Tales from the Ranch

Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. If you are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man relations, please exit this page.

TALES FROM THE RANCH Copyrightc 2002 by Tulsa Driller 7. All rights reserved.

This is a story of men who have two common interests. You will see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is also the story of young men who love other men and their coming of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding. It is a story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's world.

This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any specific person or persons. Any similarity to actual persons or events is entirely coincidental. This work is copyrightedc by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the written permission of the author.

PLEASE: In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist. My characters have unprotected sex. I hope you use proper precautions because I'd like you to be around the read the last chapter of this story.

Tales from the Ranch Chapter 13: A Surprise Sunday

After having a bite of breakfast, muffins with orange juice and coffee, it was time to get dressed for church.

Dale had one really nice sport coat and slacks outfit that he had bought recently when he was asked to attend a Soil Conservation awards banquet with Marty, Chris and Mort and Margie Morton. The Bar-W had received two awards and Marty felt Dale should share in the honor as he was the one who oversaw the design and building of the terraces in a couple of fields.

They dressed fairly quickly, not touching each other as they usually did. Dale was a little nervous about attending church, as the Episcopal Church was foreign "territory" to him. Craig had explained briefly that they stood to sing, knelt to pray and sat to listen.

He further stressed that Dale was welcome to go to communion, even if he hadn't been baptized. If he wanted to receive communion, he was to kneel at the rail next to Craig and hold his cupped hands palm up to receive the wafer and to say "Amen" when the priest put it in his hand. If he didn't want to drink from the common chalice, he was to leave the wafer in his palm and the priest bearing the chalice would take the wafer, dip it in the wine and place it on Dale's tongue. If he wanted to drink from the cup, he was to put the wafer in his mouth and when the chalice was offered, he was to place his hand on the base and help the priest guide it to his lips.

If he chose not to receive communion, he could either remain seated in the pew while Craig went to the rail, or he could kneel at the rail beside Craig, folding his arms, palms on his shoulders to receive a blessing.

This gave Dale plenty to think about and he decided to follow Craig and see what happened.

It took them less than five minutes to drive to the church. Craig parked in the large lot and they walked up the front sidewalk and through the door where two men, both of whom Dale already knew, greeted them. Morris Johnsmore, who was the accountant and financial advisor for the Bar-W and Eddie Thompson, who was the coach at the junior high school. Dale often helped umpire for the little league team Eddie coached.

He was a little more comfortable now. He'd always heard that only the "upper crust" people went to church there. He didn't think Eddie was rich, but he didn't know about Morris Johnsmore. They were handed a stapled folder which had the church service printed in it.

Dale followed Craig down the long aisle. Craig paused, then directed Dale to a chair in the row. This was kind of neat, no pews, but nice upholstered straight chairs. As he was sitting down, he was aware that Craig genuflected, then sat next to Dale, pulling a needlepoint-covered cushion from under the chair. He knelt on the cushion, crossed himself, said a brief prayer, and then crossed himself again before sitting back on his chair.

Dale looked around the building. It was beautiful, stone pillars going into a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows that reached upward from about 6 feet above the floor, then up high there were more stained glass windows. In the front behind what was called the "high altar" was a beautiful, bright stained glass window, somewhat contemporary in design with what he assumed to be religious symbols all over it. The building seemed huge. His grandmother's entire church could fit in the area where the altar and choir were.

About that time, he heard the organ music start and his eyes were drawn to many rows of pipes about halfway up the wall on either side of the front, above what he later would learn were called the "choir stalls".

The organ started softly, with low notes playing a melody, then softer sounds above it. Craig pointed to the program and to the line that said "Organ Prelude". It was listed as "Chorale number 2 in b minor, by Caesar Franck." The music continued with the sounds changing, soaring to a louder volume, and then getting soft again. Just as the sound almost faded out, the organist must have come crashing down with a huge, loud chord. The music got softer, then repeated again. Dale could feel the low notes vibrating throughout the building and the brilliance of the other notes was almost overwhelming. The music went on and finally came to an end after a very soft melody. He'd certainly never heard anything like this at his grandmother's church.

