Harvard Comes To Montana

HHarvard Comes To Montana - Chapter Thirty-Four

By Griz

umgriz@protonmail.com

19 April, 2024

Hi, Guys;

I forgot to write this part first, and now I have a dentist appointment to keep (and many smiles before I sleep). Oh, well; we'll catch up some other time. For now: another long chapter, split into sections again.

I recommend you review the end of #33, which is about Marc's crisis. Here are a few paragraphs. I hope you're all well; I'm fine. Thank you for writing and asking about The Guys and the others, and about me. You all make me happier than an old cat with pups to look after.

Griz

End of "Harvard Comes To Montana", Chapter Thirty-Three:

"Babe!"

"Oh----you are welcome to my underwear, since I kinda absconded with yours. If you want `em."

"I've wanted to wear your funk. Now I can."

"And I get yours. You won't see these briefs again, Boyfriend; unless I'm wearing `em, or they're on the floor by the bed. Kiss me, Boyfriend; send me off into what remains of the night, coffee in one hand and my hard-again cock in the other."

"Who's gonna steer the truck?!"

"It's all done with the knees."

"Well, just another of your legion of skills, Farm Boy. C'mere."

Marc pulled me into a tight embrace and kiss, his hips thrust right up to mine. Ah.....so mine wasn't the only hard-again cock in the room. Nice.

"Come out whenever you want, Marc. The Berneezers and the rest of us will be glad you're there. It's officially becoming weird when you're not."

"Okay. Well, if I get this stuff done, maybe earlier. If you'll have me."

"It has been well-established that I have you. All of you. Your history, your present work, our future."

"How'd I get so lucky?"

"Because a couple of Sundays ago, I couldn't sleep. I'm the lucky one, Boyfriend. We both are. Your Grandies made damned well sure of that. We just need to figure out how to get their names on two farm kids."

"That's gonna make me cry....."

"Don't."

"Crying freaks you out?"

"No.....we're out of paper towels."

*** The following story is a work of erotic fiction. If you are under the age of 18 or if this type of fiction is prohibited in the location where you are reading this, do not read any further.

All characters and names are creations of the author. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Please show your support for Nifty, a great organization that gives opportunities to all types of authors to express themselves. To find out how you can contribute, go to donate.nifty.org/donate.html ***

1

Despite the cover of darkness, Marc didn't walk me to my truck. We parted ways back in the kitchen. I felt a little overcome with emotion at the moment. Only the evening before, Marc had shared with me details of the forty-eight hours after he admitted to his grandparents that he valued his life only by the contents of a vodka bottle. I thought then that it would've been possible to have gone my entire life without having known and loved Marcus Tyler Taylor, Harvard professor with lots of letters after his name.

How many others will we never know, boys and girls who didn't have their own Grandies to love them so much, and protect them from either a hateful future, or none at all? Two people in Marc's life balanced his dozen-plus years of rejection, loneliness and dependence on vodka. Several others had now welcomed him, and accepted that his limitations did not limit us in loving him.

As much as my man inspires me to tell you all about the Summer after high school, I have his grandparents to thank that I even can. My own parents, and my brother. My brothers. They got me here, too. I'd like to believe no gay kid ever gets through a day, a life, alone; yet many have. If I could know them all, if I could do it all, I'd fill three thousand acres and a million bedrooms with kids who needed to be wanted, wanted to be needed, and just.....deserved to smile while being worked hard, fed well and loved. Four bedrooms and eight kids. We'll start with that.

So. I moved from the open door back into the kitchen and closed it behind me. The travel mug found itself back on the counter. Marc was leaving the kitchen, but turned and looked at me with his head cocked.

"Forget something, Babe?"

"No. Just reminding you, in case you forgot, or ever forget: I have you, Marc."

My man walked to me, smiling and a little overcome, himself.

"Sorry....."

"Why's that?"

"We're out of paper towels, remember? Your shirt will have to do, Babe."

Marc moved up to me and put his arms around my neck and his face right between my pecs. I moved my hands around his waist. We held each other, just standing in that kitchen. Sure, I was thinking of Marc and our conversation last evening; what brought him to Lewistown and what brought us together. As well, though.....I was thinking that if my brother finished the morning chores already, there was still lots to keep him busy until I got back to Farm W.

Both Marc and I were okay now. I had him and he had me. If I didn't leave now, I might as well call in sick to work, but I know neither Mom nor Aleksy would buy that. Farmers get sick all the time, but we don't call in. We just bitch about it until the cold or flu passes, much to the relief of everyone else within earshot of us. Marc pulled away from our embrace. I kissed his forehead and then that studly mouth of his. He laughed and pointed at my shirt. Yeah, well, paper towels were going to be on both our shopping lists, or I'd have to keep more of my clothes there. Hmmm.....both. In quantity.

"Jozef, thank you. I will see you a little later. Do whatever it is you're gonna do, safely. Or make your brother do it."

"NOW you truly get me! I think the same thing! He has an inch in height on me, and a couple more in bicep circumference. Maybe I'll just play it safe and make lemonade for him for when he finally---if ever---breaks a sweat---for both of us."

"Something tells me that guy doesn't let you get away with much.....or doing very little, like making lemonade."

"I get away with NOTHING."

"You got away with me. Now you just need to go away. Just for now. I'll join you soon, Babe."

"That is the kindest Bums' Rush I've ever received."

"You're seventeen years old. Just wait."

"Just don't make me wait for you. Not too long, Boyfriend."

Marc smiled and shook his head at me, just barely. I wouldn't have to wait. I knew a lot more than yesterday, and I'd have a lot to think about while cleaning the barn, getting online to look at seed prices, talk with Mom and Aleksy about the crop rotation for both the Winter wheat and the Spring planting, and also----important to me, to all of us----what we want to do about the thousand acres at the Sanger place.

We kissed again and this time, I made it to my truck. Damn.....the battery didn't die overnight. Shoot.....gas tank was three-quarters full. All the tires had air in them. WHY TODAY did NOTHING go wrong with my truck!?? I smiled all the way back up Main Street hill, until I remembered that I left the coffee on the counter. Damnit. I had to blow a barista to get that coffee, and it had real cream, too. Blow AND swallow.

The radio picked up North Platte again. Very early Glen Campbell kept me in sympathy for a lonely, homesick telephone lineman, high atop a pole, handset at his ear and talking with his girlfriend. That was back when country music went through its orchestrated phase, with lush strings adding further lament to Glen Campbell's albums. The same was true for Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline. It was back long ago when songwriters delved deeper than two or three chord changes, and songs like this one were existential and nearly forbidding in being something anyone would dance to. Lyrics told a story, or shared an inner-most secret. Jingoism on steroids and Lee Greenwood were still a decade away. Geez.....what happened, Nashville?

`Common Grounds' had one car at the window, but two big rigs off the road and faced East. I saw Kim, jockeying that three-head Simonelli espresso machine. It won't be my man's coffee, but I'd have some Go-Juice, regardless. I parked by the Kenworth and Volvo and climbed the three back steps to inside. Kim greeted me with a big smile. The drivers turned to see what the cat had dragged in. The older of the two, maybe 40s, couldn't have cared less about cats or carrion. The younger driver, though.....looked like a lumberjack-in-progress. Maybe mid- to late-20s. As tall as me, with darker hair, a nice tan and golden eyes. Damn, was he handsome. His smile suddenly had the Sun in the sky before the real one even approached the Eastern horizon.

You know when someone looks at you and then take just a nanosecond too long to not look at you any longer? Yeah.....we've all seen it. The briefest of moments spoke volumes. Well, Big Rigger; gotta hand you some credit for impeccable taste in farm boys, but this one is not a commodity like rye or wheat. I got me a driver of a much smaller truck who harvested me only a short time ago. Wherever you're going, though: safe journey, and may you find your own farm boy---unattached, not in love, but happy to fall for a handsome lumberjack truck driver.

"Jozef! Are you up early or gettin' home late?"

"Kim, you've been talkin' to Eva again.....just let it go in one ear, out the other! What's the latest gossip about me? I'm feelin' kinda neglected!"

"Oh----the usual. Nothing you don't know.....or started yourself! Okay, Boys; your Thermoses are full. You want a handful of little creams and sugars?"

The drivers smiled and thanked her. She had already sacked them up some baked goodies. Those boys were ready to roll, well-fed and caffeinated. They each dropped a Ten, turned and waved while they walked out. The lumberjacker sent another smile in my direction. I smiled back, but more like, `you're a tourist and I'm not, so move along, please', and less like, well, anything else he might've hoped to see. Heh.....a year ago, if that guy and I had seen each other? We'd already be in the sleeper unit on his truck. Well.....maybe. If he was lucky and I was desperate.....groan! My arrogance grows the more I can smell coffee but can't taste it.

"Kim, is the Thermos thing catching on?"

"It's half of the business now before 6:00AM. Those were my last of the ten gallons I had going an hour ago. Oh----can I ask a `Big Brother' favor? Would you please mind the window while I pee and then get another batch of apple cinnamon muffins in the oven?"

"Depends; are you gonna wash your hands first?"

"No! That's just silly! Why would I wash my hands before I pee?!"

"You're.....oh. You got me. Good job. You only get one of those, you know. Of course I'll watch the window. Can't run that machine yet, but I know how to smile and write down what people tell me they want."

"You're the best big brother I never had! Thanks! Oh---I'll make you whatever you want when I get back. You want something, right?"

"Depends; are you gonna wash your hands first?"

"HAHAHA!!! Oh, YOU!"

Kim ducked into the converted restroom, and I washed my hands in the sink by the Simonelli. What a sleek machine.....a Ferrari in a trailer in a hayseed county. It even had this cool indirect lighting. I suppose at night it converts into a DJ spin table. Nothing would surprise me.

I noticed the special of the day was unique. Blueberry Matcha with Oat Milk. In Fergus Fuckin' County, of all places. I looked at the index card recipe attached by magnet to the espresso machine. It wasn't Kim's signature `Amber Waves' latte, but if she dreamed up this new drink, I'd certainly try it. My phone buzzed my pocket. Marc's vibra-tone.

"Hey, Boyfriend."

"Babe. Did you forget something?"

"Ummm.....hmmm.....I think I kissed you, held you tight and felt all kinds of lonesome before I even walked out the door. Was there something else?"

"You're so daggonned nice to me. I swear....."

"I know you swear. My right ear is still burning."

"Well, I know your tongue isn't; the hot coffee I worked overtime to make you is sitting here on the counter, right where you left it. Poor unappreciated coffee....."

"Ha. Keep trying. Takes a lot to make me feel guilty. Yeah, I realized I'd forgotten the mug as soon as I was up Main Street Hill. I'm sure it's good, Boyfriend.....thank you for making it."

"I'll make you anything you want, Babe."

"Pregnant?"

"Well.....I'll make you smile while we continue to try."

"You make me feel incredible when you're inside me, Marc. Everything everywhere, every time; it's perfect. You're perfect. I am, however, settling for a Second-Best Drink. I'm at Eva's. Ever heard of a Blueberry Matcha with Oat Milk?"

"They have matcha?! Oh, yeah. You gotta try that. And with blueberry syrup.....that sounds good. Eva getting adventurous?"

"Kim is. I'm minding the store while she's baking more muffins."

"That's very cool of you. You're so handsome; you're gonna bring in business just wanting to look at you. Just remember: it's not a `bikini barista' thing. Getting down to your underwear isn't allowed."

"Ahhhh.....I'm glad you recognize that they're MY underwear, ripe with your one-day-old funk. This bikini barely covers me! Dan would be here arresting me if I hung out the window in this."

"Or any part of you hanging out the window! Save that show for me!"

"I will. Oh---you called just about the coffee?"

"Not entirely. I was just looking online. My computer tab was still open to the Mayo Clinic's website. Specifically the page on Lewy Body Dementia. Just for your information: there's a traveling lecture coming to Great Falls this month. Two weeks. There's another one in Billings two days later. Oh---and one in Missoula; next week, actually. You want me to put this link in an email to you?"

"My gosh. Heck, yes. If you haven't, please also send it to Mom and Aleksy. Is this for medical professionals only?"

"Them, but also patients with the diagnosis. Family, too. K.J. Simmons is the neuro physician. Oh----a Harvard graduate. Must know what he's talking about!"

"Heh.....I love you, Marc. You're writing a book, telling me your story and studying about Mom's challenge, too. You're amazing."

"Well, if I am, it's because you're a farm boy and my man who is worth being amazing for. I think I'll drink this amazing coffee. You enjoy the matcha. I think you'll like it. Very earthy-tasting and -smelling. Say hi to Eva for me."

"I'll see her later. I'll tell her. And thanks for the information about the Mayo Clinic coming to Montana this month. I hope Mom will want to go."

"Me, too. Love you."

"Love you. Bye."

I smiled and concluded the call. A pickup truck rolled up to the window. I slid open the shack window just in time to see Lyle Connor Senior looking right at me. Oh. Well. Now what?

"Hi, Mr Connor. Good morning."

"Jeff. Hi. Are you on staff here, too?"

"Heh.....no, Sir. I came to get breakfast and ended up being the maitre-d'. I can't make your drink, but I'll write down what you want. Kim will get it whipped right up for you. Oh---I can shill the special today, though: Blueberry Matcha with Oak Milk."

"What the.....I have no idea what you just said. Is that a new way to say Twenty Ounce White Chocolate Mocha, Iced?"

"HA! No! But it'll come right up!"

"Jeff.....is Eva here? I was supposed to see her tomorrow, but I have to head out of town today."

"No, Mr Connor; she'll be here, though. Soon, I'm sure."

