BOOGER RED & COWBOY VIII~

CHAPTER VIII~

I left Ft. Stockton and headed east. I needed to go home. I needed my Dad. Of all the decisions I ever made in my life that was the one that I knew was the right decision at that moment. There was no pain in this world that those big arms couldn’t make just a little bit easier to handle.

I figured Red would guess me to head west to L.A. or Vegas or maybe even Tucson. I wouldn’t put Dan in the middle of this thing between Booger and me. I loved him too much for that. I also knew that Red understood that Dan Yates was ‘out of bounds’ for him to contact or bother.

He knew that if he ever wanted to smooth things over with me that Dan Yates was not to be bothered with our petty squabble. Red may have been a lot of things but he wasn’t stupid.

I didn’t worry about Red following me. I knew in my gut that he had headed west to look for me. If he even did! He may have decided that T-bo’s hole was better than none at all. Fine with me! I would wait until the wind blew down then head back to Tucson where I was wanted.

No! That was a lie! I did care! I loved Red! I couldn’t understand why he’d do that to me. I had given him everything he wanted including calling him my Master. I was totally his!

I wasn’t a Master but I’d never witnessed or heard of a Master in our Family doing that sort of thing to their slave. The title ‘Master’ doesn’t infer the right to break someone’s heart nor do harm to another.

I arrived in Mason, my home town, early one morning the second week in December. I pulled up to our house and around in back. Lester’s small rooms/apartment were in the back and I saw his big black face smiling like a ray of sunshine through the curtains as I parked my Bike.

I sat there smiling back and raised my hand in a small wave. He raised his window.
“Lause Child, get your Butt in this house! It’s freezing cold out there! Old Lester’s gettin’ up, gonna’ fix you some coffee. You is one damn fine sight for these sore old eyes, I tell you.....!” He met me at the back door with just his tattered old robe and the warmest hug.

I went in the kitchen and he padded along after me in his worn over house slippers that I had given him for Christmas two thousand years ago. He had cut off the backs where they were just held on the front by his two big feet. He had to shuffle as he walked to keep them on. I had bought him ten new pair over the years but those were his favorites. The rest he kept buried in the back of his closet. “For special occasions!” He would tell me.

Wasn’t long before the kitchen door burst open in a fury and in marched Dad with Uncle Joe close behind.
“Who the Hell’s making all the racket in the kitchen at this ungodly hour of the morning!!” He barked as an enormous smile came across his face and his arms opened wide.

Never, was I so happy to see three familiar faces in my life. Uncle Joe wouldn’t let me go. He hugged me and hugged me. Like they hadn’t seen me in years. Well, it had been almost a year. I had been a lot of places and done a lot of things since I’d seen them last.

I laughed at my thoughts about Uncle Joe. He took on a new importance after Dad had told me the story of how I came to be. Hell, if it hadn’t of been for Uncle Joe’s hot mouth sucking Uncle Bud off all those years ago I wouldn’t be here! He gave the term ‘mid-wife’ new dimensions!

It was a Friday morning. A work day for Dad, Uncle Joe, and Lester. I never knew them to miss a day’s work in all those years.

“Fuck it!” Dad turned to Uncle Joe and Lester. “We ain’t opening the Shop today! My Boy’s home! All we got to get out is Dexter Barnes’s IH* and he doesn’t need that old thing ‘till spring. Anybody has an emergency they know were they can find us.”

“Everybody get dressed! We’re going to the Diner for Breakfast!”
“I’ll stay here, Mista’ Gunn!” Said Lester, retiringly.
“Like Hell you will! You’re part of this damn Family! Time you started acting like it!”

“Dad, ain’t never right about too much Lester, but he sure called that one!” I said to Lester as we all started laughing. “I ain’t going less’en you go! So get your ass in gear and lets go do it! Fuck this tight assed little town!”

Lester just smiled and shook his head slowly muttering to himself as he walked toward his room to get dressed. I guess I was more proud of my old Man at that moment than I ever had been in my life. I hugged him again.

“You know, I always have loved you, you old Fart, but sometime you do the right thing and it makes me love you all the more. You gotta’ stop doing that! It’s hard on me heart!” Uncle Joe and I laughed and then Dad started chuckling. “Sheeit!” Was all he said as he turned and walked away to go get dressed.

Uncle Joe was the first one dressed and came back in the kitchen where I was having my second cup of coffee.

“Gotta tell ya’!” He said in a low voice, “Lester ain’t been the same since you sent him that money. Goes around muttering to himself about, “That boy Billy sending me A L L that money! I can’t believe it! Why that boy send me that money?” Uncle Joe laughed at his own imitation of Lester.He had him down pat!

Your Dad just looks at him in frustration and tells him, “Oh, for God sakes Lester! Get over it! The boy loves you, alright! Let it be!”

“Yes Sa’! Mista’ Gunn! Yes Sir, I supposin’ he does at that!” Then he’ll giggle to himself and walk away. When I was sending out the yearly stipend from the Sultan I had sent a Cashier’s check payable to Lester Thornton for Ten Thousand Dollars.

Dad was next to walk back into the kitchen to get another cup of coffee and I couldn’t believe my eyes. His damn boots were shined and polished.
I got this big grin across my face and he started grinning too knowing I’d seen them.

“Fuck!” He shrugged, “He makes me wear ‘em to bed to fuck him anymore!
They gotta’ be clean!” I laughed my ass off as poor Uncle Joe just blushed.

“Well, Billy, Goddamn it, your old Man looks hot in his boots and he always gives and gets a better fuck when he wears ‘em! So, why not?! The son of a bitch almost tore me a new ass hole the other night and he talks about gettin’ old! I hope to God he does soon before I have to have a retread done on my ass!”

I remembered how good a fuck my old Man was and knew why Uncle Joe had stayed with him all these years.

We marched into the Diner and nobody said a word that Lester was with us. They just accepted him as ‘us’ and to Hell with Lester anyway, Billy was home! Son of a bitch, I ain’t been hugged and kissed by so many of my town folks in a long time. They all wanted to hear about the Arab Prince who’s life I’d saved and am I really his Brother now?

When I pulled the Emerald ring out of my jacket pocket and put it on my finger to show them you should’ve heard the ooohs and awwhs! Master Ben had told me I didn’t have to have it appraised. He knew exactly what it was worth. One and a quarter million dollars.

I didn’t tell the town folks how much it was worth. I had told Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester. They couldn’t believe it! The town jeweler was there and took one look at it through his portable eye loop and whistled.

“Cowboy, I know what this stone is worth and there ain’t enough money in this entire community to pay for it! I would guess conservatively in the area of a millon.”

“You know your stones, Carl!” I told him!

They wanted to know what the Prince was like and I told them the story of meeting him and him recognizing me. Then dinner with him and later saving his life. I put most of the heroism on Little Steve. He was the one that took the bullet but my town folk were just as impressed that I had thrown myself and the Prince to the floor to shield him.

We spent half the morning having a leisurely breakfast and as word got around town that Billy was home, cars and trucks came from miles around to the Diner. Louise and Suzie the two waitresses were working their Butts off. I gave ‘em each a hundred dollar tip and wished ‘em a Merry Christmas. They hugged and kissed me to welcome me home.

