't. I can understand how you might wonder, but it's not your fault. We may never know the reason, but it's not ours to question," Agatha consoled her nephew.

"I'd love to have a little brother or sister but in a way, I will have anyway," Waddie said.

"You mean with your brother, Gip?" Agatha asked.

"No, ma'am, not exactly. Gip is my brother. Mr. Uriel done told us God himself declared it so and you can't get no higher authority than that. I'm talking about the future. Morgan Lovejoy's wife, who hates me, will have two children my tenth and twelfth year, a boy and a girl, and they can't be by my dad because he's like a mule. He can't have no children," Waddie revealed to his great aunt.

"Oh, my Lord, child, does it get any worse?" Agatha asked in awe.

"Yes, ma'am," Waddie said sadly.

"Don't tell me anymore for right now. We have lots of time to go into other things, but let’s take a couple at a time. Let's discuss how you feel and what you anticipate will happen," she urged.

Aunt Agatha and Waddie talked for a couple of hours. Waddie made sure he only sipped a tiny bit of the cherry cordial at a time. It had its desired effect, he could barely hold his eyes open. Aunt Agatha took him to his bedroom and asked him if he needed help getting ready for bed. Waddie was so loose he decided it might be a good idea. He had no inhibitions, and Aunt Agatha seemed to revel in taking care of him. The little boy in him secretly enjoyed Aunt Agatha's attention. He even showed Aunt Agatha his cowboy boot birthmark. She was impressed it really did look just like a cowboy boot. When Aunt Agatha got a look at his not so little member she chuckled. "According to my niece and certain intimate details she's shared with me about her husband, I'd say you are definitely your father's son, young man." They giggled together. Aunt Agatha tucked him in and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Sleep well, dear. I'm so glad you came. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow," she said as she kissed him and tucked him in for the night.

"Goodnight, Aunt Agatha. It's good to be here. I love you, Aunt Agatha," Waddie said.

"And I surely love you as well, my handsome cowboy," Agatha replied.

Agatha had each day scheduled with entertainment, and it was always different. The next to last day she surprised Waddie. She told him to put on his cowboy clothes, they were going someplace special. Matronly Aunt Agatha took her nephew, with her two bored daughters, to the Ft. Worth Rodeo and fat stock show. Waddie explained a lot of things to Aunt Agatha and helped make her taking him all the more enjoyable for her.

"Am I going to come to this rodeo someday and see you and your brother walk away with first prize in team roping, young man?" Agatha asked.

"If God has it in mind for us, Aunt Agatha, I shore’ would like to, and with you pray’n for us we've almost won already," Waddie declared. That got the young cowboy an extra hug and a kiss. It was all the thanks Aunt Agatha needed for taking him to the rodeo.

Waddie spent a wonderful week with Aunt Agatha and talked through many things. She didn't tell him what to do. She discussed every possibility with him and left him with a number of options for each situation. Agatha became so enamored of Waddie she did something she only allowed one other child in her life to do. She told Waddie it would please her very much if he wished to call her Auntie Boo. Waddie returned home with much to tell of the fun and good times with his aunt. He was careful not to use the pet name he'd graciously been allowed to call Agatha around his Aunt Linda Sue. She had many question and ask how he liked her Auntie Boo. Buck, Linda Sue, Dad Dan, and Momma Sue marveled at his maturity after his visit with Aunt Agatha. It was like Waddie was transformed.

Gip commented to him in private how much more mature he seemed. Buck had his little buddy back again, and Waddie began to invest his love back into the people he loved most in his world; Buck, Linda Sue, Gip, Dad Dan, Momma Sue, and Morgan; oh, yes, and his beloved Quinton, too. After his visit with his Aunt Agatha, Waddie knew no matter what happened he had a rock out there he could call collect and talk with anytime he pleased. He didn't call often, but when he did, his Auntie Boo was overjoyed to hear from him. God sent him a beacon in the night, a rock to tether his heart and soul to, a close friend and confidant, his Auntie Boo.

