Dante woke before me and made us breakfast. Then he woke me with a kiss. Which I like him doing.
"Good morning," I said stretching.
"Good morning. Breakfast is getting cold," he told me with that wicked grin of his.
Then Dante held up a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. All I could do was laugh, and put them on.
We ate quickly, after breakfast, we saddled seven horses in short order. We had learned that Alice couldn't come because her family had plans. So Bob was bringing only the boys and Jean.
Then Bob’s van pulled in. But only Bob and the three boys got out.
"Jean decided to stay home," Bob said before I could ask.
But then we heard the gravel crunch. It was Jean in their sedan.
"Mom changed her mind," Charlie said stepping forward to open the door. But then the passenger door opened. As Jean got out the driver's side.
"Alice had her plans fall through," Jean told us seeing the smile on Charlie's face. "So I brought her out."
"That's great," Dante and I said.
"I'm glad you could come," Charlie said taking Alice's hand.
"So am I," Alice said smiling at Charlie. Both were obviously smitten with each other.
"Besides. It's been a while since we've been out riding together," Jean said grabbing Bob's arm.
"Mom!" Charlie and Daniel said in a chorus.
"I think it's cute," Alice said with a pout as she took Charlie's arm. Charlie blushed.
Angel and Dante followed suit. Dante grabbed a lasso and started into the corral.
"Billy, the only ones left are Mouse and the stallion," Dante told me.
"I'll grab the hackamore and my Texas Hope," I told him. When I grabbed the hackamore, the stallion walked down to me.
"I think I have a name for you finally," I said sliding the hackamore on him.
"What's that?" Angel asked while he checked his saddle.
"Well he's a Zebra*Dun," I said. "So how about Zeb." *British pronounceation Zeb-ra.
"What do you think?" I asked as I threw the saddle over Zeb's back.
Angel turned to look at me. He looked at Zeb and me. Then nodded.
"I like it," he said smiling. "And whoever saddled my horse. You did a good job."
So we mounted up and headed out on the ranch. I showed them the petroglyphs in one of the canyons. My Corriente cattle and longhorns. Which had several calves each. One of the Longhorns I had hand raised. She let me walk up and check her calf. She was nervous but stayed calm for me.
When I told them that a few people giggle. Including Dante. But Angel backed me up. It seems his family had had a ranch til his father had passed. He too had raised a calf who followed him, almost, everywhere.
We saw Mule deer and elk. Hunting this fall might be nice I thought to myself.
As we rode back to the corral. Some of the loose horses fell in with us. It looked at like they were herding us. What a site.
Then as the house and corral came into view. Dante rose in his stirrups. We saw his parents car. Then we saw Sam and Diane on the patio.
"Jean, would you and Alice go up to the house?" I asked her. "There's stuff in the fridge to make all of us sandwiches."
"Come on Alice," Jean replied understanding what I wanted. "We'll get some lunch ready."
"Do you want anything special Charlie?" Alice asked him causing him to blush again.
"Whatever you fix'll be fine," Charlie said a little embarrassed. "Mom knows what I like Alice."
"Charlie liked those ribs we had yesterday," Jean told her just loud enough for us all to hear clearly.
"I believe there is some left," I told Jean and Alice.
I'll give you girls a hand," Diane said after walking down with Sam. Dante relaxed as if a weight came off.
The three of them walked back up to the house. We made quick work of unsaddling and brushing out the horses. Sam decided to help since the girls went up to fix lunch.
"So dad," Dante said. "How's mom feeling?"
"Well she was worried," Sam told him. " She didn't sleep at all last night. So cut her a break."
I looked into Dante's eyes. When he sighed I knew he understood. And I smiled.
I was turning Zeb into the corral. When I saw Alice coming back. She walked right to Charlie.
"Mrs. Driscoll and Mrs. Green asked me to let you know that lunch is ready on the patio," she said taking Charlie's hand.
Several of us thanked Alice.
"Oh, Marshal Hickok," Alice suddenly said causing me to turn. "I would like to thank you for letting Charlie ask me to come riding today."
"I've never done this before. And I would love to come again."
Charlie instantly turned red. Not that I or anyone else noticed.
"You're welcome Alice,"I told her. "And you're welcome to come anytime we can have you out."
Then she leaned over and kissed Charlie's cheek. Then she took hold of Charlie's arm as they walked together.
