BOOGER RED & COWBOY CHAPTER 11
By Waddie Greywolf
                              

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

I figured Red would guess me to head west to Los Angeles,
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 
knew Red understood  Dan Yates was out of bounds for him to
contact.  He knew if he ever wanted to smooth things over with me
Dan Yates was not to be bothered with our petty squabble.  Red 
wasn't a stupid man.

I didn't worry about Red following me.  I knew in my gut he
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'd wait
until the wind blew down then head back to Tucson where I was
wanted.

No!  Damn it!  That's a lie.  I did care.  I loved the old son of a
bitch.  I couldn't understand why he'd do that to me.  I'd given him
everything he wanted including calling him 'Master.'  I became his.
I never witnessed or heard of a Master in our family doing that sort
of thing to their slave. The title 'Master' should neither 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 around in back of our house.  Lester's 
rooms 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.

"Laus' child, get your butt in this house.  It's freezing cold out
there. Old Lester's gettin' up, gonna' fix you some coffee.  Um-hum. 
Meets you at the back door to lets you in.  You's one damn fine
sight for these old sore eyes, Son,  I tells you."   He met me at the
back door with his tattered, old robe and the warmest hug.

I followed him into the kitchen as he padded along in his worn
over house slippers I'd given him for Christmas two decades ago.
He cut off the backs and the slippers were held on in front by his
two big feet. He had to shuffle as he walked to keep them on.

I 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'd tell me. Wasn't long before the kitchen
door burst open in a flurry and in marched dad with Uncle Joe close
behind.

"Who the hell's making all the racket in my kitchen at this
ungodly hour of the morning?"  my dad 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, kissed me, then
hugged me again. You'd of thought they hadn't seen me in years. 
Well, it had been almost a year.  I'd 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 told me the story of how I came to be.  Hell,
if it hadn't have 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.

"Fuck it!" Dad threw up his hands, turned to Uncle Joe and
Lester,

"We ain't a' gonna' open the shop today.  Our boy's home.  All we
got to get out is Dexter Barnes's old IH tractor and he don't need
that damn thing 'til spring no ways.  Anybody has an emergency
they know where 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've been part of this damn family for
years.  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'n you go.  So get your ass in gear and lets go do it. Fuck this
tight ass little town."  Lester smiled and shook his head slowly,
muttering to himself as he shuffled off toward his room to get
dressed.  At that moment,  I think I was more proud of my old man
than I'd ever 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 proud to be your son.  You
gotta' stop doing that.  It's hard on 'me' heart." Uncle Joe and I
laughed and then dad started chuckling.

"Sheee-iit!" Was all he said as he turned and walked away to go
get dressed. Uncle Joe was the first one dressed and came back to
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,

'That boy Billy send me all 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 looks at him in
frustration and tells him, 

'Oh, for God sakes, Lester, get over it.  The boy loves you, all
right? Let it be.'

'Yes Sa,' Mista' Gunn.  I supposin' he does at that.' Then he'll
giggle to himself and walk away shaking his head.

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

"Well, what th'fuck?" dad 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 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 asshole 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.  If'n I do I'm gonna'
ask 'em for a steel belted radial."

I never remember Uncle Joe being that open and funny with me
before.  He and I were beginning to develop a new mutual respect
for each other and he felt more comfortable around me.  I
remembered what a good  fuck my old man was and knew why
Uncle Joe stayed with him all these years.

We marched into the diner and nobody said a word about Lester
being with us. They accepted him as 'us' and to hell with Lester
anyway, Cowboy was home.  Billy Gunn III, the local town hero who
saved a prince's life.  Son of a bitch, I hadn'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 whose life I'd saved and am I really
his brother now; a member of a royal family?  

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 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 told Dad,
Uncle Joe and Lester.  They couldn't believe it.  The town jeweler
was there, 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 million."

"You know your stones, Carl."  I told him. 

They wanted to know what the Prince was like.  I told them the
story of meeting him and him recognizing me,  having dinner with
him and later saving his life.  I put most of the heroism on little
Steve.  He was the one who took the bullet but my town folk were
just as impressed that I threw 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 Cowboy 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'n they run me out."  I laughed. "I have friends
in Glen Rose, and Bandera I might stop in to say Merry Christmas to
during the holidays but I'll probably be here most of the time."

"Do some rodeoing?"  one of the men hollered at me.


"Maybe, if'n these two old geesers think they can best me and
Phil Roamer."

