Page 87 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Good point,” Wyl said.
“Another reason I wrote the date and time on the back of her note. This is the first contact since we paid that Dallas attorney. I’ll note each time she contacts us. At the very least, we can claim harassment, and if she manages to get anything printed, we can also claim libel.”
Wyl let out a held breath. “You’re right.”
Rod tugged on Wyl’s arm. “C’mere, husband. I need a kiss.”
Wyl thrived on Rod’s gift of making him feel like the most important person in the world. He had endured many years of loneliness in his past, but the wait was worth it. Rod was worth it, and whatever Mitzi attempted, they still had each other.
“Now relax.” Rod massaged Wyl’s shoulder. “As you said, she has no leverage with the newspaper.”
Wyl closed his eyes. “I know Mitzi won’t give up. There is nothing she can do we can’t survive.”
Chapter Two
“I’ve spent most of my time on the ranch for seven months now,” Rod said. “The only place I haven’t seen is the compound where the ranch hands stay.”
“We haven’t been there?” Wyl said.
“Babe, between finalizing Walt’s estate, our February wedding, and my final semester at WBCC, I wasn’t here full-time until a month ago. We just haven’t gotten around to it.”
“I’ll have Felipe call the hands together,” Wyl said. “Meeting you will help them feel at ease. They report to Felipe, but most have been here through Mom and Dad’s tragedy, Walt handling the ranch by himself, me coming home and helping run the ranch, Walt’s death, and now you. We have a couple of guys who have been with us for about a year. All are hard-working and loyal. Felipe did fine with the two gay ranch hands we had a few years back, so I don’t expect any objections.”
“The two who won the TGRA rodeo you mentioned on our drive to Big Spring for the symphony concert?” Rod said. “The talk where you forgot to mention you were gay?”
Wyl chuckled and nodded. “Your memory is too good, and that worries me. But yes, those two cowboys. Felipe won’t have an issue with us being married and you assuming half ownership. He saw us together at Walt’s burial, and I’m sure his wife has mentioned the move to the master bedroom and two closets of clothes. So, he knows, and I’m sure you two will get along fine.”
Rod pondered. “How did the other ranch hands feel about those two?”
“Walt never mentioned any issues, so I don’t expect any objections from them. They are a good bunch of guys.”
* * *
The following day, after breakfast, they mounted and rode across the prairie. Abundant late spring rains and a cool early June left a blanket of greenery dotted with patches of wildflowers. Rod fell in love with the ranch more each day, and horseback riding alongside his husband was one of his favorite activities. He had learned a lot about ranching in the month since he retired from the college, but he had yet to meet the ranch hands. He was a little nervous. Being around the cowboys was new, and he and Wyl were out and proud, but would they object to having gay bosses? The gay bashing he endured at Blackfield High still haunted him. Times had changed, but had they? They approached the compound where the hands lived.
“I’ve only seen this from afar,” Rod said. “So, we have six ranch hands. Felipe is the ranch foreman, and his wife cleans our house and keeps the kitchen stocked with groceries. Have I forgotten anything?”
Wyl’s hat brim dipped as he nodded. “You have a good memory, cowboy.”
“And the hands are housed in the bunkhouse?”
Again, Wyl’s hat dipped. “Yes, but it’s more than a traditional bunkhouse. For them, it’s home, so we made it comfortable and gave each some privacy.”
“I bet they appreciate the extras,” Rod said. “And the ranch has separate stables and a small arena so the hands can practice riding and roping?”
“Yes. We encourage them to compete against each other or in rodeo events in the surrounding counties. Not a requirement, but the arena allows them to prepare.”
“Like the two hands who entered the TGRA competition?”
“Exactly. The barn on this compound includes stalls for eight horses. One for each of the six hands we keep on staff, one for Felipe, and a spare stall. Next to the barn is the practice arena. The TGRA winners honed their skills in that arena. We cover the fees for them to participate in local rodeo events if they choose to do so. This area features a separate ranch entrance from the highway, allowing hands to come and go without using the main road to our house. An inside road lets the hands get to the office without going to the highway.”
“I’m impressed,” Rod said. “I remember you pointing out this area the first day we rode, but so much happened after that.”
Wyl nodded toward the compound. “I see Felipe coming to greet us. He came to the US from Argentina fifteen years ago. Dad hired him as a foreman ten years ago. Felipe has an impressive background with both cattle and horses.”
At the compound, they dismounted. “Felipe, you remember Rod. He’s the business manager and half-owner of Sterling Ranch.”
Felipe grabbed Rod’s proffered hand with a firm grip. “Mr. Rod, I remember you from Mr. Walt’s accident and burial. Welcome.”