He heard a bell ring and the organist started the introduction to the processional hymn. The congregation rose and started singing a hymn that was familiar. "The Church's One Foundation". Dale sang along. About the time they started singing the second verse, he was aware of movement to his left. Two boys dressed in red robes with white surplices were walking down the aisle. He recognized them. Jason was swinging a censer and good smelling incense was billowing out the top. Kevin was walking beside him carrying a silver bowl of some kind. The next thing, he realized that Craig had bowed and three people dressed in green and white robes were moving down the aisle. The one in the middle was carrying a huge cross, flanked by the other two carrying large candles on tall holders. Then the choir followed, small boys dressed in wine robes with white surplices and ruffled collars around their necks. That was kind of neat. Next came older boys, with a few women and men scattered in. He glanced back to the front, noticing that the choir was bowing toward the altar, then entering their pews.

After the choir was another person in a green and white robe carrying another, smaller cross, then more men following. Craig bowed again. All were wearing green and white robes. The very last person was a young priest wearing a beautiful, multi-colored cloak. The third verse of the hymn was completed and Dale was aware that the organist was doing something different. The next sound was overwhelming. The organ wasn't really playing the hymn, but it was. The congregation was singing with all their might and he could hear tiny voices soaring above it all, singing a different melody. He was so fascinated that he realized he was just standing there, watching and listening.

The hymn was over and the choir started chanting something he couldn't understand. Craig pointed to the program. It was the Introit. While this was being sung, the priest and two other robed men walked around the altar swinging the incense. He wondered what the significance of that was about.

The priest turned to the congregation and chanted a sentence. People crossed themselves and chanted an answer. More chanting. Craig pointed to the program. It read "Collect for Purity".

Someone (was it the priest) chanted "Glory Be to God on High" which the congregation picking up the song on the second line. Oh, there it was in the program. At the end, people made the sign of the cross again.

Nothing like his grandmother's church. All they did was sing loud hymns, shout "Amen" and preach in a loud voice.

This church service had dignity.

There were more chanted prayers, then people sat down. One of the men who had come in last, wearing a green and white robe, walked to a small pulpit to read some scripture. After that the choir chanted a Psalm. It was beautiful. Dale thought, "I've never heard anything like this."

Someone else, dressed like the first person read more scripture from the same location.

As soon as he was through, people responded by saying "Thanks be to God."

The organ started again and the congregation rose to sing another hymn. Dale realized there was movement up around the altar. The three young men carrying the big cross and candles stood in front of the altar. They stood there during the first verse, then started moving, the cross and candle bearers walked about halfway down the aisle, with Jason and Kevin moving in ahead of them. Two men, again in green and white robes, but not alike followed. One was carrying what looked like a big book in a gold holder. The procession stopped and stood as the congregation and choir finished singing the hymn.

Jason and Kevin moved back to stand in front of the last person in the procession. The Deacon took a silver spoon and added some incense pellets to the censer. Smoke billowed. He announced the Holy Gospel and Dale noticed people making a small sign of the cross on their foreheads, lips and breasts. Incense was offered over the book which was being held open. Dale almost jumped out of his skin. There was a trumpet fanfare from back behind him. He looked around and Craig whispered, "Look on the back wall up above."

Dale turned to stare. There were a lot more organ pipes up high on the wall and some of them were pointed horizontally. They looked like they were made of copper.

The minister started chanting. Craig bumped his arm and pointed to the words in the program. The minister ended with raising the book and announcing, "The Gospel of the Lord" and people responded with "Praise be to thee, O Christ."

The organ started again and played while the procession moved to the front of the church. While people were moving, the priest who was wearing the beautiful cloak climbed the steps to the pulpit, crossed himself and the congregation responded in kind, then sat down.

The sermon was short and to the point. The priest talked about brotherly love and tolerance for people who had different life-styles than you might have. Dale listened carefully, not sure he was hearing right. Was the priest saying that it was okay to be gay - that people should love you regardless? Craig had told him this denomination was liberal and tolerant, but he didn't think it was a public thing where they talked about it from the pulpit. Wow, they'd have to talk about this over lunch.

The sermon was over and the priest moved back to the altar area and sat down. One of the other clergy moved to the small pulpit (Dale later learned it was called a Lectern) to read the announcements and invite people to coffee hour after the mass.