“You gonna’ be home for Christmas, Cowboy?” Everyone wanted to know. “Most likely! Less’en they run me out!” I laughed. “I have friends in Glen Rose, and Bandera I might stop in to say Merry Christmas during the Holidays but I’ll probably be here most of the time!”

“Do some Rodeoing?”
“Maybe! If’n these two old Geesers think they can best me and Phil Roamer at roping?”
“Oooouuuu....” From the crowd.

“Well, you know what that means Joe?!” My Dad exclaimed.
“Yeah! One handed roping when competin’ against the Kids!” Uncle Joe responded to gales of laughter in the Diner.

I remember that morning as one of the best moments of my life. It was exactly what I needed to get my heart a million light years away from my problems and hurts. I couldn’t hurt with all this love around me and I still hadn’t even talked to my Dad yet. He knew something was wrong ‘cause I was trying too hard to be up and well met with everyone.

We were invited to Rodeo and picnic after Church on Sunday at the Rodeo grounds on the other side of the park. We accepted and finally got out of the Diner. Lester was all aglow as I walked to Dad’s truck with my arm around him.

“Billy, I wants to thank you for sending me all that money! I couldn’t believe it when that little Bank Lady tells me it weren’t no thousand dollars, it was TEN thousand dollars. I had to get home real quick to go to the bathroom. I thought I was gonna’ mess in my good pants!” He threw back his old head a laughed hearty.

“Well, I had to do something nice for my Fishing Partner! All them years I dragged your ass fishing and you hating it so. But you went ‘cause you loved me more than you hated fishin’!”

“Damn Billy, you’s can carve to the bone sometime!” The old Man said as he wiped away a tear. “You don’t know how much that meant to me, Son! My Sister and her Kids needed a lots of stuff and thanks to you I was able to get her some of the things she needs. They’s gonna’ have a fine Christmas this year thanks to you!”

“Did you save or spend some for you, Lester?!” I asked sternly.
“I’s still got lots left, Child, but old Lester don’t need much. I got’s you and your old Man and Uncle to look after. Hell, they’s a handful.” We both laughed.

“Thank God, they’s slowing down as they gets older. Ain’t seen no black eye on your Uncle in nigh onto five years! When he walks around the shop limping like a saddle sore Cowboy and favorin’ his Butt when he sits down I knows they’s been gettin’ ‘long jist fine!” We both roared with laughter as my old Man and Uncle looked puzzled as to what we were laughing about! I loved that old Man! He was worth ten times the ring in my pocket!

We hadn’t been home more’n an hour or so when the phone rang. Dad answered.
“Yeah! He’s here Phil! Wanna’ talk to him?” He handed me the phone.
“Hey Phil! What’s up?”

“Down here to the Rodeo Grounds with two roping Ponies. Get your ass down here! We gotta’ practice if’n we’re gonna’ take on your Old Man and Uncle. They’ve gotten their act together in the last two years and been winning everything they entered.”

“You’re shittin’ me?”
“I am not! Ask anybody. You don’t get down here and rope with me they’re gonna’ wax our ass’s!”
“Be there in an hour, Hoss!”

This big smile grew across my Dad’s face as he winked at Uncle Joe. He knew that Phil Roamer had let the cat out of the bag. Those two old snakes weren’t gonna’ say a word and then laugh their ass’s off when they won.

I still had some of my old Western clothes and a favorite old pair of Boots in my closet. Even had my old Hoss Cartwright hat on the shelf in a big box. It smelled like moth balls but what the Hell, my balls probably smelled just as bad!

Got down to the Rodeo Arena and met up with Phil Roamer. Phil was a solid built Deputy Sheriff that had worked under Uncle Bud and had roped with me and my Uncle for years. He too was damn good with a rope. He and I were good together.

He was married to the prettiest little girl and had two of the sweetest Kids you’d ever want to meet. A little girl about five and a strapping little Cowboy about nine, although he lied and told everybody he was ten.

Phil’s wife, Wilma Jo and I had been best Buddies all through school and everyone just thought Billy and Wilma Jo were gonna’ be Family. We knew better. I know she knew but never said a word and we dated all through High School.

Towards the last year she started dating Phil who was older than us by about six years. As soon as she graduated she and Phil announced their engagement. I couldn’t have been happier for the two of them and was Phil’s best Man at the wedding. Hell, I was God Father to both their Kids.

Wilma Jo ran up to me when I rode up on the Bike in my Cowboy duds.
She threw her arms around me, hugged and kissed me. Damn, it was good to see her and the Kids again. They were all over me and the Bike wanting a ride.

“Well, maybe later Kids, if’n your parents say its O.K.!”
“Take a number Kids! Momma’s first!” Said Wilma Joe.
“Daddies second!” Yelled Phil as he swaggered up with his big ham of a hand out. I took his hand and pulled him to me for a big hug. Shit! He was a huge Bear of a Man.

“Damn! It’s good to see you Cowboy!” I couldn’t believe it! Old Phil had a tear in his eye. “Goddamn, you look so much like Bud Cummings when you rode up on that Bike I thought my heart was gonna’ stop, Billy!” He said. “I never missed a Man so much in my life, Billy, as I miss him! He was like a second Dad to me and Wilma Jo! We owe him a lot! We’ve been out to clean his grave site a couple of times this year.”

“I really appreciate that Phil and I know he would! Now let’s Rodeo!”
“Well, you got to help me get the ponies out of the trailer.” We walked over behind the snack barn and there was Uncle Bud’s trailer and old truck that I’d left in Glen Rose.

“Don’t tell me......?” I looked at Phil in amazement.
“Yeah! Your Dad and Uncle Joe drove down two weekends ago and got ‘em. They’re on their way to Dan Yates’s Ranch in Tucson. Your Dad and he have become big friends and Dan told him to bring ‘em on out!”

“Hell, didn’t your Dad tell you! Dan was here about a month ago and stayed about a week with your Dad and Uncle Joe. They rodeoed all weekend for two weekends. Dan taught your Dad and Uncle Joe some good shit about roping and they’ve gotten damn good!”

“Those two Snakes in the Grass!” I laughed to Phil and Wilma Jo.
“They want nothing better than to beat my ass at roping! They didn’t say nary a word!! We gonna’ let ‘em get away with that Phil?” I asked him with a big grin.

“Not on my watch, Cowboy!” He stuck out his hand again and we shook like two determined Men. Wilma Jo just laughed at us.
“They’re good, Billy! I’ve watched ‘em beat almost every team in the County!” She added.

I’ve never seen two happier Horses in my life as Dolly and Madison when I walked up to the trailer and whistled. I thought Madison was gonna’ kick his way out to get to me with Dolly right behind him. We got ‘em settled down and out of the trailer. They followed me everywhere, like two puppies following their Mother. They weren’t gonna’ let me out of their sight!

