HARLEY
&
MUTT
By
Waddie Greywolf
Chapter
8
While Waddie and
Zane were the center of attention for the week of festivities, Mutt got
his fair share of much needed affection. His two older brothers,
Billy Bob, Earl D., Oatie, Bubba, his dad, Gus Franz, Gip, Quinton, and
Buck showered him with their love and attention. He never felt
more loved and wanted, but he still didn’t feel like he could go
home. His family begged and pleaded with him to reconsider and
return to Bandera with them. The holidays were coming and his dad
especially wanted him to come home. His mother hadn’t seen him
since he returned from Nam and she was still grieving her heart out for
him. His dad was more than a little concerned for his wife.
Sarah’s health declined within the last couple of years. The
strain and loss of her two sons was taking its toll on her.
Cowboy Waddie
Crenshaw, C.W., the baby of the Crenshaw family, was about the
same age as little Gip. Between Buck, Randy, Dan, Quinton, Bubba,
the elder Lovejoys they had, so far, managed to hide all the boys from
the draft. Buck managed to hide several of the boys from Chapel
Creek. After they lost four of their finest they decided they
weren’t going to send anymore. Because of overactive male
hormones and false sense of patriotic duty several of the young men
decided they just had to go. They went and were invariably
shipped home in a box. Buck and Dan would lead the community in
grief for another one of their sons who was killed in a useless and
senseless war.
The boys who
allowed the community to hide them were never discovered and never
questioned. If asked, they simply replied they were 4-F. No
one ever checked into it. Little Gip got patriotic feelings and
decided if his big brothers went to Nam then it was only fitting he
should join him, even though his namesake, his beloved bubba, Gip, was
killed. His big brother, Waddie, was still over there. He
got the romantic notion he should be fighting by his brother’s
side. Buck took him fishing one weekend to get away and be by
themselves. He had a few things he wanted to talk over with his
youngest son. Little Gip never would tell anyone what they talked
about; however, he would smile, sigh, and tell how much he loved and
respected his old man all the more afterward.
Zane officially
became Waddie’s slave. For the men who attended, the words
were only a metaphor for the uniting of two men in an undeniable love;
a love of such strength and understanding it lasted for thirty years
until Zane’s death in ninety-six. What does it matter the label
you attach to the union of two human beings as long as they love and
respect each other in the eyes of their family and fellow men. In
the South, slaves had no village shamans or preachers to perform
wedding ceremonies. They would have a family member or close
friend hold a broom while the two of them jumped over it at the same
time.
With nothing more than a simple action they were officially married,
joined to each other for life in the sight of God and their
families. So it was for the union of Waddie and Zane. They
didn’t need the hypocrisy of organized religion to sanction their
bond. Zane gave himself to be Waddie’s slave and with their
families blessing, Waddie became his master and owner. Later,
Buck, Dan, Ma and Pa Claymore suggested Waddie give his slave the
family name of Claymore. Zane was humbled and honored Waddie’s
family thought enough of him to share their name. Waddie had
Zane's name officially changed to Jesse Zane Claymore.
The two men
already spent an extended honeymoon on the Broken Arrow before their
bonding, but Waddie and Zane decided with the rest of the family, if
they returned home for the holidays, perhaps their brother, Mutt, would
feel comfortable enough to come to his Uncle Buck and Aunt Linda Sue’s
for the holidays. That way, Randy, Sarah and the boys could come out
for Thanksgiving and be with him. Mutt was unsure, but the love
he was getting from everyone encouraged and strengthened him. He
didn’t see how he might justify running away again. He talked
with Beryl, his brothers, and Harley Boone about it. They were of
the same agreement. He should go to Chapel Creek for the holidays.
“Look, Son, what
does it take to convince you these folks love you and are crazy about
you. What chu’ look like don’t make them no never mind.
Once they get over the initial pain, it won't never enter their
head. I don't think about your face when I'm with you.
Since I got to know you this way, it ain't no big thing. Since
you been here has anyone turned away from you?” Big Beryl asked.
“Naw, sir,
Master Beryl. I know they love me and God knows I love
them. I just sometimes wonder why I’m still alive. I feel
like an outsider looking in. Like I should be dead and only
allowed to look through the curtains at what’s goin’ on. I feel
so damn guilty at times, ‘cause I ain't on that hill in a box next to
my buddy. I guess I just don’t feel comfortable being loved so
much anymore, Master Beryl. I know that don’t make a’ hell of a
lot of sense, but I’m afraid to love anyone or allow anyone to love me
anymore. I keep looking over my shoulder for a dark stranger who
I’m constantly afraid is finally gonna’ catch up with me.”
Beryl was silent
for a long time. He put his arm around his young friend, pulled
him close and bussed a kiss behind his ear. He and Mutt were
sitting alone in the big pool behind Dan’s place. “As crazy as it
might sound to some other folks, Son, I think I know what you’re
talking about. My worst fear for you, is you done already met up
with that dark stranger and he's about to consume you," Beryl said and
watched for Mutt's response. When the young man didn't react,
Beryl continued, "After World War Two, I felt like I didn’t fit
in. I met a woman I thought I fell in love with enough to have
kids and make a life. I married her, but she damn near drove me
nuts. Just wouldn’t leave me be to adjust a little at a time to a
nine to five life and the idea of kids. Don’t get me wrong, I
love kids, but I sure as hell weren’t ready for ‘em right after the
war. I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew a life with her was
gonna’ be like a hell on Earth; maybe send me to an early grave.
I found myself getting old before my time.
"Funny thing
was, I’m sure a part of me loved her, still does, but I ain’t been back
in years. Don’t care to no more, neither. All I’m telling
you is, it ain’t just for you, Son, it’s for them sweet folks who love
you. You’re mom deserves to see you and tell you she loves you;
not for you, but for her. H'it won't matter none how you look to
her, you’re always gonna’ be her baby. S’way it goes with moms
and dads. S’way it should be. Why, just look at chore'
brother Waddie. Look at that big, strapping cowboy, bigger’n his
old man. What do you think Buck Claymore sees ever’ time he looks
on his face? You think he see a mature man in that big
cowboy? Hell, no, he don’t. He sees his little boy.
Waddie and Gip will always be his little boys. And how would you
feel, God forbid, if some'um was to happen to your mom unexpected like
and you didn’t go to her and tell her you love her? I know
you. You couldn’t live with yourself. You'd live the rest
of your life with the guilt,” Beryl said softly.
“You know,
Master Beryl, for an old geezer, you make a hell of a lot of sense
sometimes,” Mutt replied, laughed, and held the big man tight in
the cool water of the pool.
“Shee-it,” Beryl
replied.
