Page 106 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Of course, Joe.” The friendly Wyl was back. “Rod is here with me. I’ll put you on speaker so you can talk with both of us.”
“Great,” Joe said.
Wyl pressed the speaker button on the base and cradled the handset. “We’re here, Joe.”
“Rod, are you there?” Joe asked.
“I’m here.” Rod grinned. “What’s this about our video?”
“The video went wild. I’ve watched viewership since I first became aware of your video. A friend suggested I check it out. You two are getting lots of hits. Not only gay viewers but a significant number of others as well.”
“Wow,” Wyl said. “We were outed on Facebook by my brother’s ex-wife, and we tried to beat her at her own game.”
“Well, you managed more successfully than you likely thought possible,” Joe said. “Nobody ever knows what the next hottest thing will be. I would like to come and interview you both for the magazine. Our readers will be thrilled to know more about the gay cowboy couple in the video and their big ranch in West Texas.”
Rod beamed ear to ear. “Tell you what, Joe. If you want a story, come get it. We’ll put you up in our home here on the ranch and give you the whole scoop.”
Wyl moved behind Rod and snaked his arms around his waist, tugging him into a hug. “Bring your camera.” Wyl talked over Rod’s shoulder. “We’ll put you on horseback and show you the ranch so you can experience our life here first-hand.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Joe said. “I’ve never ridden a horse, so that will be an interesting new experience for me. When is a good time?”
“How about now,” Wyl said.
Rod nodded. “Check for flights and come as soon as you can. We’re ready.”
“Great. I’ll book a flight for Thursday morning and be at the ranch that evening. How about I plan to spend a couple of days with you guys? I can book a return flight for Sunday.”
“Sounds good, Joe,” Wyl said. “Send us an email with your itinerary, and we’ll send you directions to the ranch.” He gave Joe their email address.
“Got it,” Joe responded. “See you Thursday.” Joe disconnected.
“This couldn’t get any better,” Rod beamed. “Mitzi thought outing us would damage our reputations. But our video went viral, and one of the most popular gay magazines in the country is coming to the ranch to do a story on us.”
“Mitzi will be so pissed.” Wyl grinned. All the angst he felt about being out vanished. His husband was a genius.
* * *
Outgoing and friendly, Joe Cooper offered Wyl and Rod his hand and a smile as he stepped out of his rental car Thursday evening. He stood shorter than they expected, at five foot eight. Balding on top, his remaining hair formed a ponytail that extended down to his lower back. He wore jeans, sandals, and a tee shirt withCareful or You’ll End Up in My Magazineprinted across the front. Joe exuded an internal comfort that helped them both feel at ease around him.
Wyl and Rod hosted him like royalty. They shared their entire story, from the first meeting through all the tribulations they endured those first months, to their marriage. They covered the period since the wedding, including Rod’s name change and subsequent departure from the college. They spared no details.
During the first full day, they toured Blackfield, including the college where they met. Joe heard the entire story of Stella’s antics and the situation with Alfonso. And Joe saw the chair where Wyl waited for Rod each morning…except for the two-week break that each thought the other wanted, but neither did.
After lunch, they toured the ranch facilities, including a ride in the jeep to the ranch hand compound. Joe met Felipe and his wife and could chat with the ranch hands. They boasted of their successes in the 4thof July rodeo. That evening, Joe and Rod lounged on the patio while Wyl grilled steaks. Martinis all around, of course. They spoke of Rod’s first visit to the ranch and how they were attracted to each other but didn’t act on it. And, of course, they mentioned the unexpected kiss and its immediate and unexpected impact.
On the second day, they took Joe horseback riding. Joe sat astride Blanket, the gentlest in the stables. They rode out to the cattle herd, then viewed the ranch from the bluff. They stopped at the spring and talked about their camp-out and Walt’s accident. Back at the barn, they introduced Joe to each horse and had him feed them an apple half.
* * *
They enjoyed breakfast on Sunday morning before Joe left.
“I gotta say, I’m blown away,” Joe said. “The video didn’t capture most of what I’ve seen here. The magazine article about you two will have as much impact as the video. You’re an inspiration to gay couples around the world.”
“What you’ve seen is the real us, Joe,” Wyl said.
“We do have a lot of advantages,” Rod said. “But most of all, we have each other.” He took Wyl’s hand, and Wyl leaned over for a kiss.
“You guys are amazing,” Joe said. “I’ve interviewed many gay couples but never met two men whose love for each other was so obvious. I’m not talking about physical touching or kissing, which you two often do. I’m talking about the way you interact, the way you watch each other, and the way you do everything together without any friction. That is rare and probably one of the reasons why the video spread like wildfire. I am awestruck being here on this amazing ranch. I hope I can capture that essence in this article.”