"My wife and I.....well, fuck it all. Goddamnit, Junior just....."

"Mr Connor, I was in the courtroom with you. That was a rough day for everyone. None of it was any reflection on you and Mrs Connor."

"No, maybe not.....but that woman---Eva---has been nothing but a saint to anyone she ever met. Jeff, I still get so mad at Junior, I just want to tear him apart with my bare hands. Strange as this might sound, I'm grateful to that new guy in town who took care of it for me. That guy is one serious bad-ass. You know him?"

"Marc. Yeah. Marc Taylor is a good friend of mine. The whole family, actually. He didn't know Junior, Mr Connor. He barely knew Eva. You know.....or maybe you don't.....she and my brother were at the fair together. A whole group of us were together."

"Yeah, I knew. So Eva is back with your brother."

"Well, now that's a conversation you and Eva might have, but I don't really have anything to offer you, Mr Connor."

"I respect you for that. Let me say it this way, and you don't have to confirm or deny. I HOPE Eva is back with your brother. Never knew him when they were together the first time, oh, maybe other than meeting him once or twice, but that's it. Heck of a ball player, your brother. Anders?"

"Yeah, that's him. Anders was just his nickname, though. He's actually Aleksy, after a homesteading relative. Somehow this Summer we all went back to our given names. Maybe this Summer is just new for everyone in Fergus County. So, I'm back to Jozef, but I'll answer to Jeff."

"Call me Lyle. Please. Yeah, I think you're right about this Summer being new for a lot of people. So you and Marc Taylor are friends."

"We are."

"Is he the guy who was gonna be the superintendent, until he told the school board he wasn't interested?"

"The same guy, Lyle. You know the old saying: `things are seldom what they seem'. I guess they just weren't a good fit for each other."

"Yeah, well, not everyone is. Junior should never have been within a thousand miles of Eva. Heh----and Jon Black and Mandy What's-Her-Name shouldn't have been on that school board. I doubt they will be any longer. Too bad about Jon Black, though. That guy knows small engines better than anyone I've ever met. Heck, he keeps my smaller concrete tools in great shape. Or he did. Don't know what I'm gonna do now. Anyway. Maybe this Marc Taylor will still get in with the school district. I hear he's some brainiac who left a big Ivy League school to move here. Must really like it here."

"I guess he does. And what's not to like? We have lots to offer. Oh---speaking of that: do you want an apple cinnamon muffin to go with your mocha? I can at least get that sacked up for you."

"Damn, that sounds good. I'll take two, if you have `em. One for my wife. Unless they're really good, and then two for me!"

Kim was back from getting more in the oven. I smiled and thanked Lyle (we're on a first-name basis now, you know) for coming, and pulled my head back in the window. I told Kim what he wanted, and she got started.

"I'll get your drink next, Jozef."

"That's fine, Kim. Thanks."

Ours is a small community spread across tens of thousands of acres. We all do the same thing; move money around from hand to hand, raise families, pay taxes, buy coffee along the highway, and talk respect and regret. Mr Raver told me once that a dollar spent in Lewistown in the 1950s was still in town. Lyle's grandfather poured the concrete in our barn. Legacies endure throughout Fergus County, and some just end abruptly. What would happen of the Connor Concrete Company was anyone's guess, and yet it was a viable operation with a sound future. What would happen in another ten years' time? Before I even thought of a possible answer, I reminded myself:

`Worry about your own self and your own operation. That's a big enough job for you, Jozef.'

I couldn't imagine being 27 years old. Heck, I was gonna turn Eighteen in only a couple of months, and even that seemed monumental to me. I never played on my age or (imagined) innocence, and yet, that Summer after graduation was racing past me, shouting.

`Did you learn anything? Just wait.....oh, that's right: you can't. I won't let you, Kiddo.'

Kiddo.

Am I 27 yet, if only so I can never heard `Kiddo' again?

After Kim handed Lyle his coffee and muffin, I waved through the window at him. He waved back and smiled. Not the smile of, My gosh, my day sure started nicely', but more of, Lots to do. So much to do, and half of it I didn't even want'. That Lyle came to see his former daughter-in-law at her business was telling. Coming to her on her terms and turf. Talking with respect about Marc.

At no point did I get the impression Lyle was fishing for info about him. Though I didn't know Mr Connor well, I knew that I had witnessed the slow and agonizing dance of Integrity and Regret in the courtroom. Neither could decide who should lead, so they both just left the floor and the rest of us in immobile silence.

"Jozef.....are you listening to me? Where's your head right now?! Still on a pillow or already in a tractor cab?"

"Actually, Kim; you just reminded me I need to get that old blue beast out and fire it up. So: blueberry and matcha and oat milk. Can I try one of those, please?"

"Of course! It's kinda sweet.....just like you. Thanks for watching the window."

"Happy to do it. It gave me a good opportunity to talk with Lyle Connor a little."

"He's always so nice when he comes through here."

"Oh, this wasn't his first trip through here, then....."

"No, not at all. He and his wife have been through here at least twice now since I've been working. Never stay; just plant huge hugs on Eva, get something to drink and then scoot on down the road."

"I see. So. Have you got all moved in?"

"Not yet! I only brought a few things with me from Helena. Your brother is gonna take me back to get all my stuff, and I can pick up my little Ranger, too. Eva has been great about letting me drive anywhere I need to go, but I'm already living rent-free here. My cousin, my boss, my landlord, my car rental company that won't even let me pay for gas! Eva is wonderful!"

"You and I could spend all day not arguing with each other about The Wonder That Is Wonderful Eva."

"Exactly! If you and I and everyone else in town got together in the Judith Theater to say only bad stuff about her, a very pleasant, very silent five hours would pass by with everyone smiling. She loves your family."

"She loves HER family. She's one of us. I don't know what the Grand Scheme of Things is, or if there even is one; but Eva's part of the woodwork on the farm now. If I may ask: are you leaving a broken heart back in Helena?"

"Heck, no! That's all Helena is; a town full of broken hearts and dreams unrealized. It's where people go from Missoula, Great Falls and Bozeman to lick their wounds for the rest of their lives. I came to Fergus County to break hearts!"

"HA! Having any luck??"

".....Maybe. Gotta hook it first. I don't really want to break any hearts. Particularly not a particular one....."

Ahhh.....cryptic. I like cryptic.

"You speak poetry, kinda. Whoever has that heart will never want for hearing a nice, pleasant voice, whether you're slinging Joe or having good and nice things to say about the people here. I've listened to you. You're as responsible for the long lines here as Eva and the tasty treats coming out of that window. Still.....wanna give me a little hint?"

"I'll give you a BIG hint!"

".....oh?"

"It ain't YOU, Silly Jozef! Here. Tell me if you like it."

I laughed a little and sipped the iced matcha cocktail. Wow. That was interesting. A little sweet, but I liked the flavor of the matcha. Honestly reminded me of the alfalfa shots my dad used to crank out in our kitchen.

"Okay, if no one else ever orders this, I'll have all their missed opportunities. This is good. Did you invent this?"

"I did. What do you think of the oat milk?"

"Well, it seems like One Percent or Skim moo milk, as far as the texture goes. I suppose it's all healthy and whatnot."

"Supposed to be. One of the distributors left us a case of the stuff to try. I'm just trying to use it up. Who in this neck of the woods is ever going to want oak milk over real dairy? I'm glad you like it, too. K and I experimented yesterday."

"Oh? Does Tommy know?"

"About what?"

"You and his girlfriend experimenting."

"What.....oh! HAHAHA!!! NO! Eww! Not `eww' about Kristi; she's wonderful! I guess if I DID want to swim in that lake, though.....she wouldn't be my last choice! Those two are so cute together. He's here at least once a day, and she'll go outside by the back steps, out of sight of everyone but me, and just hug each other for minutes. That's love."

"I think so, too. They're my best friends. Have been since we were all freshmen together."

I pulled out a Ten and left it for Kim, reaching for a Strawberry Rhubarb Danish to go with my flavorful drink.

"That's too much and you know it!"

"Yeah, not really; besides, once you bring your truck back here, you're gonna have to buy your own gas! Can't do that on your poetic laughter alone!"

"You W Boys.....I'll tell ya!"

"Heh.....can't tell me anything about us I don't already know! You gonna be all right until Eva rolls in?"

"I was all right until YOU rolled in!"

"Yeah, ya were.....strong women up in Common Grounds'. Strong matcha, too. I can feel the buzz already! Say hi' to half of the Cute Couple later; I'm goin' out with the other half this afternoon."

"Oh.....well, okay; I will..... Um, Jozef....."

"Yeah, `New Little Sister'?"

"You've all been so wonderful to me since I showed up. I wish I could've known your dad, too. From what Eva tells me, what you really grow on Farm W is Love; not grains and cattle. I think I can see that. Cute couples all over this part of the county."

"Nice! Aleksy and Eva are definitely cute together. I'm glad they finally got in each other's orbit for the long run."

"Well......yeah, they're also a cute couple.....so, three and counting! We'll see who's next!"

Kim gave me that smile that said, `I know what I'm talking about and you know what I'm talking about, but it's kinda fun to not talk and still say a lot about people who love each other.' Awww.....now that was just plain, ol' nice at not even 6:00AM yet. I smiled big and turned a little red. Kim shook her head and laughed at me.

"Don't you have a farm to go wake up?"

"I guess I do! Might as well get to it! Thanks, Kim; breakfast and everything. Oh---keep an open mind about getting back to Helena. Might be something I want to go to in Missoula next week. If that would work for your schedule, I can get you to Helena so you can get your stuff."

"Thanks! Eva is writing the schedule this afternoon. I'll check with her!"

"See you, Kim."

I smiled and walked out the back door and down the steps to the mountain side of the coffee shack where my truck was parked. Just in time, too; I saw another grain truck pull off the side of the road. Yeah, Kim was doing okay before I got there that morning, but still; she was alone. It keeps me on edge. I didn't want to even think about anything that could happen, but I wanted to be aware of and plan for everything. I knew for a fact after being scientific about it, a few times over the past few weeks: I could get from the farm to the highway intersection where `Common Grounds' stood, in five minutes in my truck. I was quite ready, thank you, Universe, for never having to drive that fast again. Still.....if I had to.....no question.

2

So. Three cute couples out here. Aleksy and Eva were a cute couple. My Boy and Girl were, too. But Marc and I? Hardly cute. We were stud-fuck hot, and everyone knew it; whether they could add One and One and get Couple. Apparently Kim was a mathematics genius. Something else to smile about that morning. My phone buzzed, and Aleksy's name showed up on my truck's screen.

"You know, I'm so close, I can see the yard light."

"Yeah, well, it'd better be through the windshield and not in the rearview mirror, Punk."

"See? THAT RIGHT THERE is what I haven't missed for years; what an early morning welcome home that is."

"This is NOT early morning. Fuck, the day's half over, and you're still out driving around and singing with the butterflies and bumblebees."

"If I am, they're gettin' up and about a lot earlier than they used to. I can only imagine what they're pollinating in the dark. So what is of incessant importance?"

"You and your big words. Did you study anything else in high school?"

"Freshman and Sophomore years: Vocabulary. Oh, and Math and P.E. Junior and Senior years? Mostly Anatomy."

"Of?"

"Almost anything on two legs that would stand still for a few minutes."

"How you could keep your GPA up is a mystery....."

"No mystery. Just rubbed it at the base a little; just like Paco. And don't forget: I graduated Valedictorian, and a year early."

"I can only imagine your application cover letter to universities, particularly your Extracurricular Activities and Clubs."

"The winning paragraph was comprised of five words that spoke volumes: `I poked prodigiously and prolifically'."

"You must've been scouted by every fraternity in existence."

"And most sororities. I could bat on both sides of home base, but I aimed my home runs for one outfield more than the other."

"Cough-cough-SLUT-cough. ANYWAY. Just got an email from Marc. I have an idea about these Mayo Clinic lecture visits to Montana."

"Go."

"I'd prefer, and I think you would, too, if the farm had full presence on it. I'm sure you want to go to one of these, and I do, too. Not to mention Mom. What do you think of you going to one of `em, and I go to another? Maybe you to Missoula, and me to Billings. I could then take two days and get most of my stuff moved from Bozeman on my way back."

"The yard light is getting closer.....and yet, you couldn't wait....."

"Nope. Space is limited. I want to call the Mayo when the phones open up in a few minutes and get in at least one lecture."

"Smart. Right. Okay, well, I was actually talking with Kim this morning when I stopped for coffee. I offered to take her to Helena next week so she could get her stuff, and I'd continue on to Missoula. I thought I'd go to the lecture, and then go on campus and talk with my advisor and the Admissions and Registrar folks. Two days, possibly; but one day, if I can get all of it done on the same."

"Aw, take two. You deserve to afford as much of your time and energy to school preparations as you do for Mom's health information."

"You sure? I was just in Billings, and during harvest."

"Yeah, well, that was more of a mission trip to get Marc decked out for his interview."

"Yeah.....maybe we shouldn't have wasted time and money on a suit that no one will ever see again in the school board offices."

"Never say `never'. Besides: you gotta get dressed up nicely when you extend your middle finger to a school board that had no idea what they were doing, or who they were trying to do it with. And yes, I mean that about the board as a whole. So yes, Missoula for you for as long as you need to get your butt parked on at least class rosters for Autumn Semester. So: you'll attend the lecture in Missoula?"

"Yeah. So you're doing Billings? Will you take Mom with you?"

"Yes and yes. We'll see when she and I talk. When all three of us talk, Little Brother. Breakfast. I'm cooking. Mexican Breakfast Casserole."