Cars, Trucks, Horse trailers were arriving from everywhere. Everyone had gotten the word. Cowboy’s home!! Let’s Rodeo!! Friends and neighbors would laugh as they came up to hug me between two big Horses that wouldn’t go two steps away from me. If somebody hugged me too long they got a gentle nudge from either Dolly or Madison. The only one they allowed me to spend any time with was Aunt Laura. They knew her. She was O.K.!!

We got Dolly and Madison saddled up and Phil and I started practicing. By late afternoon we were getting our timing and starting off, really good. Phil wanted to Rodeo late into the evening but I had been up the entire night before and needed some rest. I said my goodbyes and promised I’d see them first thing after Church tomorrow.

Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester had all come out to the Rodeo Grounds to watch Phil and I and several other teams practice. I noticed that Dad and Uncle Joe didn’t have Beer cans in their hands. Only Coke or 7Up.

I knew what was going on. Lester waved and winked at me as he made a drinking motion behind them, shook his head and then fell over on the bench laughing! Lester was my secret agent Man! God, I loved that Man. He could make me laugh if’n the world was coming to an end!

Dad and Lester followed me home in Dad’s truck. Uncle Joe had wanted to stay on at the Rodeo Grounds and was gonna’ get a ride home with Phil. We got back home and I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was shower and hit the sack. I just assumed Dad and Uncle Joe would be together and went to my room to undress and head for the shower.

Dad came in my room. I didn’t have a stitch on. He put his huge arms around me and held me. I knew he understood! Red wasn’t with me and he knew something was wrong. I started crying.

“There, there, Sweet Baby. You’re home now. You got your Old Man to lean on! Joe’s staying at his place tonight! His idea! I didn’t tell him to! His place is in my bed and he knows it but he knows we need to be alone this evening. So get in the shower, clean yourself good, you need some Cowboy lovin’ that only your old Man can give you!”

“I love you Dad! And thanks, you’re right, as usual, I need my Old Man’s lovin’ tonight. Promise you’ll wear them big fucking boots?” We laughed.
“I’d wear anything you want, Son! You know it!” We kissed. Not a Father and Son kiss but one of a strong protective Master and his Cowboy!

That Old Man was my Dad, my lover, my Master, my Champion and the meanest Rodeo Rival I had yet to come up against. Here I was about to sleep with the enemy. Fuck it! The battle was his! Let my Old Man win! I’d win so much more by losin’!

“Can I come get you when I’m though in the shower, Dad?”
“I’d like that!” And so we began our own private Rodeo. He even wore his Big Boots when he fucked me. Uncle Joe was right. He gave and got a better fucking wearing them damn Boots. I couldn’t have been more near Heaven than after we cleaned up and I was laying there in his big arms. Him whispering in my ear that every thing was gonna’ be alright. I’d see! He wasn’t gonna’ let anything bad happen to his Boy. I believed him.

I don’t care how fucking old and jaded you may be. Every Human soul needs to hear those words from someone in their life. Everyone still has a little boy or girl inside them that needs a Mommy or Daddy figure to tell them that things are not as dark as they seem.

That night Buck came to me again and was thrilled that I was in my Dad’s arms. “That old Man really loves you, Cowboy! I’m jealous I never got to sleep in my Old Man’s arms. God knows, ‘cause I’ve told him so!! I would have loved to have spent just one night in my Old Man’s arms. I love you ‘cause you had the balls to do what your heart told you to do. Of course, I love you simply ‘cause you’re mine! You always will be and we’ll be together again, you’ll see.”

“But, after the Holidays you have to get back on the road and find Booger! You have to swallow your pride! Well, some of it anyway! You have to ride with him Cowboy! Be with him! How you choose to do that is up to you but the powers that be want you to be with him right now!”

“There are reasons you or I don’t know about. I can’t tell you ‘cause I don’t know either. They just don’t tell us some things!” I looked into his beautiful blue eyes and felt tears start. I wasn’t gonna’ break down!

“Don’t look at me that way Darlin’” He said softly as he took me in his big arms. “You know I love you! I’ll always be with you! You can’t get away from me! Booger maybe! Me, never!” We kissed and he started fading again.

“Oh God! Please let him stay! Just a few minutes more, God! Please! Buck! Buck!! Damn!”
“There, there, Cowboy! Dad’s got ya’! Hold on to me Tiger! I got ya’!”

“Buck come to you?” He asked quietly. I nodded my head through my tears.
“I heard you calling his name. What did he tell you this time!”
“Same thing, Dad! I’ve gotta’ be with Red! God wants it that way and who am I to go against what God wants? Besides, Buck will always be my love and guiding ‘spirit’ so I have to do what he tells me.”

Then I told my Dad the story of Red and T-bo. How much it hurt when I was just learning to trust someone again. I was putting more and more trust in Red and he wiped it out over night.

“Never would have thought old Red would be that kind of Man. They say a stiff dick has no conscience. Mine does! If’n it gets stiff and I don’t fuck something I feel guilty!” He laughed at his joke.

“I know you’re hurtin’ but maybe old Red has realized what he’s lost and is crazy to find you and have you forgive him. Sometime, life isn’t all about loving and getting, sometimes it’s about forgiving others for shit they’ve done to us. The real trick it to love them anyway!”

“Don’t look to me as an example. I’m the worlds worst at holding grudges but your Uncle Bud wasn’t! You got his blood and his genes! I know you have a bigger heart than I do! See if you can’t forgive the old bastard if that’s what you feel God wants you to do.”

“Well, I know I can forgive you Dad!” I said trying to lighten the mood.
“For what?”
“For making me suck you off one more time!” He laughed and hugged me.

“Hell, as much pleasure as you get out a doing it I ought a’ charge you! Just make damn sure it’s a good one or I’ll be asking your forgiveness for the spanking you’ll get!”

I eased down on my Old Man’s already stiff cock and sucked him off good. He had a strong flavor that was distinctively his. A good masculine flavor that stayed with you for hours afterward. I loved the taste of my Old Man’s come.

We were up early! The four of us went to the Diner again for Breakfast. It was packed. Suzie and Louise had a table waiting for us in the back. We waded through the assembled crowd shaking hands and hugging folks. They all knew Billy Gunn Sr. and Billy Gunn Jr. were gonna’ be in for breakfast. They wanted to be there to see us. Wasn’t enough that they were all gonna’ see us at the Rodeo and Picnic!

I again tipped Louise and Suzie a hundred dollars. They, in turn bought our breakfasts. They were sweet ladies and I loved ‘em both. I asked them not to tell anyone. Well, of course they did and it got all over town.

We were early for Church and the Reverend McCree met us at the steps. He had heard I was in town and made sure that we knew he and his wife would be at the Rodeo and Picnic.

I handed him an envelope with a donation for the Church Organ Fund. They needed a new Organ bad. The old electronic Organ was on it’s last leg. Shirley Grimes, the Organist had to kick it during the service sometime to get it going again.

The Reverend thanked me graciously and put the envelope in his breast pocket as we went inside to sit down. Me, Lester, Dad and Uncle Joe and Aunt Laura. All on the front row. Everyone came in and there was more hugs and kisses from remote Family. Finally the service started and no Preacher.

No one knew where the Reverend was. Someone went to look for him and found him passed out in his office. They brought him to the front of the Church! He was pale white and more than a little shaken.

