cpc_20

Cabbage Patch Cowboy
By Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 20

Buck sat bolt upright in his seat. He was sure he felt Waddie squeeze his hand. He turned to Linda Sue with a grin. "He squeezed my hand. I felt it. I'm sure he squeezed my hand. He heard me crying and squeezed my hand!" Buck exclaimed quietly. Linda Sue had tears running down her face. "Were you trying to tell me to stop crying, cowboy?" he asked Waddie. Another big grin spread across his face. "Sit here, next to him, take his hand, darling," Buck told Linda Sue. She took Waddie's hand in hers and Buck spoke to him again. "Aunt Linda's holding your hand. Show her you can hear me, Son," Buck said to Waddie. They waited for a minute, and a broad smile spread across Linda Sue's face.

"I felt that, Waddie, my sweet cowboy, my baby boy. I know, now, my darling, your miracle occurred. I spoke with your beloved aunt in Dallas and she's on her way. She has much to tell you, and I have much to tell my husband. He doesn't know yet. I wanted to tell him in front of you. I know you can hear us so I'll tell him tonight. I can't let it go a moment longer. You were so right, sweet heart, I did see that little boy again I lost so long ago. I thank God for this miracle, and I thank God for you,” Linda Sue said. Once again she felt Waddie gently squeeze her hand.

"Oh, God, Linda, I knew his last trial was going to be bad but not like this -- not like this. He may die. He may die before we get a chance to ask him to be our son. We could use a miracle right now. I don't understand. Gip told me in the truck on the way to the hospital the miracle happened, and I would live the miracle tonight. Strange things have happened. Dr. Dyer took my blood to give to Waddie without asking me about my blood type, but I know my type is O neg from my dog tags in the war. It just happens to be the same as Waddie’s."

"Sweetheart, I have something to tell you. I will tell you about the miracle Waddie brought us. You remember the miracle everyone said Waddie would bring us?" she asked.

"Yes, but we never figured out what it might be," Buck replied.

"It’s occurred, darling, it’s happened. I feel awful for my part in it, but for you, Waddie, and myself, the three of us, I'm thrilled beyond words for the miracle Waddie's brought us," Linda Sue said.

"What do you mean, sweetheart, tell me?" Buck demanded quielty.

"Do you remember telling me the angel who saved your life on Iwo Jima told you, you couldn't die because you had a son to live for?" Linda Sue asked.

"Yes, but..." Buck replied.

Linda Sue put her finger to his lips to quiet him and let her finish. "All along you thought it was Waddie because Morgan made him your 'Godson,' right?" she asked.

"Yes, of course, but..." Buck said.

"The angel didn't say you had a 'Godson' to live for, he told you, you had a 'son' to live for. You misunderstood him. The truth is, you have a son you know nothing about," Linda Sue said.

"I don't understand. How is that possible? I ain't never been with another woman but you, dear, I swear," Buck said.

"I know you haven't. You've never given me a moments doubt about your faithfulness. The night we went to the motel before you were shipped out, we made love," Linda Sue said.

"The memory of that night was one of the reasons I made it back," Buck said.

"When we made love that night I did something awful. I'm so ashamed of myself I don't even know how to tell you," Linda Sue lamented.

"What is it, sweetheart? It couldn't be that bad," Buck said.

"After you went to the restroom and removed the condom, you threw it into the waste basket next to the toilet. I was so afraid you wouldn't come back, I did something incredibly stupid and immature. I was so much in love with you, Buck, I wanted your child. I didn't care if I had to raise it by myself. If you didn't come home, I wanted a part of our love to survive. I wanted a part of you to survive. I know what I did was selfish, but I saw it at the time as terribly romantic and impulsive. I didn't obey your wishes, Buck, but what's done is done, and no matter the consequences, I must tell you," Linda Sue said.

"What, for God's sake, tell me?" Buck asked taking Linda Sue's hand in his.

"I went into the restroom, and I saw the condom lying there in the waste can like a dead baby. Without thinking, I reached down and retrieved it. I took some of your sperm and impregnated myself. I didn't think it would take and laughed at my stupidity," Linda Sue explained.

"Are you trying to tell me you got pregnant and had my baby?" Buck asked.

"Yes, I gave birth to your child, Buck. I was living with Aunt Agatha in Dallas, but I decided I'd done the wrong thing. I thought you'd be angry with me for not obeying, and you probably wouldn't want me after that. I thought we could have other children," Linda Sue said and hung her head in shame. "After talking with Aunt Agatha, I decided I'd done you a great disservice by not following our agreement. I was afraid you'd come home and be so angry with me you'd never want to see me again. Worse yet, you might think I had relations with another man and was trying to trap you. The thought occurred to me, you might feel if you couldn't trust me to abide by your wishes and trust me with something like this, why would you want to trust me about anything? I stayed in Dallas the entire time of my pregnancy. No one at home ever knew, they still don't. I never came home during that time. My cousin Clara was a nurse at the Methodist Hospital where I had the baby and gave him up for adoption."

"My God, Linda Sue. You mean I have a son out there somewhere. Why haven't you told me before now?" Buck asked getting more frustrated.

"I was too afraid, Buck. I thought we could have more children. It was a horrible thing for me to do, I know. I've had to live with the pain and sorrow every day since. I've wanted to tell you so many times, Buck, but I didn't because I was a coward. I'm so sorry, Buck," Linda Sue said and started sobbing. Buck took her into his arms to comfort her. He gently kissed her on her neck and behind her ear, gently soothing her pain as a myriad of thoughts raced through his mind.

"I still believe in the vows we made to each other, sweetheart, now more'n ever. How many of my mistakes have you forgiven me for? You lived with and adjusted to my male bondings without being threatened. What's done is done, let's live for tomorrow. Stop thinking about you and me, and let's start thinking about us. We'll get through this, darling. We'll find our son, I promise. What can you tell me about him? Do you have any idea where the child is now?" Buck pleaded with her.

"I only got to the see my baby for a few minutes before they took him away. He was the most beautiful little boy, Buck. He looked just like you. He had the deepest blue eyes, a little dimple in his chin, and platinum blond hair. I looked at my baby's body carefully before I gave him to the nurse. He had a mole on his right big toe, but here’s the miracle, Buck, he had an inguinal, port-wine birthmark on his right leg near his groin. It was in the shape of a perfect cowboy boot," she said.

Linda Sue looked up at Buck as all expression left his face and seemed to drain of all blood until he was a pasty white. Buck saw and admired Waddie's birthmark many times. He thought it was a tattoo the first time he saw it. It was a perfect western cowboy boot. He thought, like Waddie and Gip, it was God's way of telling Waddie He wanted him to be a cowboy. Buck looked at it closely the first night Waddie stayed with him in his room at his parent’s home. He looked at it on the way to the hospital. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place until the last piece, his brother buying Waddie on the black market from some nurses at the Methodist Hospital in Dallas, fell into place with a resounding thud. On his face, Linda Sue saw the look of realization, disbelief, horror, pain, sorrow, joy, thanksgiving, and forgiveness mixed together. If what Linda Sue told him was true, that meant... he couldn't even bring himself to think the thought. He couldn't say it to himself, it just couldn't be. No, no, surely he misunderstood her and further explanation would set him straight. The mere thought was too Earth shaking for him to handle. His eyes began to water, tears ran down his cheeks as he backed away from Linda Sue slowly shaking his head.

"Waddie is your son, Buck," Linda Sue said for him what she knew he couldn't say himself. She nodded her head afterward, 'Yes, it's true.'

"Oh, my God. No, this can't be, what you're telling me. Is this some kind of a cruel joke?" Buck asked.

"It's not a joke of any kind, darling, Waddie is your flesh and blood. He's your son. I gave birth to Waddie. He's our child. Your blood flows through his veins."

It was Buck's turn to lose it. The big man wanted to let out a wail of joy mixed with pain and grief. He wanted to do as King David did before his troops and dance naked in great joy around Waddie's bed, singing hymns of praise to Almighty God. He wanted to cry aloud in agony for the sufferings of the man-child lying next to him in a coma. He wanted to shout for joy. If this was true it meant God, indeed, answered what he considered his hopeless prayers. Gip told him to have faith, God answered his prayer. Suddenly, it all made sense. Realization came flooding into him filling him with all the emotions of the rainbow. The thought of Waddie as his real son was almost too much for his heart to bear let alone comprehend the enormity of the miracle. Buck set heavily into the chair beneath him.

'There's no other word for it in the English language that fits so well as miracle,' he thought to himself as Linda Sue comforted him. The miracle brought mixed emotions. 'My boy lies near death's door due to that worthless son of a bitch, Willie.' Buck flashed so angry he could see himself dragging Willie deep into the desert and blowing his brains out to be enjoyed by the scavengers. He quickly made it go away but still felt the heat around his neck from the adrenalin rush. He was the sheriff. He had to uphold the law, and it applied equally to all men, even meat machines.

Linda Sue continued, "I never knew until this afternoon when I saw the birthmark on Waddie's leg. That's why I went crazy, Buck. I never suspected Waddie might be my baby until I saw his birthmark as he was lying there in the truck. I knew when I saw it, Waddie was my baby. I realized he was our child. I thought my baby was gone forever, and we'd never be able to find him. That's why I reacted the way I did, but Jimmy Sue pulled me away to talk with me. Momma Sue, Dan, and Gip have known for sometime. Waddie told me one day, before we were married, when I was sad about giving up our baby, if I trusted him, I would one day see the little boy I was so sad about. I never told him I was sad about a little boy, but he was right. He swore me to secrecy and when I asked him how he could know this, he told me he already told me too much. If I truly trusted him to tell the truth, I would see that little boy again. My baby was sitting next to me the whole time telling me not to grieve, he loved me, and he forgave me," Linda Sue said.