"Oooouuuu...." from the crowd.

"Well, you know what that means, Joe?" my Dad exclaimed
disgustedly.

"Yeah, one handed roping when competin' against the kids."
Uncle Joe responded with equal disgust, 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 the
love around me and I 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. Can't hide much from my old man
especially since we broke down all the father/son barriers.  

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. Laus,' Child, you should a' seen
me, I was doin' the green apple quickstep, double time. I thought I
was gonna' mess in my good pants."  he threw back his old head a
laughed hearty. I laughed as hard with the old man.

"Well, I wanted to do something nice for my fishing partner.  All
them years I dragged your ass fishing and you's hating it so.  But
you went 'cause you loved me more'n you hated fishing."

"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
means to me, Son.  My sister and her kids need 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
be 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, Brother, 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 got their act together in the last two
years and been winning everything they entered."

"You're shittin' me?"

"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 Phil Roamer let the cat out of the bag. Those two old
snakes weren't going to 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. I 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 solidly built deputy sheriff who worked under Uncle
Bud and roped  with me and my uncle for years.  He was better
than 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 cowgirl 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 were best buddies all through school and everybody
thought Billy and Wilma Jo were going to be family.

We knew better. Wilma Joe and I were buddies, we knew each
others secrets, and we were comfortable with each other.  She
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 them and I was
Phil's best man at their wedding. Hell, I'm Godfather to  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 all right."

"Take a number, Kids,  momma's first." said Wilma Joe.

"Daddie's second!" yelled Phil as he swaggered up with his big
ham of a hand out. I took his hand and he pulled me to him 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." 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.  

When he told Wilma Jo and me the story of how you came to be
and he was your real father, he cried like a baby.  Damn, he had
Wilma Jo and me crying, too.  We couldn't have been happier for
the two of you.  It really meant a lot to him.  I know how close you
were to him over the years.  That man worshiped you, Billy.  We've
been out to clean his grave a couple of times this year."

"'Preciate that, Phil.  Ain't no way to measure how much I loved
my Uncle Bud.  I'm like you and Wilma Jo, I owe him so much.  I
never got to tell him how much he meant to me.  It's because of
him I'm alive today.  He saved my life in Nam."

I proceeded to tell Phil and Wilma Jo the story about me dying
and Uncle Bud coming to me.  Jim Redfeather calling out my name,
over and over, until I was able to raise my boot. Phil and Wilma Jo
never heard the story and were amazed.   

"You know what, Cowboy?  That sounds right to me."  said Big
Phil "Sounds like something Bud Cummings would do for his boy. 
He'd get up there, plant that big cowboy boot of his down and tell
God he had to let him save your life.  He wouldn't have taken no for
an answer neither.  Well, we loved him and we still do."

I really appreciate you good folks looking after his grave, Phil, 
and I know he would. Now, let's rodeo!"

"Come on, 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 up there two weekends
ago and got 'em.  We're board'n 'em for your dad but they're on their
way to Dan Yates' 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 ya'?  Dan was here about a month ago
and stayed damn near two weeks with your dad and Uncle Joe. 
They rodeoed all weekend for two weekends. Dan would rope with
your Uncle Joe and then with your old man.  Wilma Jo and I sat and
watched 'em get better'n better with every throw. Dan's a good
teacher.  He taught your dad and Uncle Joe some good shit about
roping and they've gotten damn good." 

"Those two old 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 laughed at us.

"They're good, Billy.  I've watched 'em beat almost every team
in the county." She added.

"You know, Cowboy, I roped quite a bit with Dan while he was
here.  He shared some good stuff with me.  Helped me a lot.  I
really like him, he's one hell of a man, Billy.  He reminds me a lot of
your Uncle Bud.  He sure thinks you hung the moon.  Can't say
enough good things about you." 

I've never seen two happier horses in my life than Dolly and
Madison when I walked up to the trailer and whistled.  I thought
Madison was going to kick his way out to get to me with Dolly right
behind him.  We got them settled down and out of the trailer.  They
followed me everywhere, like two puppies following their mother.
They weren't going let me out of their sight.

Cars, Trucks, Horse trailers were arriving from everywhere. 
Everyone got 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 okay.

We got Dolly and Madison saddled up and Phil and I started
practicing.  By late afternoon we were getting our timing and
starting down pretty good.  Phil wanted to rodeo late into the
evening but I'd 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 came down 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 wondered 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 the
world was coming to an end.