"Fuck, yeah! YUM! I whipped up some pico de gallo a couple of days ago."

I smiled and concluded the call. Wasn't much sense in continuing; I was parking my truck at the barn at the same time. I got out and walked to the other end of the barn to say hi to the horses, but they were already gone out to the little pasture. I could see Sebastian's corral was empty, too. Damn, Big Brother; thank you. You filled your early morning with chores so I could fill both ends of Me with Marc.

Am I still a slut if I'm goin' at it with only my man? I think that falls more within the description of `family responsibility', or at least one dark, insatiably lascivious corner of it. Within only one hour on a magical morning, I was full of Marc and Matcha. Of all the lifetimes, though, to be born without a uterus.....I'd have loved to end that day with news that a baby was on the way to Farm W.

On my way out of the south end of the barn, I got up to Lola Cola's new home. Sure enough, she and the pups were asleep, all gathered up together in one furry little (huge) ball. Old Cat was right up where I'd left him yesterday, perched like the Sphinx. Letting nothing get by him, he opened his eyes and peered at me with the usual suspicion that gave way to grudging acceptance that there was, indeed, another uncle on the farm and the watch. O.C. yawned and stood up to stretch. I rubbed between his ears, something even that little mammal liked. His eyes were on my other hand, though. Can't get anything past him: here's your duck heart, you old softie.

The early morning breeze had kicked up to pre-Dawn wind. The leaves in the tree above the dogs, cat any myself whistled and brought the aroma of freshly-turned Earth with it. Someone west of us had already begun turning their acres under in preparation for planting Winter wheat. I remember my grandpa telling me that a farmer tells time and the seasons with his nose as much as he uses his eyes on a clock and a calendar.

The older I got, the more crops and cows I raised, the more I came to know that the little sayings here and there weren't just `rural color'; there was truth and wisdom in them. What I smelled that morning would be in the air for a week or two longer, and then not known for another year. People in town smelled Autumn as the leaves fell from the trees in their yards in October; we got it a little earlier, but it meant the same thing: prepare for Winter. Even in August, we did that. We really just prepared to feed people, and thinking about that made me hungry.

"Little Brother, I wonder if you'd be here right now if I didn't tell you what was about to fill you up."

"Big Brother, I wonder if you'd stick around if I told you what already filled me up....."

"MOM!!!"

"WHAT?! You kids are gonna wake people up still trying to sleep in Hawaii! Oh, Jozef.....here you are."

Mom wandered over in her robe and pajamas, complete with cow face slippers, stepping up on the balls of her feet to give me a peckle on the cheek. I still had to bend my neck slightly so she could reach her target. Sure was nice, though. Mom was always Mom. She poured coffee in both of two mugs my brother had pulled out of the cupboard. I followed that with cream for both of us.

Aleksy's breakfast casserole was out of the oven and resting for a few minutes before we could dig in. He already had toast going, and before we knew it, plates were loaded up and the feeding frenzy commenced. The Billings NPR station brought us the weather report and then eased us into being fully awake with some music I didn't recognize. That could account for just about anything. My tastes were admittedly fairly narrow.

Between mouthfuls of delicious cheese, eggs, sausage, cheese, shredded potatoes, cheese and bacon---with cheese sprinkled on top---we discussed the day. Well, I tried to. Mom had her agenda, Aleksy had his, and as if we were all three speaking languages the others didn't understand, we finally came to mutual agreement about the following sixteen or so hours. Mom was as bubbly as all that cheese in the casserole.

"So! That delightful college professor we see here on occasion sent me a lovely email this morning. It seems there'll be someone from the Mayo Clinic in the state over the next week or so. Did you boys get it, too?"

Aleksy nodded while chewing on a piece of sourdough toast which, I will say, smelled amazing.

"Yeah, I saw it. I want to go to the Billings lecture, and then swing through Bozeman on the way back. I'll get the rest of the stuff out of my place that I need, and clean out the fridge and pantry. You come with me, Mom."

"That sounds good. I can help you at your place. What about you, Jozef?"

I nodded at them both.

"I got it earlier."

"I bet you did, Little Brother....."

"MOM!!!"

"Stop shouting at the table! Aleksy, give your little brother shit about his love life later. I'm trying to eat here. ANYWAY....."

"I'm planning on going to the lecture in Missoula. Already talked with `His Lord Highness Inappropriate' on my way here this morning. We'll keep coverage on the farm. Although, this is a follow-up thought; do you want to go to both of them? Maybe they'll cover different subjects, considering there'll be different doctors at each of them."

"Hmm.....well, no, I think I'll just go to one. The Billings lecture, I think. That's where I got my diagnosis. My doctor will be there. Also, I was thinking, Aleksy: maybe we should stop at the furniture store and check out some new things for your and Eva's room. If you want."

"That's generous, Mom; thank you. Yes, going to look would be good."

"Good. And If she can make it, Eva should be welcome to join us."

Eva joined us, indeed; smiling and twisting her still-damp hair into a ponytail.

"Speaking of `good', this smells great! Aleksy, you have some kitchen skills that wafted this all the way upstairs and down the hall while I was concentrating on sleeping in another five minutes!"

My brother gave her a kiss and handed Eva her own mug of coffee.

"The best for you....."

"Big Brother, you can't tell her that and then serve her this! There's not nearly enough cheese on and in this for it to be `the best'!"

"Smart-ass."

"Oh, Eva; unrelated to this, but kinda-sorta: the Strawberry Rhubarb Danish is perfect. The tartness had my mouth watering."

Aleksy smirked while looking at his phone.

"Well, if anyone should know something about being a `tart'....."

I kicked him---with love---under the table.

"Eva, Mom and I are planning on going to Billings soon for a lecture that'll get us all up to date on Lewy Bodies and current treatment regimens. Can you get away, too?"

"Oh, I sure can. I'll schedule Kim and Kristi, but I need to make sure they can. I'm writing up the schedule today, actually. Yes, I want to go. From what I've been reading, this is a dementia that is still in its nascence of understanding. So, down early, back late?"

"No. More like an overnight, Love. We've also been invited to go look at furniture of our own for our room. Down early first day, lecture, dinner; overnight, breakfast, furniture, home."

"Oh---and Costco, Aleksy. Your little brother completely blew it off when he was there."

"I DID WHAT?! SOMEONE I know forgot to send her shopping list!"

"Well, YOU forgot to remind me to send you the list! It's all your fault, Youngest. But that's okay----we still love you."

"Speak for yourself, Mom. He has a one-track mind and takes up all the time in the bathroom."

"It's my own bathroom! You have yours!"

"My comment stands. You need more fiber in your diet."

"That may be true, but you are NOT helping with all this cheese!"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I omitted half of what the recipe called for."

"Who wrote the recipe?! The American Dairy Council?! Eva, you see what it's like here, but I'm not telling you anything you don't know. Still.....you've been warned, if only by my own example. Oh---if you're going to the same furniture store, I'll text you contact information for Teigan. She was the incredible person there I told you about. No pressure from me, but if you decide to go there, she'll tell you about every last discount you are eligible for."

"Jozef, is she the person you told me about who might fit the team at `Common Grounds'?"

"One in the same, Eva. And if you go there, it's truly worth calling her in advance so she knows to expect you. Sounds like I'm her agent; don't mean to do that. Your decisions are your own. She just made a bad experience a perfect one. I'll give her all the good press that I can."

Mom was curious what I meant by that, and I realized I hadn't shared everything about that trip for Marc and me. I gave them the basics, and left out Grace's name. It was behind me, and Marc had encouraged me to chalk it all up to Gracezilla having a bad day at best, or if that was her good day, then it was best to just smile and get on with our life together. Mom, Aleksy and Eva all decided it was Teigan or no one.

I also told them about the Frederic Remington exhibit at the museum, that it should not be missed. That exhibit would never be together like that again. Even though I was loving my big brother's incredible breakfast, I did promote Phyllis and her cafe, particularly the corned beef hash and freshly-squozen orange juice. Finally, I offered to make a call to the Sheraton myself to speak with Mr Abrams. Aleksy smiled and nodded.

"That's good of you. Please get rooms that connect, if possible. Also, and thank you for doing any of this, would you please reserve one of the long parking spaces? We'll take Dad's truck and the horse trailer, like you did."

"Consider it done. Oh---you need a suit? I know a man."

"Please. You've known lots of men. I like the one you landed, and who landed you."

Mom laughed and choked. Eva reached over, also laughing, and patted Mom on the back. We shared a good mood that morning. The Sun was shining on the east side of the barn, and even in the kitchen, we heard Western Meadowlarks and Chinese Pheasants telling each other about the dreams they had the night before. Marc poured coffee all the way around. Mom asked about last night, and if everything was all right with Marc.

"Yeah, everything is all right. We had some stuff to cover, and we got through some of it. I think there'll be more, but I also think you'll all be brought in on it next time."

Aleksy gave me that `Big Brother' look, one that I'd seen a few times since he moved back to Farm W. I knew just by the look we exchanged that he had some concerns. I smiled just a little and nodded once. I hoped he would discern from that that any details would be forthcoming from Marc, not from me, but that he and Mom and Eva would know, too.

"Look, thank you for asking; we're fine. Marc offered me the opportunity to grow up a little more last night, that's all."

Aleksy just laughed this time, and I was grateful that he got us off the subject.

"Well, if Marc could get you to grow up a little more, then how I wish we'd met him years ago!"

I stuck out my tongue, but then joined in their laughter. It was funny, and you know, he wasn't wrong. There's never a bad time for a kid to grow up a little more, any chance he got. As long as he didn't grow up so much that he let seventy years pass by him in a rush. Speaking only for myself, of course.....

"Oh---Tommy's coming over this afternoon. We're gonna ride for awhile."

"Is he staying for dinner?"

"I'll ask him, Mom."

"Tell him it's leftover liver and onions!"

"Ummm....."

"I'm KIDDING! I'll think of something."

"You always do, Mom."

Aleksy nodded, but wasn't exactly smiling.

"We need to figure out what we're gonna do, you know. I'm sure Jon and Kelly are seeing their loan note due date coming at them."

Mom raised her eyebrows at him, and then at me.

"Wait---didn't I tell you boys?? No, of course not. Things got rushed so fast. I talked with my sister. We have a plan, she and I, but this is a group effort. Family conference, and soon. Like, let's not waste time. Eva, can you be here by 6:00PM tomorrow? And Jozef, do you know if Marc can be here, same time?"

Both Eva and I answered affirmatively (I love that word.....a big word, but it has the littler word `firm' in it.....which I also love).

"Do Aleksy and I have any homework to do to prepare for this, Mom?"

"No.....not exactly. But be thinking about what you want to do with a thousand more acres. We'll talk more tomorrow, but for now: I think we can benefit all of us with just a few signatures. So, Tommy's coming over today. Let's get everything situated before you say anything, all right?"

"I wouldn't know what to say, Mom. He has something on his mind, but I've been given no clue. As far as I know, it's just us being boys on horseback together."

Breakfast drew to a close. I volunteered to clean up. Though not a lot left, I divided up the breakfast casserole into some smaller containers and parked them in the freezer, marked with contents and date. It was so good, and the first time I'd ever had it. I knew right then that it wouldn't be the last, and regretted that Marc hadn't been there to enjoy it, too. Well, he MIGHT have enjoyed it, but I'm pretty sure he'd have liked a little more cheese.

3

Aleksy and Eva smooched and he walked her to her car, where they smooched again. I couldn't really harass him about that; my big brother agonized for almost ten years because he'd allowed himself to believe that Eva would only want him if he had a degree. The real problem, though: Eva was bullied into believing she wasn't good enough for Aleksy. She believed she wasn't even good enough for Junior, who gaslighted her into believing he was the only man who'd want her.

Junior was no man. Whatever brought him to the point in his life that hurting others made himself feel better, well, it never left him. Fortunately, Eva did, despite the beating Junior inflicted on her at the fair. Fortunately for everyone, particularly Eva, Marc was within arm's reach of her attacker. Junior learned quickly just what that arm and its reach could bring him, and where it could take him: right into the hands of the Law, right into court, right into jail. Junior, you landed right in a lot of shit that Summer. You should've looked before you jumped.

I followed them outside. While I didn't need to recount the conversation I had with Lyle Connor, I felt obligated to share that I'd been at `Common Grounds' when he showed up, and that we talked briefly. I had nothing to say, really; and that was at both ends of the conversation. It was up to Eva and Lyle to say anything more to each other.

"Eva, while I was at your place, Lyle Connor drove through. We talked briefly while Kim got more muffins baking. I'm telling you this only because he asked if you were there. He said he was supposed to talk with you tomorrow, but he took a chance he'd see you today if you were there, on his way out of town."

"Oh.....thanks, Darlin'. That's okay. They've been checking up on me; just to make sure I'm all right. They've always treated me well, if not with just some pity. There's a room in their house stacked floor to ceiling with some of my things. I know I need to go get it, but even though Junior's in jail, I'm still nervous about going there. They said they'd bring it to me.....I guess I should just accept. Really, though.....I don't want anything if it was in the place where Junior and I lived. The stuff from before, though.....when I was just young and was given family heirlooms or my own baby clothes.....well, Junior didn't taint those. Just as accurately: I didn't let them be tainted. I kept my stuff and myself mostly private and quietly hidden. Thanks for telling me; I'll call them later."

Aleksy wasn't as accepting, but that had more to do with his own issues surrounding how Eva even wound up under Junior's control in the first place. I know my big brother felt some monumental guilt about all of it. I'd have many more Moons with him before I could understand how Aleksy came to even know the concept of guilt, and when we finally talked, both a rising light and a descending gloom would result, explaining everything----and even more. For now, at least for then, we were all glad that Aleksy and Eva were together, right where they should be.

