cpc_08

Cabbage Patch Cowboy

By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 8

1946-1947

August flew by all too quickly. The complete month was magic for Waddie and Gip. Waddie was happy living with Buck and Linda Sue. Gip and Waddie would swap nights between their two homes. Most of their weekends they spent at the Justins. Dad Dan loved having the boys around because they kept him company, and they were a great help to him. When they were there the boys would put the stock away and feed. The next morning, Dan would find the barn clean, swept, and all tack carefully put away. He never needed to correct the boys or ask them to do something better. They learned the way he liked things done and were going to see to it they were done that way. Most times he'd go out with them to help because he loved the boy's company. Waddie and Gip didn't try to exclude him or Buck from their closeness. In fact, the boys encouraged the two men to share as much time with them as they could.

Waddie adored Dad Dan and was sexually turned on by him, big time. Waddie laughed and told his brother when they were working with Dan it was all he could do to keep from reaching over and biting Dad Dan's butt. He laughed telling Gip, and he wondered what it would taste like. Gip had to admit his dad had a nice set of buns, and he caught Uncle Buck admiring them more than once. Waddie agreed. Not too long after their conversation the four of them were working together, Dad Dan was bent over doing something, and the boys caught Buck looking at Dan's ass. To make the boys laugh, he got a pained expression on his face and bit his knuckles. Gip and Waddie doubled up with laughter, but poor Dan didn't have a clue.

Gip proceeded to tell Waddie he had some pretty nasty dreams about Uncle Buck. Once again Waddie laughed and told him they probably weren't as nasty as his. Waddie told Gip about sleeping with Buck's boot over his head. Gip laughed in empathy for a week or more every time he thought about it. He remembered how much he missed Buck the first night after the wedding. Other times he spent with Waddie it was hard for Gip as well. He could only imagine what it must be like for his brother. Waddie had inventive ideas Gip never thought about but found fascinating. Once Waddie introduced him to a new idea, it might take him a while, but usually, he was eager to try it.

The next time the boys went to the Claymore's for Sunday dinner, Gip couldn't wait to get upstairs to Buck's room and pull Buck's big boot over his head. He thought it was wonderful. He begged Waddie to jack him off while he wore it over his head. Then the two of them would look at each other and breakup knowing what the other was thinking. Dad Dan and Buck didn't have a clue. One afternoon, Dan caught the boys in his closet and wanted to know what they were doing in there. They told him they were admiring his boots. Dan told Buck who couldn't stop laughing. He told Dan the boys paid him a great compliment. "Paid me a compliment? I don't understand," Dan said.

"First of all, they didn't lie to you. They were admiring your boots. What they didn't tell you was they were sniffing each one to enjoy your smell. Every man has his own unique smell. It ain’t bad, but each man has his own signature odor. They love you deeply, and they find you a sexual turn on. Your smell is sexually exciting to them, it turns them on, and they get erections from it. It's part of a kid wanting to be like his dad. I used to do the same thing to my dad's boots. Waddie crawls up in my lap every now and then, takes a deep breath, and I know what he's doing. He's smelling me. He loves me, and he ain't shy about it. He'll tell me, 'Damn, you smell good today, Uncle Buck, I hope I smell that good someday.' Sometimes he'll get his nose as close to my arm pit as he can to smell me, and loves it. His cock gets hard every time. He's not even embarrassed anymore. I'll look down at his boner and ask him, "I smell that good to you today?" He'll tell me, "Pert-damn good Uncle Buck, look how hard that damn thing is." Then we'll both laugh. Before I married Linda Sue, the little shit would beg me not to shower in a evening so's he could breathe in my smells all night. His dick would stay hard all night long. I used to do the same damn thing with my old man. You know what? My old man's smell can still make me pop a boner today.”

Dan laughed, but he couldn't understand because he never was close to his dad. His dad never let Dan sleep in the same bed with him. He certainly never held his boy enough for him to ever get a smell of his man scent. He kept Dan at arm’s length all his life. Dan could never remember ever hugging his dad. He never remembered his dad kissing him. He never remembered sitting in his dad's lap. He still had dreams of a bigger man holding him in his arms. Sometimes it bothered him because he found himself longing to feel Buck's arms around him. Not necessarily for sexual reasons, but he couldn't deny it crossed his mind. One afternoon in the barn the two men took their boots off for some reason, and Buck handed Dan one of his. Dan looked at Buck kind of funny. He slowly began to understand why Buck gave it to him. Buck picked up one of Dan's boots and stuck it in his own face, smiled at Dan, and breathed deeply, held it, then let it out with a sigh.

"Don’t never underestimate them boys. They know what they’s doing. That's definitely your smell," Buck declared showing Dan his erection in his work pants. Dan broke up laughing, but he was fascinated. He had to try. He held Buck's big boot away from his face about a foot, then found himself putting it closer and closer to his face until his head was halfway in. He pulled away, looked at Buck sheepishly, and smiled funny. He looked down at his wranglers, and he was roaring hard. Buck laughed his ass off. Dan understood. He never questioned the boys again when he caught them in his closet. He just smiled and shook his head. His boys were enjoying themselves sniffing his boots. There was something sweet and bonding about that, he thought. Buck was right, it was a big compliment.

Dad Dan surprised the shit out of the boys one afternoon when the boys were working their butts off mucking out stalls. Momma Sue brought them out a big pitcher of lemonade and three mason jars. The men took a break, and Waddie knew something was on Dad Dan's mind. He looked at the boys sitting as close together as they could so they could touch each other. Waddie always had his arm draped over his little brother's shoulder, and Gip's arm was always around Waddie's waist. "Don't want to frighten you boys, but I wanna’ ask you a question. I know you'll tell me the truth, but I want you to know if the answer's 'yes,' I'll understand. Don't be afraid to tell me the truth, 'cause nothing's gonna' happen. You boys been playing around with each other?" he asked.

Gip almost panicked and looked to his big brother for a lead. Without breathing Waddie answered Dad Dan. "Yes, sir, Dad Dan. I love Gip and he loves me. He's my buddy, my little brother. I love to make him feel good when I can, and sometime he makes me feel good," Waddie said.

Gip jumped in but not with an apology. He was standing up with his brother. "What Waddie says is true, Dad. I was afraid to tell you, but I'm glad my brother did. He provides me with a great deal of comfort and I try to do the same for him," Gip said.

"Don't never be afraid to tell me anything, Son. You men were right to tell me the truth. That's fine, there ain't no problem. It's natural for two young boys who care as much about each other as you do to experiment with sex with one another. That's the way you learn about sex. As you get older you'll probably grow out of it, or you may not. Some men hold on to both. Either way, I ain't gonna' love either one of you any less than I do right this minute, understand?"

"Yes, sir, Dad Dan, we understand and to be honest we're kinda glad you asked. It makes us feel better you knowing. At least with you knowing we don't have to feel like we's keeping something from you. 'Cause if you walked in on us and we were, well, you know, you wouldn't get upset and yell at us. That would really be embarrassing. Gip and I talked about it, and it would hurt us real bad if we ever embarrassed you or Uncle Buck," Waddie said with relief. He could feel Gip melting next to him and putting his arm tighter around him.

"That's a good point, Son, and I'm glad to hear it. I thought it might make you two feel a little more comfortable if I let you know you ain't gonna' get punished or yelled at. That's one reason I asked. The other reason is, if you come around a corner and find yore' Uncle Buck and me in an embrace, we expect you to give us the same courtesy we allow you men. I know Buck has set up certain courtesy rules about your privacy in your bedroom, Waddie. Those rules make a lot of sense to me. So, Gip, when you and Waddie are here, together, no one will come into your room until we've knocked and waited for you to tell us it's okay to enter.

Now, if you catch Buck and me kissing or hugging it's 'cause we love each other. Don't mean we love our wives less, it's just another form of love. Love is love, men. The problem with the world is some little people wanna' try to tell you the only acceptable way to express love is the way they tell you. God never told them folks that. He don't care what form love takes as long as it's beneficial to both and don't hurt no one else. It ain't gonna' hurt nobody as long as you men keep it to yourselves," Dan said.

"No problem for Gip and me, Dad Dan. You ain't telling us something we don't already know and have for sometime. We know you and Uncle Buck love each other. We already been keeping your secret," Waddie said and grinned.

"What'd ya' mean, Waddie?" Dan asked. He knew the minute he asked the question, he should've thought about it first. You never want to ask a kid a loaded question unless you're ready for the answer.

"We done caught cha'll already. We were in the hayloft taking a nap the afternoon you and Uncle Buck decided to give each other a blow job in the old barn."

Dan dropped his head in his hand and shook it while laughing silently. Gip and Waddie were rolling in the hay, laughing, holding their bellies and pointing at the look on Dad Dan's face. It was a look of surprise and chagrin. He was red as a beet, amused, and somewhat pleased with the boys for getting such a giggle from it, but not being negative or judgmental. Dan was a big enough man to know when to admit defeat. He knew he deserved it, because, damn it, he and Buck should've been more careful, but in a moment of passion, when you have an enormous, six foot six, good looking cowboy, with very possibly the biggest cock in the county, holding you in his arms, looking deep into your eyes, kisses you gently, lays his soul bear to you, whispers tenderly he wants you and offers himself in return, what's a buckaroo to do? Dan started laughing at himself and at the boys laughing.

"And you never would've said a word to me or Buck?" Dan said somewhat astounded.

"Never, Dad. It was your and Uncle Buck's business, t'weren't none of ours. To be honest we were moved two men we love as much as you and Uncle Buck ain't afraid to share a little love. We'd never embarrass you or Uncle Buck, but since you brought it up, I poked Waddie in the ribs to tell you. It made us so hot we lay in the hayloft and jacked each other off three times," he said. The boys started laughing again.