That finished, the priest stood in front of the altar and intoned the Nicene Creed, which the choir and people chanted. Dale noticed that people bowed at the mention of the name of Christ, then knelt on the floor when the words "He came down from heaven," standing again at the words, "seated at the right hand of the Father." Everyone crossed themselves at the word, "Amen."

Another minister lead chanted prayers with the people responding "Lord Have Mercy" after each stanza.

They knelt for the Prayer of Confession, then the priest made the sign of the cross over the congregation, absolving them of their sins.

At this point everyone stood for the "Peace" and people turned to each other, shaking hands and greeting each other. Craig turned to Dale, shook his hand and said "The Peace of the Lord be with you, squeezing his hand then embracing him. Dale was a little embarrassed, but realized others were doing the same thing. Others shook hands with both he and Craig.

"Wow, that was different!"

The offertory started and trays of bread and wine were carried to the altar by two couples. The choir started singing the anthem, in Latin, no less. Beautiful harmonies. Dale was watching the altar to see the activity there. The priest knelt on the steps and two altar boys (acolytes) removed his cloak, and then draped a green, circular shaped robe over his head, resting on his shoulders. The cloak (cope) was removed from the area. There was a lot of activity with the bread and wine, none of which Dale understood, but knew it was an important part of the mass.

When the priest, deacon and server were finished the congregation stood and the organ took over at first playing softly then swelling, building to a climax. The ushers took the collection plates forward and one of the altar boys held a large brass tray to take them. He then carried them to the altar. The organ music continued. Jason and Kevin moved to the altar, more incense pellets were added and the priest and deacon moved around the altar offering more incense. There was a lot of ceremony and then Jason and Kevin moved out to offer incense to the choir and finally the congregation. At this point Dale heard the trumpets again, soaring above the already full organ sound. Goosebumps and shivers went through his body and up his back. He'd never heard music like this.

Things became quiet again and the priest intoned the "Sursum corda," the beginning of the canon of the mass when the elements were consecrated. Dale liked the chanting of the priest and the congregation responding. He hoped he could learn more about it.

The next thing he realized was the ringing of a bell, three times and the choir and congregation singing the words, "Holy, holy, holy." This was the Sanctus with the Benedictus following, "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." People crossed themselves. "Hosanna in the highest."

The people knelt and the prayer of consecration continued, with a bell ringing again. The priest elevated the host, the bell rang three times and people crossed themselves again. More prayer and the priest held up the chalice. The bell rang again, three times and another sign of the cross.

Then the priest resumed chanting and the people picked up with him, chanting "The Lord's Prayer." It was beautiful. Dale thought it was much prettier than just saying it.

After the prayer, the priest and deacon held up the consecrated elements, the bell rang three times with the priest saying "The gifts of God for the people of God." Another sign of the cross. The choir started singing the Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God) while the priest offered a silent prayer, then served those around the altar. The hymn finished, the choir moved to the communion rail while the organist played softly. People in the congregation started moving up the aisle as the choir returned to their seats to sing during the communion. The row ahead of Dale and Craig started to move into the aisle. Craig looked at Dale, raised his eyebrows, reaching over to squeeze Dale's forearm. Dale nodded his head, 'yes'.

Craig moved into the aisle and genuflected. Dale followed him, but wasn't sure if he should do the same. He'd have to asked Craig about it. He hoped he could come to church with him again. This seemed like church should be, dignified, not all the ranting and raving and pulpit pounding.

Dale followed Craig down the aisle and as they got to the front, saw the two Williamson families returning to their pew. Marty and Chris spotted Dale, nodded and smiled warmly.

As they knelt after communion, Marty leaned over to whisper in Chris' ear. "This must be getting serious, Craig brought Dale to church." Chris smiled at Marty and patted his hand.

Dale wasn't sure just how this worked, but observed several people ahead of him. 'No problem, just what Craig had told him.' Finally Craig stepped up to the communion rail and knelt. Dale waited for the next person to leave and joined Craig. The priest approached with the wafers and Craig made the sign of the cross then held up his hands. Dale wasn't sure about crossing himself - he wasn't sure exactly what it meant - but held up his hands as he'd been told.