“Today my Sermon was to be on giving and learning to receive. I’ve tried as your Minister to learn to give and sometimes I’ve been successful but today I failed flatter than a cow patty on a flat rock to learn to receive graciously.”

“A fine young Man handed me an envelope this morning as a donation to the Church Organ Fund and I didn’t open it until I got back to my Office. I passed out cold when I read the amount of the Cashier’s Check for Twenty Five Thousand Dollars.” There was a murmur went through the crowd.

“I want to apologize to you Billy before God and our Church for not taking the time to thank you more personally. So listen up, Folks! This is the lesson for today! Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth but be damn sure you properly thank the Man that gives him to you!!

The Pastor walk over to me with his arms opened and hugged me to him. Then he took my hand and thanked me and raised both our hands locked together above our heads to salute the congregation. “Now! Let’s Rodeo!!”

A cheer went up in that Church like I’ve never heard before. Everyone was all over our Family. Aunt Laura, Me, Dad, Lester, Uncle Joe and the Pastor. Church was over early. Everyone had learned a lesson. According to the Reverend, no sense driving it home with a sledge hammer!

It was a beautiful Indian Summer day in Mason and everyone had Rodeo fever! We drove home and my immediate Family was really quiet.

“What’s with you guys? Why’s everyone so quiet!”
“Well, I don’t know about your Dad and Lester but I’m just so damn proud of you I can’t say anything, Son!” That was the first time in my life that Uncle Joe had called me Son!

“I like that Uncle Joe! You should call me that more often! In a way, you are as much my Dad as the other three. Hell, if it weren’t for your hot mouth I probably wouldn’t be here today!” Lester started laughing and my Dad started laughing at Lester until we were all holding each other. We were laughing about how white the Preacher was and how short the sermon

“Why didn’t you let us know you were going to do that, Son?” Dad asked.
“Awh Hell, Dad! It was just an extra check I carried around with me in case Red and I got into trouble, needed some extra money and I heard at breakfast how bad the Church needed an new Organ. So I just wrote the Church’s name on it and stuck it in an envelope. I didn’t really think it would be that big a deal!”

“Well, I can’t speak for Lester but I was stunned and proud of you, Son!”
“Billy!” Lester said putting his hands on my shoulder, “I’m proud to call you my, Son! As much as these two yahoo’s!” I gave him a hug.

“Thanks Guys! Now can we please get to the damn Rodeo! Phil and I got some Major Cowboy Butt to kick today!” I said looking at my Dad’s ass. Lester started laughing again.
“Go get ‘em Cowboy! The major money’s on you and Phil!”
“You better hedge that bet old Man!” My Dad barked at Lester in fun.

We all climbed in Dad old pickup truck and I helped load Tucker and Max, Dad and Uncle Joe’s two roping Horses into the Trailer. Dad was in his Rodeo mood and I was wondering when the drinking was gonna’ start.

It didn’t! The Old Man and Uncle Joe only had Coke or 7Up in their hands. I even offered my Dad a beer and he declined. I was amazed. Pleased but amazed.

It turned out to be one of the best Rodeo’s anyone could remember. Everyone went ‘Balls out’ in their particular specialty to win. There was no holding back. There was to be elimination in the Team Roping and by lunch there were only three teams left. Me and Phil, Dad and Uncle Joe, and a young couple of Men that were really good. Tom Pasley and Jim Poteet.

We had one Hell of a Picnic! The women brought more food than five times the people could eat. All kinds of food. I ate too much. Should have never had that last piece of pie. But damn it was good! Everyone had a great time and Phil and I sat and talked quietly as all the other young Rodeo fans sat and watched us worshipfully. We were just expected to win and, so far, we were doing pretty damn good.

The good nights sleep in my Dad’s big arms had taken my mind off my troubles and I was focused. To say nothing of the fuck that old Man threw into my ass. Straightened me right out! Screwed my head on straight!
I could still taste his strong masculinity on the back of my tongue. I was on! Nothing was gonna’ pull me down.

I thought sure Uncle Joe and Dad would be wasted by now. They weren’t! They were sober and focused. My Dad had a glint in his eye like a Man on a mission. I realized that my own sweet Dad was out to stomp his smart assed Kid’s Butt. I just smiled back at him like, “Take your best shot Old Man, Phil and I are gonna’ take you and Uncle Joe down!”

After lunch they had some ‘Bulldoggin’ and a couple of Barrel Racers.
Then Phil and I went up against Tom and Jim. Phil and I were slower than usual but we made our catch. At the last minute Jim’s hinder rope slipped off and they lost. We were up against Dad and Uncle Joe next.

They went first. They were good. Dad roped the foward and Uncle Joe got the hinders quicker’n greased owl shit! Not a flaw. I wasn’t worried. Phil and I had been getting better and better.

They released the Calf and we broke the timer barrier after it. Phil had his rope around it in no time but the damn Calf ‘sun fished’ and fell. It wasn’t that much of a problem so I threw my rope and landed it on his hinders but as the Calf uprighted itself it kicked my rope off. The unthinkable had happened!

My Dad, my Old Man and his significant other, my Uncle had succeeded in doing what they had set out to do! Stomp our Butts!

I started laughing and almost fell off Madison. Phil knew why I was laughing and started laughing too. Dad had the biggest damn smug, self satisfied smile on his face! Uncle Joe couldn’t even look at me he didn’t know whether to shit or go blind. He was between a rock and a hard place!

I rode over to my old Man and took a bill out of my western shirt pocket and stuffed it in his. I had planned it just in case.
“What’s this for?” Dad pulled out a Thousand Dollar Bill and died laughing.

“Well, I know I ain’t been too good a Son, Dad! So, I though I’d try’n buy your love.”
“Hell, Son, you could have had that for a hundred bucks!” He laughed.
I rolled my eyes back in my head and couldn’t stop laughing.
“A HUNDRED BUCKS, you old son of a bitch! I was gonna’ sell you mine for FIVE!” I could barely get it out I was laughing so hard.

“Inflation!” Answered my old Man. I got off Madison and pulled him off his Horse and hugged him laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face.

“I’m proud of you, Old Man! Proud to call you my Dad! You and Uncle Joe whomped our Butts fair and square. I’d give you that ring in my pocket for your love!” The crowd was cheering the both of us as I held up Uncle Joe and Dad hands as the recognized winners.

Phil rode over and shook both their hands. We were both still laughing. All I could say over and over again was, “A Hundred Bucks! That old fart planned this, I know! A Hundred Bucks!” Then I’d laugh again. I told Phil and he told Wilma Jo. We had everyone laughing.

Did we party that night? Oh my God! Dad and Uncle Joe stayed sober the entire time. I had a couple of beers with Phil and some friends but didn’t get wasted. I was relaxed and comfortable. I was among the people I loved most on Earth. I was one of them and I wasn’t one of them. But at that moment it didn’t matter. I belonged. I was loved. I was home!

The next day was Monday and my Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester left the Rodeo grounds early to get the Horses unloaded and get an early start to bed. I didn’t want to stay as it was getting cooler and it seemed like a front was moving in. We were going to have cold weather for Christmas it looked like. I said my goodbyes and hugged Phil.