Buck sat there stunned. It was too much for him to handle. He broke down into heavy sobs and Linda Sue took him into her arms. She comforted him and went on explaining. "Don't you see, darling, Waddie is the miracle that's been promised you. Mr. Uriel even told you the miracle will change your life and mine. How many times have you told me you prayed everyday since meeting Waddie he was your boy? How many times, Buck? Gip knew the moment I saw Waddie's birthmark his miracle came to pass. I'm so sorry I've been a terrible woman and a worse wife to you. I've deceived you and not told you things you should have known all along because of my own fears and insecurities. Now look what I've done to our baby. He may die and I won't have a chance to hold him and tell him how much I love him," Linda Sue said sobbing in Buck's arms.

"There, there, darling. If this is true, how could I be mad at you for telling me. Does Waddie know? Who else knows about this?" Buck asked.

"Waddie's known since the first time we met him here in the hospital. It's been almost six years our child kept the secret of who his real parents are. His angel told him we were the people he had to live for along with Dan, Jimmy Sue, and especially Gip. He gave Waddie a choice to go with him, return to God, or live as if he didn't know about the future until I accidentally discovered he was our child. He went through all those beatings and nearly being killed a couple of times because of my stupidity and his love for us. Gip's known since our wedding night. That was the secret the angel said Waddie could share with his brother. Dan and Jimmy Sue have only known since the night Waddie ran away. I told Jimmy Sue about my baby and his birthmark. Dan told Jimmy Sue about you having to give the state missing persons information and mentioned Waddie's birthmark to her.

"She put two and two together and asked Gip, who wouldn't lie to her. Dan, well, he figured it out for himself, but Gip told him he couldn't confirm his suspicions. Mr. Uriel appeared to them and told Gip it was okay. You remember Aunt Agatha at the wedding, how she took to Waddie and insisted he come visit. She asked Gip about his birthmark behind his ear. He told her, but he went on to describe Waddie's cowboy boot to her. I told her about my baby's birthmark the day I gave Waddie up, and she remembered. She put two and two together and confronted Waddie. He couldn't lie to her. As it turned out, his angel sent Aunt Agatha to be his adult guide, counselor, and friend. He couldn't have sent better. No matter what you may think of me and my foolish actions, Waddie's brought us the miracle Aunt Agatha told us about," Linda Sue said.

"Oh, my God, it's beginning to make sense from the things Waddie's told me since he was five years old. That poor kid's known all this time. I asked him one time if he had to live his life like he never knew the future, and he confirmed it," Buck spoke softly.

"Think about it, darling. It is a miracle," Linda Sue said, "It's the miracle you prayed for that Waddie would be your son. Well, Buck, he is your flesh and blood. God heard your prayers, and that's the miracle he planned for you. Waddie is the son you had to live for. Ask Doctor Dyer. He's known a little over three years, since I went to him about my inability to get pregnant. When he examined me he knew I had a child. The doctors Scott and White knew, too, but were gracious enough not to say anything. Dr. Dyer left it up to me to tell you. He urged me to tell you and let you look for our child. He asked the gender of the child, and I told him. He asked if I noticed any outstanding features the baby might have to aid in identification. When I told him about my baby's birthmark and other identifying marks, he realized right away it was Waddie. He never said a word to me, but I remember he dropped his clipboard.

"A voice told him to talk to Waddie first. He knew from that day, but he was sworn to secrecy. Dr. Dyer and Aunt Agatha have been in communication for the last three years. Remember the same afternoon Dr. Dyer told me I couldn't have anymore children he called Waddie and Gip into the hospital. He didn't lie to us. He checked the boys for mumps, but what he really wanted, was to talk with Waddie and Gip. They explained why they couldn't tell, and why he couldn't either until I discovered Waddie was my child. Oh, and by the way, the boys told him I couldn't have any more children. Mr. Uriel told them. Waddie's and your angel, Mr. Uriel, said I had to find out Waddie was our son by a natural occurrence before Waddie's future begins to unfold the way it should."

Buck sat stunned for a minute with no reactions of any kind. The pieces began to fall together like dominos stacked closely together on end. They came flooding into his mind at an ever faster rate. The times when he and Waddie were alone together. How many times Waddie wanted to tell him he was his son? Buck remembered the night in Beaumont when Waddie ask him if he could call Buck 'dad' at least once a day, then cried his little heart out in Buck's arms. Buck knew it was important to the boy, but he could only imagine how important it was to Waddie, how deeply the boy needed it. Buck thought it was a sweet whim at the time and was more than glad to indulge the boy. Truth was, Buck wanted to hear Waddie call him 'dad.'

He thought about the time sitting next to Waddie the night of his sixth birthday when he asked him if there was something he didn't know about Waddie. Waddie didn't lie to him. He told him the truth. Buck didn't know he was his son. Waddie tried to tell him that night how important Buck's relationship was to him, and how much he loved and needed Buck, how afraid he was Buck would be taken away from him before he had a chance to love him as his dad. Yet, he knew, if he wanted their love bad enough, he had to live as if he didn't know these things. Buck even asked him that very question. He didn't lie to Buck. Buck just didn't understand the greater implications of the answer.

Buck gathered himself and took Linda Sue in his arms. "Thank you," he spoke softly and kissed her, then he broke down again.

"Buck...” Linda Sue started crying, too.

"Shuuu..." Buck calmed her and kissed her gently, "Thank you for being a part of this miracle. I believe you, now. I have to believe you. I need to believe you. I want so desperately to believe you, and I think you love me too much to make this up. All the pieces fit together. Somehow, I don't think Morgan knows the truth," Buck said.

"He doesn't, Buck. Aunt Agatha confirmed it for me on the phone. She has all the documents, affidavits, and sworn statements notarized confirming Waddie is our child. Her story of how she went about getting all the documents is a story unto itself. You would be proud of her, Buck. She is a lioness," Linda Sue said.

"God help me, this is all too overwhelming," Buck cried, "For all of this, you must understand I have nothing but love for you and forgiveness in my heart, but I need for you to understand something. It's very important to me," Buck said.

"Anything, darling," Linda Sue replied.

"I need to be alone with my son, tonight, sweetheart. I need you not to feel rejected. I'll only ask this once, but I need to be alone with Waddie tonight as I was the first night I met him, remember?" Buck asked. Linda Sue nodded her head she remembered, "I don't want you to be alone. Call Dan and Jimmy Sue. Drive out and be with them this evening and tell them you told me. Call my parents, call your parents and tell them. Call Ma and Pa Lovejoy. Stay the night and return with them in the morning. I love you, darling, with all my heart, but I need this time alone with Waddie," Buck said.

"I love you, too, Buck. I'm so sorry. I'll go to the Justin’s, and I do understand, Buck," she said with remorse.

"No more, I'm sorry's, okay? Let's live from today forward. Tell Dan, Jimmy Sue, and especially Gip I love them and will see them tomorrow morning. I love you, sweetheart, and thank you for my son. Linda Sue, you have been a wonderful wife, and while I wish you'd never given him up in the first place, I can understand why you did. God has given us a second chance. Waddie, himself, has brought us this miracle. Let's remember to thank the good Lord for this miracle in our prayers along with praying for our son," Buck said.

They kissed again and Linda Sue left. She went home and called the Claymores and senior Lovejoys over to her parents home. She slowly explained to the stunned adults and her sisters Waddie was her child. After the shock wore off, and many tears, they were overjoyed. She called Jimmy Sue, and she invited Linda Sue out for the night. She drove to the Justin’s with mixed emotions. She couldn't help feel a bit rejected, but if she did, she thought it was her own fault. Buck needed time alone with Waddie to adjust to the idea Waddie was his son. Dan, Jimmy Sue, and Gip understood why Buck would want to be alone with Waddie. Waddie and he formed a strong bond and Buck needed to sort things out in his mind.

They told her Buck wasn't rejecting her. e needed time alone with his boy to adjust and shift gears. Linda Sue felt better. She knew within Buck and Waddie's relationship there were places only they knew and shared. They would look at each other, suddenly fall out laughing uncontrollably, but she wouldn’t have a clue what they were laughing about. Buck would start a sentence and Waddie would finish it. Waddie would start one and Buck would finish. She realized there were ways they loved each other of which she could never be a part, but she and Waddie shared secrets and loved each other like Buck would never understand. There is a closeness between a mother and a son, yet there is a balance in all things. She was beginning to see and understand that balance. For the first time, in a long time, her heart was at peace.

* * * * * *
Buck sat down in the chair and took Waddie's smaller hand in his and covered it with his other hand. He looked at Waddie's face like it was the first time he ever saw the boy. It was the first time he looked upon him as his boy; his flesh and blood son; the fruit of his loins; the thorn of his vine. The spark from his own soul shown brightly within the boy; his child; his son. The boy took the small spark of his dad's soul and tended it until it grew into its own well developed brilliance that even in a coma could not be denied. It was probably the longest night Buck ever spent in his life. He felt Waddie squeeze his hand from time to time, he was sure of it. He wondered if he should tell someone? The nurse came into the room. Buck knew her from high school.

"Agnes, I swear I'm feeling him squeeze my hand when I'm talking to him. Is it important?" he asked.

"I would think so, for goodness sake. It's not too late, let me call the doctor and see. Be back in a minute, Sheriff," she said, left the room and returned in a few minutes. "He said he'll be here in a minute. He wanted to see for himself and said 'yes' it was of major importance," the nurse related.

About thirty minutes later, Dr. Dyer came into the room. Buck was still holding Waddie's hand. "You really think he squeezed your hand, Buck?" Dr. Dyer asked.

