cpc_14

Cabbage Patch Cowboy
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 14

Waddie got a tear in his eye when Bubba drove away. Earl D. took his hand and squatted down to talk with him. "Hey, hey, Cowboy, he'll be back this evening. I know you're thinking it's gonna' be hard telling him goodbye tomorrow, but he'll be back before you know it. We love him, too. Next to our mom and dad he's number one in our lives. He's our brother, same's you, now. C'moan, let's go buy you some clothes," Earl D. said quietly, hugged his new little brother, and stole a kiss.

Earl D. and Billy Bob had an old pickemup truck that originally belonged to Bubba. He gave it to them to travel back and forth to school. It was in pretty fair shape. Bubba kept it running good and the boys kept it in top running condition. It was what Waddie referred to as a 'shit-kicker truck.' All shit-kicker pickemup trucks have a heavy duty step bumper, cattle racks, heavy metal deer guards on the front, and a protective metal grill over the back window. Waddie loved old trucks, and he knew he was going to love the two outstandingly good looking men he was sitting between. His cock remained solid since he saw them bound down the front steps of Mrs. York's place. They arrived at the 'Hitch'n Post,' but they didn’t tell the owner Waddie’s name right away. The owner’s name was Gil Saunders. He hugged and kissed the two good looking cowboys and turned his attention to Waddie.

"We brought you a good'un this time, Gil. He’s our new little brother, but y'ain't never gonna' guess who he is?" Billy Bob crowed.

"You guys wait here a minute, I'll be right back," Gil Saunders said. He disappeared into his workshop in the back. He returned with three photos and handed them to Waddie. There were two close up photos and one full photo of Waddie and Gip at a rodeo wearing their favorite black, white, and red rodeo chaps Uncle Enid gave them for Christmas several years ago.

"That you and yore’ brother, Gip, young man?" Gil ask smiling.

"That 'ud be us, sir," Waddie confirmed with a grin.

"You Waddie Lovejoy, Son?" Gil asked rhetorically. Billy Bob's face fell like a final curtain.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Saunders, that ‘ud be me," Waddie replied.

"Just hung up the phone talking with your Uncle Enid as you walked in the door. I have to call her back. I promised her I would. But first, gimme' a' hug, young'un. She's worried sick about you, but seeing who you're with, she ain't got a care in the world. By the way, you and yore’ brother like them bat wing chaps you’re wear’n in the pictures? I made 'em about four years ago for Enid to give you for Christmas," he said.

"You made our chaps, Mr. Saunders? We love 'um. ‘Em's our favorite, lucky pair of rodeo chaps. We won't ride, less'n we’s wear’n 'em. I shit chu' not, sir," Waddie said in his best cowboy speak.

"That's wonderful. I enjoyed making them. Got s’more pictures in the back of you and Gip at a rodeo wearing 'em. That, gentlemen, is how I recognized the young man. You come for some duds, cowboy?" Gil asked.

"Yes, sir, basic stuff, Wranglers, socks, shirts, but no underwear. Real cowboys don't never wear no underwear," Waddie winked at the man. Gil Saunders laughed.

"Let me call Enid real quick, and I'll get back to you. By the way, Son, just call me Gil. You've shown me proper respect. Now I know you got manners, call me Gil. You two will still refer to me as Mr. Saunders," Gil said as he broke up laughing at Earl D. and Billy Bob. They followed him back. They wanted to see the photos of Waddie and Gip in their rodeo chaps. Waddie did, too, he didn't remember seeing them.

"Hello, guess what? He just walked in the front door with two of the biggest, meanest, ugliest sum'bitches North of the Pecos, the Crenshaw brothers. Now, who were we just talking about? I certainly am not. I'm just as sane as you are. He's standing right here, inside my store. I recognized him from them photos you gimme’ of them wearing my chaps. Yes, your nephew." The three men could hear Uncle Enid's yell all the way across the back room of the store. "She wants to talk with you, cowboy. She don't believe me," Gil said disgustedly.

"Howdy, Uncle Enid, it's Waddie," he said.

"Well, I’ll be damned. Saints be praised, it is you, Son. How the fuck are you, darlin'?" she asked.

"I be just fine, but I had to run away from home, Uncle Enid. My dad, Morgan, well, he kinda went crazy. He almost killed me, Uncle Enid. My angel told me to go, run away, and I did. No one back home knows where I am. My angel don't want them to know for a while. I gotta' stay away for some reason. I guess it's to protect me from my dad. I can't go back to living with him. I won't go back to living with him, Uncle Enid. I'm sick and tired of being beaten for things I didn't do. Maybe you already heard about it," Waddie said.

"Yes, I did, Son. Dan called me immediately. Dan, Jimmy Sue, and Gip are devastated. We've all been so worried, but I told Buck, I know that kid well enough to know he's being taken care of by some good people. They called me immediately. They wanted everyone to know in case you called and said not to be worried. It's hard not to worry when we love you so much. You couldn't be doing too damn bad with them two beautiful men you got on your arm. They's a couple of fine looking cowpokes. Many's the men who'd sell their grandma into slavery for one night between them two ol' boys, I'll tell ya,'" Enid broke up with laughter enjoying her own joke.

"I'm just a' praying they know how to knock boots, Uncle Enid," Waddie said quietly. The three other men didn't hear what Waddie told Enid, but they could hear her laugher loud and clear.

"I'm sure of it, cowboy. You may be a little young for their taste, but then again, I seen you in action, and a few time you surprised the shit out of this old lady,‘at's fer damn sure. You call Agatha yet, darlin'?" she asked.

"No, Ma'am. I was gonna' ask Bubba if'n I could call her tonight and pay the phone charges to the lady I'm staying with. I was gonna' call you tonight, too. I didn't want you worrying none about me."

"Bubba? Is that old Bubba Franz? He still driving that old plum colored Peterbuilt?" she asked.

"Yes, 'um! You know Bubba?" Waddie asked.

"Oh, hell, yes. He probably don't remember me. I was running buddy with an old lady trucker for about a year and a half. I met him several times. Ask him if he remembers old lady Mother Trucker and her running buddy, Moon Shine. You couldn't be with better people, Waddie. That man, Bubba, is one hell of a fine man. That man walks with God, Son. I been in touch with Agatha to see if she's heard from you. Can I tell her I've heard from you, and you're gonna' call her tonight."

"Sure, I know I can trust you not to give away where I am right now. You can tell Aunt Agatha. She's okay. She's Gip and my buddy, just like you are, Uncle Enid." Enid was quiet on the other end of the line. She almost lost it for a minute. The kid could toss off the most loving comment as if it were simply accepted fact. "I can't go home until my angel, Mr. Uriel, says so. I don't wanna’ put the temptation in front of Uncle Buck or Dad Dan to come get me. It ain't time yet, Uncle Enid. Lemme’ give you the phone number where I'm staying, and you can pass it on to Aunt Agatha if you would, I'd appreciate it."

"You know I will, Son. I love you as much as the rest of 'em, and I know Agatha worships you and Gip. What's the number?" she asked.

Waddie hollered at Earl D. and Billy Bob. "Mr. Crenshaws, what's the phone number to Mrs. York's place? Will she let me take a call there this evening?" Waddie asked.

"Sure. You's one of her boy, now. She has separate phones for the upstairs and downstairs." Earl D. gave Waddie the upstairs number, and he repeated it to Uncle Enid. Waddie got the address from Earl D., and gave it to Uncle Enid. Enid was living in Austin at the time.

"I know I don't have to ask you not to tell the folks back home my whereabouts. You can tell 'em you know the people I'm with, and you think they're good folks. Maybe that'll help put Uncle Buck and Dad Dan's hearts to rest a bit."

"I promise I'll do that, Waddie. Of course I won't tell a soul but Agatha. She's a sweet lady, and I've come to be quite fond of her. Not that way, youngster. She's been a good friend. I may drop over to see you one day next week, but I'll call first and make sure you're gonna' be there."

"I'd like that, Uncle Enid. I'll introduce you to my new brothers. Damn, they be fine looking men, Uncle Enid," Waddie said. Again Enid laughed at her nephew's candor. "It's good to hear your voice, Uncle Enid, and you know I love you."

"Aww, sweet baby, you know your old Uncle Enid loves you, too. Now, do me a favor, and put that no good, son of a bitch, Gil, back on the phone," she said. Waddie hollered for Gil.

"Uncle Enid would like to talk with you again, sir," Waddie said as he handed Gil the phone, and walked over to Earl D. and Billy Bob. They pointed out ten different pictures of Waddie and Gip in their black, white, and red, bat wing, rodeo chaps. They were hot pictures. Waddie's dick got hard when he saw the handsome knock-out cowboy standing next to him in the pictures. His brother never failed to get his cock roaring hard. He started adjusting it, and the two brothers caught him. They laughed their butts off. "I'm sorry guys. It's just ever’ time I see a picture of my cowboy brother my dick gets hard." They broke up laughing at Waddie's honesty. Then he looked at them, and they were hard, too. It was Waddie's turn to laugh.

"We been standing here talking about what fine good looking young cowboys you two make. Makes my dick hard. How 'bout you, brother?" Billy Bob asked.

"All you gotta' do is look. That things been trying to get out of there for the last fifteen minutes," Earl D. replied. They laughed again.

