Page 107 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Joe, we are glad you want to share our story with others,” Wyl said.
“When you understand the challenges we faced in the first few months,” Rod said, “the fact that we made it through those and came out with a much stronger relationship is remarkable.”
Joe pondered for a moment. “Say, I chair a large gay partner support group in San Francisco. Regular attendance ranges from forty to seventy, although the average crowd is around fifty. Could I persuade you two to come to San Francisco to share your story with a live audience? Talking about the situations you encountered and how you overcame obstacles is more valuable than all the printed articles in the world. From how you met to how you married is an inspiration. It’s a story of determination. It’s a story of love. I’m sure your visit would inspire many gay couples.”
Joe’s heartfelt plea struck Wyl. It would be beneficial for them to take a few days off.
“I would love a trip to San Francisco.” Rod snaked his arm through Wyl’s, resting his chin on Wyl’s shoulder. “I traveled there several times and can hardly wait to show you the city.”
Wyl chuckled and tugged Rod for a quick kiss. “Joe, when would you like us to be there? My husband wants a trip.”
Joe checked his calendar. “How about I schedule you for our August meeting? It’s on the 23rd. We’ll help you find a condo to rent for a couple of weeks, and you can spend time seeing the city and the surrounding area while you’re there.”
Rod grabbed his phone and pulled up the calendar. “The 23rdis a Tuesday, so we can fly out on Sunday before and return to Texas after Labor Day.”
“Sounds good to me,” Joe said.
“We’ll get our flights booked. Have the condo people contact us so we can get that firmed up.” Wyl loved the idea of spending ten days in San Francisco with Rod. Aside from traveling to Fort Worth, where he proposed marriage, and the wedding trip to Santa Fe, travel was rare for them, aside from frequent trips to their place in the Texas Hill Country. And Wyl went nowhere strictly as a tourist. All over the world? Sure, but that was work. And Rod knew San Francisco, so Wyl could sit back and let his husband show him the sights.
“I need to get on the road to catch my flight. I’ll be in touch,” Joe said.
They walked him to his rental car parked in front of the ranch house.
“Do you know when the article will be published?” Rod asked.
Joe threw his bag in the back seat. “Probably the September issue. The August issue, which comes out at the end of this month, is already laid out.”
“Great,” Wyl said. “It sounds like that issue might come out while we’re in San Francisco.”
“That’s about right, Wyl.” Joe opened the driver's door and plopped into the driver's seat. “Thanks again for the hospitality, guys.” He tugged the door closed.
The dust from the road filled the air as he drove away, and they saw a flash of light as the sun reflected off his car when he turned onto the highway.
Chapter Eleven
By late July, adjusting to ranch life and his new responsibilities had taken a lot out of Rod, but he had his duties down pat. It was time to relax. Dealing with the trauma of Shifty, the barn fire, and the Alfonso encounter was a stressful experience. The video's overwhelming success was outstanding, but it became an overnight sensation. He and Wyl needed a getaway.
“Why don’t we go to Kerrville for a few days?” Rod asked one morning over breakfast. “It would be nice to get away and relax for a few days.” Rod drained his mug and gathered the breakfast dishes. “It’s so relaxing there, and spending a few days ravishing each other would relax us both.”
“How about we take a couple of weeks?” Wyl said. “I’m betting you have ranch paperwork and bills handled through mid-August. We can give payroll to Felipe to distribute to the hands, leaving us free.”
“Yes to everything handled.” Rod reached for Wyl’s cup and added both to the dishwasher. “And I’d love a couple of weeks in the Hill Country. We haven’t had much time lately.”
“Great.” Wyl strolled toward the bedroom to shower. “Coming?”
* * *
By four o’clock, they were home in Kerrville. After putting away the groceries, they stood by the floor-to-ceiling kitchen windows, sipping beer and watching the deer in the meadow behind the house.
Wyl set his beer on the table, moved behind Rod, and surrounded him with his arms. He nibbled on his earlobe and licked the sensitive area behind it. “C’mere…”
“God, Wyl, you know how to grab my attention.” Rod leaned his head back onto Wyl’s shoulder.
“I love touching you and tasting you.” Wyl drew his hands under Rod’s shirt and stroked his chest, giving special attention to the erect nipples. His erect manhood nested between Rod’s butt cheeks through layers of clothing.
Still toying with his nipples, Wyl snaked one hand down to Rod’s waist, unbuttoning his jeans and edging his fingers beneath the waistband of his briefs, teasing his pubic hair but avoiding his straining cock. “You are so sexy,” he whispered.
Rod tried to turn around, but Wyl held him in place. “Wyl?” Rod’s low, guttural voice dripped with desire. “I’m gonna die if you don’t touch my cock or let me touch you.”