Waddie didn't tell anyone but Gip about Aunt Agatha’s cordial. Agatha gave him permission to tell only him about the small glass of cherry cordial she allowed him every evening after supper. He loved it, and thought it was like a secret club initiation rite. It bonded the two of them in a personal troth of friendship. It also made Waddie have some of the nastiest dreams about his brother and Quinton. One evening he shared with Gip what he dreamed they did to poor Quinton, and Gip had to masturbate twice while Waddie told him his dream again. Waddie let his brother jack him off as he told it one last time. Gip remembered the dream for years. Gip made Waddie tell it to him many times as they jacked each other off. He begged Waddie for them to do to Quinton what he dreamed. Waddie loved and respected Quinton, but there came a day when Quinton stepped over the line and the boys snapped. Gip finally got to realize Waddie's dream, but it was not for ten years after the dream. It happened as a spontaneous thing that wasn't planned. It was a gut reaction to Quinton crossing the line of the boy's patience.

* * * * * * *
Waddie's Dream ~ (Let your mind skip ahead to 1957 for this anecdote. The year of the classic finned Chevy Belair. The story will return to the 1940's beginning the next chapter)

The boys were sophomores in high school. They won every damn thing there was to win in the junior rodeo competitions, and they were so good they wouldn't let them compete anymore in the junior division. They were having to ride against the big guns. Uncle Quinton became their roping coach. He drilled the boys by the hour. Day after day until they had major saddle sores on their butts that really hurt. "Goddamn it!" Quinton would rail, "if you two wanna’ be the best cowboys, you gotta’ practice 'til you get it right. I don't wanna’ hear about no damn saddle sores. Real cowboys don't never complain about a little ol' saddle sore. They'd be out there, rain or shine, round'n up them dogies. Now, let's do it again. Let's do it right this time. You, Gip! Trust yore’ pony, he's got more savvy ‘bout them critters than you or Waddie ever will. Waddie. Don't crowd yore’ brother when you make your catch, it only makes it harder on him to make his catch." Despite Quinton's put downs, Waddie and Gip had, indeed, become buckaroos by that time. They were long suffering, mostly without complaining, and took Quinton's harassing and haranguing stoically. Quinton loved them, and if they wanted to be first place, then, by God, he was going to push them until they were. He was the cowboy world's answer to a stage door mother, but pushy times ten.

Buck and Dan both tried to warn him. "You better ease up, Quinton. We know them boys. We's warning you for yore' own damn good. They'll take and take, but there comes a time when they won't take no more. If you ever see Waddie turn to his brother with a bored look on his face, and he looks like he's trying to suck something out of his teeth, run away as fast as you can; like yore' ass is on fire; like you's running for yore' gotdamn life, 'cause that's what you'll be doing. That's their signal to each other, 'Get him!' And, brother, you don't even want to be got by them two cowboys. They won't hurt you none, but they'll shore’ as hell put chu’ to the test. They'll embarrass the holy shit out a' you. Dan and me, we seen 'em in action. We're tell'n ya', them boys ain't to be fucked with. They got a wicked sense of humor and justice you don't even wanna' know about," Buck tried to warn his deputy.

"Aww, they're good boys. They tell me all the time how much they appreciate me pushing `em. They love me. Them boys wouldn't do nothing to me," Quinton boasted.