Dad and Lester followed me home in dad's truck. Uncle Joe
wanted to stay on at the rodeo grounds and was going to get a ride
home with Phil. We got home and I was exhausted.  All I wanted to
do was shower and hit the sack.  I assumed Dad and Uncle Joe
would be together and went to my room to undress and headed for
the shower.

Dad came into my room.  I didn't have a stitch on.  He put his
huge arms around me and held me. This was my old man's way of
asking without asking.  He knew I understood. Red wasn't with me
and he knew something was wrong.  I didn't try to hide my feelings
in front of my dad and almost shed a tear. I grabbed him and held
him tight with my head pressed tight against his chest.

"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' 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 that."  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 damn rodeo rival I'd 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 losing.

"Can I come get you when I'm though in the shower, Dad?"

"I'd like that."  We began our own private rodeo. He even wore
his big boots when he fucked me. Woah!  Was Uncle Joe right!  He
gave and got a better fuck wearing them damn boots.  I couldn't
have been more near heaven after we cleaned up and I was laying
there in his big arms; him whispering in my ear everything was
gonna' be all right, I'd see.  He wasn't gonna' let anything bad
happen to his boy. I believed him.

I don't care how 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 who needs a mommy or
daddy figure to tell them things aren't as dark as they seem. That
night Buck came to me again and was thrilled 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've loved to spent one night in my old man's arms. The old
man promised me when my dad crosses over, I'd get to spend the
first night in his arms.

I love you 'cause you got the balls to do what your heart tells
you.  Of course, I love you  'cause you're mine.  You always will be
and we'll be together again, you'll see, but the old man sent me to
tell ya' after the holidays you gotta' get back on the road and find
Red.

You gotta' swallow your pride,---well, some of it anyway. You
gotta' ride with him, Cowboy, be with him. It's important. How you
choose to do that's up to you but the Almighty wants 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 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.

"Oh, God, please let him stay a few more minutes, 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."

I told my dad the story of Red and T-bo.  How much it hurt when
I was just learning to trust 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.
I'll bet he's crazy to find you and have you forgive him.  Sometimes,
life isn't all about loving and getting, Son.   Sometimes it's about
forgiving others for shit they've done to us. 

The real trick is to love them anyway.  Now,  I ain't sayin' it's
easy.  Hell, it's probably one of the hardest things you'll ever try to
do and don't look to me as a poster boy.  I'm the world's worst at
holding grudges but your Uncle Bud never was.

You got his blood and his genes. I know you have a bigger heart
than I do. I've seen you swallow your pride a few times over the
years to mend a friendship.  See if you can't find it in your heart to
forgive the old bastard if that's what you feel God wants you to do."

"Well, I know I could 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. If'n I 'be' doling out my cowboy dick for free just make
damn sure it's a good blow job or I'll be asking your forgiveness for
the spanking you'll get."

I eased down on my old man's all ready stiff cock and sucked
him off good.  My dad has a strong flavor that's distinctively his.  A
good, masculine flavor that stays 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 B. G.-two and B. G.-three
were going be in for breakfast.

They wanted to be there to see us. Wasn't enough they were 
going to see us at the rodeo and picnic. I again tipped Louise and
Suzie a hundred bucks.  They, in turn, bought our breakfasts. 
They're sweet ladies and I love them both. 

We were early for church and the Reverend Mc Cree met us at
the front steps to welcome us. He heard I was in town and made
sure 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. 
We 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
sometimes to get it going again.  Shirley was a dedicated musician
and took pride in playing for the church.  It drove her nuts having to
stop every ten minutes and kick that damn organ. 

She would shake her head, grimace, tighten her lips and give
that fucking organ a kick that would make a place kicker on any
football team envious.  It would make the stained glass windows
rattle on each side of the church.  John the Baptist head almost fell
out one Sunday but a sharp usher saw it loose and grabbed it
before it fell to the floor. 

Finally, Shirley  solved the problem by having one of the kids of
the church stand by the organ with a baseball bat and when it
started to go she'd nod at him and he'd whack the shit out of it. 
That organ didn't dare cut out. I think it actually became afraid of
Shirley and decided it better not give her too much grief, it didn't
know what she might do next. 

She was a determined lady and I admired her. We'd be singing a
hymn, Shirley would nod, the kid would do his thing and all the old
ladies would drop there fox furs off their shoulder and anyone trying
to sleep through church suddenly woke up to the power of the
word.