Gil was on the phone a good while with Uncle Enid, and the men went back out to the store to look around. Waddie wanted to see if they had Wrangler boot cut jeans in his size. He found three pair, and set them on the counter. He found some nice socks, and selected five pair. He found some inexpensive white cotton t-shirts. He selected five of those. Waddie picked out three really pretty Western shirts. He found a nice straw hat for summer. His buddies liked it and urged him to get it. Gil came back into the store smiling like a Cheshire cat. He had a legal pad of notes from Uncle Enid.

"Okay, let's see, now. You already picked out some stuff. You have to pick two more pair of Wranglers, Waddie. Uncle Enid's orders, Son. We don't say 'no' to Uncle Enid. I learned the hard way, trust me. You have three nice western shirts. You got two more to pick out. Don't be shy, Waddie, she's picking up the tab for all this. By the way, you two yahoos, go pick out any pair of Justin/ Nacona boots you want, they're a gift from Enid to make sure you take damn good care of her nephew. She said to tell you she'll personally kick your butts if you don't." Billy Bob and Earl D. hooted with laughter, but were stunned she would be so generous. They hit the boot rack immediately.

"She told me to send a pair to a Mr. Bubba Franz with you, Waddie. Do you know his size?" Gil asked.

"Shore’ do, Gil. He told me his size was fourteen triple E. I looked in one to see if it really was that big. It was. I also sniffed it when he weren't looking," Waddie said quietly with the back of his hand to his mouth. Gil roared with laughter.

"Done the same damn thing myself, youngster. Still do, ever’ chance I get. You never outgrow it, Waddie. It'll be with you for life. You just have to adjust and learn to live with it." Waddie and Gil broke into gales of laughter, "Oh, by the way, Son, she wants you to pick out a nice pair of boots for yore’self to wear when you go to Dallas to visit your aunt."

"You sure about all this, Gil? I feel awful funny. I love my Uncle Enid, but damn..." Waddie said sounding frustrated.

"I know, Waddie, but she's that way. She overwhelms everybody. Honey, she's become the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas. She can afford to be generous with her nephew who had a bit of a bad time. You're lucky, Waddie, you and your brother, Gip, have such a wonderful woman for an aunt. I know her well enough to know she'd be hurt if you didn't accept her help. You're in a tight place right now, and she wants to help. Let her, Son. She's trying to do her part, and it's her way of telling you she's so damn sorry for the way your dad treated you. She'd go break him in two herself if your Uncle Buck would let her. Damn, she loves that man. Talks about him, you, Dan, Gip, Don, Lyle, Quinton, Clyde, and Oatie. Now that's one kid I'd love to meet sometime. I've heard stories."

"Ever’ damn one of 'em's true, Gil. Oatie's a handful," Waddie said and laughed.

Waddie picked out the rest of the clothes Uncle Enid wanted him to have and a nice felt hat she told Gil he could buy. He chose two nice western belts with large belt buckles. He picked out a beautiful pair of boots for himself and picked out a pair he knew Bubba would like, size fourteen triple E. Waddie's whole head would fit inside one of the boots. The boys agreed with Waddie's selection. Bubba would love the boots. The Crenshaw men picked out two beautiful pair as well, and were as giddy as school boys. Hell, they were school boys.

They got everything together and Waddie signed his name to all the sales slips to show the stuff was received. He signed for Bubba's boots, and Earl D. and Billy Bob signed for theirs. The men hugged, kissed Gil, and promised to come back to see him. He treated them nice, and was gracious. Waddie liked the man. He shook his hand, and thanked him sincerely. Gil was impressed with Waddie's maturity. The men threw their stuff in the back of the truck and drove back to Mrs. York's. They didn't realize it was so late. They'd been in the store four hours or better. Bubba's truck was already there. Waddie was thrilled at the sight of Bubba's truck.

"Will you throw cold water on this one, brother?" Billy Bob laughed.

"You're one to talk, brother, I seen you sneaking glances at the big man's crotch," Earl D. said and laughed as he parked the truck. Bubba was sitting on the porch with Mrs. York enjoying a big glass of iced tea. He didn't look too stressed.

"My God, did ju' men buy the whole damn store?" Bubba asked.

"He had few things left, but we're going back tomorrow for the rest," Billy Bob shot back at Bubba. Bubba roared with laughter.

"Y'ain't gonna' believe what we have to tell ya,' big brother," Earl D. smiled at Bubba.

"If it concerns this one," Bubba nodded toward Waddie, "I'd believe any damn thing you tell me. I seen what he can do, and its frightened this old pilgrim, I'll tell ya'"

"We didn't pay a penny for all these clothes," Billy Bob said.

"Did the cops get chore’ license number as ya'll drove away?" Bubba laughed.

"We didn't steal 'em neither. An old truck'n friend of yours bought 'em for us. She said she was Mother Trucker's running buddy, Moon Shine," Billy Bob said.

"You're lying like a damn railroad track. How could ju' men lie like that to your big brother? Are they lying to me, Waddie?" Bubba asked.

"Naw, sir. They be telling the truth. You just don't remember, or maybe never knew Moon Shine's real name was Enid Justin," Waddie explained.

"Son of a bitch!" Bubba exclaimed, "Excuse me, Mrs. York, I apologize, Ma'am," Bubba remembered himself.

"No need. Been around men who used worse language than that. Feel free, you won't bother me. Only around the table I expect decent language. Anywhere else, hold forth," she said.

"Moon Shine was Enid Justin? Your Uncle Enid, Waddie?" Bubba asked.

"Same lady, big man," Waddie said as he handed Bubba a big paper bag with a box inside.

"I talked with her on the phone at Gil's store. He's a close friend of hers. She said for me to pick these out for you, bear man," Waddie said. Bubba's mouth dropped open before he even looked inside the package. He put his hand in, pulled out the box, saw the Nacona boot logo, opened the box, and saw the handsome pair of boots Waddie picked out for him. The big man lost it right there on the porch. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged, and kissed him.

"Who's taking care of who around here, little man. Last night you buy me a big steak dinner with your stories. You go shopping with these yahoos, your Uncle Enid drops out of the blue, and sends you home with a beautiful pair of expensive boots for me. You're one hell of a running buddy, Waddie. Glad to call you my pardner, cowboy. These are exactly the boots I was a' looking at about a month ago when I wanted a nice pair, but money got tight. I put that idea on a shelf for later. Now, look, can you guys believe this?" Bubba asked.

"What are you talking about, we got new boots, too, look." The brothers showed Bubba and Mrs. York their new boots, and Bubba just shook his head. Mrs. York excused herself to finish supper, and said she'd ring the bell in about thirty minutes for them to wash up.

Bubba looked Waddie in the eyes and spoke gently. "Don't you even say no to old Bubba tonight, understand, buckaroo?" Bubba asked gently.

Waddie looked down at his old boots, back up to Bubba's eyes, and smiled. "I understand, sir. I love you, Bubba," Waddie said quietly.

Bubba grabbed the boy and held him tight. "My love for you grows by the hour, Waddie. I can't think of nothing else but you, cowboy. C'moan, lets take your stuff up to your room and start putting it away."

The men were cleaned up when Mrs. York rang the supper bell. They went down to supper. They were the only four men that evening. The graduate student left and went home for the weekend. Just as well. Mrs. York was in the mood to cook one of her favorites, Sauerbraten. A pork roast marinated in vinegar, red wine, and spices then seared on a high heat for several hours. It was heaven. Waddie never tasted anything so good. Bubba had it before because his ma, Dora Franz, was a good German lady. The Crenshaw boys ate it before because, it because Mrs. York fixed it several times for holidays and special occasions. There was never a tiny piece left. There wasn't that night either. The four men couldn't get enough. Mrs. York was pleased her cooking was enjoyed. She loved to cook, and her rooming house was her calling. They were having dessert and coffee when the upstairs phone rang. The Crenshaw boys told Waddie to run answer it because it was probably for him. They weren't expecting any calls.

Sure enough, Waddie was thrilled to hear his Auntie Boo on the other end of the line. "Auntie Boo, it's so good to hear your voice. You know I talked with Uncle Enid earlier this afternoon and asked her to give you the address and phone number of the room and board place I'm staying at here in Austin. How are you, Auntie Boo?" Waddie asked with enthusiasm.

"I'm fit and fine, young man. Thank you for asking, but I want to know how you are?" she asked.

"I'm much better now that I hear your voice, Auntie Boo. I was pretty bad for a couple of days. My dad, Morgan, almost killed me. He went crazy, and Mr. Uriel told me to run from him -- to get away. It ain't safe for me to be there right now and won't be for a while. I have to stay away until Mr. Uriel tells me it's safe for me to go home. I can't and won't go back to living with Morgan Lovejoy and them awful people again. Mr. Uriel told Uncle Buck I was to live with Dad Dan, Gip, and Momma Sue until Aunt Linda finds out she ain't my aunt. She told Momma Sue about giving her baby away and about the birthmark. When I went missing Dad Dan was talking to Momma Sue about identifying marks on my body and mentioned the wine colored cowboy boot on my right leg. Well, like you, she put two and two together and Dad Dan figured it out after Uncle Buck learned I wasn't Morgan's kid. Morgan ain't been honest with his brother about me. Mr. Uriel appeared to Gip and Dad Dan to tell Gip to be honest with his parents. They won't tell. Besides the time is near, Auntie Boo, I just feel it," Waddie said.

"I concur, sweetheart. I've had a visit from him, too. He instructed me to do several things I've accomplished. I never thought I was capable of doing what I did, but he gave me the strength and courage of a lioness. Are you going to be able to get up here to Dallas for your visit the last week of June?" she asked.

"I don't see why not, Auntie Boo. I could hop on a bus here as well as I could from home. You think my brother might want to be with me?" Waddie asked.

"Of course, he would. You leave that to Auntie Boo. I'll get him a ticket in the mail tomorrow, and I can send you one, too," she said.

"No, no. Not this time, Auntie Boo. I got the money to pay for my own ticket. Some truck drivers took up a collection for me, and I got enough money. Lemme’ buy my own ticket to show you I wanna’ come see you not just because you send me a ticket. I love you, Auntie Boo. You been Gip and my rock through this craziness, and I know you'll continue to be," Waddie said sincerely.

"Then I won't send your brother a ticket until I've heard from you about an arrival time," Agatha said.

"That'll be fine. I'll check with the bus company this week and give you a call, or have the information ready for you the next time you call," Waddie said.

"Oh, Waddie, I do so love the two of you boys. I almost couldn't imagined having one of you here without the other. I've only been doing for you what I was instructed to do, my dear young man, but you and your brother's love has made my job much more than just a task, it's become a labor of love," she said.

"Uncle Enid bought me a bunch of clothes today, Auntie Boo. She's been so good to me and Gip. I went into a store to buy a couple of necessary things and walked out with half the store. I could never repay her or you for your love and kindness to me," Waddie said.

"What are you talking about, Son? You've aready paid us back. Your love is quite enough for us, for all us grownups. You're a major part of a number of people's lives. I've received several calls from Dr. Dyer asking if I'd heard from you. May I tell him I have?" Agatha asked.

"Oh, sure, Auntie Boo, and tell him I plan to call him soon. Tell him I'm healing, and there's no infection. My face is looking a lot better. The bruises are going away fast. I'll tell him, too, when I talk to him. I don't see why you couldn't give him my phone number here, and tell him not to give it out. It's for his use only in case of an emergency, or if he wants to check on me. What do you think, Auntie Boo?" Waddie asked for her advice.

"That man would take your secret to his grave, Waddie. He thinks the world of you and your brothers. Someday when you and Gip are older, we'll sit down, and I'll share his letters with you. He's so proud of your accomplishments. He looks upon the four of you as his boys. I think that's partly because you boys have made sure he and his wife are always included in family affairs. You, Gip, Oatie, and Clyde are their family. They love you boys with a passion. To answer your question, I think it would be a lovely idea. He wouldn't even give the sheriff your number if he tortured him. That's not likely to happen with the current sheriff. Can you tell me the folks you're staying with?" Agatha asked.

"The Crenshaw brothers, Earl D. and Billy Bob," Waddie said proudly.

"Not the Texas Longhorn Crenshaw brothers?" she asked in awe.

"That 'ud be them, Auntie Boo," Waddie replied.

"My word, Waddie. You be sure and get their autographs for this silly old lady. I've been following their careers. This is too much. The Crenshaw brothers taking care of my nephew. What won't the good Lord think of next? Unbelievable. My girls are heart sick in love with those two boys. We either listen on the radio or watch every Texas U. game they broadcast on T.V. Well, I can verify for Buck and Linda Sue not to worry, and I won't either. You're in good hands, Son. Those boys and their family are thought highly of all over the state," she said. Waddie giggled that his aunt knew of the Crenshaws and was such a fan. He learned more and more about this wonderful little lady, his Auntie Boo, every year. "I'd better let you go. I'll call again toward the middle of next week and see if you have a time of arrival here in Dallas from the bus company. I'll be there to meet you. Take care, Waddie, I love you very much," Agatha said.

"Your love has been the only thing to keep me going sometimes, Auntie Boo. Never doubt your nephew loves you, too. Goodnight," Waddie replied.

Waddie went back to finish his dessert. The grownups didn't dare intrude on his privacy, but they were waiting to see his reaction. "I can't believe it. My dear little old Auntie Boo is a crazed, Texas Longhorn fan and made me promise to get autographed pitchers of you two," he said sort of disgustedly. Billy Bob and Earl D. laughed. Bubba thought it was pretty funny, too. "While you're at it, you may as well sign three more for my brothers. I know they'll want your pitchers,"* Waddie said.

"What about you, cowboy?" Billy Bob asked.

"Oh, God, you walked right into that one. Set 'tat boy right up. Go fer' it, Waddie. Knock it out a' the park, Son," Bubba laughed.

"Naw, I know what chu' two look like. Don't need no pitcher," Waddie said with a wicked grin. Mrs. York almost choked on her dessert. Bubba fell out laughing, and Waddie joined him. He leaned over against Bubba, he was laughing so hard at the downcast, dejected look on the men's faces. "Of course, silly, I'd love to have your pitchers," Waddie said. Mrs. York got a big kick out of that.

* * * * * * *
The men decided to give Mrs. York a hand with the clean up. Earl D. washed dishes, scrubbed pots and pans, and Waddie dried. Billy Bob cleaned the dinning room, swept, and vacuumed. Bubba grabbed the mop bucket, and mopped the entire kitchen area. They were through with everything in about an hour. It would've taken Mrs. York several hours to finish. She was grateful to the men for having a little time to relax. The men sat on the front porch in the cool of the evening and Mrs. York joined them for a while. She excused herself to get an early start to bed, and the men went to their rooms to clean up and go to bed. Waddie and Bubba headed for the upstairs head to clean up. Mrs. York had the upstairs bathroom at the end of the hall enlarged. She had a plumber install four toilets with modesty stalls, four sinks and a huge walk in tiled shower area with four spigots. She had two, one hundred gallon hot water heaters that never ran out of hot water. It would come out so hot you had to be careful to add cold water quickly or scald yourself.

Earl D. and Billy Bob heard Waddie and Bubba in the shower and decided to join them. Bubba was gently bathing Waddie's butt, and he showed Earl D. what he was particularly worried about. He explained he'd leave the ointment he was using on Waddie with them tomorrow morning. Bubba bought two new tubes for Waddie that afternoon. Bubba instructed the boys, they were to put the ointment on Waddie in the morning after they helped him clean his back side and helped him dry. Bubba told them to repeat the procedure in the evening before he went to bed. The brothers were intent and serious with no joking around. They asked questions and watched. When Bubba finished and handed Waddie the wash cloth, they stopped being serious.

"You didn't tell us there were fringe benefits to this job, big brother. You mean you make that poor young man bathe that huge body of yours?" Billy Bob asked.

"Bubba don't make me do nothing, gentlemen," Waddie spoke up as he was scrubbing his buddy's back, "I do this 'cause I love the big man, and it makes our dick's hard. See." Waddie turned to them with a big boner sticking straight out, and Bubba waggled his at them.

"Damn, brother, the kid's hung like a Shetland Pony. We underestimated our Bubba once again," Earl D. said. The brothers fell out laughing. They were really having a good time with Bubba and Waddie. They felt like Waddie was their little brother since he was born. Of course they were used to their big Bubba and could get away with murder with him. Bubba gave as good as he got. Bubba invited them into Waddie's bedroom to show the brothers how he wanted the ointment applied to Waddie's butt, back, and face. He was extremely gentle with Waddie and knew the boys would be, too. The brothers kept asking questions. They didn't want to leave, but Bubba knew what they were up to.

"Look, you're gonna' have him to yore’selves for several weeks. I may get to see him a couple of nights after tonight. Now, we told you we loved you now get the fuck out. Go to your room. Go to bed," Bubba said and howled with laughter. The brothers were laughing as they were practically booted out the door. Bubba closed and set the night latch on the door. He wasn't about to be disturbed tonight. He had some major loving to give to a certain young man, and he didn't want his concentration interrupted. "Damn, do you have that effect on ever’ one you meet, young'un?" Bubba asked his buddy.

"Not every one, but the main ones. If I decide I want 'em to like me, there ain't much they can do about it. I try hard to be nice to all people, but ever’ now and then there comes along someone special-like. You do your damnedest to show them how you feel, please them, make them feel good about themselves. You let them come to the conclusion on their own they're much happier with you around than without you. Just like I hope I done with you, my big handsome Grizzly bear," Waddie said and grinned.

"Well, if'n it were a bear trap you set, it worked," Bubba said to Waddie, "I should take you to Alaska and have you teach them bear hunters how to make a Grizzly fall in love with 'em, then they wouldn't have to shoot so many. Ever’ home could have their own big lovable Grizzly bear to play with the kids, let 'em curl up in his big arms, keep 'um warm, and let 'em sleep secure. 'Cause they know there ain't no boogey man what's gonna' hurt 'em s'long as their love'n Grizzly's there to protect 'em." Bubba said and nodded his head for emphasis as he finished. Waddie continued his monolog, "And then, if'n they's real lucky, and been good to their Grizzly, bathed him, brushed his fur, rubbed his tired old back for him, bring him a new pair of boots, tell him how handsome he looks in 'em, they just might get a little extra lovin' from their big bear and steal a little of his honey," Waddie said giggling at their monologs. Bubba was paying rapt attention to his little buddy, nodding his head in agreement, then laughed when Waddie finished.

"By the way, big man, you did look extra-handsome in them new pair of boots at supper tonight. My dick stayed hard all through our meal," Waddie said.

"So'd mine, scamp. I'd move my big foot around in them boots, and think about my little buddy what brung ‘em to me. My old dick stayed hard all evening. I was almost afraid to get up and help after dinner. You remember what I told you earlier on the front porch, cowboy? Bubba meant that," he said.

"I won't say 'no', bear man, I promise, although I'd be perfectly willing to just play catcher for my Grizzly. I guess even Grizzly's need to show someone a little love'n now and then," Waddie allowed.

"Bet your pretty little ass, sweet buckaroo, and it is pretty even if it's a little under the weather right now. It will never be that way again, I guaran-damn-tee-ya,'" Bubba said as the voice of authority.

"You know a chunk of me is going with you when you leave here tomorrow, don' cha'?" Waddie asked softly.

"And, a big chunk of my heart's gonna' stay right here in yore’ back pocket, little one. I know the good Lord knows what he's doing, but when I took on this assignment, I never counted on falling in love with the man I was gonna' try'n help. Now, it's gonna' be tough to let go, but cha' know what, cowboy?" Bubba asked.

"What, big man?" Waddie asked in reply.

"Let's thank the Old Man for letting us love each other. We go sometimes for long periods, it seems, without much steady love’n, then when we find a little, we wanna' hold on to that glow, that warmth, that sense of belonging, of being one and yet free to be individuals. We know we're gonna' be good friends, lovers, buddies, brothers for as long as we want. We may be separated for periods, but we'll always have each other in our hearts. Then when we get together again, it's like we weren't apart for more’n a few minutes. I'm like that with Red Dog, and I know he is with me," Bubba said.

"Never thought about it that way, Bubba, but I know what chore’ talking about 'cause I keep my brother in my heart. There's no one like him to me on Earth, and when we get back together, it’s like we ain't never been apart. It sure is good, though, holding a loved one you ain't held for a while, like we're holding each other right now. I can remember sleeping with my Uncle Buck for almost a year when I's five years old. I knew at the time he was my real dad, because Mr. Uriel told me. I couldn't tell him I knew, but I fell so much in love with my own dad. I still am, but I had to give him up to my mom when they got married. I no longer had my big, warm, cowboy buddy to count on being there during the night if I woke up and needed to reach out for somebody.

"I could grab me a big ol' handful of any part of my dad, and he didn't care. He just pulled me closer, stole a kiss, tell me he loved me, and I'd drift off to peaceful sleep knowing I was protected and loved. I had to give that up over night. I was only five going on six the next month. I thought my heart was ripped out of my body. I eventually went to live with them until I had to go back to living with my dad who bought me. It was hard, because I wasn't old enough to understand the love Uncle Buck and I had for each other would never change, and the intimacy and joy we shared that year will always be there between us. No one can ever take that away. Same with us, big bear. I'll always keep you in my heart. You're my hero; you saved my life. I owe you my life, Bubba. I won't never forget that, I promise," Waddie said.

"You don't owe me nothing, baby buckaroo. I'm just happy as a clam in deep water being here with your right now. Now -- are we gonna' waste our evening together yakking our heads off or are we gonna' show each other how much we love one another?" Bubba asked.

"I vote for the shut'n up, big man, kiss me," Waddie replied.

Bubba didn't wait for Waddie to take the lead. It was all in Bubba's hands, and Waddie couldn't have been happier about it. The big man made the sweetest love to him, and he returned Bubba's love in kind. He got himself a good bit of bear honey and surprised the both of them by shooting just a little bit the first time Bubba took him. Bubba proudly claimed it was the genuine article. It wasn’t much, just enough to get the flavor, but something happen to Waddie when he felt that tiny bit shoot out of him. Now he knew what the grown men felt when their sperm and ejaculate comes forth from their body. Orgasm was always wonderful to Waddie, but this was the big leagues. This was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. His brother got it right. Waddie's love for his big bear overflowed. Bubba was so proud. Proud of his little buddy, and proud of himself for being the first to receive a little of his running buddy's load. Waddie was proud of him, too. They finished their third round, and decided to have another go at it in the morning.

Bubba held his little buddy close all night. Waddie slept soundly and peacefully. The next morning they were at it again. Bubba managed to get a little more out of Waddie and Waddie got him a good taste of bear honey. He declared that was the best tasting stuff since coach Ed. They got up, showered and Bubba applied his medicine for the last time. He left the tube and two new ones with Waddie. They got dressed and heard the breakfast bell ring. The Crenshaw's barely managed to throw enough clothes on to be presentable, washed their hands and faces, and walked into the dinning area still groggy from sleep. Waddie and Bubba were bright eyed and bushy tailed. They finished breakfast, thanked Mrs. York, Bubba grabbed his stuff, including his new boots, threw them in the truck, quickly said his goodbyes trying hard not to get too emotional.

"I pick up a load this morning, and I'm heading out to visit yore’ folks. I'm looking forward to it. I won't say goodbye, Waddie, just, I love you, and we'll see each other again real soon."

"On down the road, cowboy, on down the road. You know I love you," Waddie said.

Waddie hugged and kissed the big man. Bubba climbed into the cab of his big rig, cranked the beast, put it in gear, and was gone. Waddie stood for the longest time looking after him fading in the distance, and felt two big hands on his shoulders. They belonged to Earl D., and Billy Bob was right beside him.

"You'll see him again, Waddie. He loves you too much to let you go. You love him that much, too. You'll always have each other." Earl D. was right.

* * * * * * *
Mrs. York found a small suitcase in her garage some student left behind years ago and gave it to Waddie to pack his cloths in to go to Bandera with the Crenshaws. He packed what he thought he'd need for two days and maybe church on Sunday; clean jeans, his felt hat, a pretty western shirt, t-shirt underneath, belt, and his new boots. He packed his medications. Waddie wore his straw hat and old boots. He was ready to go. Earl D. and Billy Bob were already packed and their stuff thrown in the back of the truck. They threw a clean tarp over the lot and tied it down so nothing would blow out. They said goodbye to Mrs. York and told her to expect them back Monday before noon. Neither had a class scheduled for Monday. The drive to Bandera was approximately one hundred and twenty miles.

The Crenshaw boys had it down to a science. They drove the back roads and farm roads where there wasn't much traffic, and they could drive pretty fast. It was before the days of radar, and the man riding shotgun kept a watch in his rear view mirror to see if a county patrol car pulled in behind them. They usually traveled during the day because most of the cops were patrolling at night when they couldn't be detected. During the day you could spot them and slow down. They never got a ticket but they burned up some country farm roads. At the speed limit, it was a good two and a half hour drive to Bandera.The boys could make it in an hour and forty-five minutes. They kept a stop watch in the glove compartment, clicked it on when they pulled away from the curb at Mrs. York's, and clicked it off when they hit the gravel road to their ranch.

Their best time was an hour and thirty two minutes. They decided not to scare the shit out of their little buddy, and made it in a respectable two hours and nine minutes. That was with one stop for a pee break, snack, leg stretch, and change drivers. Waddie needed to take a butt break as well. The boys had him sitting on a fluffy pillow Mrs. York loaned them. It helped but he still needed a break. Waddie didn't have much time to be sad missing his big buddy. Earl D. and Billy Bob were like a two ring circus. They laughed and joked about everything. They readily included Waddie in their fun. They asked Waddie to tell them one of his stories, and he told them about him and Gip picking the fleas off the old hound dog, letting them set for a couple of days to get real hungry, dumping them in Willie's bed, and waiting for the outcome. The boys laughed and laughed. They thought that was an awful thing to do, but it was funny; and, from the stories they heard about Willie, it sounded to them like he deserved it.

Waddie couldn't make up his mind which brother he liked better. Hell, they were both outstandingly handsome, young men, buffed out to the max, bodies by God himself, and they had the same complexions, pretty blue eyes, sandy blond hair and each kept about a two or three day's growth of beard on their face because they thought it made them look sexy. Waddie sure as hell thought so. Their personalities were different. Billy Bob was funny, irreverent, mischievous, and the center of attention. He did have a serious side, but he rarely let anyone but his family see it. Earl D. was almost the same but he was more retiring than Billy Bob. He had a deeper side to him, but he wasn't afraid of it.

Earl D. allowed his brother center ring and was his greatest fan. He urged his brother on to new heights of nonsense. Together, they balanced each other well. They knew when to calm down and be serious; however, they were going home, they were in great spirits, and they were taking their new little brother home to meet his new family; a little brother they knew their other brothers and beloved dad would flip over. Nothing could shoot them down. They were infectious and by the time they pulled the truck into the gravel road late Saturday morning, Waddie felt like their younger brother going home with them.

They pulled around in back, and out came the family from every doorway. Six strapping, rowdy cowboys, four adults and one beautiful young girl; a young woman, Waddie thought. Earl D. introduced Waddie to the adults first. His dad and mom, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Crenshaw and Mr. and Mrs. Gus Franz and their daughter Brenda Lou. Earl D. went down the line introducing his brothers. They were lined up in descending order with the oldest being first.

"J. R. Crenshaw, he's really Randolph Jr., but he don't like junior. We can't call him Randy 'cause that's what folks call our dad, so we call him J.R." Earl D. explained. Next was a fine looking boy Waddie's age named Cassidy; next was Toller, then Jeb (for Jebediah) Brant, and the youngest and prettiest, Shad. (for Shadrack)

"Now, gentlemen," Billy Bob spoke to his brothers, "do any of you recognize our new brother?" They looked closely and shook their heads,"You should, he and his brother stomped chore’ butts at the Kerrville Rodeo two years in a row." The boys looked at Waddie. J.R. and Cassidy's mouths dropped open. The lights came on.