Dan was laughing. "God, I love you boys. You never cease to amaze me. Wait 'til I tell Buck, he'll shit his pants," Dan said.

"Maybe you shouldn't tell him, Dad Dan. Gip and I don't wanna' have to muck out another stall," Waddie said, winked at Dad Dan, and smiled. It took Dan a minute to get the joke, then he and Gip held each other laughing.

"Good point, Son. Okay then, I don't need to say another word to you men. If we walk in and catch you guys, just keep on doing what you're doing. ‘Course since you men watched us, the least you can do is let us watch you," Dad Dan said and laughed again. He grabbed the boys and hugged them. "C'moan, let's get this done and get cleaned up. Yore’ aunt and uncle are coming for dinner," Dan said. Buck and Linda Sue no sooner arrived and said 'hello' to everyone when Dad Dan told Buck he had something in the barn he wanted to show him. The boys waited until they heard an explosion of laughter from Buck and Dan. Their laughter started Waddie and Gip laughing. The boys knew exactly why. Dan came to the door of the barn and motioned for the boys to join them. They ran into the barn to their Uncle Buck's waiting arms, and he kissed both of them.

"I know Dad Dan tells you he loves you, but he don't love you a whit more'n I do, you understand?" Buck asked.

"Yes, sir, Uncle Buck. We love you, too," Gip replied for both of them.

"So, you guy's had a ring side seat, huh?" Buck asked boldly but he knew better.

"Yes, sir, Uncle Buck. We thought Dad Dan gave you a much better blow job than you give him. We figure you owe him one," Waddie said officiously.

The two men didn't didn't see that one coming and started laughing. "Oh, dear God, something told me not to ask," Buck said and moaned.

"Well, you heard your nephew, Buck," Dan said.

"I can't argue with that, Dan. Seems like you get a re-ride, cowboy. The judge's decision is final," Buck declared. They shared a laugh.

"After dinner?" Dan asked Buck.

"Sounds good to me, cowboy," Buck replied. Ain't nothing better than a little Buckaroo Delight for dessert. There were gales of laughter from the barn.

Over the years, the same situation happened several times and Buck and Dan would hear, "Dad, Uncle Buck, we're up here. Let us get out of here if ya'll want some privacy," one of the boys would holler.

Buck would look at Dan. Dan would shrug and nod to Buck. "Aww, we don't give a shit. Nothing you ain't never seen before," Buck would holler in return.

The boys would come down and get themselves a hay bale close to the door so's they could keep watch nobody was heading for the barn. The boys saved Buck and Dan's asses a couple of times. Buck took special care to make damn sure he gave as good as he got. That only made the four of them closer. The boys kept their secrets neither man could pry from them. They never tried. They respected the boys needed certain areas for themselves they couldn't go into. Waddie told Gip it was all right for him to share with his parents, Linda Sue, and Buck about the visit from Waddie's angel, Mr. Uriel. Gip didn't do it until a while after Waddie moved in with his aunt and uncle. The boys told Buck and were going to tell the others, but they forgot about it. They were sharing Sunday dinner at the Justin's. Linda Sue and Momma Sue fixed a wonderful meal. They were eating outside under a big oak tree in the Justin's back area. There was a barbecue pit and several picnic tables. They were sitting around one table.

"J'ever tell yore’ parents about meeting Mr. Uriel, Gip?" Buck casually asked Gip. Dan and Jimmy Sue shot a look of surprise at Buck, because Gip didn't say a word to them about any experience with Waddie's angel.

"Naw, sir, Uncle Buck. Waddie and I talked about it, but I didn't wanna’ alarm them or have them think Waddie and I's crazy making up stuff," Gip held his hand up to his parents who's mouths dropped open to indicate letting him finish, "When Waddie told me about his angel I believed him, but I always thought maybe he might a' just imagined it or dreamed he spoke with an angel. I know people tell you they believe you but probably always wonder. After that experience, I'll never doubt my brother's word again. Even the angel told me Waddie would never lie to me or betray my trust. I believe the angel, and I believe my brother," Gip replied.

"I wouldn't wonder whether you imagined it, Son," Buck said, "That angel saved my life, and I know for a fact he was riding shotgun in my truck going home the first day we come out here to meet you. I think your parents would have no problem believing you either. Dad Dan knows you boys wouldn't lie to us."

"In Gip's defense," Waddie said, "we wanted to tell ya'll at the same time, but to be honest, as time went by, we got busy and jes’ plumb forgot about it. Gip always had the intentions of telling you, but he wanted to wait until all four of you were together. Guess now's as good a time as any."

"I'm sorry, Dad, Mom, Aunt Linda. Waddie's right, I was gonna' tell ya'll, but until Uncle Buck brought it up, we just forgot. I apologize. Forgive us?" Gip asked.

"Ain't nothing to forgive," Dan said, "Of course we'll believe you, Son. No harm done. We forget stuff all the time, and you boys had a non-stop schedule since yore' birthdays."

Gip told the story exactly as it happened and asked Waddie to interrupt him if he made a mistake or left anything out. He didn't tell some of the things about Aunt Agatha knowing anything. He and Waddie discussed it before and decided it might cause more questions than they or Aunt Agatha were prepared to deal with. Waddie didn't even tell Buck the whole story of Gip and his encounter with the angel. Gip made it a point to tell his family God declared him and Waddie were brothers. Gip finished and went on eating his dinner. The adults were quiet. No one spoke. They were waiting for Dan to say something.

"Son, we believe you and your brother. We're thrilled the angel allowed Waddie to share with you. Whatever the secrets it'll help him knowing his brother shares the knowledge. That can mean a lot to a man. Why, old Buck and I share a few secrets, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out your mom and Aunt Linda Sue share a couple they keep to themselves. Friends do that, brothers especially. It just impresses the hell out of me God found you worthy and believes in you enough to share Waddie's secret. That's the most important thing to me. It's almost like God saying you're a good boy who can be trusted by anyone. That makes your mom and I very happy and proud of you," Dan said.

"It sure does, sweetheart," Momma Sue added.

"I agree with Dan, no matter what secrets you share, it's what the angel told you about each other what most impressed me. You, honey?" Buck looked at Linda Sue.

"Absolutely, Gip. You, too, Waddie," Linda Sue replied.

"I can tell you boys one damn thing. Watch Dan from now on, I doubt you'll see his feet touch the ground when he walks," Buck laughed, "Funnier yet, I'll probably be floating right along behind him. You might have to take us by our shirt tails and pull us back down to the ground." The boys laughed at Buck's nonsense.

"He's probably right, guys. You two make me s’damn proud I don't know what to do sometimes." Dan stood up and spoke two cojoined words to them, "Com’mer." The boys got up and hugged Dad Dan together. Dan couldn't hold back the tears and didn't try. He felt so much love for them he couldn't hold it back. Buck was next. He wanted his fair share.

* * * * * * *
Morgan began to spend more time with Waddie. They were doing things together and with Buck. Waddie asked Gip to join them sometimes but not every time he saw Morgan. Gip knew why. Waddie was trying to protect him against the folks in Morgan's house, and while he wanted to be there for his brother, he appreciated his position. Waddie admitted to Buck his love for Morgan began to grown again. He felt a little more secure, but as time neared for Waddie to go back to Morgan's house, Morgan began to ignore Waddie's request to change some things. Waddie could see he was lapsing back into the old dad he couldn't talk to. It was going to be Morgan's way. Waddie had a few surprises for him. He thought of a test for Morgan to see if he was really trying to change. "Before I come back, I want a good lock installed on my bedroom door. I don't care if you and Uncle Buck have a key, but if they threw all my things away I want to know my stuff is still gonna' be there if I spend several days away. Willie used to barge into my room, take anything he wanted, and threaten to kill me if I told on him. I don't want that to happen again. I won't take no more shit off him," Waddie said with considerable disgust. Morgan looked at Buck and Linda Sue.

"He threatened to kill you, Waddie?" he asked like he didn't believe the boy.

"He certainly did, more'n once," Waddie replied looking Morgan directly in the eye daring him to suggest he was lying. Morgan knew if he did, Waddie wouldn't come home with him at the end of August.

"Well, he's locked you out of his room all these years. I don't think a lock on yore’ door's an unreasonable request, especially if Willie threatened you with murder," Morgan allowed.

"Not, 'if,' Morgan, 'since.' Waddie don't lie. He ain't never lied to me, and I don't believe he's ever lied to you either," Buck got pissed and stomped out the back door slamming the screen door behind him. He could see where this was headed, and he didn't like it a bit. He wished Waddie would just refuse to go back with Morgan. He felt sure he could get custody of Waddie with Dr. Dyer's help. Morgan and Judy's track record of child care wouldn't be too difficult to prove lacking. The entire town would support Buck. The whole circumstance made Buck think more than ever about running for sheriff. How many other kids or adults out there were in similar circumstances and afraid for their lives? He would no longer sit idly by and let an incompetent, money grubbing, almost senile, nincompoop be sheriff of the county and town he loved. He may not know much about being a sheriff, but he knew the folks would give him time to learn. It would also put him in a position of unquestioned power that would make that little cocksucker, Willie, think twice before messing with Waddie. Buck liked Waddie's request to have a good lock installed on his bedroom door. In fact, Buck offered to buy it and install it himself. He feared the worst for the boy he came to love so much.

"Dad, I will answer only to you in that house. I will not obey or even give Judy the time of day. I refuse to be her little slave and do her chores while Willie sits on his ass sneering at me 'cause I have to do ‘em, and he don't. I don't expect to get anything from her anyway. I never have, why would this time be any different?" Waddie asked.

"Now, Waddie, she's yore’ ma, and you have to obey her," Morgan replied sternly.