* * * * * * *
Mutt was
confused and didn’t know what to do. He was filled with doubt and
indecision. Of course he wanted to see his family, but the pain
was still so deep within him. Waddie and Big Beryl got their
heads together and began to hatch a plan. “Beryl, have you
noticed how attentive to Mutt Harley’s been since they been here?"
Waddie asked.
“Yeah, I seen
‘em off by themselves, ever’ now and then, deep in conversation.
Since his dads and older brothers left they been thick as
thieves. I even caught ‘em in the loft of the barn the other
afternoon. They didn’t know it, ‘cause I turned around and left
as soon’s I figured out what they's up to. They weren't just
play'n patty-cakes, neither,” Beryl said and snorted.
“You think it
would be easier on my brother to come home if he had Harley come along
with him? Harley’s a fine man. My dad and little brother
like him, so does my dad, Dan. Harley told me how much he likes
them. I asked dad if it’d be all right if I asked Harley home for
the holidays, and he said absolutely. He encouraged me to ask
him. Hell, we always got hundreds around our place over the
holidays. Our family’s grown over the years and one or two more
ain’t gonna’ make much difference to my dad. The way he looks at
it, 'at’s what the holidays is all about. He was thrilled you
accepted his offer to come home with us.
"You’ll get to see your old buddy Johnny Mack Tamplin from the
war. Him, his wife and kids pile into their car and come out for
one of the holidays ever’ other year or so. He’ll be home to
Chapel Creek for Thanksgiving this year for sure. Dad assured me
he was coming. So, it got me to thinking, if you’re gonna’ ride
back with Zane and me, and we could get Harley to come along maybe Cass
wouldn’t feel so alone. I know neither one of ‘em will admit it,
but they's formed some kind of relationship. I ain’t saying what
it is, ‘cause it ain’t none of my business, but I know they respect and
care about each other a powerful lot,” Waddie said.
“You gonna’
leave it to me to put my foot in my mouth, ain’t cha,’ youngster?
Well, it won’t be the first time, and probably won’t be the last time
so here goes: I watched them two, but I don't think neither one of them
realize they's bonded. Harley Boone features himself a straight
man, and he ain’t about to admit he feels some'um a little more than
him and Mutt jes' being buddies. Don't get me wrong, I ain't
judging Harley or nothing, 'cause I's just like him at one time.
I'd a decked any man what suggested I's even slightly less than a
totally straight man; but, over the years I done mellowed and realized
the joy and pleasure of male bondings. After my first little
slave I never looked back. I still won't accept no title of being
'gay.' I'll leave that to the them Hollywood queens or any who
live in a large city with a gay ghetto.
"I know, as sure
as we’s sittin’ here, he’ll go back and get Janice after the holidays
even if he accepts your invitation. I dare say, if’n you got Mutt
off to himself and questioned him, he’d deny with his last breath
there’s anything between the two of ‘em. Why? Because
Harley set it up with him from the beginning there never could be
nothing between them cept’n being buddies. Your little brother’s
accepted it and he wouldn’t betray his trust with Harley if’n his life
depended on it. I think he loves Harley so much he don’t
care. He feels if Harley accepts him for what he is, and wants to
be his buddy, he ain’t gonna’ push for more. Mutt's a cowboy for
cries sake. I know for a fact, he ain't never allow Harley to
know how he really feels. Can’t says I blame him none.
"Nobody wants to
set themselves up for rejection, but it's my decided opinion, Harley
would have to be pretty damn dumb not to see how much Mutt cares about
him. Can’t do no harm to innocently invite Harley and let nature
do the rest. Like me and Ben done when we got you and Mutt
together. Ben prayed to Allah, and I amen-ed it. Don’t make
no never mind what we call the Old Man, he still hears all
prayers. On the other hand, Harley may not want to stay away from
Janice that long, especially over the holidays, and he may already have
plans; howsomever, from the 'oohs' and 'aahs' and encouragement Mr.
Boone was giving his buddy I overheard in the barn the other afternoon,
I’d put my money on Harley accepting your invitation. Harley’s
like a lot of straight men, he loves to get his dick sucked. He’s
bitched to me time and again, Janice ain't got no clue about how to
suck a man’s cock,” Beryl said.
Waddie decided
it was a good idea. He talked it over with his new slave and Zane
encouraged him. The next afternoon the men were doing some roping
and Waddie was sitting on the corral fence talking with Harley.
Mutt was in the arena roping with Dan Yates. Zane was timing
their runs and little Gip, was setting up the barrier ropes. C.W.
was operating the chute. He and Gip decided to stay behind at Dan
Yates’ with their brothers and come home with them for
Thanksgiving. They were having a ball. Gip and C.W. were
cowboy brothers to the bone, and loved every minute of living and
working on a big ranch like the Broken Arrow. It was like a dream
come true to them. They got to be honest to God buckaroos at one
of the biggest cattle ranches in Arizona.
Waddie turned to
Harley, “You hanging around for a while, Harley, or are you gonna’ go
pick up Janice?” he asked casually.
“Why?” Harley
grinned, “Ya’ll wanna’ get rid of me?” he replied and grinned.
“Oh, Hell,
no! On the contrary. You should know better’n 'nat,
brother. T’ain’t none of my business no how; I’s just trying to
feel you out about yore' plans for the near future. I got a
proposition to put to you, s’all,” Waddie said.
“To be honest,
Waddie, I ain’t in no big rush to go pick’er up. She wants me to
come spend the holidays with her family, but I can’t stand her mother
and step-dad. Her mother’s idea of Thanksgiving dinner is
Swanson’s frozen turkey T.V. dinners and a six pack of cheap
beer. Her two older brothers try to act real tough around me,
‘cause they think I think I’m a bad ass biker, but I don't. I
just refused to take any shit off of 'em. You know me well enough
to know I’ll walk away from trouble if’n I can, but you won't never see
me turn and run. I almost got into with the older one last time I
visited, and the younger one backs him up like a yappy little
dog. Don’t guess I gotta' worry too much about the older one this
year. They got him locked up for armed robbery, and he’s looking
at five to ten in the pen. What’d ju’ have in mind,
cowboy?” Harley asked.
“My four dads
took a real shine to you while they's out here visiting. Each one
of 'em come up to me individually and told me they thought you was a
gentleman. Of course, I didn’t tell ‘em no different.” Waddie
leaned into Harley and laughed, “My dad told me to invite you home with
us for the holidays. Dad and Beryl was in the war together and
one of their buddies is coming to Chapel Creek for Thanksgiving.
Dad invited Beryl so he could get them two together. We plan on
staying around here to help Dan for a couple of more weeks then head
out to West Texas. Sure would like to have you come along if you
like,” Waddie said.
“Do you think,
Mutt’s gonna’ go back with you?” Harley asked.