"Ever so slightly when I was talking to him," Buck replied.

"Sometimes those things are involuntary muscle spasms. The hand is being held, therefore it's looking for a signal from the brain. If the expected signal doesn't come, it twitches. May I?" Dr. Dyer asked motioning for Buck to let him hold Waddie's hand. Buck moved from the chair and Dr. Dyer took his place. "By the way, Sheriff Claymore, now you know how Geppeto must've felt when he found out Pinnochio was his real son," the Doctor said smiling.

"Wise acre. You knew all along. That's how you knew my blood would be a match for Waddie's," Buck said.

"We're so happy for you and Linda Sue we can hardly talk about anything else. I spoke with our dear friend Agatha this evening three times already. She’s a remarkable woman, Buck. She's bringing you proof positive Waddie is your son," Dr. Dyer said.

"I think the world of her, Doctor. She was right, so was Mr. Uriel, and Gip. Waddie did bring me a miracle. But, to me, Doc, it's far more than a miracle, he's my son, my boy. He's my flesh and blood. With a little help from my wife, I made him. Yes, I think I do know how Geppeto must've felt," Buck smiled as he winked at the doctor. Dr. Dyer took Waddie's hand in his. "You have to talk to him, Doctor. Tell him you're here and need to see if he can squeeze your hand," Buck urged.

"Waddie, you know the sound of my voice. This is Doctor Dyer, I need you to squeeze my hand if you can hear me," A big smile came across his face, "Once more, please. Fine. Fine. He seems to be responding, Buck. You were right to have Alice notify me. We know he's aware. Beyond that we can't say. Stay with him. Let him rest, but talk to him occasionally. Let him know you're by his side. Have his mother talk to him and hold his hand. He may have one or two visitors at a time, but I don't want more than two and yourself in here at any one time, understand?" Dr. Dyer said.

"I shore’ do, Doctor, and thanks for coming so quickly," Buck said.

"I told you once if these boys were ever in trouble to bring them to me as quickly as possible. You did, and quite possibly saved Waddie's life. It's but a little on my part to repay you and your family for your kindness to me and my wife over the years. Neither of us have family and you can't know what being included has meant to us. I thank you, Sheriff."

"Buck, Doctor, just Buck."

"Then call me Wayne, Buck," he said, winked at Buck, and wrote a note on Waddie's chart. He told Buck he was going home for dinner could he bring him anything? Buck told him he was fine and thanked him again. Buck talked on and on to Waddie. He would feel Waddie squeeze his hand when he was silent like he wanted Buck to talk to him some more. Buck would start in again. Buck remembered talking to Mr. Uriel on Mrs. Jessup's porch. He told Buck not to leave Waddie's side, he would need him. Buck knew he wouldn't leave until he saw his boy well and safe.

"I don't want to tire you, cowboy, by talking to you too much. When I don't talk it's 'cause I want you to rest for a while and heal. I need you, Waddie. I need you to come back to me. I can sit here the rest of the night and can't tell you enough times how much I love you," Buck said. He felt another squeeze, "I know you love me, cowboy. I felt that and I know what it means. I don't think there's a father and son on this Earth who love each other more. Sometimes, when I'm silent, I'm praying to our Father to heal you and give you back to me, but it ain't like I'm just praying for a boy I love beyond measure, I'm praying for my boy, Waddie, my son. You can't know what that's done for me, Son. I feel like a giant. I know I'm pretty big, but know’n you’s my boy make me feel even bigger," Buck said and felt another squeeze.

Buck talked to his son for a good while, remembering the fun things he and Waddie did together. Once, ending up with cowshit all over them. Buck couldn't help but laugh at the thought and would feel Waddie respond. Buck's mind flashed back to that afternoon several months ago before Waddie ran away and Morgan and Buck were still seeing each other regularly. That Saturday Waddie and he were working at the ranch he and Linda Sue bought next to Ed Bloomquist's place. It bordered the Justin's on the back side, Ed's on one side and Lyle's on the other. It needed quite a bit of work done on it before Buck and Linda Sue could move in. Besides, it was almost imperative Buck live near town for emergency reasons. The place was abandoned. One of the county clerks Buck did some favors for tipped him off the place was going to be put on the market for back taxes, but if he paid the taxes, and cleared the title, the clerk would deed it to him. There was nothing illegal about it. It's done all the time, even today.

It was a day of great joy and love between them. Waddie and he grew so close he knew he desperately wanted a closer relationship with Waddie. He even prayed to the Father if his brother wasn't being a good dad for Waddie to give him a chance. Buck was concerned but not bothered about his physical attraction to the boy. Buck never felt such a need to be that close to another human, male or female, than that afternoon playing with Waddie. No wonder Waddie was such a kindred spirit, the boy knew Buck was his dad. Buck remembered and laughed at Waddie’s impishness toying with Buck who didn't have a clue. Buck could remember things Waddie said that playfully suggested he was his real son. He remembered Waddie telling him the story of Pinnochio and innocently telling Buck how he wished he could wish upon a star. Then, when he woke up the next morning he really would be Buck's son.

"Maybe if I’m good, believe hard enough and wish on that star of ours -- 'member, the one you told me’s called Betelgeuse -- maybe God will do it for me, Uncle Buck. Hell, I already done got me a Jiminy Cricket," Waddie said.

"Yeah? Who’s ‘zat, cowboy?" Buck asked.

"Aunt Agatha," Waddie replied and smiled sweetly.

"Damned if she ain't,” Buck agreed and chuckled, “C'ain't gainsay that, Son," Buck added and they laughed together.

Buck's mind wandered. It's always been there, right in front of him, staring him in the face every time he looked into Waddie’s beautiful blue eyes, but he didn't have the key to unlock the door. He even remembered the truth in young Shad's innocent question. "You sure Waddie ain’t chore’ son, Sheriff?" Shad asked him, "He might be and you just don't know it," the boy added. ‘Ah, truth,’ he thought, ‘from the mouth's of babes.’

That wonderful lazy afternoon they shared together they had a great time playing with the calves and later swimming nude together in the creek. There was no doubt in his mind Waddie wanted him in the same way. The added fact that Waddie knew Buck was his dad at the time and expressed physical attraction toward him didn't change the importance of the attraction in Buck's mind a whit. He didn't see it as sick or perverted. He saw it as a huge responsibility. One he began to accept that afternoon. He knew he made the right decision at the time and this news only solidified the angel's endorsement that day: not until the boy was old enough to make his own decisions.

The picture in his mind of the joy, laughter, and love they shared that afternoon came flooding back to him along with copious tears. How intimate they became and captured a love for each other that would never die. They both accepted the responsibility for their actions. Waddie never taunted nor teased his dad after that afternoon. A new, stronger, more powerful, loving humanity was born between them, one that would stand the test of time and pain of loss. Waddie never consciously tried to seduce the sheriff again. Didn't mean he couldn't grab himself a big ole handful of Buck if he wanted to. Those man/man rules still applied. Didn't mean they couldn't share a knowing, lurid, lewd, licentious, lascivious glance at one another from time to time, wink when they caught the other looking, then break into gales of laughter.

It usually ended in a hug and a kiss, which in turn, would cause a reaction that only confirmed their continued relationship to their possible primal ancestor, homo erectus. (It made 'um get big ole hard-ons, Cletus.) Suddenly it became clear to him, it's why they needed each other so much. There was an animal bond between father and son that would not be denied. Something became clear to Buck he always suspected. A healthy sexual attitude toward the proper adjustment of any male child comes from the physical approval of their father. A cold, rejecting, non-physical contact father, no matter how well he provides for his boy or claims to love him will in most cases have a boy who spends the rest of his life looking for the closer love of a surrogate father.

Taking a nap together in the late afternoon sun, lying on the warm sandbar, holding Waddie close, Waddie holding Buck's manhood tight between his legs like it was his duty to keep his big buddy's cock warm and safe, Buck never felt more loved, wanted, or needed by any beastie, animal, or human. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he gently, lovingly, rubbed Waddie's hand. He spoke aloud. "Almighty God in heaven, Heavenly Father, Father of us all, hear my prayer. I cry out to you for help, oh Lord. Don't give me this miracle only to take it away from me, Father. I'm begging you, sir, please, please save my boy. Return him to me and his mother. Mr. Uriel, I know you're here, sir, I feel your presence. You promised you would be, and I know you are. Help my boy, sir. Intercede for us if you can, sir. I know you can and tell our Father of my prayer, my plea, but I understand, his will be done.

"Oh God, Waddie, my beloved son, light from my soul. Waddie, I know the truth, now. How long has your poor heart waited to hear me call you my son? You always know’d I love you. There couldn't be any doubt in your mind. How could you have such a strong heart to suffer what you have for our love? Is our love that great to you? Is our love greater to you than the heart of God? You know in my heart I wanted you for my own since the first day we saw each other. I rearranged my life to stay in this community to have your love whether you could ever be mine or not. I knew I had to be near you and to have what love I could from you. I had to be able to give you what love I could without interfering with my brother's need for you.

"I was selfish, I'll admit, by wanting you to be mine instead of my brother's. God in his great wisdom has seen fit to give you to me, to give me the chance I begged for. By our Father in heaven, I won't share you with my brother. But, alas, that ain't true neither. It will be your choice, my beloved cowboy. If you need to forgive, and you and Morgan learn to love again then who am I to say 'no.' Oh, Waddie, my son, if only I could crawl into that closet you're in right now, I would. I'd crawl inside your brain and hunker down to make myself as small as possible. I'd sit and hold you and cry with you until we both got it out, got out all the pain, the frustration, our need to love each other, but most of all, our joy and celebration in knowing there need be no more barriers, no more hidden secrets. The future is ours to love.

