Page 301 of The Texas Sterling Collection
After supper, the family retired to the parlor. The two young men sat at the table to play a game of dominoes. Joey taught Felix to play, but then regretted it. Felix was good and was beating Joey almost every game. Mabel settled in her favorite chair with her sewing. Grover sorted through the mail and found a letter for Felix.
“The mail I picked up in town today included a letter for you, Felix. I think it’s from your father.”
Felix’s stomach tied in knots. The last letter from his father sent him spiraling into a deep depression. He kept his hands to himself and eyed Grover. “Pa, would you read it to me?” His voice shook. “I don’t think I want to read it myself.”
“Are you sure, Felix? I don’t like reading other people’s private mail.”
Uneasiness clawed Felix’s chest. He was surprised his father didn’t argue with him about staying at the ranch. This letter could be a demand for him to return home. “You’ll see it anyway, Pa. Even if I read it first.”
“Okay.” Grover opened the envelope, withdrew the letter, and read it aloud. Mabel and Joey listened too.
Son,
I am enclosing a bill for the vase you broke. You can pay for it the next time you come to town.
Your mother was very disappointed that you left without saying goodbye. I’m surprised you would treat her that way.
When you get tired of playing on the ranch, I might consider hiring you back, provided I haven't hired someone else by then.
Father
Grover was breathing heavily by the time he finished. His scowl told Felix that Pa found the letter disturbing. “Are you okay, Pa?”
Grover folded the letter, placed it in the envelope, and took it to Felix. “I’m fine, Felix. Do with this what you will.”
Mabel put down her sewing. “Felix, areyouokay?”
Felix took the letter from Grover, still eyeing him as he spoke. “I’m fine, Ma. He can’t hurt me anymore. My place is here with you three.”
Grover opened his arms. “C’mere.”
Felix stood and sank into Grover’s fatherly hug, wrapping his arms around the big man who had become more of a father to him than he thought possible.
“Never feel like you aren’t loved, Felix.” Grover’s deep voice vibrated through Felix. “You said he can’t hurt you, but your expression said otherwise.”
Felix buried his face in Grover’s neck and coughed a sob. “It’s so hard, Pa,” the words choked out. “Even though he is mean to me, he is still the man who fathered me. I don’t understand what I did wrong.”
“You did nothing wrong. You are smart, talented, and have a lot of love to give.”
Felix pulled back and wiped the tears from his face.“Thanks, Pa.”
“And you know what?” Grover continued, “You learned how to accept love since you got here. It took some time, but you finally realized love isn’t so bad after all.”
Felix thought about how he fought against his love for Joey. “You’re right about that. It’s a good thing Sterlings are persistent.”
Grover squeezed Felix, then released.
Felix looked at Joey and winked a wet eye, letting Joey know he was okay.
“You two get back to your domino game. I have work to do at my desk.”
Joey and Felix finished their domino game, and this time, Joey won.
Joey yawned. “Let’s go up to bed. We had a long day today, and I’m tired.”
“Me too.” Felix turned the dominoes face down, then stood. “G’night, Ma. G’night, Pa.”
Joey also said goodnight, and the two climbed the stairs to their bedroom. They undressed and climbed into bed.