They'd forget where they were, stand up  and yell at the top of
their voice, 'Hallelujah!' Couple of folks  lost their upper partials.
They'd go flying through the air and land on some old ladies big
cabbage rose hat.  Then she'd wear it along with the other flora and
fauna.  Dad allowed it improved several. 

I'll tell you one damn thing, Shirley Grimes put the fear of God in
that organ.  I hated to see her have to continue playing it but a
little disappointed we wouldn't have the surprise wacks any more. 
It made church a lot more fun.

 The Reverend thanked me and put the envelope in his breast
pocket as we went inside to sit down;  Me, Lester, Dad, Uncle Joe
and Aunt Laura, all on the front row.  Everyone came in and there
was more hugs and kisses from remote family.

The service started but there was 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.  He didn't
go to the pulpit but walked to the front of the audience.

 "Today my sermon was to be on giving and receiving.  I've tried,
as your minister,  to learn to give and sometimes I've been
successful.  To learn to receive is all together different. One must
allow the giver  their sense of contributing and feeling of personal
joy in the act of giving.

It's one thing to show appreciation,  another to be gracious.  
Today, your minister failed flatter'n a cow patty on a flat rock to
show proper appreciation or be gracious enough for a gift to our
church. A fine young man, one of the finest our community has
every produced,  handed me an envelope this morning as a
donation to the church organ fund.

I did my usual nod of appreciation and thanked him, slipped his
donation in my coat pocket and didn't open the envelope until I got
to my office. God sometimes works in mysterious ways to teach us
a lesson.  I passed out cold when I read the amount of the cashier's
check for twenty-five thousand dollars."  There was a mummer
went through the crowd and then applause.  Shirley Grimes almost
fainted.

"I want to apologize to you, Billy, before God and our church for
not taking the time to thank you more personally and to be gracious
enough to bring you joy for your unselfish act.  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. Then he took my hand, thanked me and raised both our hands
locked together above our heads to salute the congregation. 

"Now, let's rodeo!" he yelled at the top of his voice.

A cheer went up in our church like I've never heard before. 
Everyone was all over our family, Aunt Laura, me, dad, Lester,
Uncle Joe and the pastor. Shirley Grimes came over,  hugged me
real big and kissed me.
 
 "Cowboy, you don't know what this means to me." then she
started crying.  "See Billy," she found the strength to continue,
"God does answer prayers.  I asked him to send me an organ or an
angel.  He sent me both.  You're my angel."  Then she hugged and
kissed me again, this time giggling like crazy.  

Church was over early.  According to the Reverend, everyone 
learned a  lesson, 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 real
quiet. There was a silence you could've cut with a knife.

"What's with you guys, why's everybody so damn quiet?"

"Well, I don't know about your dad and Lester, Son, but I'm
s'damn proud of you I don't know what to say."  That was the first
time in my life Uncle Joe called me 'son.'

"I like that Uncle Joe, you should call me 'Son' more often.  In a
way, you're 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 laughed 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 an extra check I carried with me in case
Red and I got into trouble; if we needed some extra money.  I heard
at breakfast how bad the church needed a new organ and I've seen
poor Shirley kick that old organ since before I went to Nam. Her
foot's gotta' hurt."  The three of them went nuts laughing. 

"I just wrote the church's name on it and stuck it in an
envelope. I didn't think it would be that big a deal."

"Well, I can't speak for Lester but I'm damn proud of you, too,
Son. I was sitting there being broody like a mother hen that was
proud of her chick. " he laughed.

"Billy," Lester said putting his hands on my shoulder, "I'm proud
to call you my 'son' as much as them  two yahoo's."  I gave him a
hug.

"Thanks guys, now can we please get to the damn rodeo. Phil
and me's got us 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's old pickup truck and I helped load
Tucker and Max, Dad and Uncle Joe's two roping ponies into the
trailer. Dad was in his rodeo mood and I was wondering when the
drinking was going to 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
but 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 event 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. I
should've never had that last piece of pie but damn it was good. 
Everyone had a great time and Phil and I sat talking 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.

A good nights sleep in my dad's arms took my mind off my
troubles,  and I was focused.  To say nothing of the fuck that old
man threw into my ass. I know we need to go to church for soul
food but last night my old man gave me a glimpse of heaven.
Straightened me right out.  Screwed my head on tight. I could still
taste his strong masculine flavor on the back of my tongue.  I was
on.  Phil and I were hot.  Nothing,  this side of a major catastrophe, 
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 ass 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 'bull doggin' 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 and they were good.   Dad
roped the forward and Uncle Joe got the hinders quicker'n greased
owl shit.  Not a flaw. I wasn't worried, Phil and I'd been getting
better and better.