"I'd kiss away your tears and tell you, your dad will never let harm come to you again. I would kill any son of a bitch who looks at you crosseyed. Come back to me, Son. Come home to me. I need to hear my beautiful cowboy call me his dad. I need that, now, more than life itself, sweet baby. I can't imagine a tomorrow without you. You're my greatest hope for the future, Waddie, and I love you more'n sand in the desert. I know you're in there, sweet baby. I can feel you through your hand. I know you're once more on the floor of your closet. I know you can hear your dad.

"I can feel your joy that I know and recognize you as my beloved son. I made you a promise once, if you ever crawled into a closet again I'd be right there with you until we worked it out or you decided to come out. I'm here now, Son. I ain't leaving. I'm in that closet with you, and I'm gonna' stay with you. I promise, I won't leave until you open your eyes, look at your old man and tell him you love him. I promise, cowboy, I'll be here for you when you wake up." Buck broke into sobs with his forehead resting on the bed, his hands gently holding Waddie's. Once again, ever so slightly, ever so gently, almost imperceptibly, Buck felt his son squeeze his hand.

* * * * * * *
Buck refused to leave Waddie's side. He didn't mind if Dan, Jimmy Sue, Linda Sue, or Gip wanted to sit with him, but Buck wasn't going to leave his boy's side. No one argued with the big man. They figured he knew the truth now he was Waddie's dad, and he had that right. The Davenports, the elder Claymores, Linda Sue, the elder Lovejoys, brought him food and drink. Buck slept in the chair next to Waddie's bed. He made a promise to his boy he would be there when Waddie opened his eyes. He would keep his promise. It got all over the county, the discovery, that Waddie was Buck's real son.

Through all of this Morgan kept a low profile. He didn't go to the hospital, but he did call his parents. Ma and Pa Lovejoy heard the news from Linda Sue, Waddie was Buck and her natural born child. They were overjoyed for them. They weren't the least disappointed nor were they surprised. All the pieces fit together too perfectly. They knew their position as Waddie's grandparents was solid. If anything it only meant they'd get to see him more. Buck proved his love and faithfulness to Ma and Pa Lovejoy too many times. They felt secure in Buck's love. They weren't left out of anything and never would be.

Aunt Agatha arrived on the bus and Linda Sue was there with her parents to pick her up. She decided to stay with the Davenports since Linda Sue's life was in turmoil. She insisted on seeing her nephew. Dr. Dyer had no problem with his close friend Agatha visiting with Buck and Waddie for a while. He just didn't want a large crowd of people in the room at once. He would leave that decision up to Buck. Everyone left the room before Agatha went in to be alone with Buck and Waddie. She slowly opened the door carrying a manila envelope in her hands. Buck turned to see her, took her into his big arms, and cried with her. Agatha rarely cried, but she knew the big man's heart was breaking.

How must he feel? The poor man. Thoughts of empathy ran through her mind. She comforted him as best she could and told him she was praying non-stop; her daughters were praying, too. Buck pulled up a chair next to Waddie's bed for her, and let her sit close to him. First she leaned over and gently kissed Waddie on his cheek. Agatha took his hand and saw the pale color of his face. She looked at the jaundiced color around his eyes. It was hard for her to see her beloved nephew this way. "My dearest, nephew, your Auntie Boo is here," Agatha looked at Buck and smiled.

"Did you feel him respond, Auntie?" Buck asked.

"I did, Buck. He know's I'm here. Young man, I come with great news. Here, Buck, I want you to be the first to see these papers. I accomplished my assigned task, my sweet cowboy. I brought your dad signed, notarized affidavits from my daughter Clara and the head nurse who made the arrangements for you to be sold to the Lovejoys. I have a notarized letter from the chief of staff of the Methodist Hospital correcting the history of your birth. Your dad will also find in the envelope a brand new birth certificate with the date of birth and the names of your real parents. I had them leave the name blank because you may want a different name. I'll tell you the rest of the story and how I came by these documents when you're better. It's a story unto itself.

"I was guided and directed by our friend. He was such an angel," she said and giggled at her little joke and felt a stronger squeeze. "It's hard for me to see you like this, my dearest, considering how much we've shared, how much I love you and your brother. You and your brother were so right, the 'Old Password' was better than the previous," she allowed and giggled. Agatha could swear she saw a trace of a smile cross Waddie's face. "Mr. Uriel is here with you, I can feel him, and I will ask him to ask our Father to let you come back to us as quickly as possible. There are a number of folks here who need you, Waddie. You can put your Auntie Boo's name near the top of the list. I love you so much, my handsome, young cowboy," she said. Once again, Agatha smiled at Buck as she felt a slight attempt to squeeze her hand.

"Aunt Agatha, how can we thank you for these documents. These slam the barn door shut," Buck said, hugged, and kissed Agatha again, "It's still hard for me to believe, but these are absolute proof; complete with a sheriff's report of the actions. Photos of my wife pregnant. This is incredible. You weren't kidding when you told us at our wedding Waddie would bring us a miracle -- certainly one I never expected. I sit here beside him and look at him. We've known for a long time he looks enough like me to be my son, but I've always denied it. Now I look at him and realize why he looks like me. He is my son. Even the words, to say them to myself, well, it's a miracle just to know I can call him my son and know he is," Buck said.

"I know, Buck. There were portions of yourself you had to hold back from him all these years because of fear of becoming too close or overshadowing Mr. Lovejoy's love for him. Now you don't have to do that. You can become the father to Waddie you've wanted to be and best of all Waddie can become your son. He can call you dad and know you understand he means only you. God be praised he brought us this miracle. I'm so grateful to him, Waddie, and Gip for including me. I lived to see an actual miracle, but best of all, I got to see God's work in action and had a couple of visits from one of his angels. We must trust in Him and Mr. Uriel to bring our darling cowboy back to us," Agatha said.

"Aunt Agatha, I know you would do this without asking, but talk with Linda Sue for me. After my first night alone with my boy, I worked everything out in my heart and soul. I have no bad feelings for her. I love her more solidly today than I ever did. She must believe that. I can't have her beating herself up and going into depression over this. My boy needs a mother as well as a dad. I told her all this, but I'm not sure she believes me. Would you talk with her for me? You have a way of getting through to her, and I would be grateful," Buck said.

"Of course I will, Buck. You know I will. It will take a little time, but she has to know Waddie carries no ill will toward her in his heart. He's proved his love for her many times. It's an embarrassment to her right now, but with enough love and understanding, people get over embarrassment quickly enough. You and Waddie will make a concerted effort to bring her along as well as each other. It will be with great joy the three of you fall in love with each other all over again," Agatha replied. She stayed for a while longer and talked quietly with Buck. She talked with Buck before, but mostly when a lot of other folks were around. Talking to him alone was a treat for Agatha. She saw a man of depth and sensitivity capable of great love and compassion. She wasn't surprised, his son inherited those traits from him. Buck exuded the same natural, genuine warmth and charm his son did. Agatha would've done anything in the world for either. She felt she stayed long enough and should get back to the family.

She hugged Buck again and kissed him gently on the cheek. "My niece picked the right man, Buck Claymore. I knew the first time she talked with me about you. I'm afraid I may bear some of my niece's burden for giving Waddie away. I only meant to discuss alternatives with her. I stressed the choice must be hers alone. At the time, I couldn't be disappointed with my niece either way. She needed my support in her decision no matter what my preference might have been. I never consciously made a choice," she said softly with tears in her eyes, "If I did, Buck, I asked your forgiveness," she added.

"With all you've done, Aunt Agatha, how could you think such a thing. That kid worships you. I can say I ain't too proud to kneel at your feet and thank you for your part in this. There's nothing to forgive. You've given me a son," Buck said, held her, and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"You're a good man, Buck Claymore," Agatha said, turned, and left the room with a tear in her eye.

Buck was rejoined by Dan Justin. Dan took Waddie's hand. Dan and Buck talked softly for a long while. Buck was still strong in his resolve to be there when Waddie woke up. Dr. Dyer came in to check on Waddie a couple of times and Buck showed him and Dan the documents Agatha brought him. They were wowed she could gather all this information and have it notarized. Dr. Dyer could now talk with Buck and tell him how hard it was not to tell. Dan backed him up. Even the short period he and Jimmy Sue knew, it was hard being as close as they were to Buck and Linda Sue and not tell them.

Mr. Uriel was right, Buck was so overjoyed he couldn't harbor any bad feelings toward anyone. Waddie was his son. It was exactly what he was praying for the past five years. Waddie told him if he believed hard enough and wanted it bad enough the Lord would find a way. To have a son was a dream he put aside, but to find out this little man, this young cowboy he loved so dearly was his son was more than dreams are made of. He knelt hourly, thanked God and Mr. Uriel then prayed to the Father to let his son come home to him.

Later that afternoon Waddie had another visitor who claimed an angel told him to come to his little brother's side when he heard the news of his trial. The nurse told Buck, and he laughed. He told her to bring him in. Dan hugged Ed Bloomquist as he left the room so Ed could be alone with Waddie and Buck. Buck hugged and gave Ed a big ole kiss right on the mouth. Ed didn't hold back and started crying. Buck cried with him. "Welcome, brother," Buck said, "come, sit next to him and take his hand. He can hear you, and sometimes you can feel him respond when he squeezes your hand."

Ed took Waddie's hand and a big tear ran down his face. He turned to Buck. "Waddie's angel came to us one Saturday night toward the end of July. Waddie came and spent the night with me in my old barn. You know me. Nothing scares old Ed. I shit right in the hay, brother. Well, Waddie was a' talk'n to him like they was good buddies joking back and forth at my expense, so I figure the guy can't be bad," Ed said.

