Page 265 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Felix grimaced. “Ouch…that sounds painful.”
“There is lots of mooing, but they get over it. We put a dollop of salve on the brand to help it heal.”
Joey pointed as they approached the herd. “In a couple of weeks, we’ll drive these cattle to the spring, then to the corral.”
Felix motioned to the calves he saw among the herd. “There are a few little ones.”
“Yeah. We had about fifteen calves this spring. Those are the ones we’ll brand.” Joey gazed at the sky. “It’s getting close to noon. Let’s head back to the house. Ma will have lunch ready soon.”
“Sounds good. I like Ma Sterling’s cooking.”
“Felix, let’s run the horses. They need exercise. C’mon.” Joey gigged Lightning and shouted, “Hyah!”
Not to be outdone, Felix gigged Sparkle. “Hyah!” Sparkle took off after Lightning. Felix had never galloped. The ride on Sparkle was exhilarating. His heart beat faster as Sparkle carried him across the prairie beside Joey, his mane flopping in the breeze as his hooves beat a steady rhythm. He slowed Sparkle as they neared the barn, noticing Joey do the same with Lightning.
“You’re an accomplished rider, cowboy.” Joey panted the words, catching his breath from the joy of the ride.
“I never galloped before. It was fun.” Felix breathed through a smile, making his cheeks hurt.
“You never galloped? You handled Sparkle well, and he responded to your hand. Like I said, you have a magic touch with horses.”
“I don’t have a magic touch,” Felix said. “Sparkle is a fine horse.”
“Sparkle is a fine horse for you, and a reason you will be a great cowboy. I’m glad my Pa and your father talked, Felix. Pa knows I’ve been lonely since Jacob left, and when your father asked if Pa would consider training you, he thought of me and how much I'd enjoy having someone my age on the ranch.”
“So our fathers planned this whole thing?”
“Yes, and I’m glad they did.”
“Me too, Joey.”
They rode into the barn. Felix unsaddled and curried Sparkle.
“It’s remarkable how calm Sparkle is with you, Felix.” Joey worked the brush through Lightning’s coat. “He’s not like that with me or Pa. Like I said, you have a kind of magic touch with horses.”
“The only horses I rode or tended are our two in Blackfield. Sparkle is a magnificent steed. I figured he was a well-trained horse.”
Joey chuckled. “No, but he did take a shine to you.”
They finished with the horses, ensuring they had plenty of feed and water. Then headed to the house. The aroma of fried chicken wafted from the kitchen as they approached the back door. Felix’s stomach growled.
“I’m hungry.” Felix bounded up the back steps and pulled the screen door open. The squeaking hinges made his summer home seem more real.
Joey grabbed the edge of the screen door. “Me, too. Ma makes the best fried chicken in the county.”
They rushed inside and shoved against each other at the sink. Felix liked pressing against Joey, feeling guilty that he had discovered the pleasure of touching another human being, especially another man.
From her position at the stove, Mabel glanced at them. “You men sit down. As soon as Grover gets here, we’ll eat lunch.”
“I’m here.” Grover walked into the kitchen. “We’ve got a couple of hungry men on our hands, Mabel.” Grover pulled out his chair and sat. “Let’s feed them.”
Mabel set a platter of fried chicken on the table, along with a bowl of mashed potatoes and a boat of gravy. She plopped an ear of corn on each plate before taking her seat.
“Dig in, cowboys.” Grover speared a crispy fried chicken breast.
Felix loaded his plate and devoured his lunch like he was starving, not taking time to utter a word.
“Whoa, Felix. Don’t they feed you back in Blackfield?” Mabel chuckled as he reached for another chicken leg.