“You’d probably
know more about that than us. We's kinda hoping if you came along
he wouldn’t feel so uneasy. I ain’t saying my brother’s scared or
nothing, but I think you know what I mean,” Waddie said quietly.
“Yeah, I
do. He’s talked with me quite a bit about his feeling. I
think he really wants to, but like you say, he has his fears. I
don’t even think he knows what he’s afraid of. He's
floundering. Getting him to open up to me was a major
hurdle. Damn, he can be closed mouth and stubborn, but I’ll tell
you one damn thing, I couldn’t have me no better road buddy or
friend. He’s proved his worth to me and Janice many time. I
hate to see he’s taken up with Spider, but I can’t give him what he
needs, so if he’s happy with Spider, I’m happy. So you and Beryl
really think he might go home if’n I tag along?” Harley asked
rhetorically.
“Can’t say for
sure, but you’re invited whether he decides to come or not. I
didn’t invite you to make you a pawn in a game to get him to do what we
want. My dad would really like you to join us; so would Zane, Beryl and
me. I know you’d love the rest of my family. I got
the kind of family you’re only a stranger for about the first five
minutes you’re there, and then after that, you’re family. And
don’t worry none about getting no presents for Christmas. You
being there is a big enough present for my family,” Waddie said.
“Well, let me
think about it and talk with Mutt. I don’t want him think’n I’m
trying to push him into anything. Right now, it sounds like a
great idea. I really don’t wanna’ spend the holidays with her
family. I done that two years in a row now, and it’s time for me
to do something I wanna’ do. Besides, Janice and me ain't had us
a real good year,” Harley replied.
“Don’t ask my
brother if he’s going. Just tell him me and my dad invited you to
Chapel Creek for the holidays and you accepted. Let him make his
choice to come along or not. That way he don’t have to feel like
he’s being pressured,” Waddie suggested.
“'At’s a better
idea. All right, then it's a done deal, I will come with you for
the holidays, cowboy, and thanks for the invitation. I think your
dad--- well, all four of your dads--- are good men,” Harley replied,
and stuck out his hand. Waddie took it, smiled at him, and the
two men shook.
“We’ll be glad
to have you come along. I know my dad will be. My two
little brothers out there in the arena won’t be disappointed to hear
you’re coming, either. They both think you’re a fine man,” Waddie
encourage him.
That evening
after supper, in the spa, Harley quietly mentioned to Mutt he was
invited to Chapel Creek by the sheriff and his family. He didn’t
elaborate other than to tell Mutt he couldn’t spend another holiday
season with Janice’s family. Mutt didn’t respond but shook his
head in acknowledgment. Waddie watched his little bother out of
the corner of his eye for some reaction but didn’t notice any sign of
hope. There was no word from Mutt up until the day they were
about to leave. No one pushed Mutt other than his two little
brothers. Little brothers are good at being pest and this was one
time when Waddie was proud of his little brother. Proud, because
Gip could be a pest, lovable to a fault, but a pest, nonetheless.
Sometimes the kid could argue a point to were the other man didn’t have
a come back. He would nail his brother, Mutt’s ass, to the barn
door. He was the only man who could get away with saying some of
the damnedest, most outrageous, off the wall things to Mutt which made
the other men cringe. Mutt would tuck his tail between his legs,
grin at his little brother, take his hat off, slam it to the ground,
then take out after him like he was going to kill him. He’d catch
him and the two would roll in the dirt laughing and carrying on.
Mutt would tickle little Gip until he hollered ‘calf rope’ and then Gip
called for his other brother to rescue him.
“C.W.!
Help! Help me, Brother. He’s killin’ me, Bro. C’moan,
C.W., give a brother a hand, here!” Gip would holler to C.W.
C.W. would give
him the fish eye, shake his head, and start laughing. “You’re on
yore' own, cowboy,” C.W. would laugh at Gip, "You deserve every damn
thing you’re gettin.’ You want me to hold him down, Cass?” Mutt
would laugh, then let little Gip up. Mutt grabbed Gip, held him,
and gave him a kiss behind the ear.
“If I go home,
it won’t be because any of them others talked me into it.
If I decide to go, it’ll be because you love me enough, little
brother, to tell me what’s in your heart. You don’t sugar coat
nothing to spare my feelings. You burn my butt so bad sometimes I
could kick your little fuck’n ass up between your shoulder blades, but
I know it’s only because you’re telling me the truth the way you sees
it. You and C.W., and the damn cowboy code will be the ruination
of me. But, chu’ know what, you little piss ant? It’s the
way it should be. I don’t necessarily agree with ever’ damn thing
you throw at me, but ever’ now and then you hit me upside the head, or
square between the eyes, with something what cuts through the shit and
exposes the bone. That’s when I walk away, licking my wounds and
think, ‘The little shit only told you the truth. He told you
exactly what you’s afraid to tell yourself.’ Then I laugh at
myself and say a prayer of thanks to the Old Man for you and your
partner in crime,” Mutt said.
“Oh, stop it,
Cass! Cut the shit! If you love me and C.W. come home with
us for Thanksgiving. How a' my gonna’ get really good at rope’n
less’n you and big brother teach me? Hell, I’ve learn’t ever’
thing my dads and Quinton's got to teach me. Me and C.W. wanna’
get really good, like you and J.R.; like Waddie and Big Gip were; like
I see you and Dan Yates rope. You’s awesome together. Say
you will, Cass. Say you’ll come home with us, for me and
C.W. Please, please, paaa-leeeze!" Gip was almost yelling at him.
“Oh, all right,
for Christ sake! I’ll go with you tomorrow. Somehow I just
know if’n I don’t, and God forbid, something was to ever happen
to you, you’d find a way to come back and haunt me ‘til my dying
day. One day I’ll get over Nam and what it did to me, but I’d
never be able to get over you. So, I’ll go home with you.
There, you little shit, are you happy? Will you stop pestering
me, now?”
Little Gip
grabbed his big brother and kissed him right on his mouth. Mutt
was a little shy about letting anyone kiss him, but he didn’t hold back
from the joy his little brother was showing him. He began to cry
and they stood in the middle of the arena, covered in dirt and cow
shit, crying like two lost soul who just found each other. In
a way, they did. Waddie shook his head, looked at Harley,
with a grin as wide as Texas, and winked. He knew it was going to
be a good holiday.
* * * * *
* *
The following
Monday, three days before Thanksgiving, Waddie, Zane, Beryl, Harley,
Mutt, Little Gip, and C.W. said their goodbyes to Dan Yates and Mrs.