They released the steer and we broke the timer barrier after it. 
Phil had his rope around it in no time but the damn steer 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 he up-righted himself he kicked my
rope off.  The unthinkable had happened.  My dad, my old man and
his significant other, my uncle succeeded in doing what they set
out to do, stomp our butts.

I whooped and started laughing. I damn near 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. He
deserved it.  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
laughed.

"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!" shot back  my old man.  I got off Madison and pulled
him off his pony 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's hands as the recognized winners. 
Phil rode over and shook their hands.  We were still laughing. All I
could say over and over again was,

"A hundred bucks, that old fart planned this, I just know.  A
hundred bucks!"  Then I'd laugh again.  I told Phil and he told Wilma
Jo.  We had everybody laughing.

Did we party that night?  Oh, my God!  However, 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 in the world.   I
had my arms around a kid on either side of me and one in my lap.  I
was one of them and yet I wasn't one of them.  At that moment it
didn't matter, I belonged,  I was loved,  I was appreciated, 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.  It looked like we were going to
have cold weather for Christmas.  I said my goodbyes and hugged
Phil.  

"We'll take 'em next time, Phil." he agreed.  We both had a good
time whether we won or not.  In a way I was kind of glad my old
man won.  They won fair and square.  We didn't give it to him. Phil
and I didn't plan it.  I would have taken the win but there was just
something about my dad winning that put him a little higher on my
importance ladder.

He and Uncle Joe got 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 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 guys won,
fair and square.  Phil and I didn't give it to you.  The two of you
accomplished a goal you set out to do and worked hard for it. 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 but he should be by your side tonight, he's earned that right."

"I told him you'd feel that way. I told him so.  I told him, 'I know
my boy, Joe.'  But, Son, you'll have to go get him. He won't come if I
call him." I went to Uncle Joe's house and knocked on the door.  He
graciously asked me 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 the rodeo today and
you deserve to be together to share in that. I only want one more
evening alone with dad before I take off and I'll let you know. 

Otherwise, I ain't coming home much anymore if you're gonna'
act this way. Your place is beside my old man.  After all, he's your
old man, too."  He looked at me funny and laughed when he got the
double meaning.

"Can you imagine the fuck that old man's gonna' throw into your
ass tonight? I shudder to think."  Uncle Joe started laughing, I
started laughing, and then we hugged each other.

"Okay, Son, let me turn the lights off.  I'll walk back over with
you, and by the way, Billy, thanks."  We walked back arm in arm it
was so damn cold we held each other to conserve heat.  We came
inside, laughing and giggling.  Dad had hot coco waiting for us.

"You're  gonna' soak your feet in hot water before you jump in my
bed, Joe."  Dad barked at Uncle Joe.  I laughed at my dad thinking
how cold Uncle Joe's feet probably were. "I'll sit and soak mine
with you, though." 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 dad needed. 

The three of us grew to love each other more and more over the
years. My Uncle Joe lived his life in my dad's shadow. As I came to
know him closer over the years, I learned he was a man of many
talents and capabilities. Some he used, others he suppressed so he
wouldn't draw attention to himself and outshine my dad.

He devoted his entire life to my dad and my dad somewhat took
him for granted, until,---they sobered up. My dad suddenly woke up
to the treasure he had all those years, right under his nose.  Then
Joe began to reap the harvest of his years of devotion. 

Dad began to show the love to Joe that my uncle longed for all
those years and when the harvest was gathered my uncle found
himself a wealthy man.  Rich beyond his wildest dreams with the
love from a man that cherished him like no other.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Early the next morning everyone was up, getting ready for work. 
I got up and cooked breakfast. 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." dad whispered handing me the
phone.

"Master Ben, are you all right?"

"I'm calling to find out if you're all right, Cowboy.  Booger
contacted Harry and was upset about the two of you splitting up. 
He's in Las Vegas right now but Harry and I are in Reno. He knows
you're 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're 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'd 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 week. May I join you?"

"I would be honored and thrilled, 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 pickemup 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. He'll 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
Aunt's car or take my Bronco 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.

"Oh, hello Red, how're you?"  Dad paused to listen.  I shook my
head 'no' I wasn't here.