“We’ll take ‘em next time Phil!” He agreed. We both had a good time no matter whether we won or not. In a way I was kind of glad my Old Man won. But it had been fair and square. Phil and I had not planned it.

I would have taken the win but there was just something about my Dad winning that put him just a little higher on my importance ladder. He and Uncle Joe had indeed gotten their shit together and would be a commanding force in competition from now on.

It drew them closer. It was no longer my fault or your fault it was our fault. I could see they were more intimate with each other and Dad would occasionally hug and kiss Uncle Joe in front of me. I would play like I was retching and they would just laugh at me. That night Uncle Joe retired to his house to let us be alone.

“Dad, why don’t you call Uncle Joe back over? You won and he needs to share that with you this evening. I’m not here to come between the two of you. I want one more night with you before I leave to go find Booger but he should be by your side tonight. He’s earned that right!”

“I told him you’d feel that way but you’ll have to go get him. He won’t come if I just call him!” So I went to Uncle Joe’s house and knocked on the door. He graciously had me come in!

“Uncle Joe! Get you ass back over there where you belong and spend the night with my Dad! He needs you and you need him tonight. You both worked your ass’s off to win that Rodeo today and you deserve to be together. I only want one more evening alone with my Dad before I take off and I’ll tell you. Otherwise, I ain’t coming home much any more if you’re gonna’ act this way! Your place is beside my Old Man. He’s your Old Man too!” He looked at me funny and laughed when he got the double meaning!

“O.K., Son! Let me turn the lights off and I’ll go with you and by the way Cowboy! Thanks!”

We walked back arm in arm it was so damn cold out we held each other to conserve our heat. We came inside and Dad had hot Coco waiting for us.
“Your gonna’ soak your feet in hot water before you jump in my bed, Joe!” I laughed at my Dad thinking how cold Uncle Joe’s feet probably were.
“I’ll sit and soak mine with you!” He smiled sweetly at Uncle Joe.

We never had any more problems. Uncle Joe would always give me the first and last night at home alone with my Dad. That’s all I needed. That’s all he needed. We three grew to love each other deeper and deeper over the years. Every time I came home it was Rodeo time! I was like some conquering Hero coming home. Early the next morning everyone was up getting ready for work. I got up to cook breakfast for them. We were eating and the phone rang.

“Yes Sir! He’s here! Yes Sir! Certainly Sir! Just a minute!” Dad held his hand over the phone mouthpiece.
“It’s your friend the Prince, Son!”

“Master Ben! Are you all right!”
“I’m calling to find out if you’re alright, Cowboy! Booger contacted Harry and was all upset about the two of you splitting up. He’s in Las Vegas right now but Harry and I are in Reno. So he knows your not with me.

Knowing you like I do, I had a feeling the first place you’d run to was your Dad! I knew you wouldn’t involve Dan Yates. You could have come to me Little Brother. My door is always open to you for shelter!”

“You are such a kind and generous Man Master Ben. I wish you were here with me right now, to be with me and my Family. I would like to introduce my Dad to his other Son to say nothing of trying to please you again.”

“Try? You always please me, Cowboy! I could get a flight out of Reno for San Antonio today. I have nothing on my Calender for the next three weeks. May I join you?”

“I would be honored and thrilled for you to Master Ben. Let me know the flight arrival time and I’ll be there to pick you up. It may be in my Dad’s old pickup truck so dress casual, Sir! And Master Ben, thanks so much for being a friend and caring!”

“You know my affection for you runs deep, Cowboy!”
“I love you too, Master Ben!”

I hung up the phone and told Dad and Uncle Joe to close their mouths.
“He’s coming to spend a few days with us. Not a word to the town folk!
He’s just my friend from Los Angeles and he will be dressed in Western Clothes. You won’t be able to tell Ben from a local. He’ll blend right in!”

“You’re gonna’ pick him up in my old Truck? At least borrow your Aunts car to go get him.”
“No! I want Ben to get a real flavor of the West and your old Truck will do just that Dad! The heater works don’t it?”
“Yeah! Everything works. It just ain’t real comfortable.”
“It’ll be fine Dad! Trust me!”

The phone rang again and Dad answered again.
“No Booger, we haven’t heard from him!”
“No! No! I will! Yes! Yes! I’ll tell him if’n we hear from him. You two have a fight?”

“O.K.! Alright Booger! You have a Merry Christmas! I know but try anyway! Yes! Yes! I will if he calls.” Dad hung up the phone and grimaced.

“I hate lying to the Man but I think right now you both need to be apart for a while and maybe It’ll make him appreciate you more. I hope so! He said to tell you he’s miserable without you and so sorry for what happened.
He loves you more that even he ever realized! Please forgive him.”

“Well, I will! I have to! But not tonight or this week. Let him miss me for a while. Christmas is coming and I’m going to try to enjoy it! Although I do feel sorry for him and don’t want him to spend Christmas alone.”

The phone rang again and it was Master Ben. He could get a flight out at noon and be in San Antonio by four forty five. He gave me the flight number and I told him I’d be there. I wanted to leave Mason this morning to make sure I got there in plenty of time.

I arrived at the airport and hour and a half early. I hadn’t had lunch so I sat and snacked on some crackers and a Coke as I watched Master Ben’s plane arrive. He came down the ramp carrying a bag in one hand, some hang up clothes thrown across his shoulder and the biggest damn black Western Hat you ever saw. He looked like someone out of a Western story book. God, was he a handsome Man!

He dropped his bag and carry on and we hugged. Damn, he felt good! He was a sight for my sore eyes.
“Damn, Master Ben! It’s so good to see you. I can’t thank you enough for coming.”

“Try and stop me, Cowboy! However, from this moment on, I’m just ‘Ben’! O.K.! Unless of course, we’re alone in your bedroom!” He laughed.
“Ben it is, Sir!” I replied laughing too.

We drove back the long way through the hill country of San Antonio and stopped in Bandera at the small store where Little Sister worked. She saw me come through the door and went nuts.

“Oh my God! The love of my life just walked through the door, my Big Brother Billy! Come in! Come in! What are you doing here?”

“Little Sister I want you to meet a good friend of my from Los Angeles, Ben Faisel! Ben this is my Little Sister, Betty Bob Twissleman!”
“Pleasure, Ma’am!” Ben said with a decided drawl that made me giggle.

“You going up to the Ranch to see Daddy and Momma? They’d love to see you! We read all about you in the paper saving that Prince fellow’s life and we were so proud of you.” Little Sister stopped for a minute looked at Ben and then at Me and looked at me sideways grinning like a possum eatin’ shit and I nodded my head “Yes!”

“Won’t say a word, Billy, Ben! Go on up to the house! Say hello to Dad and Momma. They’d be thrilled to see you again. I’ll be up there in a minute! I just gotta tell Mr. Warren and he’ll let me go! Don’t you dare leave ‘for I get up there, though!”

“I promise, Little Sister!” We all laughed. Ben and I walked back out to the truck and climbed in.
“Sorry Ben! I just wanted to say ‘Hi’ and you to meet Betty Bob. Now it looks like you’ll get to meet the whole damn Family.”