"Marshal Hickok," Angel said as he walked with Daniel. "I too would like to thank you and Dante for allowing me to come as well."
"The same goes for you as well Angel," Dante said after I nudged him. "You're welcome anytime. And I saddled your horse this morning."
"Now let's eat," I said as we walked.
"Maybe Daniel and I could spend the night sometime?" Angel asked to Daniel's surprise. "Say after the picnic next week."
Bob, Sam, and I were totally taken aback by the bold young man's request. Dante, on the other hand, was most definitely was not.
"Nice try," Dante said as Daniel punched Angel in the arm. "If! It is okay for Daniel and you to stay. Your pants stay on."
Daniel was mortified and started shaking his head at Angel. Who just rolled his eyes at Daniel.
"Okay," Angel said a little dejected. "You can't blame me for trying. Look at how cute he is."
Then he gave Daniel a quick kiss.
"Angel!" Daniel squealed turning red as his mom came around the corner.
"The food is ready," Jean said with a smile. "But I see Angel has what he wants."
"Mom!" Daniel said. Charlie laughed getting a swat from Alice.
Bob quickly took Jean aside to talk. Poor Daniel noticed and turned red again. Charlie had noticed but he patted his brother on the back.
They grabbed some sandwiches, chips, and ribs. The boys and Alice sat at the far end. Dante and his parents sat here at the near end. And I sat next to Dante.
"All right mom," Dante said. "I'm ready to answer your questions."
"I don't need to ask any questions," Diane told him. "I can see you both are handling it just fine."
"Both?" Dante asked a little confused. "What..."
"Billy is part of your life now," Diane said to us. "If you think he wasn't scared by what happened to you. Why are you with him?"
"I didn't think about that," Dante said turning to look at me.
"I'm sorry," Dante said giving me a kiss.
"Well you didn't need to," I said as I kissed him back.
"Hey Billy," Bob said calling me over. So I got up and went to to talk to them.
"So I've told Jean about what Angel asked," Bob told me. "We're okay with it. If you are okay with it."
"Then we'll ask Angels mom if you are," Jean said.
"Hang on," I said motioning Dante over. "It's not just up to me anymore."
"What's up?" Dante asked coming over.
"What do you think of Daniel and Angel spending the night?" I asked him.
"I think it's fine," Dante replied unfazed by the question. "We'll just have to watch them closely."
"Separate rooms to sleep?" I asked to gauge his thoughts. But he just looked hard at me. "Okay same room."
Bob and Jean were obviously taken aback.
"Well I'll take Charlie and Alice inside," Jean said coming around.
"Jean," Bob said stopping his wife. "Charlie and Alice already know about it and they'll find out. So let's not try to hide anything from them."
"And maybe you could come out with Charlie and Alice sometime," Dante told Jean.
"Come on," I said "There's only one way to know. Let's talk."
Daniel was watching and edging closer to Angel. Charlie too was watching. So we walked back to the table where they sat.
"Daniel, Angel," Bob said addressing them "We've talked it over."
"Billy and Dante say it's okay for you two to stay over next weekend."
"That's if it's okay with your mother Angel,"Jean added quickly.
"Right," Bob said.
"Woohoo!" Daniel whooped. Then he grabbed Angel, kissing him on the lips.
Realizing everyone was looking. He turned red again.
"Sorry," he said.
"Why?" Dante asked with a smile. "And Charlie, Alice we're working on something for you two for later."
"There will only be kissing," Bob told them trying to be suttle.
"And guys," Dante said. Something more than a t shirt and socks to sleep in." Causing Angel to frowned.
"You're suppose to be on our side," Angel told Dante with a frown still on.
"I am," Dante replied. "But you're wanting to move to fast."
"I can tell you. You'll get what you want in time."
Dante messed Angel's hair up as he walked by. As he went to sit with his parents. Angel promptly smacked Dante's ass.
"HEY!" Dante yelped looking at me accusingly at me. "Did you...?"
"Not a word," I chuckled.
Everyone looked at us puzzled by the exchange. I just smiled.
When lunch was over. We cleaned up quickly. Jean then loaded the boys and Alice in the van and left.
Bob and Sam held back. Diane knew what was coming.
"Sam and I talked about it," Bob said "If you want us at the arraignment tomorrow. We'll be there."
"No," I said. "I've got this."
"What arraignment?" Dante asked walking over with his mother.