Buck slapped his leg. He and Dan were holding each other laughing at Quinton with tears rolling down their cheeks. "Quinton, you hard headed sum' bitch, we’s trying to warn you. You're pushing them boys too damn hard. You're my deputy, and I want you at work come Monday morning," Buck told him still laughing, "We seen 'em in action, brother, and take it from me, I wouldn't push ‘em so hard if’n I's you. You better listen to Dan and me. You got 'em right on the breaking point. They can be stoic and as long suffer'n as any ranch hand, but we know our boys. We've watched it happen to a lot bigger men than you," Buck added still laughing his ass off knowing what was going to happen. Quinton wasn't going to listen to them. Buck and Dan might as well been pissing in the wind. Buck just looked at Dan, shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

"He'll learn the hard way," Dan said still laughing, "Hope we're around 'cause they don't never plan it, it just snaps in 'em. I've seen that disgusted look come across Waddie's face. He’ll turn to Gip and barely smile, then look like he's trying to suck something out of his tooth, and whoever they're after don't stand a snowball's chance in hell of get'n away."

Buck and Dan made sure they were around the next several afternoons. They knew what was coming and wouldn't miss it for the world. The boys, Quinton, Morgan, Buck, and Dan built Dan a new barn down the other way from his other two barns. They built a complete rodeo arena and had bleachers on one side. They held several private rodeos there. It was perfect for the boys to practice. The far end of the arena was the back end of the barn. It was a hot West Texas afternoon, and Waddie and Gip were both wet from sweating. Their shirts were so wet they were keeping them cool. Quinton was in the middle of the arena flailing his arms about to make a point. The boys were on their ponies, leaning on their saddle horns, listening to same lecture they heard a hundered times or more. Quinton was going on and on and on. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah... blah!

Slowly, ever so slowly, Waddie turned to Gip with the most disgusted look on his face with just a hint of a grin. Gip looked at Waddie, smiled, and waited. He watched Waddie try to suck something out of his tooth, grinned, and nodded to his partner. Quinton saw the brief exchange and remembered too late what Buck and Dan warned him about several times. Quinton got a look of horror on his face, turned, and started to run. That was his first mistake. The ponies were trained to chase anything running. Waddie was on top of Quinton in nothing flat, riding header he dropped his rope around Quinton's shoulders, dallied his rope, and Geronimo backed up pulling the rope tight. Gip didn't miss either. He roped as heeler and caught both of Quinton's legs. Cochise started backing up and pulled Quinton off his feet. Quinton couldn't move because the ponies kept backing up and tightening the ropes. The boys jumped off their ponies and ran to Quinton. Waddie nodded to his brother and Gip had Quinton's feet tied. It took Waddie only a few minutes more to tie his hands behind his back.

Quinton began yelling at the top of his voice. "You ungrateful little monsters. You better turn me loose. When your dads come out here and find you doing this to me they's gonna' bust yore' butts. Lemme' loose, and we'll call it quits for today. Listen men, maybe I was pushin' a little too hard. Let's talk about this. You really don't wanna’ do this to yore’ ol' Uncle Quinton. You know how much I love you guys. How could you do this to your uncle? This ain't the cowboy way, men. C’moan guys, you had your laugh, now undo me and lemme' up. If'n you don't you ain't no cowboys." It was only then Quinton realized and understood what Buck and Dan tried to tell him, this wasn't playtime. The boys were serious. He reacted as any man might who didn't know exactly what his future might be a the moment. He hollered at the top of his voice. "HELP! DAN! BUCK!"

Waddie held out his hand to his brother, and Gip knew exactly what he wanted. Gip took his big, red bandanna out of his back pocket, and Waddie waded it to shove in Quinton's mouth to shut him up. Quinton kept his mouth closed tight. Gip reached down, grabbed his balls through his skin tight Wranglers and applied pressure. Quinton howled in pain and Waddie plugged his mouth. Waddie took another tether and tied it in place at the back of Quinton's head so he couldn't spit it out. Meanwhile, Buck and Dan heard the commotion and were laughing their asses off as they ran to corner of the barn to look into the arena. They knew what happened. Waddie got back on Geronimo, nodded to his brother and Gip took his catch rope off Quinton's boots. Gip ran to open the two big barn doors. Buck and Dan watched as Waddie slowly dragged Quinton into the barn behind Geronimo. Dan wanted to rush right in and watch.

"No. No. Let's give ‘em a few minutes. We can watch through these knot holes. When they get underway they won't care if we walk in and sit down. Hell, they wouldn't care if fifty people walked in; you wouldn't get 'em to stop no ways unless you pulled a gun and threatened them boys with their lives and I, for one, as sheriff of this here county ain't even gonna' scold 'em none. Quinton was duly warned, but he chose not to pay us no never-mind. S'far as the sheriff's concerned, he's got it coming,” Buck declared and laughed his ass off. The boys didn't see Dan or Buck when they dragged Quinton into the barn. They wouldn't have cared anyway. They figured Quinton was warned. He pushed them past their limit. Now Quinton was going to pay.

"There now, that ought a' gentle our love pig down a mite. Don'cha think, brother?" Waddie allowed and grinned at his partner.

"I'd say you were a pretty damn good wrangler when it comes to handling a big ornery porker like this one. What are we gonna' name our new love pig, brother?" Gip asked Waddie.

“How 'bout Passion Flower?" Waddie replied.

"Passion Flower? I like that a lot, big brother," Gip allowed and laughed. They were being so disrespectful to poor Quinton. Gip couldn't help laughing he thought the name was so funny. His brother could come up with some of the damnedest shit. Waddie could be funnier than his Uncle Buck, sometimes. "You think we'uns could get us some passion out a' this big boar," Gip drawled in a bored tone to his brother. Waddie broke up laughing over Gip's pun.

"Good one, bro, damn good," Waddie laughed, "We can sure give it the old cowboy try, Son," Waddie replied.

They strung Quinton up to a big hook the boys installed in the barn months before for just such an occasion should it arise. It was high enough Quinton was stretched but not uncomfortable. The boys took great delight in taking Quinton's boots off. They stood right in front of him passing one back and forth as they sniffed deep and long into the shaft of his boot. They weren't the least bit embarrassed or shy about their love for leather and boots. Both were wearing latigo leather working chaps. Waddie looked and pointed out the snake in Quinton's pants. "Damn, bro. That little green snake's just a' wiggling trying to get out of them tight jeans. You think he buys ‘em that tight or puts 'em on and sits in a tub of hot water to make 'um shrink?" Waddie asked.

"You mean they’s real? Hell, I thought they’s sprayed on him. Ain't never seen me no passionate pig with pants as tight as our Passion Flower wears ‘em. He's got ever’ cunt in town dripping, and them buns of his is enough to make any cowboy cry in his bunk at night. They look just ripe for eat’n," Gip pinched one of Quinton’s butt cheeks and then the other to make Quinton jump twice. "See, bro? They just be ripe enough. Wanna' see that again?" Gip asked.

"Sure, bro. Passion Flower won't mind," Waddie said and giggled. Gip pinched Quinton again on each ass cheek. Quinton jumped a foot each time and the boys went nuts laughing. "Damn, brother. I'd say he's ripe enough," Waddie declared, laughing at Gip pinching Quinton's ass, "The way that pig jumped, brother, I'd say he's pert-damn ripe," Waddie said pointing to Quinton's crotch.

"Damn, bro, look at that sum'bitch. Look how it's growing and wiggling to get out. Poor thing's gonna' strangle to death in them skin tight Wranglers," Gip giggled pointing to Quinton's crotch.

Dan and Buck were watching through knot holes and laughing their asses off at the boys. The boys took his other boot off and did the same with it, except this time, they sniffed it together and looked right in Quinton's eyes as they were doing it. Quinton was writhing making moaning sounds. "Now, just you settle down 'nair, Passion Flower, us pig wranglers'll take care of you in a minute. Us buckaroos know how to take care of a big boar," Waddie said like the ramrod in charge of the livestock. Gip broke up every time Waddie called Quinton, Passion Flower. He thought Waddie couldn't have picked a better name.