"What ju' do?" Buck asked.

"Opened my eyes," Ed said rather sheepishly. Buck couldn't stop laughing put his arm around Ed and pulled him close, "He told me I had to come to Waddie's side and let him know I'm here, I love him, and above all, tell him I’m pray’n for him. I promised him I would, Buck, and there ain't no way in hell I ain't a' gonna' obey that angel," Ed declared. Buck couldn't help laugh at Ed's sincere, child like reverence for Mr. Uriel.

"Talk to him, Ed, he'll squeeze your hand. He'll let you know he hears you," Buck encouraged him.

"Listen, cowboy, this here's your big brother, Ed, talk'n to ya.' Ah, shit, sweet baby, I can't stand to see ya' like this. Why'd that angel make me promise to come be by your side? I'm doing ya' more harm than good being here," he wailed. Ed couldn't help himself, he started crying. "Damn it, Waddie, I didn't come because no damn angel scare't the shit out a' me. I come because, well, because," Ed looked at Buck, Buck smiled and nodded to Ed, "I come because I love you, little brother. You're the only little brother I got, cowboy, and I'll be honest wit'cha,' I'm selfish. I don't wanna' have to do without my little brother. We leaned on each other and meant too much to one another to say goodbye. C'moan, cowboy, fight for it. You can do it. Come back to me. You can't stay there, you made me a promise," Ed argued. He paused and looked at Buck. "He squeezed my hand. I felt that, darlin.' You know your big brother's here 'cause he loves ya.' I felt that, cowboy. ‘At's good. ‘At's good.

"Now, the other promise I made to that angel was to talk to the big Kahuna. I been trying, Waddie. I ain't too sure I'm getting through. They's a lot of static on the line, 'cause there's lots of people better'n me sending prayers to Him. But, I made Mr. Uriel a promise, and I'll be damned if'n I ain't gonna' keep it. I will, I will. I'm a' praying for ya', sweet baby," he said. Ed was smiling after feeling Waddie squeeze his hand a couple more times. "I better go now, cowboy, there's a line of folks what wanna' visit and talk with ya.' You gotta' know there ain't a damn one of 'um what loves you more'n your big brother," Ed added, squeezed Waddie's hand gently one more time, and felt Waddie squeeze back. "I know you love me, darlin,' and I'll be back to see ya.' Get better, cowboy," he encouraged the boy. Ed let go of Waddie's hand, turned to Buck and cried. Buck held him and consoled him.

"He asked Mr. Uriel if'n he could tell me his secret that night, Buck. I damn near fell out of the hayloft hoot'n and a holler'n when I found out he was yore’ boy. It took me a few minutes to really believe, but then, I ain't never know'd that boy to tell a lie. Just after being visited by an angel what told him it was all right to tell me, added a lot of weight," Ed declared and laughed, "I'm so happy for you and Linda Sue, brother. You look tired but happy, so I know it's changed your life," Ed said.

"Yeah, more'n you know, brother. I can't thank you enough for what you done for us, Ed. I'll never forget it, and I agree with Mr. Uriel, you're a good man," Buck said holding Ed tight and then kissed him with more than a brotherly kiss.

"You're welcome in that old barn of mine anytime, Sheriff, anytime," Ed said with love in his heart.

"May be quicker'n you know, old friend. Thank's for coming to see your little brother. Love ya', Bubba," Buck said.

"Well, I don't have ta' say it, you know how I feel 'bout you and Waddie, Buck," Ed allowed, let Buck go, and left the room with a tear running down his cheek.

The morning of the second day Gip was with Buck. They brought Buck breakfast and Gip wanted to sit for a while with Buck and his brother. Gip held Waddie's hand and talked softly to him. Gip could feel Waddie gently squeeze his hand from time to time. The door to Waddie's room opened slowly and there was Randy and Sarah Crenshaw with Earl D. and Billy Bob. They left the boys with Gus, Dora, and Brenda Lou. Gip hugged and kissed them, and thanked them for coming. He left the room so they might visit. Buck allowed Randy and Sarah to visit first, and he told the boys to come after they left. Randy Crenshaw took his boy's hand in his, laid his forehead on the edge of Waddie's bed, and wept inconsolably. He gathered himself and set for the longest time looking at Waddie.

"Take his hand. Talk to him, Randy," Buck encouraged, "he can hear you. Let him know you're here. It'll mean the world to him to know you thought enough to be by his side. He squeezes our hand ever’ now and then to let us know he hears us," Buck encouraged Randy. Randy put his other hand under Waddie's.

"Listen, cowboy, this is one of yore’ dads talking. One who loves you more'n you'll ever know. It's Dad Crenshaw. Ma Crenshaw and I had to come and be with you to let you know you have more than our prayers, you have our hearts lying in that bed with you, young man. Yore’ two keepers weren't about to let us get down the driveway without them in the back of the truck. Your mom Crenshaw had a big stick, and like your Uncle Buck, tried to beat 'em off, but they just took it away from her and jumped in the back anyway," Randy Crenshaw said, looked at Buck and winked. "I felt that, cowboy. You rest and listen to the folks what love you. Earl D. and Billy Bob rode all the way in the back of our pickup to tell you they love you.

"Yore’ dad Gus, ma Dora, and even Brenda Lou cried their hearts out because they couldn't come with us, but they knew someone had to stay home with the boys. They wanted us to come. They love you so much they wanted us to be with you. They send their love and hope you understand why they can't be here. We got everyone back in Bandera praying for you. There are signs on the road, 'Pray for our Waddie.' Our phone ain't stopped ringing. We had to come tell you how much we love and miss you. You gotta' get better, Son. You have to come back to us. You ain't taught yore’ old Dad Crenshaw all you know 'bout roping yet. There's one little buckaroo who we tried to keep the news from, but he has ears like a radar net and overheard us talking. He was so devastated. No one could console him, but finally Earl D. managed to get him to listen. Shad sends his love. He told me to tell you he's praying for you and to get better for him," Randy Crenshaw said, smiled, and then his eyes got real big. "I felt that one, cowboy. Damned if I didn't. Here, momma, you say 'hello' to our boy," Randy offered Sarah Crenshaw Waddie's hand.

Sarah sat down and gently took Waddie's hand and began to speak to him. "Waddie, what can I say you don't already know from my heart. You above all my boys know how I feel about you. I've said so many prayers, God and I are on a first name basis. I even started call'n Him 'Howard.' Remember? You told me when you were younger you thought everyone was praying, "Howard be thy name," Sara Crenshaw giggled, "He's probably tired of that Crenshaw lady nagging Him about helping her boy. I hope He is and gets so tired of hearing from me He'll let you come back to us just to shut me up. I know you're gonna' come back to us, sweetheart, you're a major part of a number of people's lives. Everyone of the boys are devastated and are praying for you around the clock. We love you so much, Waddie. Oh. I felt that, darling. I know you can hear me. I love you, Son." Sarah was shedding tears of joy. She felt Waddie squeeze her hand as well. She hugged and kissed Buck on the cheek and told him how sorry she was his son was in such bad shape.

"You and Randy heard the news?" Buck asked.

"We knew when you came to get Waddie and Gip," Randy Crenshaw said, "Gip and Waddie told us of his miracle what would happen, and then a miracle happened for us because you good folks prayed for it. We couldn't be more grateful. We're so happy for you and Linda Sue, Buck. 'Course you realize you gotta' share him with us, brother," Randy Crenshaw said and laughed as he hugged the big man, "Is it all right to send in the boys?" he asked.

"Shore,’ Waddie'll be thrilled to know they came all this way to be with him," Buck said.

Earl D. and Billy Bob came into the room. They hugged and kissed Buck congratulating him on finding out their wonderful young cowboy brother was his son. Buck was flabbergasted all these folks knew when he didn't have a clue. He didn't care. Waddie was his now, and he wasn't ever going to let go. Earl D. set in the chair next to Waddie. "Hey, little brother, what the hell you trying to do to your bubbas, Billy Bob'n me? When we got the news we dropped everything we's doing to come with dad an ma to be with our little brother. By the way, that boarding house was so damn empty and quiet after you and Gip left. One by one, them animals would come to yore’ room and walk around in there missing you.

"They all love you and are praying for you. We had to cheer up Mrs. York. She missed you two so much. Billy Bob and I sent Phil and Ben to Austin. She felt so bad. She's praying for you, cowboy. Our little brothers, especially Shad, cried their hearts out they couldn't come and be with you. I thought I never would get our baby brother to stop crying long enough to talk with him. He told me he was the first one we should've told. I asked him why? He told me you said he was the closest in the family to God because he was the last brother to be with Him before coming here. God would listen to him. There ain't a doubt in Billy Bob’s or my minds He will, too.

"Gus told us to tell you he loves you and thanks you for helping him out the afternoon you helped him with the Morgans. That was real special to him. Hey. Waddie just squeezed my hand, Sheriff. There was more to that afternoon than helping him with them damn ponies, wasn't there, cowboy?" Earl D. chuckled. "’At's right, I thought so. I bet Billy Bob my boots. Just joking with ya,' cowboy. You know we love you. Felt that, sweet baby. I know you can hear me, so do your best to get better soon, little brother. We need you. We're looking forward to you, Gip and yore’ brothers visiting next summer. Now, I'm gonna' let my big brother talk to you, cowboy. Here's Billy Bob," Earl D. said choking back the tears.