"No, Booger, we ain't heard from him."

"No.   No.   I will.   Yes.   Yes.    I'll tell him if we hear from him.
You two have a fight?  Okay,---all right 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 need to be apart for a while.  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'n  he ever realized.  Please forgive him."

"Well, I will. God says I have to, but not tonight or this week.  Let
him miss me for a while.  Christmas is coming and I'm going to
enjoy it; although, I do feel sorry for Red 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 in the last morning to make sure I got there in plenty of
time. I arrived at the airport and hour and a half early. I didn't have
lunch so I sat and snacked on some crackers and a Coke as I
watched Master Ben's plane arrive.  

Ben came down the ramp carrying a bag in one hand, some hang
up clothes thrown across his shoulder.  He was wearing the
biggest, black, western hat you ever saw.  He looked like someone
out of a western story book.  God,  he was a handsome man.  He
dropped his bag and carry on;  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,' Okay?  Unless of course, we're alone in your bedroom." 
he laughed.

"Ben it is, Sir." I replied laughing.  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 bananas.

"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  momma and daddy?  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 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 daddy 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."

"I promise, Little Sister."  We laughed. Ben and I walked back 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 impressed with the
beauty of the surrounding country side.  We drove up to the ranch
and they were there waiting for us. Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman and
their three big sons. 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 passing through on our way back to Mason, 
stopped in the store to say 'Howdy' to Little Sister and she
threatened us with our lives if'n we didn't get our butt'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.

"All right, Sir, we'd love to, you got reservations for two in the
barn?"  I laughed.

"Oh, hell no,  too 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 'til
sometime tomorrow if I can use your phone."

"Sure, Son, over here."

I called dad and told him where we were.  He asked if Ben was
all right and I assured him 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 Twisslemans and true to her
word, Betty Bob didn't say a word to her family Ben was the Prince. 
She wasn't the least intimidated by him either and flirted with him
shamelessly.  Ben knew she was kidding and had a delightful time.

Once again, the food  Mrs. Twissleman brought out was
unbelievable.  She cooked a prime rib roast that melted in your
mouth.  Ben ate like a hay hand in mowing season. He hadn't
experience good home cooking and couldn't get enough. He was so
use to restaurant food it was a real treat for him.  What really got
him was the iced tea in the mason jars.  He thought that was
wonderful.  It was a nice touch of Americana  he wouldn't
otherwise had a chance to experience.

The Twisslemans wanted to know all about me saving the
Prince's life. I told them it was no big deal.  I wasn't the real hero. 
It was little Steve who took the bullet.  I just reacted and threw the
Prince and myself to the floor to get him out of harms way. I
showed them the ring that Ben's dad gave me to induct me into the
Royal family.  They passed it around and were amazed.

"So you're a member of a Royal family, 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're 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," Mr. Twissleman touched Ben on the arm speaking to
him, "you're lucky to have such a fine man as Billy for a brother.  
Just don't go telling him no secrets, Ben."  They laughed and
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.

"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
Twisslemans. It was all he could talk about.  He felt so comfortable
with these people and accepted for who he was and not an Arab
Prince.  Even the three big Twissleman boys were polite, respectful
and  treated him like a family member.

Ben 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 'til after the holidays," everyone thought.  They'd 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 and your new son, Ben
Faisel.  Ben I want you to meet my dad and your new dad, Billy
Gunn Jr." Ben stuck out his hand. Dad took his hand then pulled
Ben to him and hugged him.

"You don't shake your 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 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
roared.

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

"Tell Ben who won, Cowboy," Dad goaded me, "go on, Son, tell
him."  Everyone in the diner was waiting for my answer.

"Well, Ben, Dad and my Uncle Joe kicked our butts.  They won,
fair and square.  First time I ever lost and wouldn't ya' know it
would be to my old man and uncle?  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 glad you could come out to 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 all ready.  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.

"B.G.-three, I've know'd you all my life. You and me, we grew'd up
together. Now,  just who th'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 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
myself. 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 and rodeo the next
Saturday.  It was going to be a private affair, Phil said.   We all
laughed at him and he laughed, too, knowing once the word got
around Phil and Cowboy were at the rodeo grounds, come on down. 
Let's rodeo!

We took Ben on a small walking tour of downtown Mason.  You
walk around the square and you've seen 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 kept it in pretty
good shape all these years.

Together he and Uncle Joe worked and repaired both houses. 
They kept 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 take a look,
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, beautiful table lamps, dresser and chest of drawers.  

