Page 315 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Joey is right, Felix. I bet he told you I thought of selling Sparkle because he didn’t let anyone ride him. Then you came along, and I never saw a horse respond so well to a rider. You have a magic touch, Felix. You’re the only one Sparkle likes.”
“I like Sparkle too,” Felix said.
“He’s yours, Felix.”
“Thanks, Pa.”
Mabel finished mashing the potatoes. She placed the chicken platter on the table along with the mashed potatoes, a bowl of cream gravy, and cooked carrots.
“Pa, I’ve been thinking about when Joey goes back to school. What will I do for a year while he’s in school?” Felix asked.
Joey’s eyes widened as if something frightened him.
“What’s wrong, Joey?” Felix asked.
“Nothing. I never thought about going back to school without you.”
“It’s only school, Joey. You’re not moving all the way to Abilene or anything. You’ll be back after school every day to help me with the stables.”
“You're right, Felix,” Grover said. “You will take over a few of Joey's chores this summer, like cleaning the stables daily. And, of course, you can ride the fences every week like you did when you stopped speaking to Joey this summer.”
Felix coughed a one-syllable chuckle, not wanting to be reminded of how he had treated Joey and the entire Sterling family for those two weeks. He was ashamed of his behavior and glad everyone had forgiven him.
“I can do that,” he said. “I want to be sure I have lots of things to do. I like being on the ranch and doing the work, Pa.”
“I’m glad you do, Felix. We like having you here as our son.”
“I’ll second that.” Mabel glopped a spoonful of potatoes on everyone’s plate. The men helped themselves to the chicken and dug into the delicious meal.
After dinner, the family retired to the parlor. The two best friends played dominoes, Grover read a book John Bowden had given him, and Mabel did her sewing. It was an ideal family setting.
The two young men grew tired and went upstairs to their room for bed. As they curled up together, Joey spooned Felix.
“I like it when you lie beside me,” Felix whispered. “I can’t believe I ever thought this was bad.”
“We have both learned a lot about each other this summer.” Joey nuzzled Felix’s ear. “Until you came along, I figured I would find a girl and get married someday. Now I know that will never happen. I found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and he’s in my arms right now.”
Felix turned to face Joey and pulled him into a passionate kiss. They never enjoyed sex three times in one day, but that magic was about to happen. Their world was perfect.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
A loud pounding echoed through the downstairs hallway at dawn the following day. Mabel was getting dressed for the day, and Grover was in the outhouse. She rushed to the door, tying her sash as she hurried. She opened the door to find Cornelius Bonner.
“Mr. Bonner. What brings you here so early?”
“I need to talk to your husband,” Cornelius growled. “It’s urgent.”
Mabel unlatched the screen.
Cornelius drew open the screen and rushed into the hallway. He scanned the front rooms left and right before his glare settled on the stairs.
Mabel rushed toward him and raised her voice. “Grover will be right in. Why don’t you wait in the sitting room?”
“Lady,” his menacing voice came through gritted teeth. “You and your husband steal my boy and tell me to wait?” His evil sneer landed on her. He shoved her to the side and bounded up the stairs.
“Grover,” she shouted at the top of her lungs, hurrying up the stairs after Cornelius.
* * *