Russell. Mrs. Russell was sad to see them go. So was
Dan. He always enjoyed having the men around, not only because he
got a lot of work out of them but they were good men who made for
better company. When they worked, they worked steady and hard,
and when the work was done, they played hard as well. There was
always someone in the arena practicing some rodeo event. When the
family was there the ranch seemed to come alive. Dan was invited
to Chapel Hill for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but he graciously
declined. He was used to spending the holidays with Mrs. Russell
and her boy, Tim. Now, Tim would be home with Ben and his men
along with an assortment of bike families from Los Angeles and the
desert. Dan didn’t send out invitations. If you were a
member of the McInnis clan you were welcome.
It was the first
time little Gip and C.W. were ever on a bike other than to ride behind
their brother Waddie around their small town. Now, they were
going to get to ride several hundred miles with their brothers.
Little Gip rode buddy with Waddie and C. W. rode behind his brother
Cass. Everyone was thrilled Mutt was going with them.
Dan Yates spoke
softly to him as he hugged and kissed him goodbye. “You’re doing the
right thing, Son. You've come a long way. I think you know
how I feel about you and I want the best for you,” Dan said.
“Yes, Sir, I
agree. I think it’s time. I can’t stand to think I’m
hurting my mom and little brothers. No matter how I look, I have
to think of them first. I guess I’ve hidden myself away from the
inevitable long enough. It’s gonna’ be hard to have my mom see
me, but I know I have to do it. Thank you for all you’ve done for
me, Mr. Yates, and for having faith in me. Don’t know I could’ve
done this if’n it weren’t for you, Master Beryl, and Master Ben," Mutt
replied.
“Hell, Son, you
ain’t no hard man to love. You know it don’t matter none to us
what you look like. To us you’re a talented, fine cowboy who
needs as much love and reassurance as the rest of us can give.
You’re going home with more love riding with you than you can
imagine. Everyone of them men love you and you know me and Ben
sure do. Go with God, Son. May He bless you, watch
over you, and protect you,” Dan said.
“Thanks, Mr.
Yates. I’ll be back to visit soon,” Mutt replied.
“I’ll hold you
to that promise, Cass.”
The men rode
away, stopped, and waved at the end of the dirt road, then took off
like rocket sleds on wheels onto the blacktop road that led to the
freeway. Dan Yates stood and watched until they rode out of
sight. He said a prayer for them to have a safe journey and for
Mutt to allow the love of his family to heal him.
* * * * * * *
The day before
they left Dan Yates’ ranch Waddie called home and talked to his
dad. “Dad, we’re leaving tomorrow for Chapel Creek. Since
my little brother is riding with me, and C.W. is riding with Cass we
ain’t gonna’ push it too hard. We may stop in El Paso tomorrow
evening. Then maybe one more stop before we get home. We
should be there no later than Tuesday afternoon. If we have any
problems or we’re gonna’ be late, I’ll let you know.”
“I’d appreciate
it, Son. Cass is coming with you? Praise the Lord! We
been praying he would. I’ll get on the phone soon’s we hang up
and call Randy and Sarah. They’ll be thrilled. Is he going
to stay with us? Is Harley coming with you?” Buck asked.
“Yes, sir, Cass
is going to stay with us and Harley is coming, too. He’s looking
forward to it, but it wasn’t us who convinced Cass to come,” Waddie
replied.
“Lemme'
guess. Your little brother and C.W. roped and hog tied him,” Buck
said and roared with laughter.
“Damn
near!” Waddie laughed with his dad, “Those two got their big
brother in a crossfire shoot’n down his defenses and reasons why he
couldn’t come home one by one. It weren’t pretty, but finally
Cass caved and told them he would go if they’d only stop pestering
him,” Waddie said and laughed.
“Trained that
kid well, I did,” Buck howled on the phone, “Takes after his old man,
his granddad, and damned if he ain’t a ringer for your
great-granddad. I’m proud of that boy. You done good by
him, Son," Buck said.
“Thanks,
Dad. You can’t help love the little shit. He’s more like
you than I ever was. Last time I was home Morgan couldn’t believe
how much he looks like you as a kid. Anyway, let’s hope for a
good holiday. We’re bringing the old man with us,” Waddie said.
“Beryl?” Buck
asked.
“Yeah, he can’t
talk about nothing else after seeing you and wants to see Johnny Mack
again.”
“Well, Johnny
Mack’s a’ coming and bringing his family. We’re looking
forward to seeing him again, too.”
“I better go,
dad. Say ‘hello’ to mom. Give her a big hug and a kiss for
me. Tell her I love her, and I’m bringing another son home for
her to love. Tell Dad Dan and Momma Sue I love ‘em, and I’ll see
them real soon.”
“I will, Son, we
love you, too. Ride safely and we’ll look forward to seeing you
when you get home. Tell your little brother he gets an extra
drumstick for getting his brother to come home with you.”
“I will,
dad. Love you, bye.”
“Bye, Son." Buck
hung up the phone.
* * * * * * *
The riders made
good time. When you ride with Big Beryl, you keep up and you
cover a lot of ground in a short while. Because of having buddy
riders they stopped more often than they might have otherwise.
Gip and C.W. were really enjoying the trip but when asked if they
thought they might like to have a bike, they both declined. They
decided they just wanted to be cowboys.
* * * * * * *
Buck talked
privately with Dan Yates about the younger men and hiding them from the
draft. Dan was more than a little interested and supported Buck
and what his town was trying to do to protect their youth. “Look,
Buck, if you need to hide some of these men send them out here to
me. Let ‘em work on the ranch until this is all over. I’ll
be glad to have ‘em. Finding even a halfway decent ranch hand
these days ain’t easy. I know these kids and they’re stable,
honest, hard workers, and believe in the cowboy way. The war in
Nam is growing more unpopular by the day, and it can’t last much longer.
"Look at all the protest what are going on from coast to coast.
If they’re here, they can stay out of sight. I’ll pay ‘em
salaries like any other hand. I don’t even have to pay them
directly. I can send it home to their parents, and I can let ‘em
have as much cash as they need to live on around here. No
records, other than mine, of their pay need be kept and no taxes
reported. The books are always open to my hands to look at if
they want. Mrs. Russell keeps all my books anyway. That way
there won’t have to be no paper trail.”
“You know,
that’s a damn good idea, Dan. Let me talk it over with some folks
back home, the kids, and see what they think. I, for one,
wouldn’t mind sending Gip out here to stay a while. At least I’ll
know he’s safe, someone’s looking after him, and he’s doing what he
loves, being a cowboy. I swear, that’s all that kid lives
for. I got me a feeling C.W. wouldn’t let his brother and roping
partner come out here by himself. Randy Crenshaw feels the same
way we do about protecting them boys. C.W. and Gip are two
of the most vulnerable. They’re just ripe for pickin,'" Buck said.