"No I don't. Why should I agree to some'um stupid like that when you're lying to me, Dad. You know damn well you're sitting there telling me a bald face lie. She ain't my mother, and you know it. What a hypocrite. You'd take me to the barn and beat me until you shot in your pants if I told you a lie like that. The only difference is, I ain't big enought to beat the shit out a' you to make you admit you's telling a lie. A real mother wouldn't throw out her kid's clothes a couple of days after he went to a hospital. T'weren't Judy what threw them out noways. It was that miserable asshole Willie what done it and Judy claimed she done it to cover for him. Either way, she's just as guitly as him. I may be six years old, Dad, but I ain't no fool. Lemme' tell you how it's gonna' be. I ain't coming back to that house and have to answer to her about nothing. I won't tell her where I'm going, and I don't want her asking me any questions. If I leave the house, it's none of their damn business where I go or what I do. S'far as I's concerned, you's the only family I got living there. They ain't my family," Waddie said strongly.

"You know, I could just make you come home on my terms," Morgan threatened.

Waddie looked at Morgan like he was stunned. He couldn't believe Morgan would take that tact with him after what he went through. Waddie couldn't help himself, he laughed at Morgan. "I don't think so, Dad. In fact, you're bluffing, and you know it. I watched you play poker at Uncle Buck's, and you ain't good at bluffing. You might as well have yore' hand written on your face. Don't embarrass yourself by making me call your bluff. You know you won't win. You know damn well, I could walk out that door, walk to Dr. Dyer's house, knock on his door, tell him I'm afraid for my life at yore’ place, which is no lie, and ask for placement. I'd either be placed with Buck and Aunt Linda, Ma and Pa Lovejoy, or even Ma and Pa Claymore. That would be better'n having to do anything Judy told me to do. Besides that, you lied to me again. You told me you wouldn't force me to come back if'n I didn't want to. The 'only' reason I'll come back to that house is for you, Dad, and not a bit for them. I ain’t the same kid who wanted to die rather than not have you love him enough to believe in him. I didn't want to live no more if it meant I had to have them bastards for family, and you, Dad, are the one who damn near let me die. You're asking a hell of a lot of me to even trust you anymore.

"You tell me you love me, but I'm beginning to think that's also a lie. You couldn't care very much to let me lie there, alone, at the bottom of a dark closet dying while you held onto your insane belief I'd come around to yore’ way a' thinking. Well, Dad, I didn't, and I damn near died. I won't let you or anyone ever put me in that position again. If you don't love me enough to protect me from them bastards, then I damn shore’ will, and I have people who will back me up. I got people who love me now, Dad. I ain’t alone in the world no more. I know what it is to be loved, and I didn't find it at that place you call home. There ain't no love in that hell you wanma' to take me back into. Bottom line, Dad, if you're really trying to change, you'll give up the idea they're a part of you and me. They ain't, Dad, and you know it. You keep pretending they's family and look what its cost you. If you don't love me enough to provide me with protection, then I ain't coming home. It's that simple, Dad," Waddie said.

"Well, we'll see..." Morgan said like he intended to have the last word on the matter.

"Yeah, you're damn right we'll see. I'll see it in writing with your signature witnessed by three adults you agree to my wishes or you won't have a son no more," Waddie challenged.

"You got pretty spoiled and cocky since you've been with Buck. He lets you get away with anything," Morgan said.

"That's a lie, Dad. There's a difference in being spoiled and a kid growing up to learn the first five years of his life was one giant lie 'cause he was living with three insane people and an impotent dad. If, by spoiling, you mean somebody show'd me love and ain't afraid to tell me they love me, yes, you're right, they spoil me ever’ damn day. They spoil me rotten. As far as Buck letting me get away with anything, I make damn sure I don't do nothing to make him need to correct me. Ain't done nothing bad since the first day we been together. Funny, I ain't got me one beat’n from Buck. I must be doing something right. I never did even one of them things you beat me for all them times. That ain't gonna' happen again either, Dad," Waddie said.

"You talk awful damn big for a six year old kid," Morgan replied.

"Them ain't my words, Dad. They’s coming from my angel through me. I hear words coming out my mouth I ain't never heard before. I don't even know what some of 'em mean, but you seem to. I'm too young to argue with you and make sense. My angel, he ain't as dumb as me, but he's a hell of a lot smarter than you. He knows more words than you and uses 'em better," Waddie said with a grin.

"You still hanging on to that crap? You talking to an angel?" Morgan demanded.

"It ain’t important whether you believe me, Dad, what's important is my safety and comfort if I agree to come home with you. If you want me, then you have to make some concession you were never willing to make before. If you don't make them now, you won't have no son. You'll be left with your make-believe family who just uses you and gives you nothing in return but an empty fantasy," Waddie said.

"Waddie, I'm your dad and you will do what I tell you," Morgan said in frustration.

Waddie broke up laughing. "You ain’t changed a bit, Dad. Y'ain't interested in what I got to say or how I feel. I ain't ending up at the bottom of that damn closet again for you and especially for them evil son’s of bitches. I tried to believe you just weren't thinking right to let me almost die. Now I don't think so no more, Dad. I think I was right all along. I don't think you really give a damn whether I lived or died -- just relieved to spare you the embarrassment," Waddie spurred Morgan.

"That's not true, Waddie, I do love you, but I'm your dad and you will mind me," Morgan said as a final statement.

"Is loving someone telling them you were ‘relieved’ they lived and didn't die? Is loving me want’n to put me back under the same conditions what put me in the hospital in the first place? You didn't kill me last time, Dad. What do you want, another chance? Is that why you want me back? You want to give them monsters you call family another chance to kill me? Seems like it to me. You tell me where the love is in that? I ain't gonna' argue with you no more, Dad. There ain’t no sense in arguing. You either agree to these things in writing, or I won't come back. It's that simple, Dad. Now please leave, I ain’t gonna’ talk with you about it no more. You gimme' your final ulimatum and I give you mine. You got some thinking to do. If I were to go back with you under your make believe family rules, I'd be dead in a month. I have people I love who I plan to live for. If you don't want me no more, they damn sure do. I'd rather live with Ma and Pa Lovejoy than you and them son’s of bitches under the conditions you wanna’ put on me. I won't give you or them another chance to kill me, Dad. If you come back with the same attitude and crap you're trying to scare me with, I won't talk to you. I'll have Buck take me to Doc Dyer's immediately, and I promise you, I'll never call you ‘dad’ again."

"Are you threatening me, Waddie?" Morgan sounded stern.

"Yes, Dad, I am. I don't wanna’ die. You ain’t gonna’ kill me. They ain’t going to kill me. I ain’t gonna’ let you let them kill me. Do you want to hear me say it again, Dad? Yes, it is a threat. It most definitely is a threat. I am threatening you, and I have the guns to back it up. Now, the question is, what the hell are you gonna' do about it?" Waddie asked as he rapped his nuckles on the table, got up, left the room and headed out the back door to be with Buck. He was so upset he was tempted to spill his guts to Buck, but he knew he couldn't. He didn't know where those words came from. He used words he never heard before. He didn't even know what they meant but obviously his dad did. Waddie knew where they came from. He was right, they came through him from his friend and protector, Mr. Uriel.

He stood up to his dad in ways he never would considered before he almost died on that closet floor. He wasn't particularly proud of himself, but he knew the words didn't come from him. Why? All of a sudden, Waddie knew why. They had an investment in him. They couldn't let anything happen to him, or it would disturb the way the universe was unfolding. If he chose not to come back, it would've unfolded another way, but since he did agree to come back it must unfold the way they showed him it would. The moment his Aunt Linda discovers he's her child will put everything back into normal position for unfolding for him and everyone around him. Buck held him as he cried in his buddy's big arms. Morgan was still sitting in the kitchen when Buck came back in and sat down. "He won't listen to a thing I say no more, Buck," Morgan said, more than a little frustrated.

"You're so wrong, brother. He listens to everything you say. He's waiting to hear you say you love him enough to listen to what he has to say. Seems to me like you're gonna’ have to go along with his requests. If you don't, brother, I don't blame him for not wanting to go back with you. The only reason he wants to is because he still loves you deeply. No matter the words what come out of him, I know that boy. He don't take love lightly, but I can guaran-damn-tee-ya' you're gonna' have to show some pretty convincing change to get him back. Lemme' tell you something, Morgan, I love that little shit like I ain't never loved nobody in my life. Forgive me, brother, but that includes you, and if I have to, I'll fight for him. That ain’t no threat, Morgan, it's a promise. It's a promise I made to him the night you called me to the hospital to be with him. I overheard most of the conversation from out there in the yard. If I was a judge, judging debates, I'd say the kid wiped the floor with yore' ass. As far as me spoiling him, he told you the truth. He gets loved in this home and from Dan, Gip, and Jimmy Sue. They'd take him in a minute, no questions asked, so would the Davenports.

"My parents adore him. Your parents would love to have him. The Tates have thrown their hat into the ring. They told Quinton he may soon become son number two if Waddie wanted to live with them. Quinton would love to have Waddie for a little brother. He's constantly working with them boys teaching them to rope. Dr. Dyer and his wife would take him in a minute, and of course, there's Linda Sue and me. We'd love to have him stay with us, and to be honest, we done everything but get down on our knees and begged him. He insists he has to go back to live with you because he loves you, and he's convinced you need him. The only way you'll get him back is to meet his needs so he feels safe. That ain't a whole hell of a lot to ask, Morgan. From what I've heard, his terms ain't that unreasonable. How could you expect that child to except anything your wife tells him. Just 'cause you say he has to? That's bullshit, and you know it. Would ju’ stick your head in a furnace, 'cause I said you have to? Would you, brother?" Buck asked pushing his point.

"No, but I'd expect a little more from my brother than that," Morgan replied.