"Grossman's for yesterday," I told him. Diane looked at her son as did I. You could see the anger in his face.
"When do we go?" Dante asked keeping his cool, barely.
"Well you'll be at the dojo with Sebastian," I told him. "I'll go to the arraignment."
"No!" Dante said letting go a little. "I'm...,"
"To emotionally involved," I said cutting him off. "Tell you what. You call Sebastian to let him know. And if he wants to come, then you can."
"Fine!" Dante said fuming a little. Then started to pull out his phone when.
"Now how about that smack on the ass thing?" Sam asked changing the subject. Dante froze as his mom and dad looked at him.
"Really?" Dante said taken by surprise. "You want to know about that?"
"Well, Dante likes having his ass smacked every once in a while," I told them exaggerating a bite. Now Dante was getting red.
"Really?" Sam asked in amazement.
"He did when he was little too," Diane told me with a smile. "He'ld go so far as to tell on himself"
"I forgot about that," Sam said. The three of us laughed, but Dante.
"Mom!"
"Come here and give me a hug," Diane said holding out her arms. Dante hugged his mother. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Billy," Diane said. To my surprise holding out her arms. We hugged and I to got a kiss on the cheek.
"Welcome to the family," she said when she turned me loose. Sam was hugging Dante. Then he shook my hand.
"Thank you two," I said as Dante came over.
"So welcome to the family," Dante said grabbing me around the waist.
Hey Bob I'll see you at the picnic," I said. "Sam I'll see you Tuesday for the auto auction."
"Say at Mama Fernandez place," Sam said getting a funny look from Dante and Diane.
"You've been to Mama Fernandez's place?" Dante asked his dad. Sam just smiled at his son.
"What's Mama Fernandez's place?" Diane asked her husband as Dante, Bob, and I laughed.
"Well I guess we're going there for dinner," Sam told her with a kiss. And then they all left.
Dante and I stood there watching as they drove off. I slipped my arm around his waist as they drove out of sight.
"Sooo, you don't like being spanked?" I asked Dante.
"I didn't say that," Dante said sheepishly. "Let's feed the horses. They deserve that don't you think?"
"They do," I told him.
"Then we can continue this conversation in the hot tub." he said.
Then he kissed me. We fed the horses and filled the stock tank pool up behind the house.
"One more thing," I said.
So Dante grabbed and kissed me.
"So what one more thing?" Dante asked me with a smile.
"Well that was the one more thing," I said. Then I spun Dante and a spanked his ass.
"Hey!"
"No, we already feed the horses," I joked.
"Funny, very funny," said Dante.
We walked back up to the house. We left our cloths at the foot of the bed and I drug Dante into the bathroom. Forgoing the hot tub.
"So was your mom worried?" I asked Dante as the warm water washed over us.
"She's my mom," Dante told me. "But she said when she saw us. She knew I was fine. And you truly were the one."
Then he kissed me long and hard. And all was right in our world.
"So I'll wash your back if you wash mine?" Dante asked. I picked up the soap. Taking him in my arms while I soaped him up. Even though we were chest to chest.
I woke to Dante and I were holding each other. I kissed Dante lightly on the cheek. When he didn't wake up. I put a pillow in his arms to let him sleep.
I slipped into the bathroom to get dressed after my morning kiss. As I stepped out Dante was slipping into his underwear.
"First. It's about time," Dante said dashing into the bathroom.
"The door wasn't locked. And you can come in anytime," I told him.
"Second. What's the idea of a pillow?" He asked while busy.
"Well I was going to let you sleep while I fix breakfast," I said giving him a kiss. "But since you're up."
"How about you fix coffee. And I'll go feed the horses."
"How about we feed the horses and go to Mama Fernandez's," Dante countered. "Sebastian is going to meet us there."
"Sounds like a plan," I said chuckling at him.
We fed the horses some grain this morning. As most of roll was still in the feeder. Dante called Sebastian again to let him know where to meet.
While we ate we talked. Sebastian wanted to talk his mother out of trying to intervene in his half brothers arraignment. Let him stay in jail was his attitude.
We parked in the court house garage. There I checked them both for things they had to leave in the vehicle. Then we went in. They went through security while I just showed my badge.
We found the court room and Sebastian's mother. The prosecutors saw me and were ready to talk. They offered him a plea deal. If he would plead guilty they would go easy on him.