“You don’t know what a treat this is for me, Cowboy! Getting to meet real Rodeo people here in Texas. It’s a dream come true. You’ve made a lot of my dreams come true, Billy. You just don’t realize it!”

We drove to the Twissleman’s Ranch and forded the low water damn across the Guadalupe River. Ben was really impressed with that and the beauty of the surrounding country side. We drove up to the Ranch and they were all there waiting for us.

Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman and their three big Son’s. I introduced Ben and they accepted him immediately.
“Can you stay the night?” Mr. Twissleman asked.
“We hadn’t planned on it Mr. Twissleman. I just picked up Ben at the San Antonio Airport. He came out to spend Christmas with my Family. We were just passing through on our way back to Mason. We just stopped in the store to say ‘Howdy’ to Little Sister and she threatened us with our lives if’n we didn’t get our ass’s up here to say ‘Hello’ to you and Mrs. Twissleman.”

“She’s a good girl! Taught her well, Son!” He said laughing. So glad you did. Stay! Have dinner with us.”

I looked at Ben and he nodded. “Alright Sir! You got reservations for two in the Barn?” I laughed.
“Oh Hell no! To damn cold out there this time of year. We got a nice guest room for you and Ben!”

“I’ll need to call my Dad and let him know we won’t be home ‘till sometime tomorrow if’n I can use your phone.”
“Sure, Son! Over here!”

I called Dad and told him where we were. He asked if Ben was alright and I assured him that he was. He sort of giggled and told us to have a good time he’d see us tomorrow sometime. Come by the Shop on the way in.
I promised we would.

Ben and I stayed the night with the Twissleman’s and true to her word, Betty Bob didn’t say a word to her family that Ben was the Prince. She was not the least intimidated by him either and flirted with him shamelessly. Ben knew she was kidding him and had a delightful time.
And once again! The food Mrs. Twissleman brought out. She cooked a prime rib roast that melted in your mouth. Ben ate like a pig!

He hadn’t experience good home cooking and couldn’t get enough. He was so use to restaurant food that this was a real treat for him. What really got him was the Ice Tea in the Mason jars. He thought that was wonderful. It was a nice touch of Americana that he would not otherwise have gotten a chance to experience.

They all had wanted to know about me saving the Prince’s life and I told them it was no big deal that I wasn’t the real hero. It was Little Steve that took the bullet. I just reacted and threw myself and the Prince to the floor to get him out of harms way.

I showed them the ring that Ben’s Dad had given me to induct me into the Royal Family. They passed it around and were amazed by it.
“So you’re a member of a Royal Family now, Son!”
“An associate member! By chance, Mr. Twissleman, only by chance! But I’m honored and proud to be a member of such a fine Family. They are fine people, Sir! Ben’s Father, the Sultan, is a ............wonderful man!”

There was a silence you could have heard your heart beat!

“Well, Son, you’re lucky to have such a fine Man as Billy for your Brother!” Mr. Twissleman picked up without breathing and saved the day!
“Just don’t tell him no secrets, Ben!” They all laughed at my faux pas.
Betty Bob came over and messed my hair up.

“I didn’t say a word and here you spilled the beans Big Brother!”
“I’m sorry Ben! It just slipped out!” I said laughing with them all.
“No harm done! These folks are fine people! They’ll treat me like one of them!”

“We sure will, Ben!” Mrs. Twissleman interjected, “You’re welcome here!” “Thank you, Mrs. Twissleman, I appreciate that. I really appreciated that meal. I can’t remember when I’ve had such fine food!” Mrs. Twissleman just beamed!

We were up early the next morning and on our way after a hearty Ranch Breakfast. Ben was a glow from the visit with the Twissleman’s. It was all he could talk about. He felt so comfortable with those people and accepted for just who he was and not an Arab Prince. Even Betty Bob treated him like a Family member.

Ben really seemed to enjoy the ride in Dad’s old pickemup Truck back to Mason. We got there right around noon. I drove directly to the Shop and surprisingly Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester were closing the place down.

During Christmas there wasn’t much work to be done on Cars or Trucks.
We’ll, wait ‘till after the Holidays, everyone thought! They had run out of work and didn’t see any use hanging around for the rest of the afternoon. If anyone needed their car or Truck fixed they knew who to call.

I introduced Ben to Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester. They took to him immediately. “Dad! I want you to meet my Brother, Ben Faisel. Ben I want you to meet my Dad and your new Dad! Billy Gunn Senior!” Ben stuck out his hand and Dad took it then pulled Ben to him and hugged him.

“You don’t shake your new Son’s hand, Ben? You give him a hug!”
“Thanks Mr. Gunn, I appreciate that!” Ben was getting a little misty.

“J’eet lunch yet, Guys?” Dad asked us.
“No, Sir!” We replied.
“Well, let’s all go over to the Diner and I’ll buy us lunch.”
“You’re on Dad!” I answered. “He don’t offer to buy too often Ben so I take advantage of it when he does!” Lester and Uncle Joe laughed with me.

Phil Roamer, Wilma Joe and the Kids were in the restaurant and we sat with them. I introduced Ben to Phil as my ropin’ partner for the last Rodeo we had here Sunday.

“Tell Ben who won, Cowboy!” Dad goaded me. “Go on, tell him, Son!”
“Well, Ben! Dad and my Uncle Joe kicked our Butts! They won, fair and square! First time in my life I ever lost! Wouldn’t ja’ know it would be to my Old Man! I couldn’t have been prouder of him and Uncle Joe. They worked their ass’s off, got their act together and beat Phil and I.”

Dad put his big arm around me and pulled me close. Ben smiled.
“We’re so glad you could come out and be with us Ben. Means a lot to the Cowboy here! You’re welcome here!” Dad patted Ben gently on the back.

“Thank you Mr. Gunn. Cowboy’s told me so much about you and your Family. I feel like I know you already. He said you were a friendly bunch of folks and he wasn’t kidding. I see where he gets his charm, humor and manners.”

“Awh! He’s a good boy! Can’t rope worth a shit but he’s a good boy!”
The entire restaurant started laughing at my Dad. He deserved to crow!

Louise the older waitress kept giving Ben the ‘fish eye’ as she was serving us. She pulled me aside. “Billy Gunn, I’ve know’d you all my life. You and I grew’d up together. Now just who the Hell you think you’re kidding!
That good looking Man sittin’ at that table is the Prince, Ain’t he??”

“All right, Lousie! You’re right! Please, please, keep it to yourself!”
“Oh Hell, Billy! You been too damn good to me all these years for me to say anything. Suzie don’t know! She ain’t put it together yet, but I did!”

“Thanks Sweetheart! I owe you big time! I won’t forget!”
“You don’t owe me nothin’, Sugar! I just wanted to know for me! Glad you were honest with me!”

We had a great time at lunch and Ben really seemed to enjoy himself.
We all got invited for another Picnic Rodeo the next Saturday. It was gonna’ be a private affair, Phil said. We all laughed at him and he laughed too, knowing that once the word got around that Phil and Cowboy were at the Rodeo grounds, come on down!