With yet another smooch and even a hug from Eva for me, she got in her rig and wandered back up to the county road. A quick double honk, and the up-and-coming businesswoman was on the road, literally and figuratively, to another successful day. Aleksy turned and stepped closer to me.

"Anything you want to tell me, maybe more about a Connor getting anywhere near Eva?"

"Whoa, Brother----two things. No, there's nothing more to tell. If there is, that'll come from Eva, before or after her conversation with Senior. Don't grill the messenger. I mentioned this only because if I hadn't, Lyle's conversation with me would've become known after he and Eva talked. I'd have to explain with some serious discomfort on my part for not having said something about it.

Okay, and for the second thing: there is something I'd like to say, actually, about a specific Connor getting near Eva. Lyle told me he's glad you and Eva are together, and he likes you. Also thought you were a good footballer. It seemed like a good idea to keep that part of the conversation between just you and me. I'm sure it would not surprise Eva that Lyle is glad you two are together. However, it would surprise everyone that anyone else thought you were good on a field.....other than carrying REAL players' jockstraps and water bottles! HA!"

I ran and kept laughing. Aleksy chased me, and once again, we were just boys running around in the barnyard when there was plenty of work to get done. Eventually we got to it, conferring on the series of small or big jobs to get done. Most of it had been done, actually; not only had my brother taken care of the morning chores, he had the old blue tractor at the South end of the barn, already confirmed to operate at least as well as can be expected for a piece of equipment older than our parents. Eva wasn't the only one of the farm with family heirlooms.

"Only because I'm kinda itching to carry a ring in my pocket after getting my hair cut: I remember you were talking about doing some counseling with Eva, as well as your own stuff. Just want to tell you I don't see anything here to keep your schedule tied up, if you want to get started on that. Mom is still okay; she'll start cussing and fighting if we pull her back from just getting on with daily life. Also, I already know what my first year classes are gonna be. They're all Honors College classes for Math, English and Statistics for Business. I've already reviewed the books assigned, and nothing is going to present me any real challenges. I can work around your schedule, too. Please don't let anything here stop what you need to do in town."

"Thanks, Little Brother. We're actually going to go for our first meeting tomorrow afternoon. Not at the church, but with the other psychologist who is going to see us both and individually. I really need to talk with Father Tim about this; how much of all the counseling will be redundant? I can't see how it won't be; the goal is the same in both offices. Eva and I want to do this right. No more anxiety, depression and wasted lives."

"I get that. Can I.....ask something else? You told me Eva had miscarried two pregnancies. You've also said you both want a family. Can Eva have children? Am I asking stuff waaaaay not any of my business?"

"No, you're fine to ask. I actually appreciate that's even in your mind. Yes, Eva can very likely carry a pregnancy to term. She saw an OB-GYN in Great Falls after the first miscarriage. Eva was told she was physically fine, and the tissue examination revealed nothing wrong in fetal development. It was likely stress-related. When the second miscarriage happened, her doctor in town came to the same conclusion that time.

The doctor here honestly thought Junior had something to do with it, like physically. Eva was examined head to toe, but no signs of physical trauma. It was the emotional and mental abuse, though, that has both of us wanting to make sure this is a good idea for us. I am more than willing to stand by her until the end of Time and prove my love and support. She wants to be sure she can be a good wife and mother. So, here we go. Our heads are gonna be so shrunken and examined! I'm confident we'll see good results. Knowing we have a timeline with Mom to consider, we want to do all the shrinkin' we can, as soon as possible."

"That's a lot.....I'm glad you two CAN have kids, assuming you're not firing blanks. And no, I'm not being a smart-ass; Dad's older brother had that issue."

"Oh, that's right.....well, not that it makes any difference whether I want Eva and me to marry, maybe getting my own Kid Contribution checked out would be a good idea. Might save some stress later, and if necessary, we can plan other options. You know, even though you're still kind of a kid yourself, I see in you a good dad just waiting to appear on the scene."

"You think so?"

"Definitely. I've only planned this place for a year-after-year existence. You've mapped out a century from now. I can tell you care. Mom is amazed that someone so young can see such a big picture. She thinks all you think about is crops and kids. I told her that's true, but I didn't clue her in on the missing component."

"Which is?"

"Cock. And don't pretend it's not."

"Oh, I'm not pretending; my question was more of a quiz to see if you were paying attention."

"How'd I do?"

"A-Plus. Now, you can get extra credit if you arrange those three in the right order."

Aleksy threw his head back and guffawed one of those big, farm boy laughs that is hearty and loud. Yeah, those people in Hawaii still trying to sleep were not going to get any relief that morning. Once we got back to thinking about the day, we walked to the barn to get some tack for the horses. My brother and I would not go out riding, but we did want to organize the tack room. We had six saddles. Two of them were show saddles, but we didn't show anymore. They needed to be cleaned up and conditioned, but that wasn't something we knew enough about, ourselves. While we took down bridles, hackamores, halters, saddles and more, we continued some catching up.

"You and Marc. Seemed like you guys had some important ground to cover. Okay for me to ask if.....well, if you're okay? Not only you, but both of you?"

"Thanks. Our conversation was one I could not have guessed, and I'm still deep in thought about it. I know he wants to talk with the rest of the family, and cover with you what he and I talked about. Since Mom wants to talk Sanger Stuff tomorrow, maybe after it'll be right for Marc to say something. I'm not going to go into it; not before he does. I'll tell you this much, because I suspect you're suspicious, yourself. Marc and I are fine. What we discussed offered me---nor us---any threats at all. He wanted to do what everyone wants to do when they meet their Mister Perfect, their Prince Charming----that means, me, by the way----to talk about their past now so there are no surprises later."

"I'll follow your lead on this, Jeffrey; but if there is something about this whatever-it-is, I'll listen to whatever you have to say. Your Lost Runner has moved right into our lives like he was always here. Weirdest thing I've ever seen. Truly; I feel like you two have been together forever. Mom says you're soulmates. I buy into that. There can't be another gay kid anywhere in the country who met the perfect man, and who in return is the perfect man for him."

"I love Marc. There is nothing about our talk last night that challenges us, or challenges that love for him. It's weird to talk with you about it. Do you even know other gay guys? Why are you so approving and accepting? I think if I'm lucky to have Marc, I'm even luckier to have you, Aleksy. Brothers like you don't just spring up like wheat and rye."

"Yeah, I know other gay guys. I knew a really great gay guy for awhile. He paved the way for you, somewhat. But all that you are and all that I know you're going to accomplish? That's all you, Baby Brother. You're now the great gay guy I know. The greatest. Well, you will be----as soon as you and the Harvard professor and get your over-achieving minds together and figure out how to bring your own four kids tearing around this place. But you and Marc are okay.....good. I'm glad. Whatever it is can't be too big; you're not scared and running."

"I will go running with Marc, but I won't run from him. No, that's not entirely true----I won't go running with him. Too much work, and he's not great with directions. I don't want to get lost along with him. Okay, I'll say this much, because you're You. Y'know how you, Mom and I drank shots last week after we decided unanimously that we were going to keep the Sangers solvent?"

"Yeah.....Dad's Rye."

"Right. I WISH it were Dad's Rye. I'd love for that to have come from our own farm. Anyway. We'll probably do that again tomorrow. Mom is confident there is nothing but bright, sunny mornings in everyone's future. I'll very likely go get the Rye again, and four shot glasses."

"Four? I don't think Mom's diagnosis is gonna rule out a shot of whiskey."

"No, it won't."

"Then.....oh."

"Ah. Anything else on that matter will be at Marc's discretion, Aleksy."

"We don't have to do that, you know."

"Yeah, we do. We've done it for almost a hundred and thirty years. You and I do our jobs right, our ancestors can do it for another hundred and thirty after you and I are down there with our own forebears. What we won't do, or I won't do, is invalidate Marc and his journey from his past. We celebrate our victories in business decisions with a rare ceremony. Marc celebrates his victories every goddamned day he gets out of bed. I will celebrate both. Just let him talk tomorrow, and nothing I've just said will have done anything but save you some shock or surprise."

"Are you sure? I'm sure you're sure, but this is Marc we're talking about."

"And it's the farm we're talking about. Marc is not more important to me than the farm, and the farm is not more important to me than Marc. Well, maybe a little, but those lines are awfully blurry right now. The five of us all have our own stuff to deal with, and we all have each other to support while we do it."

"You're right about that. Okay. So, you brought out the Rye and glasses last week. I'm sure you can navigate the same thing tomorrow, if we come to that."

"Seems like Mom knows we're going to come to that. But really; what do you think she and Auntie schemed up?"

"Fuck, I have no idea. But until last week, I had no idea just how much of the other green stuff we really grow. Heck, we own a bank; or part of one. I'm still not really sure about that. Or any of it. You know I still have it in my head I'll never make more money than a young college teacher? I never counted on counting more money. This is all so bizarre, but Mom and Auntie know what they're dealing with. I guess we'll find out."

"And there's Dad's life insurance, too."

"What? Oh, well, probably every farmer has life insurance. I can understand that."

"Not this much....."

"Are you serious?"

"I'd say, `as a heart attack', but it's too soon."

"Are there any other surprises you want to spring on me?"

"Well, YEAH, but who am I to ruin a surprise?"

"Oh, come on.....just one."

"Okay, but just because you begged so nicely. Remember last week when you noticed I had a Boyfriend Shirt?"

"Yeah....."

"And remember I said that I wanted more?"

"Vaguely....."

"You remember what I said I wanted?"

"Umm.....oh, you said you wanted Boyfriend Underwear, too. Gross!"

"Maybe `gross' to you, but I don't think so. It doesn't feel gross."

"Are you.....OH, MY GOD."

"Heh.....you asked!"

My big brother Aleksy, my friend and confidante, laughed loudly again and this time I joined him. Just try to keep sleeping, Hawaii. W Boys are your roosters, and y'all need to wake up and get some work done.

We worked through the tack room, then moved onto existing seed inventory. From there, we had cattle to check again. With #27 barely surviving but now on her own road to recovery, it wasn't wise to assume she was the only heifer who might have health concerns. Aleksy said he'd go get her that afternoon. I replayed my conversation with Lamar.

"I only got back here. Is Lamar the only Black guy in town?"

"In the county, as far as I know. I've no doubt he feels conspicuous if he's out around town. He has gone above and beyond for us in the past couple of weeks. I told him I wanted him to come out here and just chill with us sometimes."

"Agreed. I think Sally scored well when Lamar came to do his residence with her. I've known pre-DVM kids, and some have these starry-eyed notions that they want to be vets because they love children. Lamar is all about the animals and the investments they are for farmers and ranchers. You're right.....some appreciation in addition to paying the bill is a good idea."

Aleksy hatched a plan that I liked, which included rounding up some of the Ag students he knew at the MSU Extension Lab Farm outside of Moccasin for a big barbecue and keggar on Farm W. If we ever heard anyone say `The Ag Station', everyone knew that was the Lab Farm. That's a few hundred acres of practical agriculture science, going from theory to practice. In that one lab farm alone, six new strains of wheat and oats were developed in the previous century that survived increasing changes in farming, due to climate changes, land sustainability, crop yields and more. There's so much more that goes into owning and farming land than just planting a seed here or there. Sooooo much more that I'd never know.

I swore Dad took more knowledge in his 55 short years to his grave than I'd be lucky enough to have in 100 years. It was time to do less swearing and more studying. Even if I didn't fully understand what went into new strains of grain, I was damned well going to know how to make it profitable for Farm W. Sure, we might have a little more in the bank (our bank?) than some others, but that's privilege; I owed eight future kids and a hundred future grandkids all the assurance in the world that I paid attention when I had the chance.

The day passed to Noon and lunch. It was just the three of us, or I thought it would be, until Eva's car came back down the long drive from the county road. She brought another beer flat box with a drink carrier in it, and something looking kinda purplish. She also had something else wrapped up on a plate. Mom smiled at her and passed Aleksy and me with plates, utensils and a bowl of pasta salad. We were eating under the big tree, next to Lola Cola and Family.

"Okay, so you're my three lab mice again.....I'm trying a new sandwich, based on your idea of making entire sheet pans of sandwiches at the same time, Marie. Check these out! `Greek Focaccia Turkey with Ricotta and Pesto'. I think it's gonna be popular, but that's just me. Kim, K and I liked it, but now I need to know some objective opinions."

Mom just smiled and shook her head.

"How are we three going to be `objective', Eva?! We think you're a genius! How could we NOT like this? Heck, I'm drooling already!"

I could taste each and every ingredient she mentioned, although I didn't fully understand `focaccia'. I'd seen it, but never tried it. Might as well make up for lost time.....

.....and did we ever. The bread was baked with Greek olives, rosemary and Feta cheese right into it. The soft, chewy texture was unlike anything I'd ever known for a sandwich. The turkey wasn't just the deli turkey breast you can buy, but real roasted turkey; both light and dark meat. Pesto on one slice and ricotta on the other, and some lettuce and tomato piled in there, too. One of the best sandwiches in all my life, and that one that day was the first among many. Over time, I'd find out when it was offered on rotation at `Common Grounds', and I'd have an order in for at least six sandwiches. Of course, I shared with Mom, Aleksy and Marc.....if I was feeling benevolent and generous. Word spread quickly after it was first offered, and then I became just a name on a long list of people calling Eva and her team for their Greek Sandwich.