There wasn’t a
lot more said, but it sure started Buck to thinking. He shared
his and Dan Yates’ conversation with Dan Justin, Randy, Gus, Bubba,
Waddie, Zane, Beryl and Mutt. They agreed with him it might be
just the plan they were looking for. They decided not to talk to
the boys about it until after the holidays.
* * * * * * *
It was still
fairly warm for November in the Southwest. Tucson was dry and
cool when they left but as they rode across New Mexico toward El Paso
the weather begin to get warmer, but in the distance the men could see
some ominous, dark rain clouds with huge flashes of lightening bolting
to the ground. It’s a bikers worst nightmare to get caught in a
huge downpour with accompanying electrical storm. They watched
the clouds all afternoon and seemed to out run them, but as they were
climbing the the mountain into El Paso, the huge storm caught up with
them. They rode the last twenty miles into El Paso in the
rain. Gip and C.W. hung on for dear life.
They trusted
their brothers' abilities riding their bikes, but even with rain gear,
they were cold, drenched, and uncomfortable. It only made them
more convinced they didn’t care to be bikers. They stayed the
night on the other side of El Paso in a cheap motel where Beryl knew
the owners. It wasn’t fancy but the price was reasonable, and the
rooms were comfortable, warm, and dry. They had a washer and
dryer at the motel and the men were able to dry their wet
clothes. Each room had two double beds. Waddie and Zane
decided to save money and have Gip and C.W. stay with them. Mutt
and Harley got a room together and Beryl got a room by
himself. Gip and C.W. begged Beryl to let them stay
with him. Beryl roared with laughter at the two young men.
“What’s a’ matter, you men don’t care to listen to the two love birds
billing and cooing all night?”
“Uh, yes sir,
Master Beryl,” they said in unison, “That’s it in a nut shell. We
wouldn’t get no sleep with them two laughing and a’ giggling with each
other all night,” C.W. said.
“‘Sides, Master
Beryl, it gets me and C.W. all hot and bothered, and we don’t feel
comfortable jack’n each other off that close to our brother and his
slave,” Gip confessed. Beryl almost had a heart attack laughing
at the young men.
“You sure this
old man won’t cramp your style?” he asked.
“Oh, hell no,
sir! Shit, you can even watch if’n you like. We don’t
mind. Most times we wait ‘til you fall asleep so’s we won’t
bother you. When we hear you snoring we know we’re home
free. You don’t never wake up. We could get out our
gee-tars and have us a hootenanny and you'd never wake up.
Lightening could strike the damn motel and you wouldn’t even roll
over.” The boys had Beryl really going. He was laughing his ass
off at their bullshit. They learn young about cowboy
bullshit. He loved Gip and C.W. and thought they were two of the
finest young men he met in a long time. He admired them because
they didn’t pull any punches; they spoke their minds, and many times
said what everyone else was afraid to; but, nine times out of ten
everyone had to agree it was the gospel truth even if it did make them
a bit uncomfortable to hear it.
“Sure, c'moan,
you cowboys can bunk it in with me. You men grab yore' shit,”
Beryl said.
“Thanks, Master
Beryl, we won’t forget this,” Gip said as they ran to their brother’s
room to get their gear. They could still hear Beryl laughing as
they walked away from the room.
* * * * * * *
Harley and Mutt
were used to each other by that time, but Mutt was still cautious to
give Harley his space and never assumed anything. The two men
decided to get cleaned up and get to bed early. They would be on
their bikes almost all day the next day to get into Chapel Creek by
Tuesday; that is, if it was decent weather. Harley picked out a
bed and started pulling down the covers. Mutt automatically
took the other bed and started to do the same.
“You gonna’
sleep over there or would you rather sleep over here with your buddy?”
Harley asked him.
“You know my
answer to that, Mr. Boone. I'd never say no to you, but you know
I ain't like you, sir. As yore' buddy, I can be strong for you,
but inside I'm a little boy what ain't so strong. He's a good
boy, he'd never do nothing wrong, but he's weak. I don’t know how
much sleep'n I’d get lying close to you,” Mutt replied.
“I wouldn’t a'
said nothing, Mutt, if I didn’t think you might like to take care of
both of us. Then, if you wanna’ go sleep by yourself, you can, or
if you wanna’ sleep with me the whole night would be just as
fine. To be honest, I missed you, Son. I didn’t get to see
much of you at the ranch and before that you were involved with
Spider. I ain’t complaining none, mind you. The God's
honest truth, Son? I only want happiness for my buddy. You
deserve as much happiness as you can get. I know it causes a
division with us when I’m with Janice.”
“Naw, sir, Mr.
Boone, don’t never think I stop being your buddy when you’re with Ms.
Janice. I just mostly don’t wanna' intrude none. I wanna'
give you your privacy. I go my own way, but it ain't no
rejection, sir. You gotta' believe me, Mr. Boone. Mutt
always has his eyes and ears open in case you or Ms. Janice need
me. You know I’d be right there. I'll always be the first
man to cover yore' backs,” Mutt said sincerely.
“I know, Hoss,
you’re good about that. You done proved yore'self many
times. All I’m saying is if it feels comfortable for you to bunk
it in with me tonight, I’d enjoy your company. If you feel like
taking care of your buddy, all the better,” Harley replied quietly.
"You know I’d
never turn you down, Mr. Boone. Ain’t never had me a buddy like
you before, and I wanna’ make damn sure I do right by you. I
intend to keep you for my buddy as long has you’ll have me, sir,” Mutt
proclaimed.
“Then get chore'
sweet ass in this bed and keep me warm, Son,” Harley said and
grinned.
Mutt didn’t
hesitate the second time. That’s one thing he learned about
Harley. He wasn’t a man of many words, and if he wanted something
from you he gave you limited time to make up your mind. Mutt
didn’t want to be left out in the cold and quickly crawled under the
covers with his hero. He took care of his buddy and got himself
off at the same time. He was exhausted afterward and fell into a
deep, restful, dreamless sleep in Harley’s arms.
* * * * * * *
The next morning
brought the sun. The rain storm passed and while everything was
wet and cold the men didn’t have to face riding in the rain. They
talked about staying at the motel another evening if it was going to
rain the next day. With the two younger men riding as buddies, it
would be too dangerous to attempt riding in the rain. If there
was a bad accident where two riders are involved, it’s usually the
buddy rider who gets injured the worst. They’d rather be late for
Thanksgiving than gamble with the lives of two of the most loved of
Waddie’s family. The men ate breakfast and pulled out of El Paso
about seven-thirty that morning. After traveling for less than an
hour the sun came out, and it was a beautiful ride the rest of the way
to Chapel Creek. It turned a bit colder, but the men were dressed
for the weather. They stopped around ten o'clock in the morning
for gas and a snack and were back on the bikes again. Nobody
wanted to stop for lunch. They made good time, and rode into the
compound at the Claymore ranch around noon-thirty.