Then another priest moved along the rail with the chalice. Craig crossed himself again, then took the cup as it was offered, guiding it to his lips. Dale did the same, omitting the sign of the cross. Wow!! Was that real wine?

As they left the communion rail they had to pass the organ console. Four keyboards!! Lots of knobs and buttons. No wonder it could be loud when needed. The organist was young, but good.

Dale followed Craig down the side aisle into their row. Craig genuflected again when entering the row. Dale would have to ask about this, also. It certainly was a sign of reverence, this he knew.

There were a lot of people in church but communion moved fairly quickly. Dale sat quietly while Craig knelt and offered his prayers of thanksgiving. Unbeknownst to Dale, one of the prayers was in thanksgiving for Dale and for he and Craig to have a good life together.

More activity at the altar as communion ended. Dale thought it looked like they were putting things away, but knew it was part of the ceremony and ritual of the mass. There was a final prayer of Thanksgiving that all repeated together. Then the Blessing with the priest making the sign of the cross over the congregation. Everyone repeated the sign.

The priest then said, "The mass is ended, let us go forth in the name of Christ." The people responded, "Thanks be to God."

The organist started playing the last hymn, announcing the first stanza on the trumpets, and then coming in with sound of full organ. "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones". The choir and congregation started singing. The acolytes removed the garment the priest had been wearing and placed the cope around his shoulders and fastened it. The recession was the same as the procession, except going to the front door of the church. Jason and Kevin led the procession with Jason swinging the censer and Kevin walking beside him. Craig bowed for the processional cross and Dale did the same. The organ roared on the last verse and one could hear the small soprano voices of the young boys soaring above the others. After the procession was over, the organist started the closing music, the postlude as the program called it.

It was wonderful with different sounds echoing back and forth. It sounded like several trumpets of different loudness. They sat to listen and at the very end, Dale heard the copper trumpets on the back wall again. The sound made him shiver.

As they started to exit their row, Craig asked Dale if he would like to go to coffee hour. Dale told him it would be fine if he wanted to go.

They left their row of chairs, Craig genuflecting and Dale bowing; following him to the parish hall.

They entered the room and the first people they saw were the Williamson's. Marty shook hand with Dale, then Craig. "Glad you could join us today, Dale. Is this your first time here?"

Dale told him 'yes' and Marty laughed and told him, "I hope we didn't overwhelm you. This service is pretty daunting for a first-timer."

Dale said, "I really enjoyed it. I don't know what everything is about, but it's very dignified and beautiful."

They started to move away to the table with cookies, punch and coffee. Marty whispered something to Chris, who spoke up. "Would you fellows like to join us for our Sunday family dinner? We would be honored if you could eat with us.

Dale was stunned. Sunday dinner with the Williamson family? He didn't know about that, but guessed the invitation was offered in sincerity. He looked at Craig and they nodded to each other.

"Thank you. I think we would enjoy that."

Marty said, "It's almost noon now. Join us for cocktails at 12:45. We'll probably eat about 1:15."

After offering their thank-yous the guys moved to the refreshment table. Craig greeted several people he knew. Dale knew two or three people and both introduced friends to the other.

About that time, Father Tikker came in, greeting people. He looked a lot different, wearing a long, black cassock with his clerical collar and had a three-bladed hat on his head. He was greeting everyone as he made his way across the room.

Spotting Craig, he approached, giving him a hug. He said, "My dear, wherever did you find this handsome man?" Dale about passed out. Before Craig could make the introduction, Father Tikker said, "I guess Craig is going to be rude and not introduce us. I'm Father Tikker, but you can call me George or Father George. Dale was a little flustered at the familiarity of the priest with Craig and him, but managed to tell him his name.

Craig was enjoying Dale's moment of discomfort but knew how he felt as he had encountered this when he met the priest for the first time.

"Dale, I'm glad you were here this morning. Did you enjoy the service?"

"Yes, Father, I did. I don't begin to understand very much of what it's all about, but I hope I'll have a chance to learn.

"By all means. We will have a new Inquirers Class starting next month. Everything about the service is explained in detail and we study the faith and salvation, too. Please think about joining us. There is no obligation to become a member unless you decide so."