They went out, bought all this stuff, had it delivered and set up
for me and Ben.  It looked like a room at the damn Hilton. I came
back down stairs. Lester, Uncle Joe and Dad had smug, self
satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Thank you, what more can I say?" I  hugged each one and poor
Ben was mystified. "Come with me, you have to see what these
men did for us."  I grabbed his luggage, hanging stuff and started up
the stairs.

 "You'll have to get the door for me, Ben. If'n you don't mind, Sir."
He opened the door and even he was wowed.

"They did all this today, for us?" Ben said  sitting on the bed and
bouncing a couple of times as if testing it.

"That's my family, Ben.  I know you would have been happy
bunking in my old room but they had different ideas as to your
comfort.  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, Billy. 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 gesture is of much greater
worth;  to me, anyway. You truly have become my brother, Cowboy. 
I know you've had it rough lately with Red, I'm sorry for that but 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, Ben then hugged each of my family and
thanked them individually.

"Well, I didn't want my two sons sleeping on some ratty old bed
we've had around here for years.  Time we upgraded our furniture
anyway.  'Sides that , Ben, if'n you decide to tear off a piece of the
cowboy's ass tonight, we won't be kept awake half the night by the
rusty bedsprings on Cowboy's old bed."  Ben doubled over with
laughter.  I did too.  My old man could say some of the most off the
wall shit I've ever heard.  He could be painfully funny at times.

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 wonderful  week together.  I pleasured that man any
and every way I could think of and invented a few of my own.  He
really got off on me cleaning his dusty boots when we came back
from walking around the town. We bonded as brothers.  We bonded
as Master and slave but  Ben was a wise man.  He knew I had
purposes in life I must take care of as he had.

We were 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."  He didn't have to
say any more.  I knew exactly what Ben meant.  Was I going to live
up to my commitment to Red  to be his slave or was I running when
the going got tough?  Was I his slave or was I just playing at it? You
can't have it both ways.  You either are, or you ain't.

I guess he was trying to say that even Masters make mistakes
and a good slave would swallow his pride and forgive his Master.
He didn't want to influence me but he made me see another side of
the question I hadn't considered.  Well, I 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. He offered me an ultimatum once to be his slave or else.

I gave him everything he wanted. I paid his price.  Now the boot
was on the other foot.  He was gonna' find himself on the other end
of an ultimatum.  If he didn't want to accept it, fine.  I'd wait a spell
and go on with my life.  He had no problem demanding what he
wanted from me, why should I eat shit to take him back?

I couldn't have been more wrong in my evaluation of the
situation.  If I was the slave I am today, it would never cross my
mind to play a game like that with my Master.  To fight Red for
control was a no win situation.  Even if he went along with me, I'd
be giving up that which I needed most from him, his control.

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 became legend in our town
and everyone wanted to be there to see who was going 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'd
finally done something in his life he worked hard for and helped
someone else along the way. 

I wasn't about to make it easy for him.  If he wanted to be the
best he had to beat the best. He probably wouldn't admit it but I
think he wanted to be good for me, too.  He needed me to be proud
of him.  I won either way.

I spent all week teaching Ben to ride western. He had a lot 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. 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 Ben 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 take a bad picture of him if I tried. 

I made up a picture board of him and I in our western outfits, on
horseback, separate and together. I included pictures of my family
and the community, the town square, the County Court House, the
park, and 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 my family to visit
Bahrain.  He said he was 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 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 with
abandon.  He thought they were wonderful. 

Ben and I loaded Dad and Uncle Joe's two ponies, Tucker and
Max.  We 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 arrived before us and the kids ran to Ben and I.  Ben
grabbed up Sally and I wrestled with Phil Jr.

Phil 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  gave 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 buy Phil Jr. a new pair of boots
and Sally a pretty new dress.  Buy yourself something too, Little
Sister."  She hugged and kissed me.

"You always were so good to me, Billy. That husband of mine
worships the ground you walk on and your Uncle Bud.  Oh, Lord! 
Don't even get him started on Bud.  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
Hussy!  We finally got Madison and her out. She followed Ben
everywhere.  Phil said she gets depressed when they go home.  Of
course Ben had a nice granny smith for her.  He made me make a
special trip to the market just so he could get her treats. 

She wasn't about to share it with Madison either. Phil had Wilma
Jo pulled his horse trailer behind his truck.  He  brought his ropin'
pony, Midnight, that he felt more comfortable on than Dolly.  We
were going all out to recapture our crown.  The enemy was equally
intent on keeping it.