It was offered to him and his attorney. He turned to glare at Sebastin, Dante and myself. But then Bob, George, and Sam came in with Jessie in tow. Their mother pleaded with him for a minute.
Then he was called to enter a plea. He plead guilty. And the deal acknowledged. Their mother thanked us for the deal. Bob, George, Sam, and Jessie left ahead of us.
But as we walked into the hall. They were all leaned against the wall waiting.
"I thought I said I had this," I said pretending to be mad.
"Well we need to talk to you," Bob said with a big grin. "Something new."
"Well?" I asked him huffing a little.
"Well Sam has officially joined our team," Bob said which I wasn't expecting. "Not Ethan's."
"Well I didn't know anything about this," I said. "Congratulations Sam."
We shook hands. Dante hugged his dad. "Congrats dad."
"Now for the other thing," Bob said.
"Well what else?" I asked.
"Jessie can't ride, at all," Bob told me. "I figured since you were on vacation you could get him in the saddle."
"Well neither could you or George," I told them. Making Jessie feel better. "How about you Sam. I'm guessing you can." Sam nodded with a chuckle.
"Well this week is kind of busy," I said. "And I have to call BLM to see when the next Mustang Adoption is."
"Well I called and theres one next Thursday," Bob told me.
"And they'll have quit a few burros as well," he added.
"That's great news Bob," I said mystifying Dante.
"Burros?" Dante asked me.
"Yeah, burros," I told him. "The boy scouts over on Kirtland (Air Force Base) want some. They plan to use them for long hikes to carry supplies."
"Interesting," Dante said. "So now what?"
"Well I was thinking lunch," I said with a smile. "Then the dojo for you."
"Oh!"
"You didn't think you were getting out of it?" Sebastian asked. "Did you?"
Dante groaned. But the rest of the day was busy. At first Dante was a little clumsy in the dojo. But after few good laughs for me and the kids. Dante got fired up. And once or twice Sebastian got taken by surprise.
We met Sam the next morning at Mama Fernandez's for breakfast. And Diane decided to tag along. Dante fell in love with a Chevy crew cab dually. It was nice with an aftermarket Cummins diesel and a 5 speed transmission. And Dante was quite capable of driving a manual.
Sam followed us back to the ranch. Dante jumped out whopping and hollering. Then he ran right up and into my arms. He kissed me hard on the lips. Sam coughed reminding him that he and his mother were there.
"Oh yeah," Dante said letting go. Then hugging his dad and mom. "Thank you guys. It drives like a dream."
"Well we only pitched in $1250 each," Sam told him laughing. "And remember you have 30 days to get new insurance."
"Quit being a cop," I joked. "Besides I took care of it already. Just need to print it off when we get inside."
Dante flew into my arms again. But I only got a hug this time. Then he hugged his mom.
"Sam," I said shaking his hand.
"Take care of him," Sam said as we shook hands. "Okay?"
"Hey Dante. How about you get some meat out for tomorrow's cookout please," I asked.
"I don't have a key for the freezer yet," Dante said holding out his hand.
"Well your keys are on the kitchen table," I said with a smile.
"Really? My own keys!" Dante said excited.
"Well go on," I said. Dante took off for the house.
"Things are moving fast for you guys," Diane said. "I have to ask."
"Well you don't," I told her. "But I do want to ask something of you two."
"How about we wait til Saturday," Sam said cutting me off.
"We have to get home," Sam said whispering into Diane' s ear. "I hate to be short. But..."
"Let's talk Saturday," Diane said giving me a kiss on the cheek.
"Okay," I said. I suspected something was up. But I dropped it.
I went up to the house. Dante and I got ready for the cookout. When I mentioned wanting to talk to his parents, but they left. Dante smiled and talked about the cookout.
The guys started showing up about noon for the cookout. Dante watched anxiously for Tom and Sebastian. They were almost the last ones to show up.
They made their way around to Dante and me. Saying hello to everyone. Then they finally came over to us. We turned. Dante was nervous. But Tom smile and kissed Dante on the cheek.
"Thank you, both," he said finally.
"Yes!" Sebastian said with a big grin. "Thanks."
And he too kissed Dante on the cheek, and me. Then they kissed each other drawing hoops and holler.
"So have you two done more than kiss yet?" Dante asked with that impish grin of his. Which I slapped his ass for it.
Tom got as red as a lobster. While Sebastian just smiled and raised his eyebrows in answer. Tim and Brad the football player walked over hand in hand.