"Okay."

Father George turned to Craig, then took Dale's arm by the elbow. "Paul and I are hosting a cocktail party for the Dignity Group this evening at 6:30, after Evensong. Why don't you and Dale join us? It's just cocktails and finger foods. You don't need to bring anything; Paul has been slaving over the stove for the past two days. Could hardly get the choir rehearsed," he laughed.

Dale thought he was hearing wrong. Did the priest say "Paul and I"?

Craig said, "We haven't made plans for the evening, but will consider it. Is it at the rectory?"

"Yes, we hope to see you there."

About this time another fellow walked up. Craig recognized him as being the organist. Father Tikker took charge of the introductions.

"Paul, this is Dale, Craig's friend. Dale, this is Paul, my 'better half' - at least he thinks he is." He giggled.

Dale's face was another "Kodak moment" and Craig really wished he had a camera.

Paul acknowledged Dale and they both shook hands. Dale told him, "I really enjoyed the service and especially the music this morning. Thank you."

Father Tikker spoke up. "St. James in Williamsport is a liturgical oasis in the middle of a desert. There are not many churches in the country that have a service like we do and, I might add, do it right."

Dale said, "Pardon me for asking, but you sound British?"

"Yes, but I'm trying to learn Texan. It just doesn't sound right to say something like "Seek and ye'all shall find." He laughed. "The Queen's English is understood here, but doesn't translate to local dialect."

All of them enjoyed the joke.

A lady came up and wedged herself between the four of them to talk to Father George and Paul.

Craig and Dale nodded their good-byes and made their way to the parking lot. After they got in the car, Dale said, "I am absolutely stunned. Never in my dreams did I think a church service could be like what I witnessed this morning. Then being invited to join the Williamson family for Sunday dinner. And then - A Gay priest? AND his lover?" What more earth-shaking things am I going to find out today?"

Craig laughed. "I guess it is a pretty good shock with it all happening at once. Did you really enjoy the service?"

"Yes. The church is beautiful, the music was wonderful and the ritual and ceremony is impressive. I don't begin to understand it, but hope I have a chance to find out more."

"You will. There's a lot I can explain, but there was no use trying to tell you ahead of time what you were going to see. It would have made no sense. We'll go over it when you want to.

"I'm as surprised at being invited to Sunday dinner as you are. I've had business dealings with Marty before, but have only encountered Marty and Chris in a social occasion once at the Country Club and that was a wedding reception. That shows how much they like and respect you - us - or they wouldn't have invited us.

"Yes, I have known Father George was gay ever since he hit town about two years ago. He made no bones about the fact that he was gay and that he wouldn't take the rector's job without Paul becoming the music director. Marty was Senior Warden of the Vestry, the parish governing body. He didn't have a problem with it and only one person made an objection. Mr. Perkins, the organist/choirmaster was wanting to retire and wasn't too happy about trying to train a new boys choir, so both jobs were open. The parish kind of lucked out getting them both as there were offers from three other parishes in the United States that were for more money, but they didn't want to do the same "high church" liturgy we have here. Everyone in the church loves both of them and Paul can throw a mean "high tea" for the little old ladies. They think the two can do no wrong.

"The bishop had a little problem, but both George and Paul came from England and had the endorsement of the Archbishop who was head of their diocese in England. Our bishop relented when he was reminded that St. James contributes more to the Diocesan budget than two larger church's in other cities."

"That's impressive," Dale replied.

"Well, Babe, you've certainly gotten your eyes opened this past week, haven't you?"

Craig started the car and drove down the street.

Dale sat in silence for a couple of blocks. "Yes, so much has happened. You said you were going to 'show me the world' and it's a lot bigger place than I thought. We haven't even left Williamsport, yet, have we?"

"Look, being gay isn't a bed of roses, but we have the support of a lot of people. Some you might expect it from won't be and others will surprise you. But, we both still have to be careful. Okay?"

"Just take me by the hand and guide me. With you at my side it will be a lot easier as you show me the way. I just want you to know I love you."

"And I love you, too, with all my heart and soul," Craig replied, squeezing Dale's hand.