"Yeah, well, Waddie has the same right to expect a little more from you after what he's been through. For Christ sake, Morgan, the kid never had a birthday party until this year," Buck slammed him. Morgan didn't refute it, "What do you expect of me, Morgan? Your brother is performing the duty you asked him to perform over a year ago. I'm that child's Godfather because you made it so. One of the roles of a Godparent is to step in if they see a child is in danger or being mistreated. Didn't you read the material the church gave you? I sure as hell did, and I talked with the pastor. I'm gonna' look out for what I think is Waddie's best interest, and if you don't try to protect him from those people, then I damn sure will.

"If I have to, I'll install a lock on his bedroom door myself. I'd sleep a hell of a lot better at night knowing he's locked away safely in his room. If you think that's turning against you then you should've considered that before you made me his Godfather. You knew I'd take the job seriously; I have and I will. If you think about it, brother, I'm doing it for you as well. That's the task you set before me when you asked me to be Waddie's Godfather. What'd ju’ expect? A token figure? You know me better'n ‘nat, Morgan. When I make a pledge to somebody I don't break it. I never broke my pledge to you in all these years, and I don't intend to break this one neither. If I don't fulfill the duty you set for me, I'd be breaking my pledge I made to you and Waddie to be his Godfather and protect him should he need it. If you feel you created a monster, it's of your own making.

"I'd think you'd be grateful to me for wanting to see to Waddie's best interest. I never know’d ju’ to be a selfish man, Morgan, but I'm beginning to think you changed so much I don't know who you are anymore. The boy and man I loved so deeply all these years don't seem to be a part of you today. Oh, and by the way, you're the first to hear this; not even Linda Sue knows. I've decided as of this very moment to run for sheriff against Harold Johnson. You know why, Morgan? To impress on that kid of yours, Willie, that Waddie's Godfather and uncle is the law in this here county, and should he look cross-eyed at that boy, I'll slap his Goddamn ass in jail and throw away the key," Buck said strongly.

Morgan left feeling defeated. He didn't want to admit to himself Buck and Waddie were right, but it was the only option he had if he wanted to get Waddie under his control again. That was his first mistake; thinking he had to control Waddie. Waddie operated just find with limited controls. He loved and respected the folks who were responsible for him the last eleven months. They respected him and simply expected him to do the right thing. He never betrayed anyone's trust.

* * * * * * *
"Waddie. Linda Sue. Get in here around the table," Buck bellowed to his small family. His wife and Godson came in and set down. "No -- his ain't right," Buck paused for a moment, "Darlin' could you and the cowboy fix up something for supper for the Justins as well. Would ju’ mind call’n and invite'n them over for supper, sweetheart? They need to be here for my announcement," Buck said.

"Sure, hon, we have plenty. My helper and I can always make a little more... right, sweetheart?" Linda Sue asked. Waddie smiled and nodded. "I'll call Jimmy Sue and see if they can come." Linda Sue went off to phone. Waddie didn't move. He continued to sit in his chair with a big grin on his face looking down into his lap.

Buck was turned away from Waddie not daring to look at him. "Wipe that damn grin off'n your face, buckaroo, or I'm a' gonna' tickle you until you holler 'calf rope," Buck growled at him like an old bear.

"You wouldn't dare," Waddie replied in his best indignant 'Ming the Merciless' voice. Buck was up, out of his seat in a second, grabbed Waddie and started tickling him non-stop. Waddie ran through the house with the huge tickle-monster close on his heels. Waddie was screaming, yelling, laughing, and hollering 'calf rope.' "Calf rope, Uncle Buck!" They fell onto the sofa together laughing. Linda Sue could barely hear over the phone Jimmy Sue was laughing so hard at Buck and Waddie. Waddie and Buck sat back down at the table. This time Waddie had his hand covering his mouth. They broke up laughing again.

"Com’mer, ya' little shit," Buck ordered and opened his big arms. Waddie ran to his uncle, crawled up into his lap for a hug and a kiss, "Remember, you's the one what gimme' the idea, ya' know?" Buck talked softly and stole another kiss.

"Yes, sir, but I'm glad you decided on your own to run. I didn't wanna’ have to bluff or play my ace in the hole," Waddie said.

"All right, junior, spill it. What the hell you talk'n about? What da' ya' know, I don't? What ain't chu' telling me, honcho?" Buck demanded more gently.

"If’n I couldn't convince you, I's supposed to tell you Mr. Uriel said you had to run for sheriff. 'Ere ain't no ifs, ands, or buts about it. His Bossman wants you to be sheriff of this here county, and by God, you will be, Uncle Buck. All you gotta' do is run and the job is yorn. 'At ain't no lie neither, cowboy, so help me God," Waddie raised his right hand and swore.

"Damn, Son, he's got that much faith in me?" Buck asked in awe.

"A powerful lot, Uncle Buck. More'n a wagon load," Waddie confirmed with a grin.

"You got that much faith in me, cowboy?" Buck shot back.

"Not so much. A bushel and a peck at most," Waddie replied and laughed at the look on his uncle's face, then quickly added, "Are you kidding? I couldn't love you as much as I do if’n I didn't have a mountain of faith in you, and I know'd the Head Honcho feels the same damn way," Waddie assured Buck.

"Then I better become one hell of a sheriff, right, pod'na?" Buck asked.

"You will, Uncle Buck. You'll be the best damn sheriff this county ever had," Waddie replied.

* * * * * * *
The Justins arrived about seven. Linda Sue and Waddie almost had supper ready. Waddie set the table with his brother's help. Gip knew something was up, but Waddie told him to let Uncle Buck tell him. Then he winked at Gip and nodded. That told Gip all he needed to know. It meant Uncle Buck was going to announce he made up his mind to run for the office of sheriff of the county. He was thrilled. They sat down to eat and had a good time talking about whether Waddie was going back to Morgan's or not. It was up in the air as far as Buck was concerned. "Morgan didn't wanna' listen to what Waddie wants. He wanted Waddie to go back under the same stupid rules having to be under Judy and her spawn. Waddie refused, and I don't blame him. No telling what them crazy folks would do to him. I won't let him go back unless Morgan agrees to his wishes which ain't a lot under the circumstances. Time those bastards give in a little bit. He tried it their way, and they damn near killed him. I ain't gonna' let that happen again," Buck declared.

They finished their meal, were having coffee and dessert when Buck asked for everyone's attention. "I wanted to announce this first to my family. Everyone at this table I consider my immediate family. I want you to know I made a decision to run for sheriff of our county against Harold Johnson in the November elections," Buck said. They were silent for only a moment, and Dan slammed his fist down on the table and yelled, "Hot damn. Didn't I tell you, Gip? Didn't I tell you, darlin? 'At's why he's gettin' us over here?" Dan stood up, walked around to Buck, shook his hand, and gave him a big hug. "We'll work our butts off to see you get elected, brother, you know that."

Jimmy Sue was next, "Oh, Buck, we were so hoping you would. We almost gave up hope. We been pray’n you’d do it. It's late, but I think you can win. We'll get started immediately," she said, hugged, and gave him a peck on his cheek.

"Oh, darling, I'm so proud of you. I hoped you would, too. Jimmy Sue's right, we'll get started right away," Linda Sue said, hugged, and kissed him.

Gip grabbed his Uncle Buck and hugged him. "My Uncle Buck... sheriff of our county. That means Waddie and I gotta' be really good boys, huh?" Gip asked and everyone laughed.

"You boys are already good," Linda Sue said.

"Okay, fair's fair," Buck picked Waddie up, stood him on a kitchen chair, put his arm around him and pulled him close, "I got my buddy here to thank for giving me the idea. When I was speaking in Beaumont, I took the cowboy with me for company. We were lying in bed, in the hotel room, about to go to sleep and out of the blue he comes up with this outrageous idea. I laughed at the time, but the more I thought about it, it made a hell of a lot of sense. It may take me a while to learn to be sheriff, but Quinton already works there, and he'll help me. I want to officially thank you, Son, for giving me the idea, and with God's help, I think we're gonna' pull this thing off," Buck said.

"I appreciate that Uncle Buck, but it t’weren't my idea," Waddie replied.

"Well, you were the one what told me, but they don't know the rest," Buck said.

"You gonna' tell 'em the rest, Uncle Buck? I don't think he'd mind," Waddie asked.

"You tell 'em, cowboy," Buck urged his Godson.

"Fortunately, with my suggestion, he came to the decision on his own. I love him for listening to a kid, but being wise enough to consider my idea. I done told him jes' 'afore ya'll got here he really ain't got no choice in the matter. Mr. Uriel's Boss wants him to be sheriff of this county, end of story," Waddie said.
They laughed and slapped Buck on the back.

They sat down and started making strategy plans. Buck was going to file the next day, and they planned their first rally at the Justin's Saturday afternoon. Saturday afternoon came, and only five or six folks showed up. Then the boys hollered for them to come see. As far as the eye could see, the road was packed, bumper to bumper, with cars and trucks of all kinds. Dan had to open one of his fields across the way for more parking. There were over a thousand town and county folk who got the word and came out to let Buck Claymore know they wanted him to be their sheriff. Dan, Jimmy Sue, Linda Sue had tears running down their faces they were so happy for Buck. The good folks brought food, watermelons, ice cream, any and everything you could think of, and they kept coming well into the evening. It came time for Buck to speak. Waddie told Dan, Gip, Jimmy Sue, and his Aunt Linda, "You think you know Uncle Buck. Wait’ll you hear him speak. He becomes a different man... a wonderful man everyone wants to take to their heart," Waddie bragged about his personal hero.