Dad and Uncle Joe had their heads together talking strategy all
morning.  I laughed at them.

"How much fuck'n strategy do you need to throw a rope around a
damn cow's neck?"

 It was a warm day and the sweat band on dad's old hat was
soaked. Laying off the beer shaped him up a little bit and Uncle
Joe, too. They no longer had their beer guts.  For the first time, in a
long time, 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 okay.

"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 all
right?  Am I all right??  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 a big man get down from his truck and I let out a whoop you
could've heard in the next county.

It was the Twisslemans come to rodeo.  I got down off of
Madison and handed his reigns to Phil.  Ben went with me to
welcome them. We ran over 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'll 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 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 Junior, my Uncle Joe Potter
and my other dad,  Lester Thornton."  Mr. Twissleman didn't bat an
eye. He knew Lester was part of our family and that's all country
folks need to know to accept you.

"Damn good to meet you, Sir." said my dad to Ed Twissleman.
"Heard a lot about you, your family and your ranch. Hope to come
visit sometime and see for myself." dad said, shaking Ed
Twisselman's hand.

"You're all welcome anytime, Mr Gunn."  he replied.

"Just call me Billy, Mr. Twissleman."

"Then what do we call young, Billy, here."

"What everyone calls him, 'Cowboy.'"  The two of them had a
good laugh.

"Ed,---Joe, Lester, and me---well, we're so damn sorry for your
loss.  Your boy stayed with us that last week before returning to
boot camp with Cowboy, Buck and Ken.  Wasn't a finer boy walked
this Earth, Ed.   Hell, the whole damn town fell in love with him.  If
it wasn't for your boy, mine wouldn't have come home to me and for
that I'll be eternally grateful to your family and your son.  We loved
him a lot, Ed."

Big Ed Twissleman broke down. My dad grabbed him, held him
and cried with him.  My old man could be a good hearted man
sometimes and I was proud of him.  Ed thanked him and told him
they were so glad Cowboy made it back safely.   Dad was just
gonna' have to share me, 'cause they all ready consider me part of
their family.  Ed was better and they both had a laugh.

Mr. Twissleman walked over and  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'd never have 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 helped his boys
get their horses from their trailers. Someone yelled,

"Let's rodeo!" 

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.  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 worked up an apatite. He fell in
love with iced tea.  He never drank it before and developed a taste
for it.

Ben was having a world of new experiences among good folk
who 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  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 steer 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 Twisslemans were
second and Dad and Uncle Joe were third. We all roped 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 and Toller Twissleman grabbed the best time the next round
and Dad and Uncle Joe beat our 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 us some first class ropers
here today."

"Looks that way, Mr. Gunn." Phil allowed.

The Twisselmans went first and bettered their time.  They were
dead on. Dad and Uncle Joe were next.  Dad got the rope on the
steer right out of the chute but Tucker pulled too hard and started
dragging the critter across the arena.  There was no way Uncle Joe
could get his rope under the hinders and the Twisslemans won. We 
rode over and shook hands as the crowd went nuts.

"Hell, Ed, we didn't invite you down here to show us up. 
Congratulations, that was some damn fine rope'n."  Dad told him as
he laughed and shook Ed Twissleman's hand.

"You done good, Son.  Some fine rope'n." Dad spoke to Toller as
he shook the young man's hand.

"You two are damn good, Mr. Twissleman, Toller.
Congratulations! 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 nightfall came. 
We took the Twissleman's horses to Phil and Wilma Jo's ranch
south of town, helped unload 'em, wipe 'em down and fed them. 
They were gonna' leave them there and come stay with us. 

We turned Uncle Joe's big house over to the Twisslemans.  There
was a bedroom for all.  Uncle Joe kept his house in tip top
condition at all times and had a house cleaning lady come in once a
week. Everything was spotless and all the beds were made.  He
showed Mrs. Twissleman and Betty Bob where everything 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
for the rodeo grounds. We rodeoed some but people started leaving
in the early afternoon.  The Twisslemans 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 and wished her
a Merry Christmas.

"I love you, Little Sister."

"You know I love you, Big Brother." then she whispered, "Your
Prince loves you, too." Then she giggled like a school girl.

"What did Little Sister 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, but more importantly, the
language of love.



End of Chapter 11~ Booger Red & Cowboy
Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf