Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
ROD
During November, my regular college routine settled in.
The rumor started by Alfonso Ortega faded along with his reputation, thanks to microscopic oversight of his courses by Janice Cartwright, who was monitored by Dr. Waverly.
Stella’s antics settled to a simmer, replaced by a focus on Fine Arts activities and an almost predatory attention to my needs.
“Are you okay, Dr. Bonner? You ran around all week like you were being chased by wild boars. You might cut back on the coffee intake.”
“I’m fine, but ready for the long weekend.” I raised one knee to help straighten the stack.
“Oh? Anything particular happening in Kerrville?”
Camping on the ranch with Wyl was none of her business.
I learned my lesson and kept my off-campus activities with Wyl to myself.
Her assumption that we were headed to Kerrville went uncorrected.
She wouldn’t find out if we went. “Yeah.” I dropped my knee and positioned the papers in the crook of my right arm, and glanced at my watch.
“Hey…gotta run.” I sprinted down the hall to my classroom.
Rushing through Wednesday's classwork, I let the students go a half hour early. Back in my office, I struggled to finish the annual performance reviews for the instructors in my department. Visions of Wyl’s brilliant smile kept creeping into my thoughts, making work impossible.
The morning dragged on forever, but noon arrived, and I locked up my office and rushed home.
I wasn’t sure what clothes I needed for horseback riding and camping, but I packed for the four-day weekend.
I needed to keep clothes at the ranch. I added a few items to a second duffel to leave in Wyl's room.
All packed, I grabbed a warm coat and gloves to ward off the cool November nights, loaded everything in the truck, locked up the house, and drove toward the ranch.
I shivered with excitement about the upcoming adventure.
My dream of a horseback ride was coming true, and I would spend the entire weekend on Sterling Ranch with Wyl.
I thought back to our long weekend in Kerrville and hoped we wouldn’t have any trauma.
It was odd how we attracted trouble. The good thing is that we always go after each other and work through the situation together.
On Thanksgiving Day, we had a simple breakfast. Walt watched the ball game.
Wyl and I played a few rounds of dominoes.
For our late lunch/early dinner, Wyl grilled steaks.
I had brought yams to roast. I fixed a cranberry relish and a pecan pie for our dessert.
Fat and happy, we relaxed on the patio until late-day temperatures brought a chill to the air.
It was the best Thanksgiving I’d had in years.
Friday morning, we stood in the kitchen with steaming mugs of coffee. “This campout is all Wyl talked about for weeks. I thought this day would never come,” Walt said. “At least now he’ll shut up. He’s been a different person since y’all got back together.”
“Shut up, Walt.” Wyl grinned and picked up his mug.
“Hey…I can be happy for my brother if I want.” Walt gave him a punch in the arm.
I chuckled. “Walt’s the one who got us back together, so he has a stake in this game.”
“Damn straight.” Walt saluted me with his coffee.
Wyl set his coffee down. He came over, took my mug, set it beside his, and hugged me. “You’re right, babe. I tend to forget Walt called you and started our reconciliation.”
“Okay, enough of the mushy stuff,” Walt said. “What are you doing for Christmas, Rod? I enjoyed having you around for Turkey Day. And Wyl did, too. Do you have anything planned?”
I glanced at Wyl before focusing on Walt. “After my folks were gone, I began spending the holidays at my place in Kerrville. Do you two want to come down?”
Walt shook his head. “Traditionally, we cater a meal for the ranch hands and join them. We give out Christmas bonuses and a little wrapped gift for each. Since most don’t have families, or at least not families they are close to, we make the effort because it means a lot to them. I hoped you could join us.”
I thought for a moment. I dreamed of Wyl spending Christmas with me in Kerrville, but given the tradition Walt mentioned, Wyl needed to be on the ranch. “Sure, Walt. I’d love to be included in the Sterling Ranch Christmas tradition.”
“Great!” Walt grabbed me around the shoulders in a sideways hug. “Now, you two skedaddle. You’ll enjoy seeing the ranch on horseback, Rod. And be sure Wyl introduces you to the new horse…the one I bought in Oklahoma City. She’s a beauty. We hope she’ll give us a few colts at some point.”
“Speaking of horses, you ready?” Wyl added our coffee mugs to the sink.
“Do I need to saddle Blanket?”
Walt chuckled. “Have you ever saddled a horse?”
Heat rushed to my face. “No.” I glanced at Wyl. “But I hoped a big, strong rancher might help me.”
“Not necessary.” Walt shook his head. “While you guys were in the shower, I saddled Blanket and Sarge. Your horses are ready and waiting.”