"Son of a -- sorry, Mom, sorry, Dad -- W. C. Lovejoy? Naw, he can't be," J.R. said slowly sticking out his hand again to take Waddie's.

"In the flesh, my brothers," Earl D. said, "You're looking at him."

"Well, they sure as hell did wax our butts, brother," Cassidy said sticking out his hand again to shake Waddie's for the second time, then he pulled Waddie to him, hugged, and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, brother," Cassidy said with love in his heart for a fellow cowboy he admired. The boys surrounded him, and were all talking at once when a sweet voice broke through their clamor.

"If my brothers will excuse me, your sister would like a hug and a kiss to welcome our new brother, if you don't mind. Thank you very much." The boys quickly backed away from Waddie as Brenda Lou put her arms around Waddie, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. "Welcome home, brother," she said sincerely.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Waddie replied, overwhelmed by his reception. He blushed at calling her 'ma'am' and everyone started laughing including Waddie. He never felt more at home. He walked over and took Mr. Crenshaw's hand again. "Dad Crenshaw, it's an honor to be here with you good folks. I appreciate yore’ kind invitation. I'll try to live up to the honor of being one of yore’ sons, sir." Randy Crenshaw was more than a little impressed by this young man. He pulled Waddie to him, hugged him, and stole a kiss.

"We're certainly glad to have you here, Son. I don't think it's gonna' be real hard for me to think on you as one of my boys, young man," Randy said.

Waddie thanked him graciously and acknowledged Mrs. Crenshaw. He gave her a hug and a kiss. Waddie walked over to Gus Franz, threw his arms around his neck, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. "Mr. Franz, if it weren't for your wonderful son, Bubba, I wouldn't be here right now. I'd be dead," Waddie said with tears running down his face, "I can't tell you how much I love your big son, Mr. Franz. He's my hero, my savior, ma' buddy, and my brother. I owe him my life, sir," Waddie said. Gus Franz had a few tears running down his cheek. There wasn't a dry eye among them for that matter. Gus held the boy and thanked him for telling him what Bubba did for him. Waddie hugged Mrs. Franz and she broke down, too. Waddie was home. The big folks already loved him, and the boys idolized him. Brenda Lou thought Waddie was a fine addition to her family. The boys had been mannerly long enough. They wanted to talk to their new brother, and find out all about him. They fired one question after another until Dad Crenshaw had to physically pick Waddie up, and admonish them to go a little slower.

"You men can learn about yore’ new brother as time goes by. Right now it's time for lunch. Everyone wash up, face and hands, line up for inspection, and that includes every son in this house," he said loud enough so Earl D. and Billy Bob could hear him. They scurried away to the bathroom with the rest of the boys. Mr. Crenshaw put Waddie down and sent him on his way to Earl and Billy Bob's bathroom. They were drying their hand when Waddie walked in. "Dad Crenshaw told me to come down here with you guys. Is that okay? Waddie asked.

"Of course it is, little brother. I'll get chu’ a clean towel and warsh cloth," said Billy Bob. Waddie began to wash and was finished in a few minutes. Billy Bob and Earl D. waited for their little brother. "Remember, Waddie, you're here with us. Anything you need, ask one of us, Dad or Mom, and we'll see to it. You stow your stuff in our room after lunch, and you'll bunk it in with old ugly and me," Billy Bob said, and laughed as his brother frogged his arm. "Owww, that hurt," cried Billy Bob.

"So did you calling me ugly. I ain't ugly. A little less than downright pretty, but I'm far from ugly. We'll let our little brother judge. How 'bout it, Waddie?" Earl D. asked.

"How do you choose between two perfect things?" Waddie asked with a wicked smile.

"Oh, I like this kid, brother. He's sharp. He'll make a fine brother," Billy Bob declared.

They went in to lunch, joined hands around the table, and Mr. Crenshaw asked Waddie if he would say grace. "Sir, and Mr. Uriel, I know you're here with us 'cause you promised my Uncle Buck you wouldn't leave my side. Bless this household and all who dwell herein. Bless the Franz family. We thank you for your goodness to us and for the small miracles we witness around us every day. Never let us close our hearts and minds to the simplest of your blessings. Thank you for the food we are about to eat to nourish our bodies. Let our love for each other grow more each day, we ask in our savior's name. Amen." Every person in the room quietly said 'amen' to Waddie's prayer.

"That was beautiful, young man, thank you," Dad Crenshaw said.

"Thank you, sir," Waddie responded respectfully. Waddie was sitting next to Earl D. and felt his hand on his knee as he gently squeezed it as if to say. 'Glad to have you here, little brother.'

* * * * * * *
It wasn't hot in Texas yet. It was still early June and the hill country West of San Antonio could get really hot. Sometimes, the folks were blessed with cool breezes once in a while.

"Think you can sit a horse, Waddie, or would it be too painful for you?" Randy Crenshaw asked.

"I think I might for a little while if one of my brothers would put more of that ointment on me. It has something in it what deadens the pain. I should be okay. Besides, I ain't been on a pony in some time. You may have to remind me which end is the head and which is the tail," Waddie smiled real big.

"I doubt that seriously, brother," Earl D. said as he took Waddie by the hand down the hallway to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room. Billy Bob was right behind them. Waddie dropped his pants and Earl D. gently began to apply ample amounts of Bubba's ointment. Mr. Franz and Dad Crenshaw asked at the door if Waddie minded if they took a look. He assured them he didn't mind.

"Oh, Christ! Forgive me, Lord. Oh, Waddie, Son, I'm so sorry," Dad Crenshaw told him, "It's unbelievable yore’ dad would do that to you. I hope you don't never have to go back and live with him no more."

"Run away again, Son, come live with us. We'd never do anything like that to you, I promise," Gus Franz begged, "I took in a runaway boy a number a years ago. Was the second smartest thing I ever done in my life. The first was marrying my wife Dora, and the third was taking in Earl D.'s little sister Brenda Lou. Lord we couldn't love a child more. She got nine brothers in all, ten including you, and she loves every damn one of 'em."

"I hope she comes to love me, Mr. Franz," Waddie said.

"She already does, Son. You say anything nice about her Bubba, she loves you immediately. We don't get to see as much of Bubba as we'd like, but he keeps in touch. He calls Brenda Lou almost once a week to talk with her. If he goes longer than a week, she get nervous," Gus said. Earl D. finished applying ointment to Waddie's butt and the boy pulled up his pants. Dad Crenshaw and Mr. Franz both wanted another hug. It was their way of saying, 'We understand. You're safe here, Son.'

The men walked Waddie out to the barns and the big rodeo arena Mr. Crenshaw built on the property. They held a number of Bandera Rodeos there for the local folks. They tried to keep it small but as soon as they made an announcement, folks from San Antonio were driving out for the rodeo. The crowds got too big to handle, and there wasn't enough parking. Then a lot of the local folks wouldn't come because all the city folks were there. Country folks aren't snobs, they're just more comfortable with their own kind. Dad Crenshaw was an avid rodeo man and won good money roping. His partner, whom he grew up with, was killed in a farm accident, and Dad Crenshaw didn't have the heart to take on another partner yet. He was more than curious to see what Waddie could do. He wasn't prepared for Waddie's talent with a rope. Of all the men on the ranch, Dad Crenshaw was the best roper by far. Earl D. and Billy Bob were pretty good. J.R. and Cassidy were better, but they needed work on their timing and accuracy.

"You ride header or heeler, Son?" Dad Crenshaw asked.

"I can ride either, Dad, but I prefer header," Waddie replied.

"We'll get chu' a header pony then," Randy said.

Dad Crenshaw picked a fine looking bay gelding named 'Whiskey' for Waddie. They were going to use a junior saddle, but Waddie ask for a full size saddle. He and Gip had been practicing for the last six months with full saddles. At that time it was a requirement to compete in the adult division. They saddled the pony, adjusted the stirrups for Waddie, he rode the pony out of the barn and galloped him around the arena. It felt good to be back in a saddle. It hurt his ass a little, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to let that spoil him having a good time. The other boys got their ponies saddled and to Waddie’s surprise, Dad Crenshaw and the two older boys rode out, too.

"Before there's any arguments, your new brother is roping with his old man. Ever’body got that?" Randy said with a grin.

"Aww, Dad," the boys grumbled and then quickly added, "Yes, sir, Dad." Including Earl D. and Billy Bob.

'Damn, " thought Waddie, "the old man, Earl D. and Billy Bob set a fine horse. Cassidy and his brother weren't too damn shabby neither.' Waddie's pick? Dad Crenshaw, hands down. He was a fine looking, middle aged man with a fit body from hard ranch work. He was a handsome sight in the saddle; damn near breath taking. 'He could be Dad Dan's bigger brother,' Waddie thought. Waddie wished his Uncle Buck, Dad Dan, Quinton, and his brothers were there to enjoy the moment. 'Oatie would faint or piss his pants at the sight of Dad Crenshaw on horseback; that is, if'n he didn't shuck his clothes first.' Waddie laughed to himself. The younger boys manned the barriers, and Earl D. and Billy Bob helped them chute the steers into the stocks. Brenda Lou joined them and decided she would do the timing.

"She was more fair than the boys," she said, "they sometimes fudged for their older brothers, their heroes."