They flipped a coin to see who got to take his pants off. Gip won the toss and walked up to Quinton, undid his turkey platter rodeo belt buckle, undid his Wranglers and quickly lowered them to his knees. Then he pulled them off. Gip brought them around to Waddie and the two boys enjoyed sniffing Quinton's cowboy smells from his fresh hot pair of jeans. Right in front of Quinton they covered both their heads with his jeans and breathed deeply. Quinton watched as Waddie and Gip embraced for a long hot passionate kiss with Quinton's pants over their heads. Quinton suddenly felt left out and cheated. He didn't know why. Quinton watched them sniff and smell everything. His eyes keep getting bigger and bigger. Gip even sucked some of Quinton’s pre-come from the crotch of his pants. Quinton watched and his eyes went crazy as the boys watched his cock grow to maximum salute. The boys paid his penis no attention. Gip went around behind Quinton, turned around with his back to Quinton's back, reached down and pulled his left leg up between Gip's legs like a farrier about to shoe his pony. Waddie handed him one of Quinton's boots, and Gip put it back on. Waddie did the same with the other foot as Gip handed him Quinton's other boot.

Waddie took his big blue bandanna, folded it neatly, and tied it tight around Quinton's eyes so he couldn't see. Quinton struggled and looked at Waddie with a look so mean if it were a knife, it would've cut Waddie's throat. Then Quinton's demeanor turned to one of pleading. Waddie smiled at Quinton, put the bandanna over his eyes, and tied it in the back in a square knot. Waddie rammed his tongue in Quinton's ear. He tried to pull his head to the side away from Waddie. Waddie grabbed his head in both hands and planted a big kiss right on his cheek. Quinton tried to pull away again, but Waddie had hold of his head. Waddie turned, and saw Dad Dan and Buck standing in the side door of the barn. He motioned for them to have a seat and put his forefinger to his lips for them to be quiet. The men sat on bales of hay but were silently laughing their asses off.

"Gip, look who's here. You folks wanna' take a seat. Come on. Come on in. Have a seat. Gather 'round. We got room for all of you. Just pick you out a bale of hay to sit on. Anywhere is fine. Nice to see you folks. We's about ready to take care of a big boar, here. He's a wrangler what decided he wanted to become us buckaroo's love pig for the afternoon." Waddie was trying to make Quinton think there was a number of people in the barn. Buck and Dan were going crazy laughing. Waddie told them they could laugh out loud now. "Can you folks back there in back see okay?" Waddie asks the imaginary crowd. "Stand on some hay bales if'n you can't see. ‘At's right. ‘At's good." Gip went crazy laughing at his brother playing ringmaster. Tears were rolling down his face. Gip walked up behind Quinton and with the flat of his hand smacked him one, really hard, on his right butt cheek. Quinton jumped again and moaned real loud.

"Well, folks, my brother and me have named our passionate pig here, who is really just a big boar," much laugher from the two men, "We named him Passion Flower. Buck slapped his leg, and the four of them were doubled up with laughter. Gip then slapped Quinton's other ass cheek pretty hard. Smack!

"How many times have we begged this big boar to give us a little taste, brother?" Waddie said loudly to Gip.

"I lost count at a hun'nert, bro," Gip replied and laughed.

"Don't seem fair to me, a buckaroo's good looking as Passion Flower here should be so damn stingy with his goodies. What do you think, brother?" Waddie asked Gip. "I seen that perfect ass being waved in front of me as long's I can remember. It makes my mouth water sometimes just a' looking at it. Old Quinton walks by and my mouth starts to water like an idiot what c'ain't control his drool. We both begged him over and over again for a little taste of that fine look'n cowboy butt, but folks, do you think old Passion Fly’er, here, would give us even just a little taste? Nooo, he be saving it up for some reason. I think it's about time we took us what we want. Right, brother?" Waddie asked.

"I'd sure like me a big ole taste of deputy pig dick, brother," Gip laughed.