Although riding a horse was on my bucket list, my stomach trembled as we approached the barn. Being on a horse was a lot different than hoping to ride a horse in the future. The future was here.
* * *
Sarge and Blanket stood saddled and ready to go. Each horse had gear already strapped on. Wyl showed me the saddlebags. I stowed my stuff and buckled the saddlebags closed.
“C’mere.” Wyl tugged my vest, and our lips brushed together. “All week, I anticipated this moment. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”
I blinked away the sting of happy tears. “Being with you is all I think about. It’s hard to believe we met three short months ago.”
“I think we weathered a couple of storms and came to a point where being together made us both stronger.” Wyl pulled me in for another quick kiss.
“And since you start your cowboy journey today, I have something for you.” He pulled a box from an empty stall and offered it to me. Stetson labeled the outside.
I reached to take it.
“No. Remove the lid while I hold the box.”
I pulled the lid up and off and set it on Blanket’s saddle. Inside lay a beautiful light gray western hat. I ran my fingers over the soft crown.
“A cowboy hat for me?” I gazed at Wyl, a broad smile on my face.
“I told you I’d make a cowboy out of you,” Wyl said.
Reaching in, I lifted the hat by the brim. The label inside read El Presidente.
“This is the hat presidents wear,” Wyl said. “Well…okay…LBJ wore. The softness is from fur felt, and what’s good enough for a president is perfect for my special cowboy. Go ahead. Try it on.”
I slipped the hat onto my head. I had worn regular hats on occasion, but never a cowboy hat. To my amazement, it was a perfect fit. “How did you guess my size?”
“Honey, your head and my hands are no strangers,” Wyl said. “And I’m not talking about your other head. The Stetson looks good on you.”
I took off the hat and attacked Wyl with a passionate kiss. This man was more than a blessing; he was a treasure. “Thank you, babe. I’ll keep this hat forever.” I put it back on.
“You’re welcome, cowboy. Oh…and come to meet Walt’s new horse.” Wyl had led me to an empty stall in early September when he brought me to meet the horses. Now, a beautiful white American Quarter Horse poked her head out to greet us. “Meet Princess.”
“She’s beautiful.” I reached and stroked her muzzle. Princess lifted her head into my hand.
“She likes you,” Wyl said.
“How can you tell?”
“Horses have a sense about people. She lifted into your touch. After you learn to ride, we’ll check with Walt about you riding her.
She’s gentle, well trained, and responsive…
as a fine horse should be.” Wyl patted her neck.
“I’m glad Walt got her. He likes to take her on early morning rides.
After our parents died in the plane crash in the New Mexico mountains, Walt ran this ranch until I retired from the Marines.
The ranch is all he has besides me, so I encourage him to enjoy himself.
” Devotion for his only brother shone through Wyl’s words.
The connection was evident between Wyl and Walt, especially in terms of physical appearance and mannerisms. And they were close.
Walt's encouragement for Wyl to come after me was a testament to the closeness.
I looked forward to many years with both of them.
I stroked Princess one more time before following Wyl to the saddled-up horses. I stroked Blanket’s muzzle. “Do you think Blanket likes me?”
Blanket nodded his head. “He answered," Wyl said. "You ready to ride?”
“You bet. Show me what to do. I’m all yours!”
“I bet you say that to all the ranchers.”
“I met only one, so yes.” I winked at Wyl.
“What about Walt? He’s more of a rancher than I, making him a real cowboy.” Wyl said.
“Okay, so only special ranchers who give me cowboy hats.”
“And this rancher isn’t planning to let you go any time soon.”
I found leather gloves on Blanket’s saddle. “What are these for?”
“Riding gloves. Riding is better with gloved hands, especially for new riders. Your hands are soft and tender, and I want you to keep them that way. I have gloves, too.”
I put on my gloves and climbed into the saddle.
“We’ll keep the horses to a walk until you adapt to the saddle,” Wyl said. “When you’re ready, we’ll try a trot. Once your confidence is built up, we’ll let them gallop. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
I caught Wyl’s grey-green eyes gazing up at me. “I’m not three, and I rode a horse before…years ago…once. So I’m a horseman, right?” I bit my lower lip to hide a smirk.
Wyl shook his head. “Well, you’re at least part of a horse.”
I thought for a second before letting out a low groan. “You’re a funny guy who obviously doesn’t want playtime in the tent tonight.”
Wyl tugged my arm and pulled me down for a kiss. “As if you'd resist my charms.”