Billy Bob took Waddie's hand, and he immediately felt Waddie gently squeeze it. "Well, it's good to see you again, too, little brother. I love you, too. I felt your message through your hand. I told my better looking, smarter brother if'n you and Gus shared something that afternoon, more power to ya.' No two men deserved to share a little love with each other more'n you and our dad, Gus. We think the world of that man and his family as well. They love you and send their love. I'd give you a big hug and a kiss from Brenda Lou and Ma Franz if'n I could. I better wait until you're a little better.

"Talk to the Big Man, Waddie. We've been begging him to let you come back to us. Fight for it, cowboy. You're our little brother and we know what you're capable of. Besides that, cowboy, you're a part of us, you're a Crenshaw man, and damn it, we don't wanna' have to do without you. I love you, Waddie." Billy Bob felt Waddie gently squeeze his hand again and winked at Buck. "He heard me," he told Buck. "We'd better go now and let you get some rest, sweet buckaroo. We'll be here for a while," Earl D. said. He and Billy Bob left and sent in Enid Justin who just arrived.

She took one look at Waddie, hugged, and kissed Buck and sat down next to the bed. She took his hand. "Now, what the hell is this?" Enid spoke softly to him, "You lying up here in this damn bed when there's rodeoing to be done. Hell, from the sounds of them Crenshaw folks you gotta' get better, little one. I'm 'a tell'n you they ain't a’ gonna' take 'no' for an answer, neither. They’s some awful long, sad faces out there in that hospital waiting room. I don't know if they're gonna' make it if'n you don't," Enid felt Waddie squeeze her hand gently. "Awh, hell, cowboy, you gotta' know your Uncle Enid loves you. I won't kid you, I don't know if'n I could do without you either. There'd be one awful big hole in my heart if you don't come back to us. I know you got the fight, cowboy, and you certainly got the prayers coming yore’ way. You got mine fer damn shore.’

"I cussed, shook my fist at the Old Man, then humbly got down on my knees, told him how sorry I was for being mean, but I was a' hurt'n inside for a very special young buckroo. I asked him to help you come back to us, Son. I ain't never stopped asking him, and I won't. Everybody out there's praying for our cowboy. Gil Saunders couldn't talk when I told him. He had to call me back he was crying so hard. He sends his love, and he’s praying for you. Yore’ little brothers are worried sick. I'm counting on the four of you coming to Bandera next summer and spending a day or two with yore’ Uncle Enid. You get some rest, my handsome buckaroo, and I'll be around to see you again, real soon. Love you, cowboy," Enid said.

Enid felt Waddie squeeze her hand once more, and a tear rolled down her face. She told Buck how sorry she was this happened. Agatha called and told her the news Waddie was his son. She said she hooped and hollered so loud they could've heard her in three adjoining states. She congratulated Buck and told him it truly was a miracle. She patted him on the back like a buddy then left with a tear in her eye.

The morning of the third day shortly before noon the Chief Deputy pulled his patrol car up in front of the hospital with a huge bear of a man as passenger. Bubba came directly to the station. He said a quick ‘hello’ to Carol Anderson and asked Lyle if he'd take him to the hospital. Lyle was more than happy to take the big man and told him on the way things looked grim. Waddie could barely respond, but they knew he was aware of what was going on around him and who was there. Bubba slowly opened the door, and saw Dan sitting with Buck. The two men went to him, hugged, and kissed him, and told him to come in. He sat in the chair next to Waddie and had big tears running down his face. He took Waddie’s hand and just sat for a minute. He barely felt Waddie squeeze his hand.

"You know it's yore’ running buddy, don' chu,’ cowboy?" Bubba managed to get out. Once again he barely felt Waddie's gentle squeeze. Bubba lost it again. "I'm trying to be strong for you, sweet buckaroo, but I'm afraid you're the one what's gonna' have to be strong for old Bubba. It's breakin' my heart to see you lying there like this. I need to see you get better to heal this old heart of mine. I saw Mrs. Anderson for just a minute; she made me promise to tell you she loves you, and she and Jannie are praying for you. Seems like half the damn town is out there in the waiting room on their knees praying for you, and Lyle Rawlings told me the other half was in church praying for you. You gotta' come home to us, cowboy. My being a good Samaritan couldn't have been for nothing. God just ain't that cruel. He ain't cruel at all. I'm a' praying for you, young'un, and I got every trucker and waitress worth their salt praying for you. Most of all, cowboy, ya' gotta' live for this good man beside me here. He knows you're his boy now. You can call him dad and really mean it. I love you, little buddy," Bubba said and felt one light squeeze from Waddie's hand.

Bubba promised Buck he'd be around for several days and would come back. He cried in Buck's arms and told him he was so glad he knew the truth. Buck held on to the big man like he was a rock he needed for support. Dan Justin broke down in Bubba's arms, and they comforted each other. Buck wouldn't let anyone else in to see Waddie from that point on. Dr. Dyer said Waddie didn't seem to be responding the way he'd like. He was fighting, but it was too soon to call. Doc Dyer thought it best if Waddie didn't have any more visitors for a while except immediate family.

It was Wednesday evening and Waddie had been in a coma since Friday night. Gip begged his Dad to let him stay the night with Buck. His Dad could see the pain in his eyes and knew his heart must be breaking. Dan told him he could. Dan told Buck, he and Jimmy Sue were taking Linda Sue home with them. They were going home to get some rest. They'd be back first thing in the morning and bring them breakfast. Buck sat there awake most of the night keeping watch for any sign. Gip drifted off to sleep several times, but Buck didn't say anything. He was glad Gip could get some rest. Buck could tell Gip was worried sick.

Buck would occasionally snooze with his head on the bed next to Waddie's. The night was a long one. He didn't try to talk to Waddie all night. He wanted him to rest. Linda Sue and Jimmy Sue brought him and Gip breakfast the next morning with a thermos of coffee. The ladies left the room. Buck, Dan, and Gip were sitting, eating, drinking their coffee and talking quietly. Buck thought he heard a small voice from somewhere. "You never know who you're gonna' run into in a closet anymore. Too damn much traffic. Let's give 'em up, Dad, they're overrated." Buck turned to see his son's eyes open and Waddie smiling at him. He laughed at Waddie's joke and almost spit out his breakfast.

He couldn't put his food down fast enough to take Waddie's hand. "I told ju’ I'd be here to tell you I love you, Son, and I meant it. I'll always be here from now on. You're my boy now, and I ain't never gonna' let you crawl into no damn closets anymore if'n I can help it," Buck said with tears streaming down his handsome face.

"I heard you tell me that, Dad, and that was one of the main things that kept me hanging on. I love you so much, Dad, and now you know. I've always been your son. No one can ever take that away from us," Waddie said.

"It's so good to have you back again, cowboy. A lot of good folks been praying for you," Buck said.

"I know, and I love them all, but lemme' have a bite of that, Dad, I'm s'damn hungry I could eat a bear," Waddie declared. Buck looked and smiled at his son.

"Of course you can have a bite, but we'd better ask the doctor first. Oh, Son, I'm so glad you're back, I love you, Waddie," Buck leaned over and kissed Waddie on the cheek.

"I love you, too, Dad, and I had to come back. I couldn't leave two men who loved me as much as you and Dad Dan to say nothing of my handsome, cowboy brother. So, ya'll gotta' know I love you," Waddie replied.

"We love you, too, cowboy. I'm gonna' get Doc Dyer," Dan said. He ran out and announced to everyone, Waddie was awake and hungry. Everyone was excited, in tears, praising God, hugging and kissing each other.

"Come up here, my handsome little brother and give your big brother a big ole kiss, darlin,'" Waddie said to his brother. Gip kissed Waddie. Waddie put his arms around Gip and pulled him closer. Buck had to turn away he almost lost it again. "You be the main reason I came back, darlin,' but chu' knew that already. God, I love you, Gip," Waddie added.

"I love you, too, big brother," Gip replied choking back the tears.

Doc Dyer drove into the parking lot. He went home to eat and change clothes. He was thrilled to hear the news and rushed to Waddie's side. He had tears in his eyes as he checked him out. He poked and prodded. Took his temperature, his pulse, and talked with him.

"You really hungry, Son?" Doc Dyer asked.

"Bring the cow in the room with salt and pepper. Don't bother to kill it," Waddie said drolly and winked at Doc Dyer.

The doctor laughed. "Sense of humor is a good sign, young man. Welcome back. You damn near scared me to death. We'll get you a tray, but you can only have liquids and soft food for several days. At least through the weekend," the doctor said.

"Ah, darn...I had my heart set on a big ole steak," Waddie lamented. Buck and Dan laughed with the doctor.

"By the way, Doctor, what ever happened to that poor woman who backed into the airplane propeller?" Dr. Dyer looked at Waddie in amazement and laughed.

"You heard that? You were out. There's no way in hell. Oh, I give up," he said and rolled his eyes.

"I watched you and Dr. Baker hose out my guts with a red rubber hose with a funny little brass thing on the end of it. I watched him sew me up, too. Did a damn good job. Please, thank him for me until I can thank him myself," Waddie said.

"You were out, how could you possibly know? Oh, never mind. When will I learn?" Doc Dyer asked, laughed, and rolled his eyes toward heaven.

"And I have some wonderful things to tell you and Mrs. Dyer about a beautiful little girl I met. I spent the afternoon with her sitting on my lap and talked to her and your dad, another Dr. Dyer. She said to give you both a big hug and a kiss, tell you she loves her name and she's happy living with your mom and dad. She sat in my lap and we talked for hours, Doc. She didn't wanna' let me go and cried when I left," Waddie said.

"Don't tell me another thing until I get my wife here. I want you to rest first. He can have a few visitors but not all at once, a few minutes at a time... agreed, Dad?" Dr. Dyer said looking directly at Buck.