"Deputy pig dick? I like that, Bubba. Somehow it just fits our Passion Fly’er, here. You think we can make him whistle like a pig, brother?" Waddie asked shamelessly.

"He ain't too good at whistling, bro, but I've heard him grunt when he's eating. You'd swear it was a big ol' sow sitting next to ya.' We should just get him a trough." Waddie and Gip were having a good time while Quinton's cock was rock hard. Buck and Dan couldn't believe Quinton. He had to be enjoying it, or he wouldn't be so excited. The support beams in the barn were far enough apart to get a nice spread on a buckaroo's feet so his legs would be spread apart just enough to get to his back door with ease. They tied one of Quinton's boots to each post then stood back, looked, and admired their handy work.

"Now, brother, we got our new love pig shoed, you wanna’ have the honor of taming Passion Fly’er down a bit. Maybe taking a little of the spunk out of him."

The boys flipped a quarter, and Waddie won the toss. Waddie got on his knees in front, and Gip knelt behind Quinton. They both leaned forward to meet right under Quinton's crotch. His cock and balls were lying on Waddie's brush cut, and he and his brother kissed each other in a passionate kiss. Waddie started to tease Quinton's dick with kisses and his tongue; up and down and around. He moved to his balls, started to lick, clean, kiss and make love to the front. Gip shoved his head right in the crack of Quinton's ass almost lifting him off his feet. He held him suspended as he joined his brother in licking Quinton's balls from behind. Quinton was about to go out of his mind and started whimpering like a child. They continued until he had tears rolling down his face. Waddie stopped, grabbed Quinton's ass from behind and pulled forward for maximum exposure for his brother. Gip licked and cleaned the area between Quinton's balls and his asshole. He was driving Quinton mad, licking all around, kissing and cleaning. Quinton calmed down a bit until he felt Gip gently kiss his asshole. His body went limp as Gip began to suck, kiss, and thoroughly clean Quinton's hole. Gip suddenly stopped. Waddie was standing in front of Quinton.

"We's gonna' torture you like this until we hear you grunt like a real pig, Passion Fly’er. My brother and I will judge when you sound enough like a pig as to whether we's gonna’ give you any relief. Got ‘tat, buckaroo? The sooner you start sounding like a pig, the quicker you get down from there. And, we're gonna' make you do it over and over until you get it right, Passion Fly’er. You wanna' be the best love pig you can be, ya' gotta' work for it. You gotta' sound like a love pig. You gotta' make us pig wranglers believe you's a real pig." Quinton didn't respond and Waddie laughed. Gip laughed too. Buck and Dan were holding each other from laughter.

"Hey, brother. You wanna' taste of deputy pig dick? Might be to your liking. I always heard pigs got little dicks, but old Passion Fly’er here, our big boar, he's got his'self a right nice mouth full. It tastes a little like a pork roll," Waddie claimed and the boys laugh. Buck and Dan were going nuts laughing at boys having their fun with poor Quinton.

"Yeah, I kinda like pork roll, brother. Lemme' git ma'self a big ol' taste a that deputy pig dick. You wanna' get chore’self a taste of this stingy pig's butt?"

"Believe I will, Son. I've always love pork butt. I think I'd like to get me a taste of that stingy buckaroo butt, pardner. Thanks for the offer, bro. Wonder when we's gonna' hear him grunt like a pig?" Waddie said. Waddie was making love to Quinton's ass and really got into it. The more he did the more Quinton tried to get away from his unrelenting mouth and tongue. Gip was teasing Quinton's shaft. It didn't take too long before the boys thought they heard Quinton try to grunt like a pig.

"Did you hear something that resembled a pig grunting, brother?" Waddie asked, laughed, and looked around Quinton to smile at Dan and Buck, who were enjoying the show. Buck pulled his cock out of his Wranglers and was playing with himself. When Dan saw Buck playing with himself he couldn't get his out fast enough. They laughed at each other.