It wasn't a long, drawn out, overly winded speech. Buck hit all the important topics and spoke with a clear full voice that inspired confidence in him from every man, woman, and child who heard him. When he finished there wasn't a dry eye to be found. Buck presented his war record. He gave a brief summery of the campaigns he fought in and the generals he fought under. He told of his love for his buddy Audie Murphy and how he helped rescue him. He spoke about what his town, county, state, and country meant to him. He wanted to make sure it was safe for everyone, young and old. He wanted no one mistreated or abused in his county while he was sheriff. His administration would not tolerate graft or kickbacks. He didn't talk bad about the other sheriff, but only told what he would and wouldn't do as sheriff. He ended his speech by telling the folks he lived his entire life in this community. He started his adult life in this county to live, raise his children, and invest his life in them and the community. He knew how much the community loved him. They went out of their way to prove it many times to him and his family.

"You don't have folks show you love like you good people have shown me, my wife, and especially my Godson and ever consider letting them down. If you good folks will help me, when all the votes have been counted, you will have a new sheriff. With your help and the will of our Father, Buck Claymore will be your new sheriff. Thank you for coming and God bless everyone of you," Buck finished.

There went up a roar you could've heard in the next county. Everyone was going nuts screaming and yelling his name, "Buck! Buck! Buck!" Over and over. By the end of the evening there were over two thousand people at the Justin’s having a ball. They were all convinced Buck was going to be their new sheriff. He was the answer to a lot of folks prayers. The old sheriff wasn't the least worried. He didn't bother to hold a rally or make a speech. The people wouldn't dare vote him out. He was sheriff for almost twenty years. This young upstart wasn't going to win. Besides he should've been campaigning months ago for all the good it would've done him.

Buck, Linda Sue, and Waddie traveled to every small town, ville, and burg in their county, and had meetings with the town folk. Buck spoke but never put down the current sheriff. He presented his war record and what changes he'd make if he was elected. Hundreds came out to hear him everywhere they went. It was an exhausting time for the three of them, but when the final votes were counted Buck Claymore won by a three quarter majority. There was no need for a run off. Buck won by a landslide. The old sheriff was so pissed and upset he tried to call for a recount of the votes, but the officials laughed him out of their office. He was so convinced the election was fixed he said he wouldn't vacate the office. According to him they broke the law, and he was there to enforce it. When the town and county officials paid him a visit to convince him he would leave the office or would be forcibly removed by the Texas Rangers, he stomped out and refused to serve the rest of his tenure. The officials pleaded with Buck to take office early. Buck was glad to. He needed something to do, and he was sworn in as sheriff of the county December first of that year.

* * * * * * *
Morgan finally agreed to Waddie's conditions. His Aunt Linda typed up an agreement in triplicate and Morgan’s signature was witnessed by Dr. Dyer, Dan Justin, and Buck. In the contract, Morgan agreed he would abide by the conditions set forth and would live up to them. If not, the contract became void, and Waddie would be placed somewhere else to live. Dr. Dyer read over the conditions, and told Morgan he didn't think they were too demanding. Morgan should be happy to agree to those conditions to protect his son. Waddie drove home with Morgan the first of September, but Waddie wouldn't take any of his toys or good clothes. He left those at his aunt and uncle's. He talked it over with his aunt and decided to take enough clothes for school and maybe church on Sunday. He knew he agreed go with Morgan, but he wasn't as afraid as he was a year ago. In a years time, Waddie grew considerably and filled out in weight. No one came out to greet him. They were sitting in the kitchen finishing supper. He walked in and stood in the doorway looking at them waiting for some acknowledgement. There was none. They turned, looked at him, turn back to the table and ignored him like he wasn't there. He didn't say a word to them and headed for the stairs to go up to his room.

His dad hollered at him. "Waddie, say 'hello' to your family."

"They didn't bother to say 'hello' to me, Dad. I stood there looking at them for several minutes and they chose to ignore me. Don't know why I should bust my butt to say 'hello' to them. I'd be lying if I told 'em I was happy to see 'em. I ain't. You kiss their butts, my lips are chapped. Besides, they ain't my family no ways. If you want 'em for your family, fine, I can't do nothing about it, but they ain't never been, and they never will be my family," Waddie declared loud enough he could be heard by Judy and her two. Waddie went up to his room, used his key to his new double dead bolt lock, closed the door and locked it. Morgan came up the stairs and knocked on Waddie's door. Waddie opened it for his dad and Morgan brought in his small suit case.

"Now, let's get a few things straight, young man..." Morgan wagged his finger at Waddie.

Waddie walked right past Morgan with him hollering at him to come back and listen to him. Waddie walked down the stairs, out the front door, and up the gravel drive to the main road. He got to the blacktop road and headed back into town. He was determined he wasn't going to be talked 'at' ever again. As far as Waddie was concerned Morgan didn't mean a thing he said or anything he agreed to which made their contract null and void. He would seek placement. Morgan sat on Waddie's bed for a minute and thought, 'Are those three down there really worth what I'm requiring of my kid?' Then he remembered Judy sticking up for Willie all those years and pushing Waddie further and further away. She never had a birthday party for Waddie, or made him a cake. Any presents Morgan bought for him for Christmas or his birthday disappeared within weeks. Morgan began to see the handwriting on the wall. Waddie didn't have to listen to him. He wasn't a bad boy. 'Why can't you give him his head and let him run with it? Try it for a while and see what happens.' Morgan went down, got into his truck, and headed out to look for Waddie. He was nowhere to be found. Morgan was about to panic. He got home and Judy told him the Justins called and wanted him to call them.

"Hi, Morgan. We were coming back from town and stopped to pick up Waddie. He's really upset. Is it all right with you if he stays the night with Gip, and I'll bring him home in the morning?” Dan Justin asked.

"Yeah, Dan, I'd appreciate it. Tell him he was right to do what he done. I ain’t angry, and I ain’t gonna' tell him what he has to do no more. Just come home, and I promise I'll listen from now on. Tell him I love him," Morgan replied.

"I shore’ will, Morgan. You have a good evening," Dan replied.

"Thank's Dan. You and Jimmy Sue... you're good neighbors," Morgan allowed.

* * * * * * *
Waddie and Gip started school. It was a breeze for them. They were at the head of their class. They could read far ahead of the other kids. The teacher wanted to bump them and Jannie Anderson up to second grade. Waddie and Gip talked about it but refused. They decided to stay with their class and help those who needed it. Jannie decided she didn't want to be in a class with older boys and girls. Besides she fell in love with Gip and Waddie. Whatever they did, she wanted to do. The teacher was puzzled but thrilled by the boys and Jannie's decision to stay and help the slower kids. They did help the teacher and kids considerably, and by mid-semester every kid in the first grade was reading at a second grade level. Through the end of September Waddie was busy going to meetings in small towns with Buck and Linda Sue. He stayed a lot with them, and he stayed a lot with the Justins. He came and went as he pleased. He never ate a meal Judy cooked. Once she invited him to eat with them when Morgan was on one of his runs. Waddie told her, "Thanks, but no, thanks."

Rather than leave the kid alone Judy decided to push it. "What's a' matter? You too damn good to eat with us?" Judy asked snidely.

"No, ma'am, not at all. I just remember the story about Snow White and the poisoned apple the witch gave her," Waddie said and grinned.

"Well, you sure as hell ain't Snow White, you smart mouthed little bastard, and I ain't no witch," she yelled at him.

"Yeah, well, we'll see. I got me a bucket of water with you're name on it," Waddie shot back. Much to Judy's chagrin, Waddie's two wicked step-siblings giggled at his comeback. On his way out of the house, Waddie slammed the screen door as hard as he could because he knew she hated it.

* * * * * * *
By the time Waddie agreed to return to Morgan's he grewn considerably in height, weight, and muscle mass. Working with Dan, Buck, and his brother almost everyday during the summer really built up his body. Also doing chores, heavy lifting, and the physical exercise of practicing team roping developed the boys considerably. Gip was beginning to grow, too. Waddie grew taller, sturdy as a bull, and as strong as an ox. He was no longer willing to have sand kicked in his face. Wrestling with his brother and uncle taught him swiftness, agility, and how to use his body in a defensive way. When he entered school with the first graders, he was the biggest kid in the first three grades. There were two bathrooms upstairs, one next to Waddie's room and another at the head of the stairs. Willie was using the bathroom next to Waddie's room because it was a little nicer. Waddie got a cardboard box, put all Willie's shit in it, and set it in front of the door to his room. Wille came home that afternoon and wanted to know what, the fuck, Waddie thought he was doing. "That's my bathroom, runt. You use the one at the end of the hall," he announced with a voice of authority.

"This ain't your house, fuck face, it's mine. I'll someday inherit it because I'm Morgan's son. You ain’t. It's my bathroom from now on. If I have to, I'll get my uncle, the sheriff, to put a lock on it," Waddie challenged Willie.

"Why, you little piece of shit. You can't talk to me that way," Willie yelled at him as he headed to punch Waddie out, but Waddie anticipated it. It was exactly what Waddie was hoping he would do. He took his baseball bat from behind him, and before Willie knew what he was doing Waddie slammed the large end of the bat into Willie's nuts as hard as he could. Willie grabbed himself, turned, and started dry heaving like he was going to puke. Waddie swiftly move to his side and slammed the bat into his knee caps as hard as he could causing Willie to drop to his knees. He made a dull thud sound when he hit the floor. Waddie moved behind him, put his boot in Willie's butt as he fell forward, shoved with all his might, and Willie went sliding across the wooden floor of the large upstairs hallway. Then Waddie stood over him and dared him to get up.

"If you ever come near me again, so help me God, I'll kill you, Willie. You threatened to kill me more times than I can count. Now the boots on the other foot, and I won't hesitate to take you out you worthless parasite. I've taken all the shit off'n you I'm ever gonna take," Waddie growled.

Waddie went back to his room and locked the door. Willie set the box of his stuff back in Waddie's bathroom like a dog marking his territory. Waddie found it, grabbed it, and threw it as hard as he could at the other bathroom, breaking bottles of hair tonic and other stuff as it flew apart and all Willie's toilet articles went everywhere. Willie unlocked his door and came running out of his room. "What are you doing? Are you crazy?" Willed yelled at him.