Yeah, I know I should move on from telling you this, but just one last thing: the truckers found out about it, too. Soon thereafter, a used big commercial dough mixer and a commercial oven were bought and installed, and baking focaccia bread was just about all anyone working the night shift at Common Grounds' got done. Trucks lined up Thursday mornings for that sandwich, and Eva's Lilac Lemonade---the purplish drink we also were guinea-pigged' on.

Once lunch was (regrettably) over, Eva laughed with delight and returned to work. Mom went in to actually get started on dinner, which was going to be a pork tenderloin and fried cabbage & onions (known droolingly as `Haluski' in Polish cuisine). As much as I'd had a wonderful lunch, I was already looking forward to dinner. This was one of Tommy's favorites, and he had watched Mom with eagle eyes when she'd made it previously. Jon and Kelly both said he volunteered to make it at their farm, and Trace and Toby had become fans, too. Tom actually improved on Mom's own whole-grain mustard sauce for the tenderloin. His secret? A little cooking sherry. That fancy Okie redneck.....getting his gourmet on.

4

Around 3:30PM, the aforementioned `Skinny Fucker Who Was Actually Useful In A Kitchen' called me.

"Don't tell me you're bailin' on me.....Bolt is saddled up and ready to ride."

"Obviously NOT ready, Jeffrey; if he was, I'd already see both of you out here. I'm lookin' around in a very wide radius, and all I see is an empty field. No Persnickity Polish Prancer anywhere, and no poor horse who has to endure his sorry ass."

"Give my `sorry ass' a break, Tommy!"

"I will when Marc will.....OH! Did I just say that part out loud??"

"You are obsessed with your boy's love life! Anything you wanna tell me about your own??"

"Um....."

"Holy fuck."

"What??!"

"Tommy, You're gay! Maybe it IS in the water!"

"I am not gay! Tween you and Toby, I don't think there's room enough for anymore gay' down on Cottonwood Creek!"

Again, `Holy Fuck'. Who is going to reveal to that poor fucker that it's not just Toby and me? There's my boy's own brother, too. Geez. Stop lookin' at the forest and focus on the trees, Tommy! Someday. He'd figure it out someday. Maybe.

"So if it's not THAT, then what's the `Um' about?"

"Well.....if you'd get yer poor horse out of the barn and in some fresh air, I could tell ya."

"Ten minutes. I fed him some oats; I think he has energy for a decent gallop. Now don't go hidin' behind a left-over stalk of wheat; I might miss you."

"Shut up. Tick-Tock, Fucker; nine minutes and thirty seconds. I have other stuff to do today."

"Well, eatin's gonna be one of `em, but you're doing it with us. Mom's making you your favorite."

"Weed Brownies?!"

"HAHAHAHA!!! Not even close! That's funny, though!"

"Just get out here. Maybe once we talk, I'll get an appetite again. Maybe some sleep, too."

Before I could answer, the call was done. Tom wasn't someone who hung up a call just to be dramatic. More likely the signal out in the field just sucked. Still, the comment was alarming, given Mom's health news, then Marc's and my conversation the night before.

"C'mon, Bolt; we gotta meet our Boys. Giddy-up."

Just right at ten minutes, our horses were nose-to-tail, and Tommy and I were facing each other. The Sun was over us enough that it wasn't in anyone's eyes. We were in each other's, though. Yeah, I got `that look'. Fun n' Games were over for the moment. I kept my silence. Tommy didn't need encouragement.

"Keep your calendar clear for the afternoon, next Friday. Please."

Wait---my boy said, `Please'? What??

"Okay.....you gettin' a tattoo or something?"

"`Or something'.....umm....."

"Goddamnit, Tommy; you're acting like my brother when he said I was gonna be his best man."

"Well, y'are."

"I know that! But what's up with you?"

"You're gonna be my best man."

"Wait.....I kinda figured that, someday; am I gettin' the hint that it's happening sooner?!"

"Yeah, finally."

"What do you mean, finally'? You're finally' gettin' married!? You're only eighteen years old!"

"No, finally' as in, you're finally' gettin' the hint, you daft dumb-ass."

"Fuck, Tommy; what's the rush? You haven't even started school!"

"It seems I started a family. We're pregnant."

I had nothing. For the second time in twenty-four hours, the silly smart-ass on Farm W had nothing. All I could do was exhale every last picoliter of air from my lungs, drop my head to look at the saddle horn between my legs, and think about what I'd just heard. One of my best friends was marrying my other best friend, and they were producing a best baby. Okay. Got it. The hint was taken and was well sunken in. I looked up at Tommy and screwed my mouth into something that was both a grimace and a wide smile. I'm sure I looked both constipated and diarrheic. My brain didn't know what to say, but it knew it wanted to say it all at once, and fast.

I dismounted Bolt and walked around our horses to Tommy's left side. I nearly pulled him off his horse, which made him laugh. Once he was on the ground, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly. Even a kiss on his neck. Suddenly a boy I'd come to know and love over the past four years was a man, maturing into adulthood and parenthood. How or why, the first thought in my head wasn't, How'd this happen?'---it happened the way it has always happened---my thought was, this news suddenly adds a whole new layer---and sense of urgency, in my opinion---to the Family Conversation scheduled for the following evening'.

What To Do about Farm Sanger?' Maybe that was soon to add, And How Soon Do We Do It?'.

"Tom. Of course I'll stand up with you. You and K."

"Thanks. Kinda knew you would. Just wasn't sure how to make sure YOU knew you would."

"Heh.....I think you handled that part just fine."

"Kinda fucked up the other part, though. This wasn't supposed to happen right now."

"Well, it did. So.....you and K. You're sure a family right now is a good idea?"

"We agree it's how we want to move forward. I think we were always gonna get married. As progressive and liberal as K and I are, I guess we both want to speed the process up a little. We have no reason not to marry; we knew we would, eventually."

"And I'm sure you're right, and I'm sure you'll make great parents, and I'm sure you can be sure that I'll be right beside you.....'Papa'."

"Kinda figured you'd be this way. We're kinda scared, K and I."

"Yeah, I bet you are. Do all the future grandparents know?"

"Um....."

"Oh, geez.....you're telling me first?"

"Yeah. We wanted to get a plan together first, since we clearly didn't get a plan together to prevent this from happening in the first place. So, courthouse wedding. K and I aren't in the same church. Hers is gonna have a real rough time with this."

"Oh.....damn. You know, I can see that happening......"

"You're the first to know. Not only about getting married, but being pregnant. I have no clue how my folks will take the news, but it's not gonna be like what K has to face. I know that. This comes at a bad time as far as my folks are concerned. This is my responsibility, though. I wanted, no, needed to tell you first. I know you're not gonna yell at me or tell me how stupid I am."

"Of course not. So. Now I know. I'll work through the rest of my reaction when I can understand everything, but for now: no question about any of this with me. We stand together, all three of us. Wait.....maybe four? Do you know who K will ask? I think you need two witnesses....."

"Yeah, we do.....I already called the Clerk and Recorder's office. K is probably going to ask Eva. Her girl friends are all in their church, and pretty sure their own families would frown most seriously about their daughters essentially supporting her by standing up with her. Eva knows, by the way."

"Can I ask.....how did you find out? I mean, both of you?"

"K missed her period. I got a pregnancy test at the county's Family Planning office in the courthouse. It was positive, so I went and got another at the drug store. Different brand, same result. Now she'll have to get one done at a doctor's office, and probably do all sorts of prenatal stuff. I have no idea. Fuck, I'm scared, Jeffrey. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know anything."

We were still in our hug, and that only got it tighter. The Sun might've very well set on us in the middle of that field. I wasn't leaving until Tommy was ready to ride home with me and get some food in his stomach. Poor kid hadn't eaten or slept. No wonder talking was better sooner than later.

"You don't have to know anything. Not right now. Just this: I'm your boy. I'm glad you told me first. I have this thing for being first, I guess. Come on, let's ride back. You can get a nap in before dinner. You look like you're exhausted."

"I am. Wasn't kidding about not sleeping or eating."

"Ya need rest and nourishment, Papa. Let's go. And when we get there, why don't you call K and tell her to come for dinner, too. You don't need to say anything to anyone else; just be together, among family---cuz y'are---and take it from there."

"You really think that'd be all right?"

"Of course, yeah. You don't need to figure all of this out tonight, Tom. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything. I'm just here to assure you as much as I can: nothing changes between you and me, you and Team W."

"Thanks. Can I say....."

"I love you, too. Have for a long time. I think you and I got together for a reason or two. Don't we always tell each other stuff, because we feel safe and secure doin' it? Yeah, we do; you don't even have to answer that. Gonna love you and K and this kid and all the kids. Heck, that's another reason you and I got together; someone has to be `That Uncle' to teach the kids all the bad words before anyone else does!"

"Heh.....thing is, you'll also draw `em pictures to go with the words."

"Well, of course! They're gonna learn the words before they can read! Gotta have pictures!"

"Yeah, but yours're gonna border on cartoon porn!"

We hugged tightly one last time, and maybe for the first and last time ever, we shared a kiss that was like the seal of a bond. Tommy and I didn't need to `seal' anything; our word was our bond, and for a few years then, we were bonded without saying anything. We had a look we could give each other that did all the talking, but not that day.

Back on our horses and only trotting back to the house, we managed to talk about other subjects. Sure, I wanted to know how this news would affect their plans for school, but heck; even Tom and K didn't know that. How could he tell me? It didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered but the next twenty-four hours, and all the next ones after that. Even in August, a farmer plans for Winter. Even in August, six people became three couples, and planned for Ever.

Before we got to the house, Tommy sent a text to K. She called him immediately.

"Hi. Yeah. Just told him. Nope, not at all. Here, Jeffrey. K wants to talk to you."

"Hi, K. Oh, don't cry, K; oh, who am I to tell you not to cry. But if you have to, cry because you're relieved your news has fallen on a welcoming heart and ears. Yes. Of course I will. Eva will? Not surprised, but I am still happy. K, if you don't have plans, come for dinner. Tommy's gonna eat with us. Please come, too. Nope. If you want to share any news beyond Eva and me, you're welcome to do it. I know for a fact that Mom and my brother will only offer you the same love and support that Eva and I will. Marc, too. Great; come when you're ready. We'll eat around 6:00PM, but come early if you want. In fact come early, because I want! Okay, Love. See you soon. I love you, too. Already told your man that. Yeah, he freaked out a little. A lot, actually. Now he's rollin' around on the lawn, tryin' to brush all The Gay off of his bigotty carcass. Now, THAT was a laugh! Okay, we'll see you then. Bye, Mama. Oh, yeah! I sure am! Already! Tommy is now known as Papa! Yup, it was that quick! Okay! Bye!"

I concluded the call and handed the phone back to Tom.

"`Rolling around on the lawn'? So now I'm suddenly epileptic, too?"

"I don't know about THAT, but you are a spaz on occasion, so sure; why not?"

"Is K coming?"

"Yeah. Kim lives in the shack, and she's working a split shift. She'll go back after Eva and K leave. They're really simpatico there. Everyone is good to everyone else."

"All Y'All are good to everyone."

"I like that people think so. We try."

We parked the horses and gave em some oats to eat, and fresh cold water. Later, we'd share some apple for dessert. Mom and Aleksy were in the house. The time was about 4:30PM. Hour and a half before dinner. We said our hellos', and I told Mom Tommy was gonna catch a nap in our room. She told him to rest well; he'd need his energy to help her in the kitchen. That made him smile, but he was so tired, it just looked like his face was melting when he tried.

I got him upstairs, and while he was getting his clothes off for the nap, I excused myself to the bathroom. I washed my face and then sent a text to Mom and Aleksy, telling them Kristi would be joining us for dinner, too. Also that they were dealing with some family issues, and might be a little subdued at dinner. Also, to take it easy during dinner, as far as conversation goes.

Aleksy responded with a thumbs-up', and Mom said hmmmm.....'. Well, unsurprisingly, she knew. Mothers always seem to know. I didn't know how K's mom would respond, and although I was sure Kelly's response would be less dramatic and dogmatic, both were still unknown at that point. The evening's focus was just going to be on dinner and whatever afterward.

For me: I was excited about being the best man at my best friends' wedding. It was now my mission to get them through the first of the whole process as happily as possible, or at least with the least amount of anxiety and regret. I sent another message to Marc, apprising him of the slight detour in the evening's plans. He sent back a message with a photo taken just as he was turning down the drive from the county road. Good. Text messages sent, I walked back down the hall to the bedroom. Tom had pulled the shades closed and was under the covers of our bed. He turned over to look at me, holding his arm in my direction.

"You, too. Please, Jeffrey."

"You're not gonna fart again, are ya?"

"Not again. Only had one in me. Just waitin' for ya."

"Gross. That poor kid. The only fresh air it'll get will be when he comes to visit Uncle Jozef."

We shared a weak, tired laugh, but it was a laugh. That kid would also know lots fresh air and laughter, and even more love. Lots of love. He---or she---was being born into thousands of acres of love. Long winters, hot summers, gain and loss. Players being rotated off the field and new ones coming on, hopefully for endless innings in front of a county full of cheering fans. Maybe Tommy and K started the season a little early, but I already knew: three uncles and an auntie were going to find inspiration in every moment of the eight or so months that followed that day.

I undressed and lifted up the sheet and light down comforter to crawl in. Tommy's back was to me, so I scootched over enough so we could spoon. That kid needed more hug, so he got that kind, too. Lots of variations on hugs, but honestly, spooning is the best. Tom and I were no strangers in bed, and were comfortable with being together. Over the years, we'd done pillow talk; about girls, about boys, school, growing up. Always sincerely, always respectfully. We were both tired, apparently; Tom and I yawned once, and that was it. We must've never moved in the hour and a half in bed, because Marc came in an roused us, smiling and asking if we needed anything before going downstairs. We were still in a spoon hug.