"So Marshal Hickok. Can we use the hot tub?" Tim asked.,
"First it's Billy," I told him. "Everyone got that?"
Everyone acknowledged in one form or another.
"Second?" Someone asked.
"Foods ready," I told them. "Let's eat. Then the hot tub and pool are open."
"One last thing. Cloths go on the tablets we set up," I told them.
"What's with putting our cloths on the table?" Tim asked.
"To keep your cloths off the ground," Dante told them. "So you don't end up with a scorpion, snake, or spider in them."
Some of the guys were looking around looking for one of the afore mentioned critters. Some of them just chuckled.
Dante and I were grinning.
"Guys it's just a precaution!" Dante told them. "Let's eat!"
"One last thing guys," I said. "Thank you all for coming and allowing me in."
They clapped and cheered. Several patted us both on the back and a few kisses.
We ate, we talked, and we laughed. A lot of the guys had been unsure about Dante and me. But they were all happy with the outcome.
"All right guys," I said. "The hot tub and pool are open." Before I could say more. A half a dozen were already naked and in the hot tub.
Dante already had towels out for everyone. Tom was down to his boxers. But he froze.
"Come on Tommy," Dante said. He and Sebastian took a side. "Everyone wants to see."
Tom closed his eyes.
"Go ahead," he told them. They promptly pulled down his underwear. Followed by howls, hoots, and a few "Oh my Gods!".
The four of us then walked up to the pool. I slipped off my jeans, and checked the water. It was warm and inviting.
Dante took the opportunity to pop me with a towel. While I was bent over. He smiled then kissed me when I didn't react.
Sebastian and Tom got into the pool. As Dante bent over to check the water himself. I just took him in.
Dante roared up out of the water. Spitting, sputtering, and shaking water out of his eyes. I had already moved to the side, smiling.
"NOT FUNNY!" Dante roared. Then I heard a smack and Dante yelped. He spun to see Sebastian and Tom grinning and giggling about it.
"Hey! Did you ....?" Dante started to demand.
"No! You did," Sebastian said cutting him off. "Remember Monday at the dojo?"
"Oh yeah," Dante replied sheepishly. And finished it with a nervous giggle.
"Its real cute too," Tom added as Dante sat down next to me.
"So you guys have been talking about my ass?" Dante asked.
"Well Tommy and I have," Sebastian said with a grin.
"We'ld like to get in on that,," Tim said getting Brad to agree with him.
"Just so everyone knows," I said. "Dante's ass is mine."
"To smack and..."
I then leaned over and gave Dante a kiss.
"Is that why the pistol?" Tim asked me.
"Or are you expecting someone armed to show up looking for you?" Brad asked. Realization registered on Sebastian's face.
Dante lunged up. I grabbed his wrist to settle him down.
"He's done it for me," Dante told them. "Because someone did come looking to kill him."
"What. Dante who?"
"My half brother," Sebastian said. "The campus cop."
"Well guys let's just forget it," I said. "Its been handled."
"So Dante. Do you have a new truck yet?" Tom asked picking up on my suggestion.
"Yes," Dante said cheering right up. "That Chevy crew cab dually 4X4 out front."
"Its got a Cummins diesel and has a 5 speed trany."
"Not bad for $5500.00," I added
"I guess it's got a trailer hitch," Tom asked.
"Regular and gooseneck," Dante said puffing up with pride.
"Ooooh!" several chorused.
"Well we need to practice for the state fair rodeo," Dante said ignoring them.
"But where?" Tom asked him. "Mr. McAllister is getting rid of his rodeo steers."
"How about here," I said as Dante looked at me all happy.
"That's right. You have Corriente cattle," Dante told Tom. "And?"
"And Tom can keep his horse here to make it easier," I said pinching Dante's ass.
"Hey!" Dante yelped. "If you want to play. Let's get go inside."
"Well shall we go inside then?" I asked as I helped Dante up. Our intentions were known to all.
"So does that mean we have to leave?" Tim asked getting up out of the pool.
"No," I told him. "We've got spare bedrooms and two sleeper sofas."
"Oh we've got futon mattresses too," Dante added.
"Hey guys!" I said loud enough to get everyone's attention. "Since some have been drinking. Everyone is invited to stay please."
Everyone agreed to stay. Some of us went inside. Some were naked and some weren't, yet. Dante was happy that Tom and Sebastian were really into each other.