"Me crazy? You should know, you wrote the book on crazy, asswipe. How do you fight crazy? You be more crazy than them. You taught me well. You ain't seen crazy yet! Now, I told you that's my bathroom, Goddamn it. I ain't gonna' tell you again. You even so much as walk in it, I'll beat you within an inch of your fucking life you weaseled faced cocksucker," Waddie took his bat and hit Willie in his knees again. Willie screamed and hit the floor in pain. Waddie hit him across his back several time for good measure and once to the back of his head.

Judy came running up the stairs yelling, "Waddie! Waddie! Are you crazy? What are you doing? Don't hit him again. I'll take care of you. I ain't afraid of you," Judy said like a harpy and started for him.

"Get back, bitch, or I put him out like a light," Waddie growled and swung back with his bat. Judy backed off.

"Now -- I wanna' hear you say it, you mother fucker, the bathroom by Waddie's room is his," Waddie yelled at Willie. Willie wouldn't say anything. He thought his ma would come to his rescue. "You got to the count of three, butt breath, then your lights go out. One, two..."

"Tell him, Willie. He means it," Judy yelled at Willie.

"Okay, it's your bathroom, you Little Bastard," Wille said. Waddie swung his bat again and hit Willie hard right in the back.

"Eyeeeee, oh God... he hit me again, ma. It hurts," Willie cried out.

"Apologize, Willie, for calling me a bastard. Now, Willie!" Waddie barked and raise the bat again for another swing.

"Do it Willie. He's gonna' hit you again," Judy yelled.

"Okay, I apologize, I apologize. Y'ain't no bastard," Wille said like he was defeated.

"Don't chu’ never call me runt, a bastard, or any other bad name again. You speak to me, you address me as Waddie. Got that, pea brain?" Willie just shook his head. "I didn't hear you, asshole," Waddie shouted and swung back with his bat.

"Okay. Okay, you win this one. I won't call you that no more," Willie promised.

"You just wait’ll yore’ daddy gets home, you little bastard. You think you're real big with that baseball bat. I'll see to it you get the licking of your life," Judy said boldly shaking her finger at him.

Waddie hauled off and hit Willie across his kneecaps again and he screamed in pain. "Apologize for that you smelly bitch, or I'll hit him again. This time his lights go out for sure," Waddie said quietly like he was dead serious.

"No, don't do that, Waddie, I apologize. I'm sorry. Don't hit him again," Judy recanted.

"Let's us get some'um straight. Willie's quite a bit bigger'n me. He was coming at me to hit me, and he ain't never gonna' do that to me no more, understand? He's beat up on me since I's a baby, and you let him do it, you filthy whore. My uncle, the sheriff -- remember him Judy -- done told me to use an equalizer. The sheriff told me that in front of my dad, Judy. I did just what he told me, and I'll do it again if I have to. If Willie has thoughts of revenge or getting back at me, I'll wait 'til a dark night when he ain't looking, and cave his damn skull in. If you son’s of bitches want an all out war in this house, you got it, but I'll tell you this, I got bigger guns than you do, and this is my announcement, I'm here to stay.

"I don't think either one of you are gonna' tell my dad a damn thing, you stupid slut. You do, and I tell him you been fuck’n Mr. Bloomquist, the plumber. Didn't think I know’d about that, did ju,' Judy? Go on ahead. Tell Morgan, Judy. I double-dog dare you. You ain't nothing but a cheap two-bit slut and your daughter is following in yore' footsteps. If one of you pushes me, you and yore’ two retards will be looking for another place to live, and I'll have this place to myself. Oh, and I got witnesses, too, in case you think it's your word against mine. You better have a long talk with this pin-head black-eyed sideshow freak of yours and tell him he better come around me with his fuck'n hat in his hand from now on. Next time, I won't be so easy on him, I'll kill him in self defense," Waddie declared. He turned and walked slowly back to his room, stopped and turned around again to speak to them. "Oh, by the way, you scum of the earth parasites, thanks for teaching me the way you soulless meat machines operate. Nothing like fighting fire with fire or crazy with bigger crazy," Waddie said, turned, walked into his room, and slammed the door so hard the entire upper floor shook. Then he locked it.

* * * * * * *
Judy did, indeed, talk with her spawn of meat machines. Waddie had a trump card, and Judy knew he'd use it. She decided they better let him be. Willie was going to have to swallow his pride and use the bathroom at the head of the stairs. Judy knew Willie threatened Waddie before, and she told him she would kick him out herself if he ever threatened Waddie again. As long as they left the kid alone, she felt they'd be all right. From then on, for the most part, the three of them pretty much avoided Waddie and didn't question where he was going, what he was doing, or what time he'd be back. That didn’t mean Judy didn’t harangue his ass every chance she got. It only added to her hatred when Waddie ignored her. He would listen, grin, and walk away. Morgan couldn't believe the change in Waddie when he got home. He was all over him, loving his dad like the little boy Morgan loved so much before. Maybe he did the right thing by easing up on Waddie. If he was as good a kid as Buck and Dan seemed to think, maybe he could trust him. He found it remarkable Judy or Willie didn’t have a gripe about Waddie when he came home, and he was astounded Waddie had the bathroom next to his room for himself. He knew Willie claimed it for his own.

"How did you talk Willie into taking the bathroom at the end of the hall?" Morgan asked.

"We had a little talk, I reminded him this was my house, like you told me, and I preferred this bathroom. He didn't have any problem with it. Willie can be reasoned with," Waddie said. He wasn't about to tell his dad how he reasoned with Willie, but he had the feeling if he did, Morgan would've been proud of him.

* * * * * * *
Even though Willie locked Waddie out of his room, as a symbol of locking Waddie out of his life, if a kid wants to get into your stuff he'll find a way. Waddie was no different. The older he got the more clever he became until by the third grade he was considerably more cunning than Willie. Willie was a jock and his brain was only another muscle, one he never bothered to develop. Waddie would simply crawl out his bedroom window, walk around the roof to Willie's widow and go into his room. The dummy left his window open most of the time and never locked it. Waddie would very carefully go through his stuff to see why he went to such lengths to keep him out. Naturally, the first thing to raise a red flag of suspicion in your kid brother’s mind would be to lock your door against him? Meat machines are cruel and mean spirited, but sometimes their elevators don't go to the top floor.

Waddie was far from being a meddlesome kid. Anyone's home he visited could have a hundred dollar bill lying out on a dresser, and it would never cross Waddie's mind to take it. He had so much taken from him in life he wouldn't dare take anything from anyone. Waddie wouldn't have gone though Willie's stuff if he made an effort to bury the hatchet, make amends, or just be halfway decent to Waddie. He didn't have to fawn over Waddie or go out of his way to befriend the kid. All he had to do was be pleasant. Instead, he glared at Waddie every time he passed, and Waddie glared back imitating and mocking him. Then Waddie would break up with laughter after he was past him like his glaring was the funniest damn thing Waddie ever saw. It began to get to Willie. He never forgot the bathroom episode. He did, however, gain a new respect for his step-brother.

Waddie, rightfully thought, if Willie was living in his house he wasn't going to shut Waddie out. If Willie was so protective of his shit, Waddie had the right to find out why. Waddie memorized Willie's schedule and found lots of time to peruse. He didn't find anything of any consequence until one day at the very far back corner of Willie's closet, Waddie spied a board ajar. Jackpot. Waddie found fifteen or twenty old gay muscle/art magazines; Grecian Guild, Physique Pictorial, Tomorrow's Man, and several others. Some had the pages stuck together. Waddie wondered why? He giggled to himself. He knew damn well why. This was beyond Waddie's wildest dreams. He also found twenty or thirty boxes of shotgun shells. Ten or fifteen each of big caliber rifle boxes. Five boxes of twenty-two longs and others.

At the end of the second world war you couldn't buy any kind of fire arm equipment. It all went into the war effort. Not only that, but it was a federal offence if you were caught selling or stealing firearms or ammunition. You couldn't even buy a gun or ammunition for several years after the war. The federal laws stayed on the books for about ten years. If that wasn't enough Waddie found four brand new rifles and two shotguns; twelve and sixteen gage. The rifles were two 30/30's, a 30/0/6, and a .22 caliber. Waddie later found out through rumors and listening to his step-brother's conversations with several of his buddies in his bedroom, Willie and three of his cronies broke into a box car on a railroad siding outside of town and stole the guns and cartridges. To make matters worse for poor Willie, from the shear stupidity of it, wouldn't you know it was a Cotton Belt boxcar; the very train company Morgan Lovejoy worked for.

Waddie felt bad for his dad. He knew his dad worked for the Cotton Belt and Morgan would have come unglued at the hinges if he knew Willie was involved with the break in. Waddie gained personal knowledge of an explosive situation that metaphorically rivaled the payload of the Enola Gay. He didn't tell a soul. There was a little voice inside Waddie's head what said, 'No, Waddie, hang on to this. He ain't gonna' move them guns for sometime, 'cause their hotter than a freshly fucked fox in a forest fire. He'll leave them where he thinks they're safe and then move them, but that won't be for a some time. You’ll know when to use this information.’ Waddie decided to hold on to his secret as a nuclear deterrent, an ace in the hole, or perhaps more accurately, an time-bomb to shove up Willie's hole. Waddie would check from time to time to see if his protection against an all out assault was still at the ready. Willie never touched the stuff for a number of years. Waddie did eventually share it with his brother, Gip, and told him where the stuff was so if anything happened to him, Gip could go directly to Buck. Waddie made Gip swear he would leave the telling to him until he felt God and Mr. Uriel wanted him to crush Willie.