"Agreed, Doc," Buck took Dr. Dyer in his arms and hugged him, then, it was Dan's turn. Dr. Dyer had a couple of tears in his eyes.

* * * * * * *
Waddie began to recover quickly. He felt such great joy visiting with the folks who came to his side to be with him. He spent almost a whole day with Bubba, Earl D., Billy Bob, Ma and Pa Crenshaw and his brothers. He was so glad to see them, and they were thrilled he was getting better. They phoned home to Bandera right from the room. He talked to everyone back there including his favorite. Shad was crying on the phone, and Waddie tried to console him. "Oh, Waddie, don't never scare me like that again. I had to do some powerful pray'n to pull you through this, big brother," Shad said.

Waddie smiled and wanted to giggle, but he didn't. "You know, little brother, my angel done told me when the Old Man got your prayers they was the ones what put the vote for me coming back over the fence. The Good Lord told Mr. Uriel, he didn't have no choice. ‘At little buckaroo Shad Crenshaw's been pray'n for his big brother, and I have to let Waddie go back. As much as I love the cowboy, I can't hold on to him when Shad needs him," Waddie said.

"Really, Waddie? God and your angel said that?" Shad asked.

"Shad, now what'd I tell you the first rule of being a cowboy is?" Waddie asked in reply.

"A cowboy don't never lie. I believe you, Waddie," he said.

"You just remember to thank him for hear'n yore’ prayers, Shad, and tell him how much you love him. He'll appreciate that. So will I, buckaroo. I love you so much, little brother, for your love and prayers. Thanks, Shad," Waddie said.

"You're welcome, Waddie. I love you, too. Come see me soon's you can," Shad said.

"I promise," Waddie replied.

Waddie talked last to Dad Gus and cried on the phone with him. Gus could barely talk. "So glad you come home to us, Son. Don't know if'n my old heart could give you up. You know I love you, come see us again real soon," Gus said with all the love in his heart.

"I love you, too, Dad Gus," Waddie replied.

Waddie shared many things he spoke to Thane about with the Crenshaws. They were in tears their boy took care of their other boy while he was in a coma. He told them stories Thane related to him they never told Waddie, and only they could have known. He told Earl D. intimate secrets only he and Thane shared. They had no doubt Thane took him by the hand and loved him while he was away. It only made Waddie and Gip all the more close to the Crenshaws and Franz.

He was sitting up by the second day out of coma and was able to have a lot of his family come in and visit. Ma and Pa Crenshaw had to get back and said their tearful goodbyes. Earl D. and Billy Bob stayed a while longer to ride back with Bubba so they wouldn't have to ride in the back of the pickup truck. Waddie was pleased his bothers could spend a little more time with him. He got cards from all over. Every brother in Bandera made a card and sent to him. Of course his favorite was Shad's. It was so plain and sweet. Waddie cried when he read it.

It was good to be alive, and it was good to feel the love of his family surrounding him. Their love was like a deep well of healing water he was welcome to drink from to heal his body and his spirit. There seemed to be a never ending flow from the springs of their hearts that poured into him like the waters from a heavy winter's thaw. The doctor couldn't believe how fast he was recovering. Waddie told his dad and granddad about visiting with his great-granddad. He told his dad his great-granddad was a copy of him and his dad. He was outrageous and had something funny to say about everything. He told his dad stories about him and his granddad only he could know. He told his granddad a couple his great-granddad related to Waddie about him he never even told his son. Buck wept that his great-granddad had a chance to meet and be with his boy.

"Yeah, Pa Claymore," Waddie chuckled, "he told me about the day you and him went fishing, crossed this field to get to the river, but ya'll didn't know there was a bull in the pasture. He told me all his fishing tackle ended up on the bottom of the river after the bull ran the two of you off the bank." Buck and his dad roared with laughter and slapped each other on the back. "He told me you dived all afternoon until you found his tackle box. He said you both had a great afternoon swimming, but cha'll didn't catch no fish." Everyone laughed.

His brothers were there everyday to sit with him. Oatie had much to tell him and Clyde let him. The four got their heads together the fifth day and called in Lyle, Don, Quinton, the sheriff, and Dad Dan. Mr. Uriel told Waddie before he came back, now was the time to lower the hammer on Willie. The men gathered in Waddie's room. Buck knew his boys well enough to know just about what was coming, and he told Dan before they walked in the room. "Mark my word, them boys is gonna' deliver the boxcar robbers to us, and there was a practical reason they couldn't tell us 'til now," Buck said. Dan agreed.

The boys told the men exactly who, when, and how the boxcar was broken into, and where they hid the stash. They told of conversations the four of them overheard of Willie and his gang. They also told why they were afraid to say anything 'til now. Furthermore, their angel told them not to until Waddie came back this time. Now was the time to let their crime be known. Now, they could be tried as adults. The deputies and Buck were astounded the boys went to such lengths to keep Willie and his crew from getting the loot. Waddie related to the men the reason why Willie and his cronies raped him was because they thought he took their stolen goods.

Waddie told Buck exactly where to look in Willie's closet for proof of stolen guns and ammunition. He told them they probably could find the same in the other boy's houses. Sure enough, they found Willie's stuff under the floor boards of his closet, and the same with the other three boys. Buck couldn't have been prouder of his boys, and Dan was ready to bust a button. The Cotton Belt railroad was so glad to get their stolen property back they gave each boy a hundred dollars reward. Once again the four boys were heroes in the small community. They had a quick trial for the four and with charges upon charges they each got six years in Huntsville State Pen.

Child molesters don't do well in the prison. Willie became the personal 'boy' of a huge con by the name of Big Joe. He pulled strings and had Willie transferred to his cell within a couple of days. And, Big Joe... well, he didn't get that name because he was small anywhere. He was said to have the biggest penis in the whole damn prison. Big Joe took one look at Willie's tight little athletic butt and got a hard-on what dripped like a big bull in rut to feel his huge cock between Willie's sweet cheeks. Lucky Willie got himself a fine husband. Willie was giving up his ass to Big Joe a least once a day and sometimes twice. To say nothing of the number of blow jobs Willie was expected to give Big Joe and his buddies.

All Big Joe had to do was snap his fingers at Willie, he was on his knees in front of one of Big Joe's buddies, undoing his pants and getting his cock out to get it in his mouth as fast as possible. If he didn't he wouldn't get out of bed for a week. Big Joe would beat him within an inch of his life. Willie learned to be a right nice cocksucker and wife to Big Joe. He didn't smart mouth or talk back to Big Joe much. He was too afraid and too busy being a good little wife. The boys were really happy to know Willie made friends so quickly. Well, they agreed, there was no question, he was a good looking man with the buns of death. Big Joe thought so, too.

* * * * * * *
Waddie reluctantly stayed in the hospital another week. He wanted to get out because the summer was almost over and the boys were going to have to get back to school. He grumbled, but he figured the doctor knew best. He was anxious to go home with his mom and dad. Waddie and his mom had many long talks by themselves and grew more close. Linda Sue couldn't believe Waddie held no bad feelings toward her. Waddie told her she shouldn't beat herself up. She did what she thought was right at the time. By the time Waddie got out of the hospital, Linda Sue was ready to become Waddie's full-time mom. She was elated.

She couldn't thank Aunt Agatha and Jimmy Sue enough. She hugged and thanked Dan Justin for loving Waddie as much as he did. He assured her loving Waddie was one of the easiest things he ever did. Her friends and the community watched her change overnight. She became a mature responsible woman. She became more active in community activities and ultimately accepted a position on the school board. Auntie Boo was included in many of their talks, and she came to love and appreciate her niece even more from the proud and heroic way she handled herself through all of this.

Aunt Agatha was so happy and proud of her role in the miracle she couldn't thank Waddie and Gip enough. They assured her they were only too happy to have her love; no thanks were needed. Their Auntie Boo continued to be the four boy's counsel on everything from family matters to girls. They were never afraid to write or call their Auntie Boo about anything. They could always expect sound advice. Buck couldn't tell Morgan, Waddie turned out to be his boy after all. He didn't think Morgan would believe him anyway. Furthermore, he wasn't real happy Morgan almost killed his boy twice. He told Ma and Pa Lovejoy to tell him, but only if they felt comfortable about it. They knew Buck wasn't going to stop them from seeing Waddie.

They were still his grandparents as far as Buck was concerned. Hell, he still thought of Ma and Pa Lovejoy as his other set of parents. He'd do anything in the world for them and proved it many times. They chose to tell their son, but Buck was right. Morgan wouldn't believe it, and told them it was all a trumped up lie to take his son away from him. Morgan's parents got copies of the sworn affidavits, the sheriff's report, and the letter from the Chief of Staff of the Methodist Hospital in Dallas and showed Morgan. He still wouldn't believe it. After a couple more years growth when anyone saw Waddie and Buck standing next to each other, they looked like bookends. There was no doubt in anyone's mind in the community and Morgan finally had to admit they looked too damn much alike not to be father and son.

The town folk really did start to refer to Waddie as little Buck, and Buck junior. Buck beamed when they called Waddie Buck junior. Waddie would walk a little taller when he heard them call him that. Morgan managed to talk to the judge in their small town and arranged to have his marriage to Judy annulled. While the judge wasn't too crazy about what Morgan did to Waddie he figured Morgan suffered enough at the hands of those crazy people and rid him of them. Morgan also followed the court order to the letter and didn't try to see or speak to Waddie. Morgan was no longer legally married to Judy and told her she could take off anytime she wanted. He didn't want anymore to do with her. She asked if she could stay on as his housekeeper for food and a place to stay, at least, until she had her baby. He agreed and even gave her a small salary over and above money for food and running the house. He paid all the bills.