The whole family
was gathered to meet them including most of the Bandera faction.
Only Gus and Dora Franz and their twin boys weren't there. Bubba
and his family traveled back to Bandera to be with them for
Thanksgiving and they would help take care of the two ranches.
All the Crenshaws were at Buck’s ranch to greet their long lost brother
and son. Mutt had no preparation to ease him into the shock of
immediate exposure to his brothers and mother. His brothers, in
deference to their mother, allowed her to be the first to greet her
son. Sarah Crenshaw registered no indication of surprise or shock
when she saw her son’s face and its ruination from war. She was
an average country woman with her own personal inner strengths
toughened by the ravages of personal loss and made stronger by her love
for her family.
She carried her
own crosses as a mother's medals of honor, but managed them with
strength and dignity. She already buried two of her precious
sons, and two more she consider her own. She set her jaw to
present a determined front to be a strong presence, who would show her
son he should never question her love. All she could see was her
beloved child who was hurt beyond measure and was still suffering from
his suppressed fear and anxiety. His fear of rejection, of
non-recognition, of separation, and most of all. the unsureness of past
loves that sustained him as a young boy. All those fear vanished
in an instant. They melted away at Mutt's first sight of his
beloved mother standing tall and strong for him. For Sarah, it
was as if she were looking upon an empty vessel, a shell of a soul,
with only a small spark of life left within him Randy and she gave
Cassidy so many years ago.
Faith, hope,
courage, even the love of God no longer seemed to shine forth from her
precious son as a protective shield, as a strong flame, a rock of ages,
a firm foundation, or a mighty fortress against such misfortunes.
As a mother, Sarah Crenshaw looked beyond that. She only saw the
flesh of her flesh, the life she carried and delivered in pain, her
beloved infant standing before her, naked in spirit as the day he came
forth from her womb. Only a mother can see and understand the
aura of hurt, the result of some unspeakable horror, and the
surrounding spectre of pain standing present with her beautiful
child. The eyes of two families were on Sarah as she slowly but
deliberately walked toward him.
Cass saw her
coming and reacted as he had so many times out of embarrassment.
He hung his head and raised his hands to his face to hide his
disfigurement from his mother so she couldn’t look upon his horribly
misshapen face. It didn’t slow Sarah in her approach.
Finally, she stood in front of him. She threw her arms around him
and wept as she hugged and kissed him. Cass was reduced to a
child, her baby, her man-child who was once again in the arms of his
mother. A crushed little boy who never wanted this moment to
happen. Everything and everyone told him it must come, it must
be, yet he postponed it as long as he could because of the pain he was
feeling at that moment. He wished he died in Nam.
Sarah finally
spoke to him in a soft but choked voice, “Oh, Cass, my beautiful
son, how could you ever doubt my love? You’re my child,
Cass. I carried you in my body for nine months and gave birth to
you in pain. Not the kind of pain you're feeling now, but the
sweetest pain only a mother can understand. You and your brothers
are the greatest treasure your dad and I can ever hope to have in this
life. I thought I lost you and to know you were back and couldn’t
come to me broke my heart,” she said and paused for a moment, then
spoke softly in more deliberate tones, “What the world has done
to you, or will ever do to you, will never stop my love for you, Cass,”
Sarah said. She began to cry and it was Cassidy's turn to console
his mother.
“I never wanted
to hurt you, mom,” he replied through his tears, “That’s why I didn’t
come home. I didn’t want you to see me like this, but now I’m
here. My pain is almost unbearable, because I love you so much;
maybe too much. God it hurts, ma! It hurts to the bottom of
my soul for you to see me this way,” Cass replied through his tears.
Cass couldn’t
look at his mom for a while. He felt if he saw the least look of
disgust on her face he would find some way to end his life. He
worried needlessly. Sarah could see his distorted face just
fine. It justifiably upset her, but all she saw was her baby
standing before her in considerable anguish.
It took sometime
for Cass and his mother to reach a point where they could sit down and
talk rationally. Even then, Cass was withdrawn and shy with his
mother. Sarah was a wise woman, and she knew not to push.
She realized her son was in a very fragile state. She never
understood, even from what Buck and Randy told her how utterly
devastated Cass was and how much it was taking out of him trying to
cope with this meeting.
He loved his
mother so much he couldn’t imagine bringing her the pain of seeing his
disfigured face. In a way, Sarah could understand, but in another
way, damn it, he was still her baby. A part of everyone of her
boys would always be her babies, including Earl D whom they
adopted. It was like she was sitting next to him, seeing him,
touching him, but he could’ve been a thousand miles away. So far
away from her, she wasn’t sure her love could reach him. It took
the rest of Cassidy’s brothers to bring his spirit back to a place of
common ground where he could deal with his mother. That and his
buddy Harley who never left his side the whole time.
Harley presented
nothing more than a strong, silent, supporting presence for his
friend. He never found himself in this sort of position before
where he actually felt the need to be an emotional crutch for someone
else. Now, here he was, willingly, yet unwittingly, pouring the
aura of his strength into his buddy. He never saw a man so torn
apart by such a meeting. It was only then he began to understand
the depth of Mutt’s love and intense feelings he held for his
family. After the initial shock of Mutt’s reaction over being
reunited with his family, Harley began to feel something he never felt
before towards Mutt. He felt a strong need to protect and care
for this broken man, not out of pity but based on the innate goodness
he knew dwelt in Mutt’s heart.
Harley found
himself not being able to separate himself from Mutt’s hunger to
understand and find some middle ground to get through this
experience. He couldn’t explain it to himself and didn’t try
because it seemed like the right thing to do. On another level he
didn't want to understand it. He only wanted to live the
experience and bathe in the luxury of his own personal joy providing
some altruistically unconditional comfort for this broken shell of a
man. Harley lived his life on one simple, basic principal: if it
feels right, it must be. Throughout the evening he never left
Mutt’s side. Buck would smile knowingly at Waddie from time to
time and Waddie could read his old man’s mind like a book.
Waddie laughed
to himself and whispered to his slave, “Get a load of my old man,
the wise old bird, who knew what he was doing when he invited Harley
Boone home with us. Look at him gloat. He’s so pleased with
himself with that smug, complacent look on his face. He could be
a poster child for the Goodyear blimp," Waddie said and they
shared a secret laugh.
“I’ve only known
your dad a short while, and the two of you are so much alike in many
ways, it’s almost like I love him as an extension of you. In a
way, it’s spooky, because on the other end I have little Gip who is a
composite of both of you. Funny, though, I’m not the least
confused about it. It just makes for so much more to love.