* * * * * * *
The Justins and the sheriff, his wife and Waddie were at Ma and Pa Claymore's for Sunday dinner. (dinner in Texas is the noon meal, supper is the evening meal, but that doesn't hold true in all areas of Texas.) The grown ups were talking about the break-in of the boxcar. Waddie and Gip wouldn't look at each other for fear of giving something away. Finally, Waddie asked his uncle a question. "When you catch'um, Uncle Buck, what will happen to 'um?" he asked casually.

"Guaranteed six to ten years in a federal prison, Son. I just hope we catch'um,” Buck said and shook his head.

"You will, Uncle Buck," Waddie said like there was no doubt in his mind.

"Think so, cowboy?" Buck asked.

"I got faith in you, Uncle Buck," Waddie replied and smiled at him.

"So do I, Uncle Buck, you'll catch 'um," Gip agreed with his brother.

* * * * * * *
The Justins gave Waddie a ride back to Morgan's that afternoon. Buck and Linda Sue drove home. They were in Buck's Ford. "You been awful quiet, hon. Something bothering you?" Linda Sue asked.

"'Em boys know something about the break in of that boxcar," Buck said almost like he was thinking out loud.

"What makes you think so, dear? I didn't notice them saying anything about it," Linda Sue asked.

"I come to know them boys so well I can almost read their minds. Did you notice Waddie asked, 'when you catch them' not 'if you catch them.' Them boys know I'm gonna' catch'um. They both told me they had faith in me, and I would catch the person or people involved. It was their way of saying, 'We know something, we'll deliver whoever it is to you, but the time ain't right. Trust us and don't ask us no questions, 'cause you know we can't lie to you.'" Buck said and laughed.

"You got all of that out of them telling you they had faith in you?" Linda Sue shook her head.

"Yes, and I'll tell you why. Of all the people I've asked about the break in, it never occurred to me to asked the boys if they knew anything. If I ask them they won't lie to me, but they don't want me asking. They weren't involved in any way, but I know they discovered who done it. They're afraid I might ask, and it was their way of saying, 'Please don't ask, 'cause we can't tell you right now.' I trust them boys. They got a damn good reason for not telling me, but they will in their own time. I won't ask ’em, and I'd rather you not, 'cause they won't lie to you either. I gotta’ call Dan after we get home. Him and Jimmy Sue mustn't ask them either, 'cause I saw the look on Dan's face the minute they said it, he knows same's me," Buck said.

"Well, I won't say a word to them, but in a strange way, I think you may be right, dear. You're going to make a fine sheriff, Buck. I love you," Linda Sue encouraged her husband.

"Love you, too, darlin.'" Buck replied.

* * * * * * *
"Dan this is Buck," Buck said on the phone.

"Damned if we weren't just talking about you. Waddie asked if he could stay the night with Gip since Morgan's on a run 'til Tuesday. He and Gip went down to take care of the stock. They'll be back in a little bit. Jimmy Sue and I been talking, Buck," Dan said.

"Them boys know some’um, right?" Buck asked.

"Did you get that, too?" Dan replied.

"Shore’ as hell did. They’s worried we'll ask'um. They weren't involved in any way, but I think they know who done it. I think they got themselves a damn good reason for not telling us right now. I called to ask you and Jimmy Sue not to ask’um about it neither. They won't lie to us if we ask, but Dan, even though I'm sheriff right now, I trust 'em boys, and they'll deliver whoever done it into my hands when the time's right. I ain't got me no doubts," Buck said.

"I agree, Buck, a hun'nert percent. Jimmy Sue won't believe me, but maybe she will now. I don't think you got anything to fear. I trust ‘em, too, and we won't ask'um. You got my word, and Jimmy Sue just shook her head, she won't neither. I think she believes me now. Glad you called, we had a great time at dinner, and look forward to seeing you and Linda Sue again soon. Ya'll take care now," Dan said.

"Thanks Dan," Buck replied.

* * * * * * *
Willie tried to frame Waddie again. Willie swore and be'damned Morgan's 'little lamb' did it. He watched him do it. Morgan went to Judy, but Judy didn't back Willie this time. She warned him not to pull any shit, and this time he was on his own. Morgan went over to the Justins and asked Waddie about it. Waddie said he didn't do it. He hadn't been home. He stopped by the Justin’s after school, and he was there all afternoon. Waddie had an ironclad alibi. He was with Dad Dan and Gip the entire afternoon when something of Morgan’s got broken.

Dan stood up for Waddie. "Morgan, I mean no disrespect, and certainly as a neighbor I don't presume to tell you how to raise your boy, but I been around that kid of yours for over a year and a half. I ain’t never caught him in no lie. Sometime you have to be careful what you ask him because you will get the hard unvarnished truth. If he did something, he'll admit it. Anytime he's done anything he thinks I might not like he'll come to me, apologize and tell me he done it. Ever’ time it was because of an accident and not because he done it on purpose. That kid ain't got a mean bone in his body. He's taught my boy how to be a man, and I'll have to admit, I've learned a few things from him myself. I would trust your boy with my life, Mr. Lovejoy. If Waddie told you he didn't do it, I guarantee you he didn't do it," Dan Justin said with conviction.

Morgan couldn't get upset with Dan. He'd paid him the highest compliment a dad could wish to hear from someone, his boy was a good and trustworthy kid. Morgan went back, grabbed up Willie and took him to the barn with Willie protesting the whole time. Morgan made him admit he did it to frame Waddie. Willie couldn't sit down for a week, and Waddie would smile sweetly every time he went by Willie. Willie hated Waddie more than ever. The lines were drawn.

* * * * * * *
One day an old hound drifted onto the Justin's property. It was starving, mangey, and flea ridden. Jimmy Sue fed it, and it began to hang around the ranch. The boys named it Willie. It became protective and a fair watchdog. It came to trust and love Waddie and Gip because they were all the time slipping it treats. They managed to cure the mange and bathed the old hound in sheep dip to rid it of the fleas. While helping the dog and getting it ready to be dipped Waddie and Gip were amazed at how many huge fleas the dog had all over its body. Gip started laughing, looked at Waddie, and their brains locked into the same gear. Neither had to say a word. They knew what each other was thinking as Gip ran to get an empty jar. The boys must have picked a couple hundred or more fleas off the old hound and put them into the mayonnaise jar. They punched small holes in the top for air and let the fleas sit for a couple of days. The boys wanted them to be really hungry.

They snuck into Willie's room, pulled back the covers and sheets on his bed, dumped the hungry fleas in the middle, and quickly pulled the top sheet and covers back. They neatly made the bed and returned to Waddie's room. Gip got permission to stay over with Waddie. They couldn't wait for Willie to go to bed. They were very quiet and entered Waddie's room by climbing up the trellis on the side, walking across the roof to a window and letting themselves in. What they didn't count on was one of Willie's cronies coming home to stay the night with him. That made it all the more sweet for the boys. Willie and his buddy decided to go to bed and crawled under the sheets.

There was a few minutes of silence then Waddie and Gip heard, "Son of a bitch, some’um's biting me. Some’um's eating the holy shit out a' me. Damn, it's in the bed. Goddamn, it's fleas! All over me! Aarrgg! Get 'em off a’ me! What kind a whore house you live in Willie? Damnation! I'm going home you fucking low life mother fucker. Don't you never come near me again you bastard, I don't want fleas on me." With that his friend got his clothes on and stomped out. Waddie and Gip almost lost it laughing. Then they heard Willie knocking on Waddie's door. Waddie kept his door locked and remembered the nights he knocked on Willie's door scared out his wits from the thunderstorm. Waddie ignored his pounding as Willie ignored his pleas in the past.

"I know you're in there you little bastard. Open this door this minute. I'm gonna' kill you, you little son of a bitch," Wille yelled.

Waddie and Gip kept their clothes on in case they needed to make an emergency bail out. They figured the time had come. They left via the roof to the trellis and high tailed it over to the Justin ranch to spend the night. Morgan was on a train run. He and Buck had the only other keys to his room. Willie couldn't get in but found out later the boys spent the night at the Justin ranch. Willie was stumped, he couldn't figure it out.

* * * * * * *
The boys were so good at not getting caught, Willie had no proof they did it. His door was locked. He was too damn dumb to figure out the boys came in through the window. Waddie was worried about his two windows and Willie having access to them. Quinton, Buck, and Dan took the measurements from Waddie and Gip and made two by three frames for the windows and put hinges on them. They dadoed the center of the two by three to accept a recessed chain link fence piece. Buck helped the boys install them. They would open into the room and were kept closed by a hasp secured with a spring loaded slip-clip. If there was a fire, all Waddie had to do was take off the slip-clip, the guard swung into the room, and he could crawl out through the window. Judy didn't say anything to the men while they were installing them. She knew better, but she ranted and raved to Morgan, she wanted them removed immediately. Morgan asked her why? He didn't see anything wrong with them. She told him they looked awful and wanted them down immediately. Morgan talked to Waddie, and he told him why he did it. He thought Willie might be coming into his room when he was gone and wanted it stopped. Morgan ignored Judy.

* * * * * * *
Waddie told Buck about the fight for his bathroom and asked if he'd put a lock on that door for him, too. Buck agreed. Waddie told Buck about the fleas and thought Buck was going to rip his pants laughing. Waddie described every word Willie's friend said and couldn't help laughing himself as he told it. It was only fuel for the fire for Buck. He couldn't stop laughing.

"Have you guys told Dan, yet?" Buck asked.

"Naw, sir, we wanted to tell you first," Waddie replied.

Buck wouldn't say it, but Waddie knew he couldn't wait to get to the phone to call Dan. Waddie told Buck about Mr. Bloomquist. Buck just shook his head for his brother's sake. "Don't tell nobody about Mr. Bloomquist, and I won't either. ou need that leverage, Son. You don't wanna' lose that. It don't matter none whether he fucks her a little or a lot, we both know it ain't right. What my brother don't know right now, won't hurt him," Buck allowed.