Earl D. and Billy Bob went first, and had a pretty good time but not great. J.R and Cassidy went next. They made their catch, but were slower than their brothers. It was Dad Crenshaw and Waddie's turn. Waddie let out his rope several times and fed it back through his hand like he wanted it. Dad Crenshaw watched Waddie and his meticulous manner of getting his rope perfect before he even came to the line. He nudged his pony into starting position. Waddie looked over at Dad Crenshaw and winked. That meant, 'Follow my lead, Dad.' The gate opened, the steer took off, the barrier dropped and Waddie's pony darted for the critter. Waddie was barely past the gate, his rope was thrown, landed, and dallied as the pony turned the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his throw perfectly, dallied his rope and his pony backed up. Randy turned to his boys and the audience who gathered, and grinned like a stunned but surprisingly pleased man. "And that, folks, is the way it's done!" he exclaimed. He rode over to Waddie, stuck out his hand. "Fine catch, Son, fine catch. That ought a’ give my other boys something to think about. Thanks, Son," Randy complimented Waddie and grinned.

"You're welcome, sir, you're pert-damn good with a rope yourself. We make a good team, Dad," Waddie said and hit Dad Crenshaw with his killer grin and a wink. Their time was a record for their arena, Brenda Lou noted in the log. Eight seconds better that the previous fastest time.

"Think we could improve that, Son?" Dad Crenshaw asked, smiled, and winked at Waddie. Waddie could tell his new dad was ultra calm, but underneath, he was about to explode with pride.

"Don't see why not, Dad. Let's give it another go. May I suggest something what might make us a little faster?" Waddie asked.

"Sure, Son, I ain't one of them types what knows it all. I just saw you in action. I'd trust any damn thing you told me. In fact I already learned me a couple of things just watching you."

"Watch me out of the corner of your eye, Dad. Don't never look over or lose your concentration, keep focused. When you see me nudge Whiskey, spur your pony immediately, don't wait, no matter where the barrier rope is. Let your header worry 'bout the barrier. I promise, I won't let us jump the barrier," Waddie assured him.

"Good tip, Son. Let's try it," Randy replied.

The second steer was let loose and the barrier dropped. Waddie nudged Whiskey who leaped forward faster than the last time. Waddie could see out the corner of his eye, Dad Crenshaw was almost up with him. Waddie landed his rope, dallied, and lined up the steer. Dad Crenshaw made his catch, dallied and his horse pulled tight. They beat their previous time by another six seconds. Another record for the arena. Dad Crenshaw was float'n on a cloud, but he was trying hard to be nonchalant. He hadn't been so happy in a long time. Earl D. and Billy Bob could read their dad like a cheap dime store novel. They knew, underneath the calm, their dad was about to split apart at the seams with pride.

They rode over to Waddie. "Will you, please, stop that? Our old man's gonna' trade us all in for you," Billy Bob said loud enough everyone could hear their admonishment. They laughed and shook Waddie's hand, "Seriously, little brother, gotta' give credit where it's due, you're damn good with a rope. We knew you had to be pert-damn good to be a junior champ, but you just blew your brothers and our old man away. If'n he weren't in love with you before, he sure as hell is now," Earl D. allowed. They laughed and giggled. Earl D. and Billy Bob patted Waddie on the back, "You're the only other man in this county we venture is better'n our dad with a rope. You two could be dangerous together," Earl D. said.

Dad Crenshaw rode over to them with a big grin on his face with a pretty good idea what they were talking about. "What chu' men talking about? You two ball players, ride on outa' here. Leave my rope'n partner be. This man's an honest to goodness, buckaroo. He speaks rodeo fluently," Dad Crenshaw winked at Waddie, and they laughed.

"Earl D. just begged Waddie to stop it. Told 'em you'll be want'n to trade all of us in for him," Billy Bob said and the brothers laughed. Dad Crenshaw smiled and winked again at Waddie.

"Don't sound like too bad an idea to me -- you, Son?" Dad Crenshaw asked and laughed.

"Can I have their room, Dad?" Waddie replied and grinned.

"It's yours, Son," Randy Crenshaw quickly responded. Everybody broke up laughing.

They made a couple more runs. Waddie and Dad Crenshaw bested their previous time each time. They were hot together. Waddie agreed to rope heeler for J.R. J.R. was too slow getting out of the gate. He was afraid of breaking the barrier. Waddie told him he broke the barrier all the time. If you want to win you have to take some chances. He was able to improve J.R. and Cassidy's time by almost fifteen seconds. He roped a couple of times with Earl D. and then with Billy Bob. Earl D. was more serious about roping. Earl D. and Waddie's time beat one of Waddie's and Dad Crenshaw's earlier times. Earl D. rode over to Waddie to shake his hand and saw tears running down Waddie's face. Waddie suddenly began to hurt bad. He didn't have any warning. He wasn't physically crying, but his butt was hurting so bad tears were running down his face.

"Dad, Billy Bob," Earl D. hollered as he got down from his pony and rushed to Waddie's side, "Waddie needs help. He's hurting bad. He can't get down off his pony. Gimme' a hand," he said. The three men gently lifted Waddie off Whiskey to the ground. Dad Crenshaw picked up Waddie in his arms and carried him to the house. He took him to Earl D. and Billy Bob's room. He gently laid him out on his stomach. Earl D. was right there.

"Damn it! We should a’ know’d better. We drove him too far, too soon. Everyone wanted to rope with him. I'm guilty, too. The kid just didn't want to say 'no' to anybody," Dad Crenshaw declared almost in tears. Earl D. got Waddie's pants off, and was applying more ointment. Some of his scabs broke open and were bleeding again causing the pain. He settled down as the pain began to subside.

"I'm sorry, Dad, it ain't your fault or my brother's. I should a’ told you sooner when it was getting uncomfortable, but I didn't have much time. Seems like the pain come on awful quick. H’it's my own damn fault," Waddie allowed. Randy Crenshaw, sat on the bed next to Waddie with his hand resting lightly on the boy's shoulder and wept. He felt so bad for the boy, whom he would gladly tell any man, was his son.

"Rest, Waddie. It won't be long 'til supper. You want us to bring you a tray?" Randy asked.

"No, Dad. Now I got the medication on me. I'll be fine. I just pushed a little too hard, too soon. I was having such a good time with ya'll. I'll be all right. Thanks, brother, for putting that stuff on me. It helps, and I really appreciate it," Waddie said to his brothers.

"Glad to do it, Waddie. You taught us a bunch of good stuff today. I'm proud of you, little brother, but I could pinch you for going so long it hurt you," Earl D. said in mock anger. After a while, Waddie managed to pull on his pants and walk to the dining room for supper. The Franz's left a little earlier, and it was just the immediate Crenshaw family.

Dad Crenshaw asked Earl D. to say grace. "You know I would, Dad, but I think we'd all rather hear you say 'grace' this evening if you don't mind... right men?" Earl D. spoke to his brothers. They all agreed including Waddie.

Dad Crenshaw smiled. "Our Father, bless this food we are about to eat. We thank you for your goodness to us. Thank you for bringing us a wonderful new member to our family. Open your heart to him that together our love may heal his body as well as his spirit. We ask in His name, sir. Amen." Everyone followed with ‘amen.’

The pain went away. Waddie was able to eat and have a good time answering more of the boys questions. Dad Crenshaw had a couple of good questions for him. They couldn't talk about anything but roping. J.R. and Cassidy were charged after watching and roping with Waddie. So were the two younger boys to say nothing of the grin on Dad Crenshaw's face through supper. Billy Bob and Earl D. had many questions for Waddie, and they loved the fact, for once, they weren't the center of attention as football heroes. They commented to each other how great it was to be just another cowboy brother for a change. Their little brother, whom they were caring for and coming to love more and more, was in the center ring. Waddie tried to be humble and polite, the way a cowboy should, but he was enjoying the attention.

Everyone helped pick up the table and carry everything to the kitchen. It was the two, next oldest boys turn to wash, dry the dishes, and put them away. There was no grumbling. They went to work quickly. The family sat around talking for a while, but Earl D. could see Waddie was getting tired. He caught Billy Bob's eye. They excused themselves and took Waddie to their bedroom. They helped him with his clothes and took him to their shower. It was another big walk-in shower. Earl D. washed Waddie with supreme gentleness. After the pain medication washed off, Waddie started crying from the pain. Billy Bob dropped to his knees and held Waddie while Earl D. finished cleaning him good.

"Don't even try to stop crying, little brother, it helps get rid of both pains, inside and out. Yore’ bubba, Billy Bob, ain't gonna' let go. Get it all out, cowboy, you're with folks what love you, let it go," Billy Bob urged him. He held him for the longest time and Earl D. had his arms around both of them. Waddie pulled himself together. Billy Bob was right, most of the pain did go away, and he felt better inside. They gently dried him and took him back to their bed. They laid him on the bed, and this time, Billy Bob gently medicated him. Dad Crenshaw came in to check on Waddie.

"Son, don't feel bad. I thank God my boys brought you home with 'em. You're welcome here anytime, Waddie. You're part of our family now," Randy said sincerely.

"Thanks, Dad, I love you," Waddie replied. Mr. Crenshaw almost lost it when he heard those words.

"We sure as hell love you, too, Son," he said to Waddie as he leaned over and kissed him behind the ear. "See you in the morning, cowboy."