We took Ben on a small walking tour of downtown Mason. You walk around the square and you’d done the town. We showed him the park and the Rodeo Grounds and took him back to our place.

He was impressed by our big two story house. Dad had kept it in pretty good shape all these years. Together he and Uncle Joe had worked and repaired both houses. Keeping them painted and the yards cared for.
It was a lot of work but they didn’t mind when they did it together.

We got home and Dad took me aside. “Go up to the big bedroom across from yours and see what you think!” I padded up the stairs and opened the door. I couldn’t believe it. Brand new bedroom furniture. A beautiful rug on the floor and beautiful table lamps. Dresser and chest of drawers. They had gone out bought all this stuff, had it delivered and set up just for me and Ben. It looked like the damn Hilton!

I came back down stairs. Lester, Uncle Joe and Dad all had these smug smiles on their faces.
“Thank you! What more can I say?” I went and hugged each one and poor Ben was mystified. “Come on! You have to see what these Men did for us!” I grabbed his luggage and hanging stuff and started up the stairs.

“You’ll have to get the door for me, Ben!” He opened the door and even he was wowed!
“They did all this today?! For us?!” Ben said softly sitting on the bed.

“That’s my Family, Ben! I know you would have been happy just bunking in my old room but they had different ideas as to your comfort and God love them for it! Can you believe it?” Ben got a bit misty.

“I’m really honored and pleased to think that I’m a small part of your Family, Cowboy! A gesture like this is every bit as important as the ring my Father gave you, Steve and Tim! It means the same thing no matter the price! In some ways this is a gesture of much greater worth, to me anyway! You truly are my Brother, Cowboy! Even if you see yourself as a slave, I hope there’s room in your heart for a Brother like me!”

“God, Master Ben! I’ll always be your Brother and your slave!” We hugged and kissed laying across the comfortable new bed. We strolled back down stairs and Ben then hugged each of my Family and thanked them individually.

“Well, I didn’t want my two Son’s sleeping on some ratty old bed we’ve had around here for years. Time we upgraded our furniture anyway!”

From then on Dad, Uncle Joe and even Lester referred to Ben as just ‘Ben’ or ‘Son’! He ate it up! Especially when my Dad talked to him. He would just brighten at the sound of the word! Later he told me that his own Father rarely called him ‘Son’!

We spent a glorious week together! I pleasured that Man any and every way I could think of and invented a few of my own. He got to where he really got off on me cleaning his dusty boots when we came back from just walking around the town.

We bonded as Brothers! We bonded as Master and slave! But Ben was a wise Man! He knew that I had purposes in life that I must take care of as he had. We were both grateful for the time we could call ‘King’s X’ drop out and love each other! I never had a better time with any Man than that week with Master Ben! Years later he recalled that week and Christmas as one of the happiest times of his life.

I shared my feelings with Master Ben about my situation with Red. He listened and was sympathetic but only had one statement which made me think.
“You did accept him as your Master, Cowboy!” I knew what Master Ben meant. Was I going to live up to my place as a slave or was I running when the going got tough? I guess he was trying to say that even Master’s make mistakes. He didn’t want to influence me but he made me see another side of the question I hadn’t considered.

Well, I had stepped aside for T-bo! I was trying to be a good slave! If Red preferred another slave to me, he could have him! I wasn’t ready to go back to being Red’s slave. Maybe like it was before he gave me to Master Ben but I knew I wasn’t going back to the way it was.

The weekend came and we were up early. Dad hadn’t opened the shop all week and he and Uncle Joe had been practicing their roping. They were out for blood! Dad had the taste of Best and he wanted more.

Our good natured rivalry had become legend in our town and everyone wanted to be there to see who was gonna’ come out on top. I ate some pretty big Crow that week. I didn’t mind! It actually brought my Dad and I closer.

I knew Dad was enjoying it. He had finally done something in his life that he had worked really hard for and helped someone else along. I wasn’t about to make it easy for him. If he wanted to be the Best he had to beat the best.

I spent all week teaching Ben to ride Western. He had lots of experience on Arabians. He was brought up learning to ride but they have different saddles. I also taught him to ‘whisper’ to Horses. Dolly was his first subject and she fell madly in love with him.

She followed him around everywhere and when he saddled her up and started riding her it was like she was reading his mind. She’d actually follow him around after he got down. He became quite fond of the old Girl too! He spoiled her rotten. He always managed to get an apple or lump of sugar to hide in his pocket. She knew it too and would pester the shit out of him until he gave it to her.

When he was in the saddle he looked like any typical American Cowboy.
I took lots of pictures with my small cheap camera and he took a lot with his expensive Japanese camera. He was a naturally photogenic Man. I couldn’t get a bad picture of him if I tried. I later made up a picture board of Pictures of him and I together in our Western outfits and on Horseback separate and together.

I included pictures of my Family and the community. The town square. The County Court House! The Park! The Rodeo Grounds! Ben loved it and with his permission I forwarded it to his Dad. He sent me the nicest letter through Tim and invited all my Family to visit Bahrain. He said he was so glad that his Son had a Brother like me!

Saturday came and Ben couldn’t wait to get to the Rodeo Grounds.
He wanted to see what a local impromptu Rodeo was like. He had met damn near everyone in the County during the week. I thought maybe Louise shared her secret with Suzie at the restaurant. She hadn’t; however, both Women flirted with Ben shamelessly. He thought they were wonderful.

Ben and I loaded up Dad and Uncle Joe’s two Ponies, Tucker and Max. Hooked the trailer up to the back of Dad’s Truck, jumped in the back and we all headed for the Rodeo Grounds. Phil Roamer and his Family had just arrived before us and the Kids ran to Ben and I. Ben grabbed up Sally and I wrestled with Phil Jr.

Phil had brought Dolly and Madison as he was boarding them on his Ranch for Dad and Uncle Joe until they could plan a trip to Tucson. I had given Wilma Jo an envelope with a thousand dollars in it for their board and care.

“Billy this is too much money for their care!” She said to me.
“Well, if there’s some left over by Phil Jr. a new pair of boots. By yourself something too, Little Sister!” She hugged and kissed me.

“You always were so good to me, Cowboy! That husband of mine worships the ground you walk on and your Uncle Bud......don’t even get him started on him. He loved your Uncle more than his own Father! His one statement about you he says over and over, ‘They don’t come no better’n Billy Gunn!’ I have to agree with him, Hon, after all he is my Old Man!” We laughed together.

Dolly couldn’t wait to get out of the trailer to see Ben. The Huzzy! We finally got Madison and her out and she followed Ben everywhere. Phil said she gets depressed when they go home. Of course Ben had a nice Granny Smith for her. She wasn’t about to share it with Madison either!

Phil had Wilma Jo pull his Horse trailer behind his Truck. He had brought his ropin’ Pony that he felt more comfortable on than Dolly. We were going all out to recapture our Crown. So were the enemy. Dad and Uncle Joe had their heads together talking strategy all morning. It was a warm day and the sweat band on Dad’s old hat was soaked.