"Awwww.....sleeping boys are so cute! Didn't mean to disturb. Just wanted to let you know Eva and Kristi are here. It's a little after 6:00PM. We're outside with some iced tea and lemonade."

"Thanks, Marc. We'll be down in a moment or two."

We waved at Marc and he smiled back at us. I loved that he and I worked through issues of insecurity together so I could offer some consolation to my best friend. The sleepy boy in my arms snuggled against me just a little more, and we both yawned.

"I see how it is. You're bored with me, Jeffrey."

"Always have been, always will be. Your kid won't be boring, though. Heck, I'm already excited, and we haven't even met yet."

Tom turned around to face me. He looked a little more at peace. Just enough that he didn't look as scared.

"Gonna be a dad, Jeffrey."

"Yeah, you are. A good one. I know."

"I hope so."

"K won't let you be any other kind. Neither will the kid."

He smiled and leaned forward, parking another kiss on me. That was the very definition of solid, secure love between best friends. It closed any last distance between us. Another big hug, and we were both standing up to get dressed again. Once we were somewhat resembling living humans, we went back downstairs and joined the others at the picnic table in the yard. Before sitting down, Tom walked behind K and hugged her shoulders against his stomach. It was a brief and very sweet gesture, which she returned by covering his hands with her own.

They smiled at each other, just a little. It seemed like a heavy smile to me, and no doubt there were other emotions at play besides `hey, I'm happy to see you'. I stood beside them both and waited until they finished, then I pulled Kristi up into a hug of my own. One best friend in my arms for a nap and now my other best friend in essentially the same embrace, but vertically and wide awake. I guess the three of us were only ever going to be wide awake from then on out.

Not unexpectedly, K buried her face against my chest, but before she could cry----before we both could cry----I said she and Tom should go check out something on the house with me that I hadn't even decided yet what that would be. Just needed some Alone Time with just the three of us. Well, Three and counting. Marc told me later that as we walked away, the rest of them lost it. I was in the middle and had Tom and K on either side of me, their hands in mine. Marc said Mom sobbed just a little.

"They're just babies. All three of them. I'm glad they have each other."

"They have us, too, Mom. We need to move up tomorrow's discussion to today. Jon and Kelly need some additional foundational support. What little they have now is about to be rocked."

Marc said he and Eva both nodded, but Mom looked off toward the East. They were silent for a moment, hearing the breeze and nursing puppies.

"I agree. I don't think I have time to lay out the entire proposal as my sister and I have discussed it ourselves. If you and your brother think you can trust me on this, I'll just run with it. I'll explain it as I go, but I am entirely certain you boys, Marc and Eva, Jon and Kelly and now, maybe most important of all, Tom and Kristi will agree with it. We can fine-tune as we go. Nothing in writing yet; just a proposal. Marc, can I rely on you to take notes of the conversation, and Eva, will you please sit right by me? I don't want the boys by me. I don't care how benevolent we might be trying to show; if it's Marie and The Boys right together, it'll look like a scene out of `The Godfather Part IV'."

Marc nodded, as did Eva. Their plan seemed to be hatching while my boy and my girl and I sat beneath another tree on the far side of the house, just holding onto each other. Really, when you look at it, we were two groups trying to accomplish the same thing: a secure future for a sudden family. Marc told me that Mom went right into All-Mom Mode, and she was all but ready for a rural village to set up shop to raise a child.

"I'm going in to get started on dinner. Most of it's done. We'll eat in an hour. You kids keep those three in tea and lemonade, and if you can, laughter. I need to make a phone call to my sister."

While Marc, Aleksy and Eva all took over pup nourishment duties, Lola Cola was released to run around the yard. She ran over to our side of the house and woofed at us, too. There is nothing but joy in the air when a dog bounces around, woofing at butterflies and loving her life. K noticed Lola Cola jumping, twisting, running and telling the world she was happy.

"I hope I can do that, too."

Tommy hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"We already did that. And here we are....."

K and I just looked at him with our mouths open. Tommy shrugged, glancing back and forth between us.

"What?! We did! Too soon....?"

"No, ya damned tumbleweed; I guess not."

We laughed and dried our eyes.

"Neither of you said anything, but I think it's real clear to all of Team W what you're facing together. I had my eyes on all of `em. You can count on nothing but love and support from us."

Tom nodded and sighed.

"K, you know we have to be more direct than that with our own folks. I can't speak for yours, but I think mine will handle the news maybe a little disappointed, but not in us; just for us. I know they'll be respectful, though. Half of my blood is all about respecting the decisions of all the members of the tribe. We're not exactly tied up in religious rules and regulations, but we respect others on a different path."

"I know already what is going to happen. There is no silver lining to what my parents will see only as a black cloud. Others in the church will reflect this badly on them. Yeah, let's tell yours first. I'll be with you."

Tommy nodded, but he didn't look happy. I knew he wasn't afraid of K's family; he was afraid for her. Theirs was one of the declining number of churches still embracing of the `purity movement' and subjugation of women as soon as they were little girls. My boy would never subjugate K; not to anything or anyone. I knew maybe ten days or so that my best friends were in a relationship, but I respected them their privacy. They had no obligation to tell me anything, but today they'd told me just about everything. My obligation to them both was standing with them when they made it all legal, and every moment after that they might need me.

"Soooo.....maybe I've seen too many old movies, but if you want to consider setting up an invisible, legal and as-friendly-as-possible fence, I might have an idea."

Both Tommy and K looked at me. Never one to not have an idea, good or bad, I pulled some grass out of the lawn and tossed it in the air for the breeze to carry a few feet away. Tom nudged me with his boot.

"Well, are we supposed to decipher those blades of grass like they're some damned tea leaves, or can you maybe just use some of your fancy vocabulary from eleven years of public school?"

"Don't come at me with any accusations of fancy' words; you just used decipher', which I remember for a fact was in Mr Green's Freshmen English. Don't pretend you didn't pay attention, ya Mostly-Okay-Okie. So. Next week is when you want to go spend a few minutes in front of Justice Nancy."

"Yeah."

"Why next week? Is that a scheduling thing?"

"Well.....no, not really. We were thinking it would give us time to talk with our families first."

"Okay.....is that something you really want to do? You already know you're getting married. You already know there's going to be some harsh resistance, whether that's gonna accomplish anything for anyone but sow seeds of disappointment and anger. I agree with you, Tom; your family will very likely handle this better than yours, K. There's gonna be some strong reactions from everyone, though. If you take that into a wedding, I don't think you'll have a good experience; and right now, fetal development is gonna rely on some good experiences so the right chemicals are racin' around while cells continue to divide.

What if.....you married first, and then `came out', so to speak? You'd still be two silly kids who just graduated high school, but you would also be an unassailable and adult legal entity."

Tom smiled and loved the idea, nodding and pulling K closer to him. She met it with less enthusiasm.

"You mean, elope?"

"Heh.....see? You can use big words, too. I knew you had it in ya."

Kristi was looking at the Little Snowies in the East.

"That would make sense, in a practical way. To me, though.....it would seem to my family and others in our church that I was trying to get away with something sneaky. I have more dignity than that, and if I want anything unassailable, it would be my integrity. They're so used to men making decisions and laying down the law for the women. My father's first reaction, or one of them, would be that I was being willful and disobedient to him and scripture. I'll be honest: I take only about three pounds of a ton of dogma with any seriousness and application to my life, but those three pounds.....well, I want them to know ME for maybe the first time ever. ME making a decision that they can't change, because I don't want them to; not because they can't, after the fact. Does that make sense?"

Tommy and I looked at each other and nodded, and answered at the same time.

"Perfect sense."

K nodded and smiled, but just a little.

"Thanks, Jeffrey; that was a good idea, trying to find a way out of just upsetting a lot of people. The thing is, I want them, not us, to deal with being upset."

We laid back on the grass, staring up at the clouds and resembling to birds and butterflies above like we were mimicking the Mercedes-Benz logo. Three silly but suddenly less silly heads, connected at the top.

"Well, then what do you think of THIS idea?"

I went on to offer something that I actually liked better, and from the four eyes and two mouths that were all smiling as I spoke, it seemed like my best friends could have a union closer to silver than black.

"Jeffrey, I like that idea so much, I don't really care if my folks come around to Tommy and me being together or not. It's reverent, practical and something we can share with friends and family. It's also the perfect little celebration before the big one that'll follow a few more months down the line."

"Okay. See, Tom? K is the smart one of the three of us."

"She is. And the mature one. But Jeffrey....."

"Yeah?"

"You can still be the pretty one."

Kristi sat up and faked indignation and umbrage (two more freshman year words), her hands on her hips.

"What do you mean, `Jeffrey can be the pretty one'!?? Are you saying I'm not pretty, Tommy??"

"Not right now, you're not!"

Tommy laughed like a hyena and shot to his feet. I stood and pulled K up, and we chased Tom around the house where Aleksy, Eva and Marc else just sat looking at us, laughing and chasing each other like we were little kids. We were little kids, really; just three who had made some recent and very grown-up decisions with our lives, but could still laugh in spite of them, and in spite of ourselves.

5

Dinner was running later than planned. Mom came out and pulled Tommy in to make the sauce and Haluski. She pulled out settings for eleven and asked Kristi to set the big picnic table for eight, and then set up the card table for three more. Wait....eleven? Oh, shit.....I was counting seven. K looked at me when Mom had her back turned. I shrugged and went in the pantry to retrieve the card table. Back outside, we fulfilled our missions. Aleksy, Eva and Marc also looked a little confused. Then Eva smiled.

"Of course. Jon, Kelly, Trace and Toby are coming, I'd bet."

Well, so they were. And there they were, all four in Kelly's old Explorer, riding across the big and then little pasture, right up to the fence that separated the house yard from the barn yard. All four were smiling and laughing at something. I'd come to know Toby's sense of humor, and I thought he was hilarious. Maybe the second-funniest guy in the county. They came through the gate and we all greeted each other. Tom and K looked nervous, but kept a good appearance of `hey, looks like a picnic!'.

Mom hollered for Tom and K, and off they went into the house. After a few minutes, all three returned with two huge platters of pork tenderloin, already cut into thick medallions, and poured over them was Tom's mustard sauce. Two big bowls of the fried cabbage and noddles, swimming in garlic and butter accompanied them. Mom carried more iced tea and lemonade, and we all sat down while Lola Cola did the same thing. Two Moms feeding a crowd.

Dinner was laid-back, no-frills, simple fare. Tom's sauce was only better and better each time he made this. His family would never know boring food. That kid had skills; guitar and singing, cooking, farming and veterinary medicine that would make anyone with a clinic just wonder at what Tom seems to know already. K was also musical, also a good cook, also natural with people. She could make strangers buying coffee and muffins so comfortable that they'd think she grew the beans, roasted them herself and had done so all her life. Together, they would be good parents. The way they cared for people and animals almost guaranteed them their own cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

There was no formal dessert, but Aleksy and I ran to the basement to pull up every container of ice cream we could find there. They all made their way to the table, and after Eva and Marc cleared the dinner plates away and returned with bowls, my brother and I smiled with satisfaction that the trip back to the basement would be considerably less work. The evening was drawing to a close. We were nigh on 8:00PM. The afternoon breeze was long since gone, and the evening breeze would not show up for its turn on the runway for another hour. Stillness enveloped us, and the silence was palpable. On one side of the table sat Eva, K, Tommy and me. Opposite us were Jon and Kelly, Trace and Toby. It almost looked like union negotiations between the UAW and Ford, but in this case, everyone was at least trying to smile.

It wasn't planned this way. Kelly called Mom about something regarding the Grange Women, and by the end of the call, two more tenderloins were being seared and roasted, and two more heads of cabbage were cut up. I don't know if any conclusions were reached about whatever was the topic for Grange Women. Mom was not conspiring anything, although the looks Aleksy and I shot each other hinted that we were suspicious. Mom would never do anything malevolently, so the thought crossed from my mind as quickly as it arrived.

I heard the first cricket rubbing its legs together. Then I heard the first farm boy do the same thing. Tommy cleared his throat. He reached for K's hand. Oh. So, I took Tommy's other hand, and Eva took K's. I realized Eva and I were already standing up for Tommy and K, even seated after dinner and ice cream. Jon looked right at Tommy, intently trying to read his son. Kelly joined in the effort, which might've seemed futile, until Tom gave them a little slack in the line. His voice cracked just like it did when he first walked in the halls of the high school, four years ago.

"So.....ahem.....um....."

K squeezed his hand and looked at him, mustering her own bravery and support for her man. The man who was suddenly a boy again, making his way in the world and meeting new challenges. A very brave boy, and his very brave girl. Jon nodded and Kelly tilted her head a little, encouraging Tom softly. Trace and Toby were expressionless, but both faces were respectfully intent on acknowledging the difficult moment everyone found themselves in. Trace finally smiled at Tom and nodded just a little at his younger brother. Maybe that was all it took, finally.

"K and I.....we think now is.....well, what we mean is.....we're.....gonna marry."

We were all quiet. Tom and K both had on the bravest faces I'd never seen. Saying they were marrying was the easy part; saying why.....well, more bravery would be needed, surely. Eva and I offered all we could at the moment. Jon looked up at the tree, slowly nodding his head repeatedly. He turned his face to look at Kelly's, tears in her eyes now rolling down her cheeks. Jon reached up and smacked the table with his hand and laughed.