The brothers moved Waddie up to the middle of their bed. They finished drying themselves and lay down on each side of Waddie. They turned out the light and both put a hand on Waddie for comfort and support. As he drifted off to sleep he thought, 'Here I am naked as the day I was born, between, quite possibly, two of the best looking men in the world, and I can't enjoy them because of my damn butt.' It was the first time in all these years of Morgan beating him he allowed a twinge of anger to enter his mind. No problem, he'd do what he'd done many times before, he'd set his dream up as he was going to sleep. He was successful and found himself lying between the two beautiful men feeling and touching anything his heart desired as they made love to him stealing kiss after kiss. He dreamed worse dreams he sighed to himself.

* * * * * * *
Waddie was much better the next morning. He put on a pair of his new jeans, his nice belt, a beautiful white Weatern shirt with rich silver threads woven into the material, pulled on his new boots and got out his new black felt hat. He looked at himself in the mirror and the last few days did something to him. Waddie was never one to be prideful, but looking back at him was a pretty hot looking buckaroo. Even the black eye gave him a look of a cowboy you wouldn't want to mess with. The Crenshaws were going to church, and he was going with his new family. Only Dad Crenshaw wore a suit. It was a nice light blue color that matched his eyes and dark ruddy complection. It was, of course, a Western cut with yoking on the back of the jacket and front pockets. The rear pants pockets were yoked, too. Waddie was impressed with just how sharp his new dad looked. Randy Crenshaw was past quite handsome. He was stunning. He also wore his best boots. It looked like he could use a new pair. Earl D. and Billy Bob showed their dad their new boots, and he was wowed by them. He knew expensive boots when he saw them.

"Waddie's aunt owns the boot company, Dad. When we took Waddie to our favorite Western store so's he could buy some clothes, Waddie talked to his aunt on the phone. He told her what happened to him and who he was staying with. She told the store owner to fix us up with any pair of Justin/Nacona boots of our choice. She bought all of Waddie's clothes for him. She even had Waddie pick out a new pair a' boots to take to Bubba as a 'thank you' gift for helping Waddie. Was Bubba thrilled and surprised?" Billy Bob explained. Dad Crenshaw didn't quite know what to think of his boys excepting such an extravagant gift from someone they didn't know that well. His boys should be helping Waddie because their brother needed help, not so's they could get something. That wasn't the spirit of giving of oneself.

Waddie came to his brother's rescue. "Dad, trust me. Uncle Enid, has a heart of gold and can be overwhelming in her generosity sometimes. My bother and I, have half a dozen pair of her boots in each of our closet. My other dad, my brother's dad, Dan Justin is her second cousin. We lost count of his boots at thirty-five pair. My Uncle Buck, sheriff of the county, has fifteen to twenty pair she's given him. There ain't a deputy in the sheriff's department what don't have at least half a dozen pair in their closet. The store owner was the man who made my brother's and my black, white, and red rodeo chaps we wear. He knew who I was immediately. He had nearly a dozen pictures of me and my brother wearing the chaps he made for us our Uncle Enid give us for Christmas several years ago. It's just her way of thanking someone for being good and kind to her nephew," Waddie said.

"You call her 'Uncle' Enid, Son?" Randy asked with a grin.

"You'd have to meet Uncle Enid to understand, Dad," Waddie replied and laughed. Earl D. and Billy Bob laughed in agreement. "She used to drive an eighteen-wheeler truck like Bubba's and, well, she ain't yore’ average aunt. She keeps her hair shorter than yours, wears only men's clothes, smokes cigars, cusses like a truck driver, and tells the dirtiest jokes you never wanted to hear. Uncle Buck and all the deputies are crazy about her. We all love her and don't allow nobody to say nothing bad about her. Look what she done for me. I had money from several truckers Bubba gimme' to buy a few things for myself. I didn't call her and ask for her help. She found out from Mr. Saunders I was in his store and asked to speak with me. After talking with me for a spell, she asked to speak with Mr. Saunders again.

"When he got off the phone, he had a note pad filled with her instructions. She gave them boots to Earl D. and Billy Bob as a gesture of thanks and as the store owner related to us, 'Tell them boys if'n they don't treat my nephew right, I'll kick they're butts.' Of course she was kidding, but you'd have to know Uncle Enid. She's a wonderful and generous woman. I felt funny about it. I even asked Gil, Mr. Saunders the owner, if he was sure this is what she wanted. He assured me it was, and to let her do it. She's the second wealthiest woman in the state of Texas and has the money to be generous. He pleaded with me and my brothers to accept her generosity. I was in a bad place and she wanted to show her love for me. My brothers have treated me with nothing but love and kindness. She wanted to show her appreciation," Waddie said.

"Say no more, Son, I get the picture, and I'm proud of you and yore’ family for sticking up for an unusual relative. That takes guts. I see your point and should loosen up a bit," Dad Crenshaw said, looked again at Waddie's, Earl D.'s, and Billy Bob's new boots and shook his head as he laughed. He was satisfied with Waddie's explanation, but raised an eyebrow when Waddie asked him his boot size. He didn't answer but put his arm around Waddie and stole a kiss.

Their little church was non-denominational. It was a small little white clap-board building where a circuit preacher preached for two Sundays a month and a lay pastor the other two Sundays. Every eye in the place was on Waddie and the Crenshaws as they entered and took their seats. The men took their hats off at the door and carried them in their hands. The service started, and the preacher came to a place for new people to raise their hands to let the folks know so they might welcome them. Dad Crenshaw stood. "Reverend, neighbors, friends, I'd like to introduce you to a fine, talented young man the Lord brought to my two oldest boys for shelter and protection. He was badly mistreated by his dad who adopted him as a baby, and I can't begin to describe to you the cruelty this young man has suffered," Dad Crenshaw said. He almost broke down, but stiffened his back, and stood tall. "Yet he holds no anger in his heart towards his dad and still loves him. His guardian angel, who is with him today, in this very church, told him he had to run away, and he did. The same angel told Bubba Franz he must pick up a boy who lay dying by the side of the interstate. He was beaten so badly by his dad and lost so much blood he was unconscious.

"Like the good Samaritan, the Franz's son, Bubba, picked up the boy, laid him on the seat of his big truck, took him to the nearest truck stop, fed him, cleaned his wounds, medicated him, and gave him his love. The angel told Bubba to take this young man to my boys for sanctuary. He's currently in their charge. He's been in touch with the better portion of his family who love and care about him. His Godfather, his Uncle Buck, is the sheriff of the county in the community where he lives. They know were he is and understand he can't come home for a while; at least, until tempers settle down and the legal process of having him removed from his adopted dad's home can be accomplished.

"Like my two oldest boys, who are brothers in the truest sense of the word, he also has a brother back home named Gip Justin. He and his brother are junior rodeo champions two years in a row in team roping. They're so good, they won't let 'em compete with the kids no more. They have to go up against the men, and from what our family watched this young man do in our arena yesterday, every grown man with a rope who fancies himself a team roper better start practicing. By the good Lord's will my boys brought him home with them for the weekend.

"Our family and the Franz family have taken him to our hearts. I think the Franzs would agree we're all the richer for having him come into our lives. In a very short time, I've come to love this young man as much as my boys, and I told him I'd be pleased for him to think on me as his dad. His name is Waddie Claymore Lovejoy. He's a fine young man, and I'm proud to have him call me 'dad.'" Dad Crenshaw sat down and the folks applauded. The preacher motioned for Waddie to stand. He did, turned to the folks, smiled and nodded his thanks for their kindness.

One of the men in the back spoke up. "Son, would your Godfather, yore’ Uncle Buck, would he be Buck Claymore?" the man asked.

"That ud' be him, sir," Waddie replied as he turned to speak to the gentleman. "My full name is Waddie Claymore Lovejoy. He's my Godfather, and I carry his name."

"Son of a... 'scuse me pastor, folks. Buck and me were in the same outfit in France together. Saved my life, he did. I was wounded and shipped home, but I heard he went on to fight on Iwo Jima. Hell of a man, Buck Claymore. They don't come no better'n ‘nat man, Son. You look enough like him to be his boy," the man said as a compliment.

"I get that a lot, sir. Everyone back home calls me Buck Junior," Waddie said with pride. Everyone laughed.

"God love him," the man continued, "Now he's sheriff of his county, you say? Well, I declare. Heard he was the second highest decorated man in the war. Is that true, Son?" the big man asked.

"Yes, sir. Audie Murphy and him is big buddies. Mr. Murphy's been out to visit us several times and stayed with my uncle and aunt," Waddie replied.

"Yeah, I met ole Audie a couple of times. I'd like to get Buck's address from you later, if I could, Son," he said.

"Be happy to give it to you, sir," Waddie replied politely.

The congregation and the pastor were impressed to say nothing of the Crenshaws and Franzs who knew nothing of this. Billy Bob and Earl D. looked at each other with their mouths open and laughed. The preacher was really interested by this time. "Most of us have never seen an angel, Waddie. Mr. Crenshaw says he's here in church with you, is that right?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, he's here," Waddie replied.

"Have you ever seen him or spoken with him, Son?" the preacher asked.

"Yes, sir, several times. He's appeared to my brother as well. He saved my Uncle Buck's life on Iwo Jima. He just recently appeared to my brother Gip's dad, Dan Justin. Our poor dad was unprepared and messed in his pants," Waddie said and laughed. The congregation laughed at Waddie's candor.

"I'm a preacher, Son, but if an angel ever appeared to me, I'd very likely do the same thing. One more question and I'll move along. Can you see him now, among us?" he asked.