It’s like I’ve fallen into a world of more love than I could ever
possibly imagine for myself,” Zane replied.
“Good, that’s
the way you’s suppose to feel, my beloved cow-person," Waddie
declared. They share a laugh at Waddie's subtle joke. While
it was meant for fun, it also was a compliment to his slave, Zane
contained within one person all the wonderful attributes the big cowboy
needed in a lover.
* * * * * * *
Mutt stayed in
the barn with the other single young men. It was turning cold for
Thanksgiving but in the barn it was warm. The gradual, slow
decomposition of the stored hay created enough heat to keep it warm and
you didn’t need more than your bedroll for sleeping comfortably.
Harley stayed every night next to Mutt. They weren’t able to do
much because during the holidays all the boys and young men bunked in
the loft of the barn. Dan and Buck installed a complete bathroom
in the loft for just such visits. They did, however, manage to
talk and Harley got Mutt to open up to him some. Mutt was still a
bit reticent and wouldn’t volunteer a lot of information unless Harley
kept at him, priming him, by asking questions. Finally, before he
knew what was happening, Mutt would be telling Harley the secrets of
his soul. It was wonderful for Mutt, because he could hear
himself say the things he could only think about before.
Sometimes just the act of sharing ideas, thoughts or feelings to
another person is enough to help us see the path we should be
taking. Especially, if the other person is someone we trust,
admire, and whose opinions we respect. You don’t need an
expensive therapist, just a good friend who will listen unconditionally.
During the two
days of Thanksgiving and through the weekend everyone was amazed how
much Mutt progressed and seemed to spring back to his old self.
He and his mom spent a great deal of time to themselves away from
everyone just talking quietly. Sometimes they would be joined by
his dad, but Randy already spent considerable time with his boy at Dan
Yates' ranch, and he wanted to give most of their visiting time to
Sarah. They told him how touched and grateful they were because
of the money he sent, but they didn’t spent it all. They’d put
back some for him.
“Dad, mom, you
don't understand. I got more I didn’t send; a lot more. I
won big in Reno and Vegas. It was like I had an angel sit'n on
ma' shoulder telling me what numbers to play. I got a vision in
ma' head what a lot of money could mean to my family. I sent it
to you for you and my brother's benefit. Please, don’t save none
for me. It’s your money, all of it. Spend it as you see
fit. I got me plenty of money, and I’m living comfortably.
I don’t spend much. I ain't got a lot of needs. A man can't
carry a lot on a bike. I saved back enough to last me several
years. Besides, I ain’t even touched my nest egg. I been
working for Dan Yates, and he pays me well. I still got money on
the books with him I ain’t even draw'd yet. The money I sent you
was to say I's sorry I couldn’t come home sooner and to tell you how
much I love and care about my family,” Cass said.
“Son, come home
with us after Thanksgiving. Ask your friend Harley Boone to come
along. We’re due to come back here to Chapel Creek for
Christmas. Come stay with us ‘til Christmas and then return here
with us. Then you can go your way. We won’t try'n to talk
you out of it. We ain’t seen you in so long, Cass, and your
brothers would love to have you home for a while. You’re a hero
to them, Son. You’re all they can talk about.”
“That’s part of
the problem, dad. I don't feel like nobody’s hero. I feel
like I's a coward. After I got my face blow'd off, I refused to
go back and fight. If I hadn’t got myself a good civilian
attorney, I would’ve been thrown out of the Army with a dishonorable
discharge. She took my case ‘pro bono’ but I been sending her
money from time to time. I sent her a goodly amount when I won
money in Reno and Vagas. She done send me a letter telling me I
paid her more'n enough.”
“It took a
strong man to do what you done, boy. I'm proud of you for stand'n
up to our government and tell'n them you done yore' fair share.
Enough is enough. I ain't ashamed of you none, boy. I’m
glad you refused to go back, Cass,” Randy Crenshaw said bluntly,
“otherwise, we might not be talking to you right now. Why do you
think we’re trying to protect the other boys in our families and
communities? After the holidays we’s considering sending Gip,
C.W., Bubba’s two boys, and the Franz twins to Tucson to work for Dan
Yates until it’s all over. I don’t think on you as no coward,
Cass. I know my boy. I know you better’n 'nat, Son.
You did what you thought was right and thank God you did. Talk to
Waddie. He told us Mr. Uriel told him he had to come back to keep
more of his brothers from dying over there. How else are we
gonna’ do that unless we hide ‘em from the draft? If'n my boy's a
coward, then I guess I'm one, too, Son. I'm scared to death for
the rest of our boys,” Randy said with conviction.
Cass cried again
in his dad’s arms and for once he began to see the light. If
those who loved him most could forgive him, and Harley, Waddie, Beryl,
and Dan Yates told him the same, then why wouldn’t it be all right for
him to start forgiving himself? A song came to his mind which was
popular while he was in Nam. They blasted it from the patrol
boats going up and down the Mei Cong delta, “I can see clearly now, the
rain is gone. There are no more obstacles in my eyes.”
* * * * * * *
Early
Thanksgiving morning, there were two more bikes came riding up the dirt
road to the Claymore ranch. Most of the men weren’t up yet, but
Buck and Dan were up following orders from their wives. They went
out to meet the men they didn’t recognize. The younger man got off his
bike and approached Buck and Dan first. “I’ll be damned!” he
said, sticking out his hand to Buck, “You look enough like Waddie to be
his older twin brother. You gotta' be Sheriff Claymore,” Cowboy
said with a big grin.
“I am, young
man, and who might you be?” Buck asked.
“Name’s Gunn,
Sheriff, Billy Gunn the third and this here fine looking gentleman is
my master, Booger Red,” Cowboy replied.
Buck smiled real
big and pulled Cowboy into a hug. “You’re the one Waddie, Beryl,
and Cass calls 'Cowboy.' They told us they invited you, but
didn’t know whether you’d remember or if you could make it. Glad
to have you son and your good master. You gentlemen are welcome
here,” Buck said as he took Red’s hand and shook it. Buck
chuckled, “And you’re right, Son, he is a damn fine looking man,” he
added. Booger Red appreciated the sentiment but laughed at Buck's
enthusiasm. Buck introduced them to Dan Justin as one of Waddie
and Cass’s other dads. It was reunion time for several
folks. Later in the day Johnnie Mack Tamplin and his family
arrived. He couldn’t believe his old friend Beryl Mc Innis was
there to greet him. Buck didn’t tell him Beryl was coming.
It was to be a surprise for Johnnie Mack. He and Beryl cried like
babies in each other’s arms.