"I won't, Uncle Buck. You're the only one I told. I ain't even gonna' tell Dad Dan or Gip. I'll leave it up to you if'n you want to tell Dad Dan. I know he won't tell a soul, but I'd rather you tell him than me. I'm just a little embarrassed, not for me, but for my dad. If you tell him, tell him to tell Gip for me," Waddie asked.

"Despite all of his shit, you still love Moargan don't you, Son?" Buck asked with empathy.

"Yeah, I can't lie to you, Uncle Buck, I do. I love him a lot. He ain't been all bad to me. There's been some times with dad I really felt we's family, and I hope for that again soon's I can wean him away from them 'meat machines,' Waddie referred to Judy and her kids. Buck didn't ask. He knew from previous discussions it was the angel's term for Judy, Willie, and Dorothy. He wondered if there really was such a thing as soulless people. He was beginning to believe there just might be.

"I guess I shouldn't tell you this, Uncle Buck..." Waddie said but halted.

"You can tell me anything, cowboy, and you know it," Buck encouraged the boy.

"I'm kinda jealous of Judy," Waddie admitted quietly and blushed.

"Whatever for?" Buck looked surprised.

"I think Mr. Bloomquist is hot," Waddie admitted.

Buck damn near shit his pants laughing. He held Waddie, and they laughed together. "God help me, I never know what's gonna' come out of that mouth. Well, I'll gotta' agree with you, cowboy, old Bloomers ain't a bad looking man by no stretch. He was my tight-end on the football team and was he tight?" Buck bellowed with laughter.

"How tight was he, Uncle Buck?" Waddie giggled.

"He was so tight, he'd scream ever’ damn time he passed a watermelon seed," Buck said in his best cowboy bullshit way. Waddie giggled and laughed. It was another one of Buck's awful jokes, but even his bad ones were funny the way Buck told them. "Tell ya' one damn thing, old Bloomers jes' loved to get his dick sucked. He'd rather have his cock sucked than fuck any day," Buck declared as a solid truth. He looked at Waddie and saw a smile cross his face. "I know'd what's going through that little head of yorn.' I regretted having said it the minute it came out. Don't chu’ go gettin' no ideas, understand? Although, I know Bloomers well enough to know he'd never hurt you. Aside from the fact he can't keep his old hoss' in the barn, he's a good man."

"I understand perfectly, Uncle Buck," Waddie replied and smiled like a little saint, "You're the greatest uncle a kid could have. You know that?" Waddie asked and giggled. Buck tickled him until he hollered 'calf rope.'

"Tell me some’um. Have you lost weight? Are you getting enough to eat, Waddie?" Buck asked concerned.

"I don't eat anything at Morgan's. I'm afraid Judy or Willie will try'n poison me or mix cat shit in my food for spite or revenge. Morgan don't make me eat with them even when he's home. The one time I did, it was so uncomfortable for everyone he didn't make me do it no more. I was so upset I couldn't eat nothing. Morgan made me eat, and I threw up in my plate. He never asked me again. I don't ask, but if Momma Sue asks me to eat with 'em, I do. I try not to be a pest. Most times I leave and go home before they get ready for supper so's they won't have to ask me. I steal me some can goods when Judy ain't around and keep 'em hidden in ma' room. Momma Sue gimme' an old can opener she's gonna' throw away. I don't have supper lots a' nights but it's okay, I make do," Waddie admitted quitely like he was embarrassed.

"Why ain't you said nothing, boy?" Buck asked like he was stunned and hurt.

"I didn't wanna' bother nobody or wear out my welcome. I don't wanna' be a parasite like them folks I have to live with," Waddie lamented.

"You ain't no pest. Dan and Jimmy Sue would have a conniption fit if they knew you weren't eating, especially if they thought you were going to bed hungry. You's all the time working helping Dan or Gip do something over to their place. Did you ever consider that?" Buck asked.

"Naw, sir. I do things for 'em 'cause I love 'um and I wanna’ be around 'em, not 'cause I expect nothing in return," Waddie said.

"You let me talk to 'em. I'll give 'um extra money to see you get breakfast and dinner. Is Morgan giving you lunch money?" Buck asked.

"Yes, sir, but Momma Sue usually has a lunch fixed for me ever’ day. I like what she makes for Gip and me better’n the school cafeteria food. I love her meatloaf sandwiches. Uncle Buck, I'd be embarrassed to have them know I'm afraid to eat at Morgan's," Waddie said in a pleading manner.

"Listen to me, buckroo. I happen to know how much they love you. They’d turn me and you both over their knees, if’n they knew we were keeping this from them. Now, let me handle this, and trust me, it'll be fine," Buck assured the boy. Buck dropped by the Justins that evening and talked with Dan and Jimmy Sue. Dan was deeply hurt and Jimmy Sue was in tears because Waddie didn't come to them and let them know. They would've included him in every meal and certainly would from then on.

"Take money from you for that kid? Not on your life, cowboy. Not only have you helped us far beyond anything we'd ever be able to repay you, but that kid works his butt off over here with Gip and me. Hell, he earns anything we feed him. 'Sides that, one more mouth to feed ain't that damn expensive. I was serious when I told Waddie I think on him as Gip's brother, and Goddamn it, I meant it. I'm gonna' have a serious talk with that young man. Time he understands and believes who loves him around here," Dan said gruffly, but his heart was broken.

Dan went to the phone and dialed Morgan's number. Judy answered. "Mrs. Lovejoy, this is Dan Justin next door. Is Waddie there? May I speak with him, please, ma'am?" Dan asked.

"Sure, Mr. Justin. He's in his room. I'll holler at him," Judy replied. He heard Judy hollering at Waddie. Waddie came to the phone.

"Hello," Waddie said.

"Hey, Son, this is Dad Dan. How soon can you get over here?" Dan asked.

"Right now, Dad Dan. See you in a few minutes," Waddie replied.

"Good. See you then, Son," Dan said and hung up the phone.

Waddie got to the Justin's ranch, saw his uncle's pickup in the back and knew he probably told the Justins. He was kinda shy going in because he didn't know what to expect. Dad Dan opened his arms to him. "Com'mer, boy," Dad Dan commanded. Waddie went to him and Dad Dan tried to choke back his tears. "Time you learn't, young'un, what it means when people tell you they love you. Waddie you can come to me, Momma Sue, your Uncle Buck, or Aunt Linda with anything. Look at chu’! You done lost weight. Didn't I tell you last week, honey, I thought he was losing weight?" Dan asked Jimmy Sue.

"He did, Waddie. I agreed with him, but we didn't know why," Momma Sue replied.

"Look, you do enough work around here to pay for any meals you take with us. Your uncle offered to pay us to feed you, but we refused. We can't repay you any other way so you might as well start thinking on yourself as Gip's real brother and our real son as well. Seems like you got a lot of folks who wanna’ consider being your parents. I know one big cowboy who was just elected sheriff what sure as hell does," Dan said.

"I didn't mean to cause no problems, Dad Dan, and I didn't want Momma Sue to have to go to no extra trouble for me. She fixes me a lunch most ever’ day, and I really appreciate it when she does. I like what she fixes Gip and me better'n the stuff in the cafeteria. I's embarrassed because I didn't want you folks to know I was afraid to eat over there," Waddie said with remorse.

"Well, you're staying for supper tonight. Buck's gonna' go get Linda Sue and bring her back with him," Dan said.

"Thanks, Dad Dan, Momma Sue, I love you both," Waddie said and shed a couple of tears. Jimmy Sue hugged him and shed a few with him.

"Your dad's right, Waddie. You help us around here more'n you realize," Jimmy Sue agreed.

"You and Gip wanna' ride into town with me to pick up your Aunt Linda?" Buck asked.

"I think I'd rather stay here, Uncle Buck, and earn my supper," Waddie allowed and everyone laughed.

"Well, let's get out there then. We got some work to do before they get back," Dad Dan replied.

Buck waved goodbye as Dan walked toward the barns with an arm around each boy. Buck had a tear in his eye as he hit the blacktop back into town. He felt he needed to talk with the Old Man and spoke the words out loud. As he started he felt he wasn't alone and looked to see the seat indented on the other side. He knew Mr. Uriel was riding shotgun again. "The only miracle I want, Father, and Mr. Uriel, is for that boy to become mine. Forgive me for coveting another man's son, Father, I know it's wrong, but if he ain't raising him right and you think I might do a better job, please Lord, he has a home to come to," Buck said. Buck could swear he felt a hand on his shoulder, and then, he watched the dents in the seat go away by themselves. He knew his prayer was heard.

The six of them had a joyful meal that evening. First time in a long time, Buck asked if Dan and Jimmy Sue minded if he said 'grace' over their meal. Everyone joined hands around the table and Buck prayed. "Father bless this food and each one in this family around this table. We thank you for providing us with what we need and giving us the love of friends and family. Forgive us our sins, Father, and let us learn to love each other more every day. Amen." Everyone followed with 'Amen' as well. That began a tradition in the Justin/Claymore household that someone said thanks to the Father for his goodness to them before each meal. In all the years after that evening, Waddie couldn't remember a time 'thanks' wasn't said at a meal. It was a wonderful evening.

Gip and Waddie felt closer as brothers every day. Buck was right, the six people around the Justin's table were about as close to family as you could get. The love in the house, in that room, couldn't be measured. They knew it and shared its goodness with each other. Uriel called out to his Boss to come see. The Old Man stopped what he was doing and came to feel the love in the Justin home. The Old Man himself sat down with them for a spell and was pleased to call them his children. It was only one more reason, but a strong one, he knew he made the right decision by allowing man to become more than himself, a little lower than his angels in the scheme of things. His love conjoined with the family's love, and he saw it was good.

End Chapter 8 ~ Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright © 2004/2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All rights reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 12/29/2012
WC 16126