"Why, no, brother, sounded more like a wounded turkey to me," Gip replied to Waddie's question.

The boys went back to their torture only to hear Quinton try harder to grunt like a pig.

"I could a' sworn that one sounded a little like a pig, but I ain’t real sure. I ain’t quite satisfied it came from the heart, how ‘bout chu,’ brother?" Waddie asked.

"Couldn't agree with you more, bubba. What I'd really like to hear is a big old sow just a' knowing she was about to get fucked by a big boar, but it has to be with a great deal of heart, brother. She has to really convince us she's in love and really wants that big boar's prick," Gip said and the boys laughed.

After they had poor Quinton about to go out of his skull the boys decide to change back with Waddie in front of Quinton and Gip in the back. They went back to sucking and kissing until Quinton was crying and really trying to sound like a sow in heat about ready to get mounted; a deep, gutteral sound. Buck and Dan were laughing their asses off at Quinton grunting like a pig. They warned him. Waddie reached up and undid the bandanna over Quinton's eyes. Quinton saw Dan and Buck laughing like crazy and jacking off. His eyes rolled back in his head as he turned the deepest shade of red. He was embarrassed beyond belief, but it didn't cause him to lose his erection. Waddie gave Gip the sign, and Gip ran his tongue as far up Quinton's butthole as he could get it. Waddie took Quinton all the way down his throat until Quinton's pubes were tight against his lips. He held it down as Quinton shoved back against Gip's tongue once, twice, and the third time tried to bite Gip's tongue off with his ass as he began to shoot into Waddie's mouth his pent up load. They kept it up until Quinton went limp. Gip came from behind, Waddie took him in an embrace right in front of Quinton, and released about half of Quinton's cowboy cream to him. Quinton watched as Waddie withdrew from Gip's mouth so Quinton could see his stolen come dropping into Gip's mouth.

"Hey, Guys, save a little for me," Buck bellowed.

"Me, too," Dad Dan said.

Waddie walked to Dad Dan with a smile on his face and shared a little with him. Gip went to Buck and shared his with him. Buck and Dan shot their loads all over the place. Then they roared with laughter with the boys at the sight of poor Quinton strung up like a porker. The boys let Quinton down and held him as he collapsed into their arms. They took the rag from his mouth, but he didn't say a word as they lay there making love to him. Gip cleaned his penis while Waddie was letting Quinton drink deeply of his love. Gip moved back up to be held in Quinton's other arm and traded places with his brother as Waddie undid Quinton's hands. Quinton put his arms around them and pulled them into him as close as he could get them.

Quinton finally spoke. "You lovable little bastards, if I weren't so drained and satisfied, I'd bend both you bad boys over my knee and spank you good," he growled.

"We's kinda hoping you would, cowboy," Gip said laughing and nibbling Quinton’s ear. Buck only laughed harder. Dan couldn't laugh any more, he was sore all over he laughed so much.

"Yeah, Uncle Quinton, take your time, catch your breath, make a little more love, and I just know you can find it in your heart to punish a couple of young cowboys for making you their afternoon love pig," Waddie said and roared with laughter.

"Fuck no, if I punish you, ya’ll might never do it again," Quinton replied.

* * * * * * *
Gip and Waddie did some terrible things to the poor man over the years. Once, at big rodeo Gip found a plastic cup full of kerosene, poured it down the back of Quinton's jeans and Waddie touched him off. You never saw a buckaroo get out of a tight pair of jeans faster in your life. Poor Quinton was standing stark naked in front of hundreds of people chasing Waddie and Gip around the arena waving his flaming pants about threatening them with their lives. The crowd thought it was part of the show. Even though the boys pulled some awful practical jokes on the man he had a heart of twenty-four carat gold and loved the boys without condition. They returned his love in kind. For all their bullshit, there was no man they loved more than their Uncle Quinton.

End Chapter 7 ~ Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright © 2004/2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All rights reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 12/29/2012
WC 17658