The younger men
were awakened by the sound of the Harleys in the compound. They
almost broke their necks getting dressed to see who it was. They
didn’t want to miss a thing. Waddie peaked out of his bedroom
window to see Booger Red and Cowboy. He and Zane just finished
tearing off a piece and Waddie’s dick was still dripping. “I’ll
be damned!” he said to his slave, “Booger and Cowboy made it for
Thanksgiving. Hot damn! I been telling my brothers about
rope’n with Billy Gunn, but I don’t think none of 'um believed me.”
The two men
quickly got dressed and went to greet the new arrivals. Waddie
was pleased to see Cowboy and Red. He rubbed it in with his
Crenshaw brothers that he did, indeed, roped with Billy Gunn, the
champion roper. They were all agog to meet Cowboy and shook his
hand like he was visiting royalty. Booger had a great laugh at
the boy's awe and reverence. Cowboy shook hands with Harley Boone
and asked if he was planning on doing some roping with him while he was
there. Everyone looked at Harley like he was a pariah. The
times the men were at Dan Yates,’ Harley never mentioned to anybody he
could rope. Cowboy remembered Harley roping with him from years
ago before he went to Nam. He and his Uncle Bud were staying in
Glen Rose at Walker Johnson’s ranch where Cowboy met Booger Red and
fell in love.
Harley was one
of the fine looking bikers Walker and his uncle planned for him to meet
at the ranch. Harley Boone and several other of the good looking
bikers were pretty fair ropers, but Cowboy remembered Harley was the
best of the lot. Walker and Cowboy’s Uncle Bud were hoping Cowboy
would have a fling with one of them to cushion the let down of his
uncle having to go home after the rodeo finals and resume his regular
life. Instead of choosing one of the good looking men, Cowboy
took one look at the biggest, meanest looking, ugliest man there and
immediately fell in love with him. He knew he had to become Red’s
slave. Mutt looked at Harley like he was seeing him for the first
time. Harley just smiled and winked at him. He looked at
Cowboy and told him he’d be happy to toss a rope with him again.
Thanksgiving day
was a wonderful time; almost, like the old days of innocence and
togetherness. It was like remembering another world. It
seemed so far removed from the horrors of war and their great losses,
and yet, here they were, together again, missing their loved ones with
sharp pangs of nostalgia who were not forgotten in their hearts and
prayers. Uncle Enid came with a truck load of boots and not a man
went without a new pair of Nacona boots. All of Buck’s family was
there including Morgan and his mom and dad. Of course, after
little Gip came into the world they simply adopted him as their
grandson like they did with Waddie.
They loved all the boys from both families. Quinton’s mom and dad
were there as well as Quinton, his wife, and three kids. (Quinton
ultimately had six kids; three boys and three girls.) Dr. Dyer
and his wife were there. Their beautiful and charming daughter
Sissy came with her boyfriend who was her high school sweetheart and
football hero. They announced their engagement that fall and
planned to be married in the spring. You could tell they were
very much in love, but there was a cloud hanging over them.
Sissy's young man was one who was being considered to send to Dan Yates
ranch and work until the war was over.
Oatie was there
with his wife and two young boys. They came with Oatie’s dad and
mom, C.D. and Mavis Rawlings. Their younger daughter, Mavis Lyle,
was there with her huge strapping husband who worked as a deputy for
Buck. Their three children were with them. Two beautiful
little girls and one strapping little cowboy who was the apple of his
daddy's eye. Ed Bloomquist and his family and their families were
all there. His boy and girl blessed Ed with six kids each.
Ed was in his personal heaven as a granddad. After all these
years there was still something very special between him and
Waddie. No one commented on it, but Buck would smile at the two
of them as they would drift off together to talk in
private. Almost a third of the damn town was there and if
anyone didn’t have a place to go, they knew they would be welcome at
the Claymore’s. There was always room for one more.
Buck said a
prayer before dinner. Everyone was standing around the huge table
which physically groaned under the weight of the goodness it
held. “Our heavenly Father, Creator of all things great and
small. Bless this bounty we are about to partake. May it
nourish our souls as well as our bodies. Let it make us ever
mindful of your goodness and generosity to us. Father, we come
together this Thanksgiving to give thanks to you for our blessings but
more than that, we come to thank you for our friends and loved ones who
are present. Furthermore, we thank you for those departed from
us, that we had them to love and love us for a while. Bless us
all, Lord, the living and the dead. Help us to understand your
wisdom, Lord, and bring us into your kingdom so we may once again be
together to praise your name. Amen,” Buck prayed. There was
a resounding ‘Amen’ from everyone. It was a wonderful afternoon
and everyone ate until they were stuffed. Harley told Mutt,
Waddie, Zane, and Beryl he couldn’t remember a time he ate so much at
Thanksgiving. He was not only impressed by the volume of food,
but the quality as well. Everything was delicious.
As the day wore
on more and more folks arrived at the ranch with horse trailers and
roping ponies. Everyone was in a rodeo mood which lasted all
afternoon, into the night, and most of the weekend. Everyone
wanted to rodeo. They didn’t only rope. The ladies barrel
raced and some of the men bulldogged steers. Buck had some
wild ponies he and Dan were running between their properties and some
of the men tried to ride them bareback. Everyone had a
great time, but no one got hurt or injured.
After the roping
started Waddie fixed Harley up with one of their best roping
mares. He roped first with Cowboy, and they clocked one of the
best times of the day. Mutt watched from the corral fence with
his mouth open as his brother Waddie, Zane, his little brothers, Big
Beryl, and Booger Red laughed their asses off at him. Only Red
and Cowboy knew before that day Harley was ever on a horse. For
Mutt to find out Harley was better than a decent roper was almost too
much for him to handle. Finally, Mutt couldn’t stand it any
longer and asked Mr. Boone if he might consider tossing a rope with him.
“I was a’ hoping
you might ask, buddy. Sure, come on, Son, let’s show ‘em how two
real cowpokes catch a steer,” Harley said, smiled, and winked at
Mutt. Mutt thought he just died and went to cowboy heaven.
Not only was Harley a handsome man, he spoke rodeo. They roped
together all afternoon and their times got better until there was no
combination of partners who could beat them. They became a
peripatetic wonder.
The men on the
fence including Buck, Dan, and Randy were laughing and gossiping like
old ladies over a back fence. “Well, gentlemen, there’s livin’
proof it takes more than skill to win the rodeo, especially when it
comes to ropin,’” Buck allowed. The other men laughed and agreed.
“E'aup,” agreed
Beryl, “without love, a cowby ain’t worth a shit,” he said. All
the men almost fell off the fence laughing at Buck and Beryl.
Poor Harley and Mutt grinned at the merriment, but they didn’t have a
clue what they were talking about.
End Chapter 8 ~
Harley & Mutt
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2003 ~
2011 ~ Waddie Greywolf
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reserved
Mail to:
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Proofed:
04/10/2011
WC11200