"TOLD YOU, Kelly! I TOLD YOU our boy would do the right thing!"

"Yeah, you did, Jon. I didn't need convincin'; but the reassurance was sure welcome!"

We all looked at Tom's parents, trying to understand what was going on. Next thing I know, Trace is up from his seat, running around the end of the table and yanking his little brother out of his chair. Trace pulled Tom right up into the air and spun him around, both laughing. The entire table sighed with relief. Trace finally let go of Tommy and repeated the congratulatory gesture with K, but obviously more delicately. Whoops and hollers followed from all of us, and every ice cream spoon pounded on the sides of glasses, filled to different levels, creating something of a farmer's symphony.

It took awhile, but we settled down. Somehow Tommy wound up in his dad's big arms, and Jon just rocked his boy with love. Kelly did the same for Kristi. Mom was dabbing her eyes and laughing. Marc appeared sad, but was smiling, nonetheless. Aleksy and Eva.....well, I knew what they were thinking. Some evening, very soon, but only when they decided they were ready, we'd get some similar very good, very welcome news from them.

Tommy was smiling like a goofy idiot (so, just natural).

"Pa, what did you mean, `I TOLD YOU'?"

"I knew you'd acknowledge and handle your responsibility."

"What do you mean.....I mean, how did you know I had a responsibility?"

Kelly smiled and piped right up.

"You got a pregnancy test, but you left the receipt in your jeans pocket. I was doing laundry!"

"So.....y'all knew.....?"

"Not until today! We were sittin' here watching you two do everything you could not to even look at each other, and it became very obvious you'd done more than just some lookin' recently. We figured you'd say something when the time was right, and if there was anything to say. Your decisions are your own, but everyone on this side of the table supports `em. Your bodies, your lives, your choices. And nothin' but love from your Pa and me."

"Really?"

"Really. Jon, where is it....."

"Right here, Ma."

Jon reached in the little vest pocket and pulled out a tiny purple velvet sack. He handed it to Tommy. Mom gasped. She knew what was up. Tommy took it and opened it. He looked inside and then smiled at his parents.

"You sure?!"

"Damned sure."

"But.....Trace's the oldest."

"Yeah, and that ain't gonna fit on any of Toby's fingers. It's yours, Boy."

Well, fuck me runnin' and knock me over with a feather. Would this day know no end of surprises from Team Sanger?! Jon just acknowledged Toby into the family, too. Trace and Toby just looked at each other like they were seeing a Snowy Mountain Sasquatch, on our very own farm. Well, I will just be all kinds of damned.

Everyone looked at Jon, and it was Trace who was the widest-eyed at what his father had just said. Jon looked at Trace and shrugged while smiling a little.

"Don't worry; I got something for you that'll fit your cowboy, when the time comes. For now, though: Tom, you have something you want to do there?"

"Sure do, Pa. I sure do!"

Tommy stood and backed his chair up. K smiled, red and with tears running down her face to the smile that detoured them from launching right off of her chin. He led her over to the base of the big old tree, and just like they had done last week when they were there together, he wrapped his arms around his love, kissed her forehead and then knelt before her. Mom, Eva and Kelly just sobbed. Oh, fuck. We all did. The men were just a little---but not much---quieter about it.

Tommy spoke for K's ears, but he shared his declaration of love and intent with the rest of us.

"Kristi, Degegat'svsdisgv. Kristi, will you marry me?"

"Yes, Tom; I will marry you!"

Tommy opened the tiny velvet sack and withdrew Jon's grandmother's wedding ring. He slid the tiny, simple gold band on K's finger. It fit perfectly. My boy stood and once again, they embraced in a hug that then included some waving back and forth, and then Tommy just picked K up and spun her around twice, both laughing with tears in their eyes. Incredible. We all stood and applauded, and one by one, we formed a line to pass Tommy and K, shaking hands or hugging or both, wishing nothing but the best to them.

Jon and Trace shouted words in Cherokee to Tommy who just smiled and shouted them back. So much to celebrate, and nothing met barriers of culture or gender. Everyone cried, everyone was happy. I could not have been happier, and I realized that K made the right call; they had nothing to sneak off and do. Nothing to hide. Everything to shout at and about, and with a big family to get them started off right. Elope. Pfff. Dumb!

I looked at Marc. He was affected by the happiness. We stood by each other, our arms around each other's shoulders. He rested his head against mine for a moment, and we spoke quietly to each other.

"I love you."

"I love you."

No proposal, no announcement. Not yet. Someday. Like Jon said: when the time is right'. And holy fuck, how about THAT?! Jon and Kelly had love and support for both their boys, and if Tommy was surprised that Toby was now one of em, he didn't show it. Jon's comment wasn't lost on Marc and me, though. I'd like to believe Dad would've said something similar, if not the same thing.

While the rest of us sat down, Trace and Tommy stayed together for a moment. They embraced, too; their foreheads resting against each other. That was all; nothing said. Nothing for the rest of us to hear. K and Kelly were having a nice conversation together, and Jon and Mom were talking about the yard being the perfect place for all of that to happen. Mom smiled and nodded.

"I don't think we're done, Grandpa Jon. Can you stick around?"

"Sure, Marie. We got through the last of the harvest. Not anything requiring attention this evening. Heh.....'Grandpa Jon'. Sounds just right."

"Well.....maybe there is something we can attend to, Neighbor. I can't do much without my boys, so I want you to know that. You can decide who sits in from Team Sanger."

"Can't see any sense in doin' some invitin' in one minute and then excludin' in the next. What do you have in mind?"

"Business, Jon."

"Oh. Well, Marie; I think we're proving farmers can, indeed, mix business and pleasure. We just finished the `pleasure' part first. Okay."

Marc saw Mom talking with Jon. We walked over to her after Jon left to talk with Kelly and the boys, and Tommy and K. Eva and Anders joined Mom, Marc and me.

"Marc, I'm going in to get a couple of folders and a big legal pad. Please take notes. Eva, host the table and keep everyone in whatever they need. Aleksy and Jozef, we talked a little. You want a very brief run-down before we do this?"

My brother and I looked at each other. I could tell neither of us had any compulsions needed to be addressed. Of course we trusted whatever Mom and Auntie had talked about. I nodded to Aleksy.

"We're fine, Mom. Unless you think Jozef and I need to hear anything first."

"You need to hear it all first, but I don't think it would change anything. This is strictly business, Boys; but I think everyone will leave the table smiling. Right now, we have a tough act to follow. Let's just go, okay?"

"Okay, Mom."

Per her earlier suggestion, only Marc and Eva sat on either side of Mom. Aleksy and I sat next to Eva, and Kelly and Jon were next to her. Trace and Toby, K and Tommy, rounded out the far end of the picnic table. No one sat at the head of anything. This was the village that would raise a child, then more children, and along the way, keep farmers farming and sleeping well at night. Heh.....'strictly business', Mom said. Her heart was all over the contents of those folders, but sure; do your best O.C. imitation, Mom! I'm onto both of you.'

"Okay. We're on a good roll here, Folks. Dinner, happy kids creating a new family, and now if we can, let's see what we can do---all of us---to keep Archer Goddamned Daniels Midland off our horizon. First off, this isn't anything final. This is a proposal. We saw one just happen, and I know that's gonna result in only good things. I'm going two for two. There's nothing to sign.....yet. We're here to talk, come to mutual understandings, and move forward with stuff to sign at the next step.

At any point this looks like it's not beneficial to everyone, we just end it until we can come up with something better, or we accept that it's not going to work at all. We're smart farmers; I think we'll do better business than the bank can. Everyone comfy? Good. Marc is an historian by nature and profession, so he's gonna take notes. Speak up if you need clarity on anything said. Eva is gonna keep everyone comfortable. Oh----you all know where the restrooms are. Eva isn't gonna work THAT hard to keep us comfortable. Every farmer for themselves in that regard. Ready?"

The entire table answered,

"Ready!"

For the next two hours, taking advantage the waning Sun and then welcome dusk, two families hatched a plan that, looking back on it, was genius. Mom and Auntie were a force to be reckoned with when their two heads got together. Basically, Farm W was buying Jon and Kelly's one thousand acres for a fair market price, not yet determined entirely, but homework done suggested an approximate value that was well in excess of what the Sangers owed on the loan at the bank.

There'd be an appraisal and some title work at Farm W's expense, and that would begin right away. Cash sale with two checks. One would pay off the Sanger loan at the bank, in full, interest calculated to the very hour. The other check was directly to Jon, Kelly, Trace and Tom, since their farm was now owned by all four of them, with Tommy reaching the age of eighteen months ago. No foreclosure and Big Ag no longer a threat to a Little Farm. Fuck Big Ag.

That was really the most important part of the entire meeting. At least, so I thought. Mom made certain to catch Aleksy's and my eye before she continued. We just nodded. Damn.....the roller coaster ride continued, and we were at another bend. Hands up, spirits up, smiling and riding!

The current tenant farmers in Hingham were done in a few months. They'd done all the farming they wanted, and had twenty years of success at it. What they didn't have was anyone in the next generation who wanted to continue, and warmer weather in southern Washington state was looking more and more attractive to them.

Mom and Auntie proposed that Jon and Kelly take it over. It was grain only, well irrigated, current (but not new) equipment and implements and good, solid neighbors growing the same crops. It would be larger than the Sangers' current operation, but not as large as ours. Easily managed with four people. Jon actually caught Kelly's, Trace's and Toby's eyes. No one turned their gaze away from him. Ah. Nice. They were still receptive.

Mom and Jon would cover lease terms later, if the basic idea was thus far acceptable. It was. The farm house, barn and outbuildings on the Hingham farm were big, solid and up to code. So, now what about the farm house on the Sanger land? Heh.....no problem. None whatsoever. Farm W proposed hiring Tommy as our employee to be the steward of the thousand acres. It would be up to him to manage the day-to-day operations, with Yours Truly floating from field to field where I was necessary. It was proposed that K would, or could, be an employee, too---if she wanted. Eva just nodded vigorously and smiled. Everyone laughed.

"You're an incredible teammate, K! I just don't think I can expand `Common Grounds' to put in a daycare, too!"

That comment hit home with K and Tommy. They looked at each other as if just then realizing that all their plans were altered now. Still, K smiled and agreed. Mom kept reading.

"What we also have are two bright minds that should continue to learn as much as they want or can. My sister and I have a non-profit that we have funded for years, helping out with rural schools in less-well-funded counties. It appears some of those counties are going to merge, which makes good sense from a bureaucratic point. That'll allow the small schools to actually stay right in line with what we're doing now, money-wise. So: our non-profit organization would like to offer Tom and Kristi scholarships, full tuition and expenses, to continue with their plans for distance-earned degrees. We hope you'll accept, fully understanding this isn't charity.

Tommy, no one will ever be a better vet student than you already are. You just need to let the classrooms catch up to you! The benefit you're going to be to Central Montana is immeasurable. K, I know your focus in Primary Education, specifically within writing curricula for young kids with neurodevelopmental challenges. Your own challenge of doing that while also co-raising a family and working a farm will not be one that will hinder you. I am certain you can do it, and I hope you will. Since Tommy's scholarship extends to graduate school, you'll have the same opportunity. Write those books, create those lesson plans. Kids and their families right here will need you. I have been told, but have no confirmation, that you both can do your undergraduate work without leaving the farm, except for some exams once in awhile. I think the rest of us can take care of the place while you're off to Bozeman or Missoula now and then.

Ah----you'll need health insurance. Thanks to The Affordable Care Act, dba Obamacare, you are covered under your parents' insurance until you're 25 years old. Jon and Kelly, and Trace and Toby; the Hingham farm will offer you insurance as part of the lease agreement. Tommy and K, Farm W has the same. I'd encourage you to also check out the student health services on both campuses, though. See which is better. Whatever you choose: the farm or the non-profit will take care of one hundred percent of the out-of-pocket expenses. Prenatal, post-natal, pediatric and family medicine will be words in your vocabulary for the rest of your lives.

Now: Trace and Toby. I hope you'll consider working the Hingham farm with Jon and Kelly. You're young, energetic and both good workers. School might be something you still want to pursue. If it is, let me know. I'll talk with my sister, and I'm pretty sure that same opportunity will be available to you. Northern Montana College in Havre is only twenty minutes away, and probably also has some distance-learning opportunities. However, to be fair, if that is not the direction you want to go, then write your own proposal for a business grant to do what you want.

I think we've covered a lot. Marc, are you getting most of that?"

"All of it, actually. Not word-for-word, but outlined in good detail."

"Nice. Okay. So. That's what Team W and Farm W would like to say. And now I'll say what I want to say: none of this is anything but common-sense approaches to keeping farms and families---old and new---viable and growing. Support the family, the farm grows. The reverse is also true. What this isn't is charity. This is what my boys and I feel is essential to the future we want, and we hope you'll agree for yourselves. Our families are rich in knowledge, abilities and diversity. Let us know what you think. The only thing I'll remind: whatever you decide, that bank loan's due date isn't going to change."

The table was silent all around. There was a lot to think about. Heck, there was a lot for ME to think about. I wasn't sorry I hadn't known in advance what Mom was proposing, but my mind hadn't been involved in negotiations and transactions like this before. I think the only reason was due to my age; how often could these things come up? Heck, this was the first proposed expansion of our farm in seventy years.

Seventy years.....there's that number again.