* * * * * *
Waddie's heart softened towards Morgan as the year went on. They were well past the six month period, but Morgan didn't make any effort to contact Waddie. Thanksgiving of that year Buck asked Waddie what he thought about inviting Morgan. "I think it would be a great idea, Dad. I certainly won't be afraid of Morgan with my family around, and what can he say to me anyway? He knows I'm yore’ boy, lock, stock, cock, and birth certificate. Truth is, Dad, I still love Morgan, and I miss him. I know why you loved him so much as a brother and still do. We need to repair that tear in the fabric of our lives," Waddie said.

Buck took Waddie in his arms and kissed him gently on the forehead and held him. "Have I told you today, I love you?" Buck asked.

"Lemme' see, when you woke me up this morning, when we got into the shower, while we's showering, after we got out of the shower, after breakfast, before we came to the Justin’s, on the way to the Justin’s, after we got here, and three times since," Waddie recounted.

"All right. All right, Mr. Smarty Boots," Buck said and laughed, "Yore’ old man loves you. Get used to it. Ya' hear!" Buck roared with mock indignation.

"I done told ju’ a long time ago, you don't love me a whit more'n I love you, Dad. Just to call you my dad is an act of love for me, Sheriff Claymore," Waddie told Buck. Buck hugged and kissed him again.

"Okay, we'll try to patch that hole in the seat of our pants. He may not come. I'll be surprised if he does," Buck said.

"He'll come," Waddie replied and grinned knowingly. Buck just smiled and shook his head.

Buck invited Morgan, but since Judy was legally not his wife anymore, Buck made it clear, the invitation didn't include her. Morgan told him he'd let him know. About a week later Morgan handed Buck a letter for Waddie, and told him to read it first. If Buck thought the letter was all right, then give it to Waddie. Morgan said he would come for Thanksgiving if Waddie could find it in his heart to be his friend. Otherwise, it would be too painful for him. Buck read Morgan's letter.

Dearest Waddie,

It's been almost a year since I've spoken with you. I've seen you around town with your friends going past. I appreciate your smiles and waving to me. It said to me, I don't think you're a monster, you still deserve a smile and to be acknowledged. That simple gesture's helped me more than you'll ever know. For once in my life, I didn't try to read more into something than was really there. It’s just part of your spirit of giving I've always admired and cherished. To say to you I'm sorry for what I did is not enough for what I put you through. You used to tell me the punishment was not what hurt you the most. What hurt you was, I didn't believe in you or trust you enough to give you the benefit of the doubt. You were right, and I know how you must have felt. No one believes in me or trusts me anymore. Not because I lied to anyone, but because, I didn't believe the truth the only person in my world who truly loved me was trying to tell me. I was wrong, Waddie, and for that I'm so very sorry.

I know no words I can use to make you understand the extent of my sorrow. What I did to you was unconscionable, Waddie. I have no defense for the way I treated you. Buck was right, if I came upon a man beating a pony the way I beat you, for whatever reason, I'd want to kill him. Yet, there I was, doing the same damn thing to someone I loved. I still ask myself, "How could I have done it?" I don't have an answer, certainly not one which would make any sense; however, I am making a concerted effort to find out why. You knew all along I wasn't your real dad and Judy wasn't your ma. You were right, I was telling you a big lie while demanding the truth from you. I was a hypocrite. I was the one lying to you. You never lied to me. You tried to warn me, but I only laughed at you and your talk of an angel and God. I'm not laughing anymore, Waddie. I hope and pray I've come to my senses by realizing what I lost.

I think I have. I know I can never be your dad again. I accept that and won't try, but I can't forget the love we shared. It was special and for all my journey through this life it was the most valuable thing I ever experienced. I guess that old saying is true after all, ‘You never know how important something is to you until you've lost it.’ The grief I've suffered over the loss of your love has been almost too much to bear. For what I did I deserved to suffer that grief as painful as it might seem. I'm reaching out to you to express my deepest hope to you. I would consider it an honor and privilege if you could find it in your heart to be my friend. I'm not asking for more than that, but if you do, I'll do my damnedest to see I never betray your trust again. I 'm not asking for immediate forgiveness. I expect, to earn your friendship and love. It will take time, but I'm willing to try if you'll let me. I know I don't deserve it, but I'm asking for one more chance to show my love for you.

I love you, Waddie,

Morgan

Buck promised he'd give Waddie the letter and bring Morgan his reply. Buck gave the letter to Waddie. His dad told him to take it to his room, read it by himself, make up his own mind as to his reply, or he didn't have to reply at all. It was Waddie's decision. Buck stressed to him, he didn't want to influence Waddie. Waddie sat down at his desk and wrote a short reply to Morgan's letter.

Dear Morgan,

I would be happy for you to join the family for Thanksgiving. I have no problem considering you for a friend, but right now, I can't forgive and I won't forget for exactly the reasons you stated in your letter. Not for the beatings or the pain afterwards, I've already forgiven you for that. What I can't forgive is not trusting me and denying my love for you by thinking I would have done those things you were punishing me for, especially cutting the pony. I would never do do such a horrible thing to an animal, and to have you think and insist I did was the greatest hurt of all. Maybe, one day, if we become friends, I can tell you I forgive you, and then, I'll try to forget. God wants us to forgive those who trespass against us, but he didn't specify a time limit. If you're serious about being my friend, then you'll understand there are two things I will not tolerate. I will never allow you to talk 'at' me again. I'll talk 'with' you as long as you like, but if you ever doubt me again, there won't be another chance. I think, after what I've been through, I have the right to demand that of you. I have the right to demand that of any man who seeks my friendship. I don't think that's too much to ask. After all, it's all I ever asked of you.

Waddie

Waddie folded the letter neatly and inserted it into a nice envelope. He walked into the living room and asked his dad to read it aloud so his mom could hear it. Buck did and had tears in his eyes as he finished.

"Do you think I'm being too mean by demanding those things, Dad?" Waddie asked.

"No, Son, I don't. I think it's a beautiful letter, but it tells him you're not going to jump into a friendship with him if’n he ain't willing to take the time to earn your trust," Buck replied.

"I liked the part about God didn't set a time limit on forgiveness. I never thought about it that way, but it's something to consider. I'd say it applied perfectly in this case," Waddie's mom said.

"Yeah, me, too," Buck said, "it tells him, 'If you work at it, I may forgive you, but if you ain't interested, I still may forgive you, but you'll never know.' No, Son, I think this is a fine letter, and I'll take it to him tomorrow. Then, the ball will be in his court. You've left it up to him whether he wants to be your friend on your terms, and you're right, you have every right in the world to demand he never doubt you again. I love my brother deeply, but this has to be between you and him. I may offer you advice, but I won't tell you what to do. So far, I don't think I needed to offer you a hell of a lot of advice. You seem to have your head on pretty straight about this. I didn't consider you'd given it much thought," Buck said.

"I think about Morgan a lot, Dad. You don't turn love on and off. At least I can't. Maybe there are folks like Judy and Dorothy who can, but I don't want anyone like them in my life. Between you and mom, I still love Morgan. He was the only dad I had for the first five years of my life. It's hard for me not to love him like a dad, but I'll never again share that with him. With four loving men in my life I consider to be my dads there ain't room for one who don't trust or won’t believe in me. 'Course you're my main man, Dad, you always will be. You know that, but you're big enough and secure enough in our love you have no problem sharing. I've been thinking a lot about what Mr. Uriel told me about helping Morgan get away from them people. I can't very well help him unless I have some communication with him. Maybe we can be friends, but I've done my begging and pleading with him. I'll wait and see how much he wants to be my friend," Waddie said.

"Make's sense to me -- you, dear?" Buck asked Waddie's mom.

"A lot of sense. I don't think it would take much to get him away from Judy. I don't think Morgan is the kind of man who can live by himself though," Linda Sue said.

"One problem at a time, Mom," Waddie replied and laughed.

* * * * * *
Morgan was deeply touched by Waddie's letter. He had no problem with Waddie's demands. It was, as Waddie stated, what he'd asked from the beginning. Morgan finally woke up to the fact he was bankrupt when it came to his record of trust and learning to love. He hit bottom and his pride finally turned into introspection. He had nowhere to go but up. He saw the journey as one step at a time, one day at a time. He was intent on change and unbeknown to everyone was seeking therapy one day a week in the next largest town. Morgan did attend Thanksgiving and was welcomed by all. Everyone heard Waddie asked him to come, and that was enough for them. They were gracious and kind to him. Waddie went to him, put his arms around him, hugged him, and gave him a kiss right on the mouth. Morgan didn't hold back. Neither did he misinterpret Waddie's welcome to be more than what it was, but he was humbled and moved. With everyone standing around the Thanksgiving table holding hands, Dad Dan asked Waddie if he would say the blessing.

Waddie said a fine prayer that expressed what most were thinking, but at the last he added his own thanks. "And most of all we're thankful to have one of our family with us who has been away for a while. Thank you, Lord, for guiding him back to us. Our family wouldn't be complete without him. Help him and guide him, Lord, and give him wisdom, strength, and courage to find and know love again. We ask in Jesus name," Waddie said, "Amen" and the rest of the family echoed it. Morgan was in tears in his dad's arms and later thanked Waddie for the sentiment. Thus began a great period of healing between Morgan and the family. He was invited and came to most family functions when he was home. He was good to his promise to Waddie. He worked hard at becoming Waddie's friend. He never imposed nor insisted he have his way. He gave to Waddie and joyfully accepted from him.

End Of Chapter 20 ~ Cabbage Patch Cowboy
Copyright © 2004/2013 ~ Waddie Greywolf
All rights reserved ~
Mail to: waddiebear@yahoo.com
Proofed: 01/02/2013
WC 17125