"Naw, sir. He appears to me at the darnedest times. He's scared the, well, you know what out of my brother and me several times," Waddie said. Again the congregation laughed, "I know he's here among us, 'cause once he's appeared to you, you never forget the feeling when he's around. It's sort a' like when you sense someone’s watching you, but when you turn to look there's nobody there. Sometimes I can feel the hairs on my arms move when he's around," Waddie explained.

"That's interesting. Thanks for sharing with us this morning. I'd enjoy a chat with you after the service, young man. I, for one, believe you. I believe in angels as God's messengers and protectors, and sir," the preacher was speaking to Waddie's angel, "I know you can hear me. Please give us your blessing this day. Amen," the preacher said.

"Amen," the congregation echoed.

"Today my sermon was going to be about something all together different, but I'm setting it aside to say a few words about good Samaritans. It was as if someone whispered in my ear or put a thought in my head to talk about this. Maybe it was your angel, Waddie. I'd like to think so. Good Samaritans are not just fiction written in the bible for a good story. They exist today. They live among us. We have several, perfect examples I can think of in this community. Gus and Dora Franz were good Samaritans many years ago. They took into their home a young man who ran away from his home for the same reason Waddie had to run away. Bubba's dad would tie him up in the barn two or three times a week, for the slightest infraction, and use an eighteen foot, black snake bullwhip on his rear until it looked like hamburger. Gus and Dora Franz took him in, gave him a home and their love. I think they would agree he's given back to them ten fold. He took their name and became their beloved son. If they hadn't been good Samaritans our community would not have been blessed with the love of a fine young man, their son, Bubba Franz.

"Bubba learned from Gus and Dora to be a good Samaritan. If Bubba hadn't been a good Samaritan one night and acted without regard for his own life we wouldn't have two fine and wonderful young people in our congregation today. Once again Gus, Dora, and Bubba opened their home and hearts to a beautiful, talented little girl who lost her parents in a terrible fire. The Crenshaws are not to be left out of the Good Samaritan roll call. Randy and Sarah Crenshaw took the little girl's brother and made him one of their own. Their entire family accepted him as their brother and son. They lovingly offered him their name, and it was his choice to proudly accept it. He is, indeed, their son and brother. If Bubba hadn't been a good Samaritan again and stopped along the road to lend a hand to someone in pain, someone in need, we might not have this fine young man with us Mr. Crenshaw introduced to us today.

"Now, his boys are continuing that tradition of being good Samaritans. What more do I need to say? Your sermon, your lesson for today, from me, from Waddie's angel perhaps, and I know from the Good Lord himself is living among you. These folks aren't good Samaritans for praise or self gain. They're just like you. They're your neighbors. They're good folks who care about their fellow man. You ask them and they'll tell you they didn't do anything that great, they only did what they had to do. They did the right thing. Folks you don't need a long winded, hell-fire and damnation sermon today. You have the love of your Father sitting in several of the pews in this church and I have no doubt, not the slightest doubt in my mind, we have an angel with us today, he heard my request, and he has blessed us.

"We're glad to have such a fine young man like you among us, Waddie. We hope you'll return soon. Let everyone take this lesson home with you. Always be kind and hospitable to strangers, you may be entertaining angels unawares. Let us pray," the preacher finished. Dad Crenshaw grabbed Waddie's right hand and Earl D. grabbed his left. He could see down the row every brother and family member joined hands. They, in turn, held the Franz's hands. Waddie shed a tear and so did every member of the Franz/Crenshaw households.

Church was over and the congregation filed out. Everyone wanted to come by and shake Waddie's hand and wish him well. Waddie met the gentleman named Johnnie Mack Tamplin and told him to send his letter to Sheriff Buck Claymore, County Sheriff, the town and county in Texas. The man shook his hand and then hugged Waddie. Ma Crenshaw and Mrs. Franz invited the preacher to the Crenshaw's for Sunday dinner with their families. The Franzs and Crenshaws often shared Sunday dinner with each other. The preacher and his young son were thrilled at the invitation and followed the Crenshaws to their ranch. The three women and a couple of the Crenshaw boys got busy setting the table and finishing dinner. Most of the meal was prepared before the family went to church. The preacher asked several more questions of Waddie about his angel. Waddie referred to him several times as Mr. Uriel.

"Is that his name ‘Mr. Uriel,’ Son?" the preacher looked amused.

"Well, sir, he told me his name was Uriel. I let grownups call him Uriel. I show him proper respect I was taught, sir. I put 'Mr.' before his name as a sign of my respect for him. He's never corrected me or my brother. He seems to appreciate our consideration," Waddie replied.

Once again the families stood around the table and joined hands. Dad Crenshaw ask the pastor to say grace. The pastor said a wonderful payer and at the end added, "Mr. Uriel, sir, we thank you and our Lord for sending this fine young man to be with us today. Let our love be with him in his trials, sir. Amen." Everyone responded with, ‘Amen.’

It was a wonderful meal of fried chicken, potatoes, and gravy. Fresh green beans, dinner rolls, hot German potato salad Dora Franz made that was wonderful. Everyone had a good time. Earl D. asked Waddie to tell one of his stories about his pay backs to his step-brother. Waddie wasn't too sure and explained to the pastor he knew revenge was not the Christian way, but Mr. Uriel said the Old Man laughed so hard the heavens rumbled for three days when he told him the story. Waddie said he liked to think of it more as a practical joke.

The pastor laughed and urged Waddie to tell his story. Waddie told of the silent disease he and his brothers gave his step-brother Willie. He wasn't halfway though the story and he thought the preacher, Dad Crenshaw, Gus Franz, and their wives were going to have strokes they were laughing so hard. Billy Bob and Earl D. were holding each other. The kids were yelling and screaming with laughter when he told of simply painting Willie's new reed in his clarinet. By the time he got to his Uncle Buck, the sheriff of the county coming down on the four of them they couldn't laugh any more.

"Well, Dad, Bubba warned us," Billy Bob said, "He didn't lie. He said Waddie's story telling at a truck stop made the owner pick up their tabs for steak dinners with dessert thrown in. He was so impressed by Waddie's story telling. I can understand why, now."

"Son, that was just about the funniest story I ever heard, and there really wasn't any permanent harm done to your step-brother other than to deprive him of his speech for six months or better. Sounded to me like he deserved to be silenced for a while. I'll bet he didn't set you up during that period of time." Dad Crenshaw said and then laughed at his own joke. The pastor agreed. Shortly after dinner the pastor and his son left to drive back to their regular church some miles away. Once again the men went to the barns, but they weren't going to let Waddie ride this time. The other men rode and asked Waddie for pointers. He helped Earl D. and Billy Bob improve their time considerably. Billy Bob began to take a little more interest when he saw he and his brother might stand a chance of being better than just pretty good.

Dad Crenshaw rode with Toller his next youngest after Cassidy and J.R. Waddie didn't get to see Toller ride the day before and recognized untapped talent when he saw it. He worked for a couple of hours with Toller and Dad Crenshaw giving them tips and telling them how to improve their speed and accuracy. Dad Crenshaw couldn't believe the fount of knowledge this ten, almost eleven year old young man possessed. He had the gift of teaching someone what he wanted to get out of them. Waddie got Dad Crenshaw aside. "Dad, do you believe there's such a thing as natural talent for a sport?" he asked.

"Shore’ do, Son, look at you and yore’ brother," Randy replied.

"We have a little talent, but we worked hard to get good, and its paid off. We took what small talent God give us, and tried to do the best we could with it. You, Dad, have a natural talent on your hands, and if you bring him along right, nobody will be able to beat him. He will be the only man in your family who will be as good or better than you at roping. Trust me, Dad, it's your boy, Toller. Of all your boys I seen ride, he's the greatest natural talent you have. He could be an outstanding competitor," Waddie allowed. Dad Crenshaw's eyes lit up, and he thanked Waddie for his observation. He thought Toller might have a little more spark in him for roping, but he'd damn sure take Waddie's advice and work with the boy more. He was impressed how fast he learned what Waddie taught him that day.

They had a light supper. Earl D. and Billy Bob were anxious to turn in and get an early start back to Austin the next morning. They cleaned Waddie again, and it hardly hurt at all. They spread the medication on him and took him to bed. He wasn't hurting now and found himself between two wonderful, handsome cowboys. They told him how proud they were to have him as a little bother, and they never saw their dad take to anyone the way he did with Waddie. He really meant it when he welcomed him into their family. All the boys want to know when you're coming back, and we want you back, too. The two good looking men lay as close to him as they could without hurting him and stole kiss after kiss. What was the poor boy to do? They were huge, strong, powerful men. He was at their mercy. They proceeded to have their way with him. He tried to protest, to fight back, God knows he tried. They took advantage of his weakened condition and were shamelessly robbing him of kisses. Fortunately, for Waddie, he didn't run out.

End Of Chapter 14 ~ Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright © 2004/2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All rights reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 12/30/2012
WC 15843

Footnote: * In Texas a 'pitcher' is a photograph or a fine painting you hang on the wall. It's also something you keep in the fridge to hold Kool-aid or iced tea. A 'pitcher' may also be the man who throws the ball to the batter in baseball. A 'winder' is something you raise to get air circulating into a room. You wash your face with a 'warsh cloth.' And you go to a doctor who cracks and adjusts your bones called a 'Choirpracter.' Last, but best, you don't have birthdays in Texas, you have 'burf-days.'