And then.....the dam burst and water gushed forth from Kelly's eyes. That set Jon off, but he remained stoic as he held his wife in his arms. Trace was red- and misty-eyed, and Toby had a hand on Trace's leg under the table. It all went on for awhile, and I noticed that Tommy and K were sideways-hugging in their chairs. No one said anything. And you know who wasn't crying? No one. Everyone was, or at least had tears. What started as an end-run around Big Bank and Big Ag turned out to be a cunning, thoughtful, careful and caring plan to keep it in the family. Literally and figuratively.

Jon leaned forward and made direct eye contact with Mom. Then he looked at Kelly. She nodded.

"We, uh, have no objections to looking at this more in-depth. You know, the appraisals and contracts. Yeah, this is business, and just so I understand everything, and Kelly, too, I'll check with the lawyer tomorrow to see what we do from our end now.

I like the idea, well, all the ideas in general; particularly the kids being part of this. There are four bright futures here. Well, correction: five futures. I'd be a damned fool if I disregarded them. Kelly, what you got?"

"Oh, I got lots; my head is swimming right now, but mostly with grandma-type things, I'll admit! If I can ask one thing, though: the current farmers on the Hingham farm.....how long was their lease?"

"Twenty years."

"Okay.....well, Jon and I are the same age.....I guess we'd be.....68. So, if we found the Fountain Of Youth and wanted to go again, we could? And then let the boys assume responsibility?"

"Kelly, in twenty years, you'd own it and do whatever you want with the farm. Oh----did I forget to say we wanted to lease-to-own?"

The whole table laughed and answered.

"YES!"

Mom just laughed and turned red.

"Well.....I'm getting used to forgetting things sooner than I wanted, but that's why Marc is taking perfect notes."

We sat thinking about all we'd just heard. Not including Mom's admission about a significant detail slipping her mind, I was on a high. Tommy and K were marrying and having a baby! Mom pitched an idea to Team Sanger that would, as far as I could tell, secure the future for everyone on it; and that included at least one future generation. I thought earlier in the day there'd soon be a new generation on the farm, and I'm beyond glad the day was drawing to a close with everyone looking forward to the first of many kids tearing around the place.

Was that a simple forgotten detail, about the Hingham farm being a twenty-years-lease-to-own agreement? Maybe. We were all excited throughout dinner, and at one point, eleven voices were talking at once, smiles and laughter carried on the nighttime breeze that picked up again from the west. At some point, probably when Marc and I were in Billings, Aleksy had climbed the big tree and hung several strings of bistro lights among the branches.

That night was the first time I saw them all come on, and when they were, no one wanted to leave. It took only one really loud and uncharacteristic yawn from K to get people standing up and everyone carrying something from the table inside. Tired Mom-To-Be equals The-Party-Is-Over. K looked embarrassed, but we all laughed. Suddenly we had a lot more to celebrate, and I had no doubt Aleksy and I, maybe Marc and others, would be building at least another big picnic table for future farm-and-families events like that one.

It was too late for Tommy to ride back. He and I made his horse comfortable in the stall between Bolt and Stan. They were all behaving like any boys having a sleepover. Before we left the barn, I stopped and held Tommy by the shoulders.

"You know I'm there in a heartbeat if you need me. Just across the field or down the road from each other. Don't get scared, or if you do, don't stay scared alone."

"I won't. Well, yeah, I will. We're not the only kids who have wound up in this situation. Won't be the last, I suppose. Thanks for making this the best scary day possible."

"T'weren't nothin'. Oh---best tenderloin yet! What'd you do this time?"

"Stirred in sour cream instead of regular cream, thinned just a little with chicken stock your mom had in the fridge. Oh.....and a teaspoon of tomato paste."

"Write that down somewhere. So: you heard my mom and your dad; looks like this whole thing might move forward, at least to the next step of diggin' into the legal aspects of the plan. What do you think?"

"I think you and I are still upstairs sleeping in the biggest bed ever built, and this is all just a really incredible dream. My gosh. You, your brother and mom---and aunt---have come up with a way to give the Sangers a future. And the college stuff? I could not have seen that comin' for miles and miles. K had her fingernails imbedded in my wrist below the table when your mom was talkin'."

"We'd talked about a lot of stuff, but not that. Came in out of the blue, and I'm glad it did. Tell ya what I liked most about that whole thing?"

"Go."

"You and I are gonna still be just across the field and down the road from each other. Nothing's gonna change about you and me."

"Yeah.....y'know, you're right. So now it's all just that much better a dream, if that's what I'm havin'; or an even better real future."

"So.....our folks all know about you and K. Any thoughts on her family?"

"Yeah, tied in with your Second Great Idea. Tell ya more about that tomorrow, maybe?"

"I'll be around. I can bring your horse back to you in the morning, if that works."

"Yup, that'll work fine. Thanks for boarding him tonight."

"Done. I'm excited for you and K. You were surrounded by nine people who will stand in line to celebrate that kid's arrival on the scene. You two for your own sake, too, of course. So.....I know you're resting your carcass in a pretty small bed at your place. Gonna need one a little bigger in about a week."

"Yeah.....been thinkin' about that. I'll figure something out."

"Tommy, you're not a charity case, but anything that's mine is yours. You know that. So how about you figure something out later, and let me bring the bed I just replaced over. Queen size. Mattress is still in decent shape. Heck, you spent more than a handful of nights on that bed over the past four years. You can have it all; the nightstand and little dresser, too."

"Thanks! That'll work just great! My gosh, yeah!"

"We can work that out whenever, and we can take the twin bed out of your room and get rid of it, too. Whatever."

"You're real good to me."

"Could always be better. Anyway. You ridin' back with your folks, you should get goin'. I suppose K will go back with Eva and get her car."

"Okay. Best evening of my life, Jozef. Best boy of my life. Damn, I hope this ain't a dream!"

"It's not. C'mon, Papa."

One more hug and off we strode to the house yard where the Growing Sanger Family were gathered to say goodbye to Team W. The four of them squeezed into that old Explorer, waiting for Tom to join them. He did, but not before he hugged all of us and thanked everyone over and over. His last attention was for his bride-to-be and mother-to-be of his child. We all busied ourselves looking west while they said their own farewells. I'm sure it was a sweet and tender moment, with both Tommy and K relieved that thus far, the news was well-received. The Sangers took off (and yeah, I was already including Toby among `em) and K walked under the tree lights to join us by Lola Cola's run.

"Thank you all so much. I didn't know how any of this would go, but you're all so wonderful; how could it go anything but perfectly?"

Mom hugged K and smiled at her.

"You're only getting started, Kristi. I know from experience: your joys will only compound on today's. I'm sure you'll have some immediate challenges, but the folks riding in front of those tail lights and everyone here will back you up. Now. Go home and get some rest. And if you're not ready to tell your folks this evening, you might consider wearing gloves or taking the ring off."

K looked at her hand and held it protectively with the other, then looked up at Mom.

"The ring stays. I might be sent on my way, but the ring stays."

We smiled and nodded. What a brave woman. It wasn't just that ring wrapped around her finger; it was her integrity, too. Just like she said, she was hiding from nothing or anyone. Tommy, you have no idea, Bud, how well you really scored and how lucky you and your kids are. Not yet.

"Jeffrey, do you really think we can do this? I mean, here?"

"I really think you can do whatever you want, but let this be my gift to you, K. You and Tommy. As soon as you can and if it's possible, you two meet me here, and we'll discuss it further. I still need to tell Mom and Aleksy about it, but I think we'll do that now."

Mom and Aleksy just looked at each other with their eyebrows raised. Eva and Marc.....they just looked tired from seeing and hearing everything that went on this evening. Still, they were smiling. We all smiled, and K got in her car to drive back to town. She honked and flashed her tail lights when she got to the county road, and we went back to the house yard. Just inside the gate, Mom turned to me with her hands on her hips.

"Well? Any surprises YOU want to share with the rest of us?"

"Hmmm.....no.....well, let me think.....oh, yeah! Clear your decks! We're gonna have ourselves a big, ol' Farmer Wedding here next Friday!"

Eva and Aleksy laughed and hugged. I think that was my brother keeping her from floating right up into the sky after having such a good day. Marc smiled and nodded at me.

"The more I get to know you---to know all of you---I'm not surprised by anything I heard during or after dinner, and not now, either. Count on me and the house in town for anything we can help with."

"Thanks, Marc. So.....Mom....."

"`Mom' what? This is just the perfect right thing to do for them. We haven't had a big party here in a long time. You have such a good heart, Youngest. Let's discuss details tomorrow. Right now, though.....I need to sleep. Oh---do you kids have any questions or concerns about your auntie's and my ideas?"

My brother and I looked at each other and smiled. We shook our heads and smiled back. Aleksy stepped forward to give Mom a hug.

"It was all like peeling an onion, Mom; and every tear shed was a joyful one. I had no idea what was coming next, but I was loving it all. The looks on their faces was priceless. Ol' Jon was ready to cry, I know it. Probably is right now. I'd love to be in that room when they go in to pay off the mortgage. ADM is gonna be so pissed off."

I nodded to that, and also found their expressions to run all over the place. Not once, though, did they look uncomfortable or embarrassed. Tommy wasn't a charity; no one there was. It was all just business that would work out well for everyone. I don't think I was ever more proud to be on Farm W and Team W.

Daddy.....were you there? Was that you in the tree, waving the leaves and whistling some love down on every single person there? I know it was you.

We walked back toward the house. Marc and I got the three extra chairs and the card table to take in the house. I heard something above the wind in the tree, and looked up to see Barni sitting up high, looking down on us with I imagined was disdain. Yeah, the lights in the trees might've illuminated even better than the Moon some field mice and a bunny or two, but the lights also made a hungry owl more visible to them, too. Okay, okay; the shows over, and we can turn out the lights. Thanks for your patience.

We were ready for bed, all of us. It had been a long day, but a good one. A great one. We all gave Mom a kiss and a hug before she went into her room, and then the four of us climbed the stairs. Before splitting off to our separate ends of the long hallway, Aleksy, Eva, Marc and myself exchanged our own hugs and kisses. It was then past 10:00PM, and tomorrow would not wait for us to sleep in past 4:30AM.

"You took care of the early chores today; I'll handle `em tomorrow. I need to tow Tom's horse back to him, too."

"Okay. Six hours of sleep.....you're still young. You can do it."

I laughed and thought that was probably true, although Dad and Mom did it to at least the age of 55. Maybe it wasn't as easy, though. Soon to find out. Marc and I stopped in the bathroom to get cleaned up and ready for bed. We stood at the sink, looking at each other in the mirror while we brushed our teeth. Ours had been an emotional two days. In both of them, young people were the center of uncertain futures, scared and feeling alone.

Still, they survived the threats to futures they only dreamed of, or at least couldn't have imagined. Throughout, it was the immediate and insistent love and support of those close to them that paved smooth a rocky road, held lights high and steered toward a safe horizon.

Marc and I smiled in the soft light of the night stand lamp and undressed each other. He shook his head gently when we were down to just underwear, seeing his little briefs clinging to my hips. Marc pulled them down and I stepped out of them, leaving them on the floor beside the bed. It was right where I told him he'd see them again.

"You wore those all day?"

"All day, Boyfriend. One of the biggest turn-ons of my brief life thus far."

"You need to get out more."

"Been out; ready to get in. You first....."

Marc slid between the sheets on my side of the bed, and I joined him. We pretzeled ourselves, and with now nothing on, ground our hips together. Just a little; there was neither time nor energy to close out the day as we'd begun it. I'd say we were grinding.....politely. You know, like one step up from a wave.

"Babe, your family.....are amazing."

"YOUR family. Get that through your skull, Marc. You're ours now. Just like K is for all intents and purposes a Sanger. And it seems like Toby is, too; or well on his way. Jon kinda blew everyone away when he acknowledged Trace's man."

"That was so incredible. It didn't diminish the moment for Tom and Kristi; it just spoke to the love in that family. Jon and Kelly's grandchild will be born into something wonderful."

"Yeah, I know. It's gonna be hard on those two once they're runnin' the farm in Hingham, knowing they're two hundred miles away from a grandkid they want to adore and spoil."

"Nothing is gonna keep them from flying across farms and fields to get back here every chance they can. Tommy was so stressed out earlier.....I was the first person he told. He was shaking so badly, I wanted to put a pitcher of Rye Manhattans in his hand. Oh, shit....."

"Don't worry about it, Babe; first of all, that was funny. Second of all, don't feel you can't say stuff like that. Nothing about the subject of alcohol or drinking is offensive to me. Get THAT through YOUR skull, Jozef."

"Okay."

"Now.....on that subject.....I'll rely on you to help me get this addressed with the family."

"I will. And I know you have more to say; things we didn't cover last night. I doubt dinner at that restaurant was the final word on the subject."

"No, it wasn't. There is no `last word'. At least not for awhile. There's still an estate that hasn't been settled entirely."

"Oh----your parents' estate? But they didn't die recently, did they?"

"No, it has been a few years. But it's also my dad's parents' estate."

"Damn.....lawyers, I suppose."

"Yes. Lawyers in Washington. And Switzerland. Malta. Oh, and Canada."

"What?! You have people in those places making claims against your families' estate?!"

"No.....those are where the other properties and accounts are."

"Marc! What the.....?"

"We have sleep we need to get, Babe. More later. I'll warn you, though: it'll take awhile."

"Damn.....yeah, I have chores in a few hours.....well, we have lots of time in another day, Boyfriend."

"Not as much as you think. There are still only twenty-four hours in a day. I can't tell you about all that stuff AND tell you how wonderful your----I mean, OUR----family are. Move your arm; I want to sleep with my head on your chest."

"Right where it belongs."

"Love you."

"Love....."

snore