Laying off the Beer had shaped him and Uncle Joe up a bit too. They no longer had their Beer guts. For the first time I could remember my Dad sat a good Horse. He looked damn good on old Dan Tucker! Uncle Joe wasn’t too shabby on old Max either. He still could make the teen age girls giggle and blush when he rode by.

We started with warm ups and Phil and I hit, right on. His Horse was use to riding lead and securing the head. While Madison was use to me roping the hinders. We were doing great. So was Dad and Uncle Joe! They were on! Ben was helping out with the timing and the starting ropes. He would jump in and do anything to help. He was loving every minute of it.

I checked with him regularly to see if he was O.K.!
“You know, Cowboy, it’s one thing to sit in the stands and watch and it’s another world to be down here where the action is! Am I alright? Am I alright?? I’m in Heaven!! This is the most fun I’ve had in years!”

We were just getting ready to make our first run when two pickup Trucks pulled up with Horse trailers. We stopped to see who it was. I saw the big Man get down from his truck and I let out a whoop you could’ve heard in the next County. It was the Twissleman’s come to Rodeo. I got down off of Madison and handed his reigns to Phil. Ben went with me to welcome them.

We ran up to them and hugged them. Mrs. Twissleman and Betty Bob came too. We shut down the goings on for the minute to introduce them to everybody. “Damn, Mr. Twissleman, it’s great to see you folks again. How’d ja’ know we were Rodeoing this weekend?”

“Called your house to invite you and Ben down and your Dad invited us up for the weekend. Loaded everybody in the Trucks and here we are.”
“So good to see you again, Mr. Twissleman!” Ben stuck out his hand. Big Ed Twissleman shook Ben’s hand then pulled him in for a hug. Ben was use to that by now and hugged him back!

The three boys Brank, Toller, and Morgan came and shook hands with the both of us. My Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester came over to meet them.
“Dad, Uncle Joe, Lester meet Mr. Ed Twissleman!” I said.

“Mr. Twissleman this is my Dad, Billy Gunn Senior, my Uncle Joe and my other Dad, Lester Thornton!” Mr. Twissleman didn’t bat an eye! He knew that Lester was part of our Family and that’s all country folks need to know to accept you.

“Damn good to meet you Sir! Heard a lot about you, your Family and your Ranch. Hope to come visit sometime and see for myself.”
“You’re welcome any time, Mr Gunn!”
“Just call me Billy, Mr. Twissleman!”
“Then what do we call young Billy here!”
“What everyone calls him, Cowboy!” The tw of them had a good laugh.

Mr. Twissleman put his arm around Ben. “You enjoying yourself young Man?” “More than I can express, Sir! These folks have taken me in as one of their own and it’s a world I never would have had a chance to experience if it weren’t for Cowboy and his wonderful Family. They’ve sort of adopted me as a second Son and I’m loving it!”

“They got you on a Horse yet, Son?” He joked with Ben.
“Yes Sir! That Palomino Morgan Mare over there, Dolly! I think she’s in love with me!”
“Be careful, Son, Mrs. Twissleman and Little Sister are too!” He let out a hearty laugh. Ben laughed with him.

We all helped his boys get their Horses down from their trailers. Someone yelled, “Let’s Rodeo!” And we started in! We Rodeoed hard until noon and all the Ladies again brought food from everywhere. Aunt Laura even brought several dishes and pies. They closed down the Diner and Louise and Suzie brought food.

Ben couldn’t believe his eyes at the four picnic tables loaded with good food. I thought he was gonna’ eat himself sick! He was a big Man though and could pack it away! We had worked up an apatite. He had fallen in love with Ice Tea. He had never drank it before and developed a taste for it. He was having a world of new experiences among good folk that accepted him as our friend. They didn’t need to know more.

He was particularly moved by Mr. Twissleman’s ease around him and treating him like a respected friend. Calling him “Son” and putting his arm around him. Things we just take for granted were wonderful new experiences for him.

We got to Rodeoing and the trials began. Ed Twissleman and his son Toller were no slouches when it came to team roping. I watched them and whispered to Ben and Phil that we may have more to worry about than Dad and Uncle Joe. They didn’t miss a throw in practice and their times were first rate.

Came time for Phil and I to rope and we were right on. Phil had his rope around that calf almost right out of the chute! He cinched his rope around his saddle horn and his Horse ‘Midnight’ pulled back to tighten it. I hit the hinders right after and we were timed.

We pulled the best time for the first round eliminations. The Twissleman’s were second and Dad and Uncle Joe were third. We all had to rope two more times for elimination to the best team. We went first as the top timers usually do. We had a good run but our time wasn’t as good as the first time. Ed Twissleman and Toller grabbed the best time next and Dad and Uncle Joe beat Phil and my time. We were out! A cheer went up for those two old Cowboys you could hear for miles.

Phil and I rode over to Dad and Uncle Joe and shook hands.
“This is starting to be painful Dad!” I laughed as I joked with him.
“It’s not over yet, Son! I think we got some first class ropers here today!”
“Looks that way Mr. Gunn.” Phil allowed.

The Twisselman’s went first and bettered their time. They were dead on! Dad and Uncle Joe were next. Dad got the rope on the calf right out of the chute but Tucker pulled too hard and started dragging the calf across the arena. There was no way Uncle Joe could get his rope under the hinders and the Twissleman’s had won!

We all rode over to them and shook hands as the crowd went nuts.
“Hell, Ed! We didn’t invite you down here to show us up!” Dad told him as he roared with laughter. “You done good, Son!” Dad spoke to Toller.

“You two are damn good Mr. Twissleman, Toller! You went up against the Best and won! Now that weren’t me’n Phil! My Dad and Uncle Joe are the best! They stomped our Butts last weekend!” I laughed.

Dad was disappointed but mellowed as the day wore on and night fall came. We took their Horses to Phil and Wilma Jo’s Ranch south of town and helped unload ‘em. Wipe ‘em down and feed them. They were gonna’ leave them there and come stay with us.

We turned Uncle Joe’s big house over to the Twissleman’s. There was a bed room for each. Uncle Joe kept his house in tip top condition at all times and had a house cleaning lady come in once a week. So everything was spotless and all the beds were made. He showed Mrs. Twissleman and Betty Bob where every thing was and bid them good night after we had a small dinner of left overs.

We had breakfast the next morning, went to Church, and set out to the Rodeo Grounds again but people started leaving in the early afternoon and the Twissleman’s had to get back. The next day was Christmas eve and everyone wanted to be home for the Holiday.

I cried when I hugged Little Sister goodbye.
“I love you, Little Sister!”
“You know I love you Big Brother!” Then she whispered, “Your Prince loves you too!” Then she just giggled like a school girl.

“What did she say to you?” Ben asked later when we were alone in bed.
“She told me you loved me!” I said laughing.
“She’s a wise young Woman! She’s also right!” He pulled me closer to him and kissed me gently. We were from two different worlds but our hearts spoke one language. The language of friendship. The language of two Brothers. The language of love.

End Chapter VIII~
Waddie Greywolf
[email protected]

* IH = International Harvester (Built Farm equipment and Pickup Trucks through the middle sixties.)