The afternoon and evening went quite well. Dante was happy the rest of the day.
The next morning we cooked breakfast out on the patio, cowboy style. I was noticing Dante talking with everyone. That is till I walked up and they'ld go quiet.
Then once everyone else was gone. Tom and Dante went to get Tom's horse. They'ld be gone over two hours.
While they were gone. Sebastian and I rounded up about a dozen of the Corriente cattle for roping practice. I got to know Sebastian. He told me more about his relationship with his older half brother.
We herded the steers into the practice corral. Dante and Tom had just pulled in just ahead of us.
Dante was checking out Tom's new horse. A quarter horse gelding that was a beautiful blood bay color. He was obviously larger than Dante's pinto.
"He looks good," I said as we unsaddled our horses. "Now you guys need to figure out who heads and who heels."
"Well I usually head and Tommy heels," Dante told me.
"This is a new horse for you Tom?" I asked. Dante and Tom looking at each other.
"Oh, yeah," Dante said.
"So are you thinking they won't work well together?" Tom asked concerned.
"I haven't said that," I told them. "But I'm going to suggest we work on that after lunch."
"Well let's saddle up and get to it," Tom said.
"Let's get some lunch first," Sebastian said as he slid his arm around around Tom's waist.
"Okay," Tom said kissing Sebastian. "Let's do it before I get distracted."
Dante was so happy how things were turning out. And Tom saw him smiling at him and Sebastian.
"So what are you smiling about?" Tom asked him.
"Nothing," Dante lied trying to look innocent.
"Dante!" both Tom and Sebastian choruses.
He fained innocence for a few more moments. But gave in a few moments later.
"Okay," Dante relented. "I'm happy for you two. It's nice to see."
"I'll agree with that," I said kissing Dante. "You did good."
"Hey! It was me who..." Sebastian slipped. "Who told Dante I had the hots for you Tommy."
"Okay," Tom said. "And I get to call you Bastian then.
"Fine," Sebastian said giving in.
We all got saddled and worked each horse alone at first. Then ran them as a team. Each taking a turn heading and heeling.
It took a while to figure out which was the better head. Tom's larger quarter horse did the better job. But it was just by a little bit.
By sunset we all were wore out. But we took care of the horses. Even Zeb, my stallion was tired. Dispite the offer. Tommy and Sebastian climbed into Sebastian's car and left.
As we waved them out of sight. "You need a shower," I told Dante. "You stink."
"I stink!" Dante roared. "You smell like one of the horses saddle blanket."
"Hmmm. Then how about you wash my back and I'll wash your back," I said giving him a kiss on the cheek."
"Well if that's your offer. I accept," Dante said.
So we took a long hot shower. Then curled up on the bed to talk and watch a little television. I held Dante in my arms.
"You two worked real hard today," I said kissing his neck. "You're a good team. And your early times are good."
"I loved it today," Dante said. "If I could have been a cowboy back in the day I would have."
"And Spot?" I asked with a smile.
"She's the best," Dante said. "She's a tough little mustang."
"So what are you and your friends talking about?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?" Dante asked with a sly smile. "Besides. I haven't been talking to all my friends."
"My best friend had to move to Chicago for a semester," Dante told me. "He's suppose to come back for this semester. I want him to meet you."
"Well tell me about him," I said. Pulling him closer.
"Jimmy Cassidy," Dante told me. "We started college at the same time."
"He was the first person I could talk to there. Especially about you."
"He's also the one who told me to tell my mom and dad."
"Well that went so well," I said. "They took it so well."
"Smart ass."
"Cute ass," I said kissing him.
Then Dante's phone rang. And Dante lite up reading the caller ID.
"Jimmy! We were just talking about you," Dante said putting his phone on speaker. "And you're on speaker."
"Well I'll do the same," Jimmy said. "So hello to who ever is with you."
"Hello Jimmy," I said. "I'm Billy Hickok."
"Well I'll finally get to meet you," Jimmy said? "So to speak."
"Now the important question," Dante said. "When are you going to be home? So you can actually meet him."
"Besides I need you Saturday," Dante said smiling at me sideways.
"We'll be back tomorrow," Jimmy told us. Causing Dante to squeeze my arm tightly.
"We?" Dante asked catching it. "So that's why you haven't come home yet."
"I can't wait for you to meet him Dante," Jimmy said. " Dante he's the one." We promptly heard them kiss.
"Jimmy! That's great news," Dante gushed. "And I can't wait for you to meet my boyfriend before ... Saturday." Then Dante kissed me real quick.
"Well Andrew wants to have a hotel lined up before we come," Jimmy told us. "But there's a tribal pow wow in town."
"The inter-tribal pow wow," I told him. "But not to worry."
"Our place is big enough. And we would love to have you stay at our place."
Dante squealed and kissed me. We could hear Jimmy and Andrew talk.
"Are you sure?" Jimmy asked.
"Jimmy there are nine bedrooms here. And we're positive," I said. "And be ready for us to go to a picnic Saturday."
"If you're sure. It sounds wonderful," said a different voice. "Hello Dante, Billy. I'm Andrew."
"Hello Andrew," Dante said with a wicked smile. "So are you as in love with Jimmy. As he is with you?"
"Yes I am," Andrew replied simply. We heard them kiss.
"So tell us what time your flight gets here so we can pick you guys up," I told them.
"We're flying into the Double Eagle in my jet," Andrew said in answer. "We should be in about 1pm your time. The Double Eagle FBO."
"Andrew if you don't mind my asking. What's your last name?" I asked him suspecting what it was.
"Andrew Collins. I just retired from my company," Andrew told us. "I started and owned the Collins Investment Group with my late wife."
"Well I hope you don't mind getting picked up in a pickup? Dante asked.
"That's fine," he said as they both chuckled. "I prefer it that way."
"We would go to Andrew's farm in his 69 Power Wagon 4X4," Jimmy told us to our amusement.
"Does he let you drive it Jimmy?" Dante asked his friend.
"He tried," Jimmy said rather embarrassed. Dante started thumping his knee with a fist.
"Its a stick," Dante said. "Isn't it?"
"Its a stick," Andrew said. "Can you drive a manual Dante?"
"Yes I can Andrew," Dante said proudly. "And I've tried to teach Jimmy."
"So what happened to your Ford?" Jimmy asked him. "And Tom told me about it."
"It blew up after he got his birthday present," I told him, as Dante hesitated.
"Oh that's..." Jimmy stopped suddenly. "Did you say after his birthday present?"
"I'll tell you about it tomorrow," Dante cut me off. " Andrew do you ride horses?"
"Of course," Andrew said thoroughly amazed at what has been going on.
"Well you'll need to bring a saddle if you ride English," I told him. "We ride western here." Andrew laughed at that.
"I'll bring my saddle. And I've ridden western since I was 14," Andrew told us. "I worked summers at the stockyards when I was 15."
"Well, we'll see you at two tomorrow," I said. "Just one more question for Jimmy."
"Yeah, what's that?"
"Do you know what the surprise Dante is cooking up for me?" I asked getting punched in the shoulder.
"Sorry, no," Jimmy said. "But I'll probably find out tomorrow."
"Tomorrow then. Bye," Dante said hanging up quickly.
"That was cheating!" Dante charged.
"Guilty as charge," I said then I kissed him. "So how about we get ready for our guests."
"Its done already," Dante said. "I got some help. And we took care of it this morning."
"And you'll find out about my surprise Saturday," he added before I could ask.
"Oh! And I forgive you."
"Well let me make it up to you," I said as I pulled him in close.
"I'm still not telling you," Dante said just before we kissed.
We fumbled to turn off the television. The lights stayed on all night. I have to find a clapper.
Dante had come into my life. And with it he had brought the joy of love back into it. I smiled at that thought.
Dante caught me smiling at him. As I thought about it.
"What?" Dante asked as he fried some potatoes for our dinner. "What's that funny smile about?"
"The wonder of love," I told him grabbing and hugging him. "You just make me so happy."
"We fit together like a dovetail joint."
"I like that," Dante said turning to kiss me.
We sat down to eat. But I thought of something and frowned. Dante saw it.
"You thought of something else," Dante said. "What's wrong?"
"I need to tell you something," I told him. "Its just something you need to know about."
"Is it about...Ann?" Dante asked gingerly.
"Yes, it is," I told him with a smile not surprised. "There are memories of her I still have."
"But don't worry about it," I told him.
We talked over dinner. I told him about Ann as well as I could. She had meant a lot to me. As much as Dante himself meant. He asked questions and I answered them. And I felt whole again.
But I had something I wanted to ask him. But that would be Saturday. I just wanted to talk to Sam and Diane first.