They stopped at their condo for a few minutes to use the bathroom and freshen up. They exchanged heart-felt kisses and enjoyed being with each other for a few minutes with no pressure to do more than hug each other, rubbing the other's back.

It was just after 12:30 and time to go to join the Williamson families for Sunday dinner. They were right on time, pulling into the driveway in front of the house. Neither had been to the front entrance before and both were very appreciative of the front hallway, which had a stairway going to the second floor and three doors, one a closet where Marty hung their coats and the other two opening into a front parlor and dining room. Craig and Dale were both relieved that they didn't have to wear jackets for the meal.

Taking them into the living room Marty made sure that everyone knew everyone else. Craig and Jeanine had never met each other until today.

Martin announced that the Sunday specialty of the house was Bloody Marys and proceeded to pour drinks for everyone. Another new drink experience for Dale. It was really spicy, but good with a celery stick to stir with. Chris pointed out that there were cheese sticks, crackers, celery, carrots and broccoli with a couple of bowl of dips on the coffee table.

About this time Jason and Kevin came bounding down the stairs with Sandy right behind them.

"Hi Dale," they each greeted him. "Hi Craig," they greeted him, too.

Dale responded, "Jase, Kev, it's good to see you. I saw you in church this morning and I was really impressed with the church service and your parts in it."

The boys were very proud that Dale had noticed them. "Thanks," Jason said. "It's kind of a neat job."

Kevin was about to burst with pride that he'd been noticed, too.

Marty suggested that the boys get some of the snacks and their grandfather fixed them what he called a "Virgin" Mary which was like everyone else's drinks, except for no alcohol.

Chris, Martin and Jeanine were visiting together and talking to Jason and Kevin. Marty was talking to Dale and Craig in another corner of the room.

Marty asked the two, "Do I understand that you fellows have decided to live together?"

Dale immediately reddened, clearing his throat, starting to talk. and then realized he didn't know what to say. Was Marty unhappy about this? What should. or could he say?

Craig came to the rescue. "Yes Marty, Dale and I are going to see if we can make a go of it as a couple." Dale about passed out. His face was red and he felt warm.

"Well, congratulations. You are both fine men and I have every confidence that you'll be good to each other and for each other. He shook hands with both, then gave each a squeeze on their arm.

Dale was still standing there in a daze.

Marty sensed Dale's discomfort. "Dale, don't be embarrassed about this. My best friend in college was gay. still is," he laughed. "And he's still my best friend and he and his lover come to spend a few days with Chris and I a couple of times during the year. I have nothing but respect and high esteem for both of them."

Dale still didn't know what to say and Craig again came to the rescue to keep the conversation going. "Marty, I think a lot of Dale and that I'm very lucky and you are lucky to have him working for you."

"Yes, I know. Dale has come a long way in a short time here and I have a lot of faith and trust in him," Marty said.

Marty got his father's attention and motioned him to join them. Martin said, "Just a minute, let me freshen everyone's drinks," the proceeded to refill glasses with ice and Bloody Mary's. About that time Chris walked over with the food tray and offered each another tidbit.

Martin came back to the group and Marty told Dale and Craig, "I don't know if anything has been said, but Mort's wife has inherited a tidy sum of money from an aunt who recently died. They have come to a decision that they want to travel and Mort has told me that he wishes to retire."

Dale's first reaction was, "Oh, no! That's terrible. You'll never find anyone to replace him that knows about the operation of this ranch."

Marty smiled. "I was going to tell you this tomorrow, but seeing you at church this morning we decided to invite you to dinner and discuss this today. I'm glad you are concerned about this, but I think Dad and I have come up with the perfect solution to Mort's retirement."

Dale was still surprised at Mort's retirement and couldn't think of anything to say.

Marty continued. "Dale, if you will take the job, we'd like to offer the General Manager's job to you. And. I hope that you will take it. Mort can't say enough nice things about you and he agrees that you can do the job and do it right."

Craig was ecstatic. Dale was confused and unsure of what he'd just heard. It wasn't computing in his brain.

"You. you want. me. to be the ranch foreman and manager? I. I. can't. do that. I don't have enough experience."

"Look, Mort isn't leaving until the end of the year. after Christmas. That's over three months away. Dad and I have every confidence that you can learn the few things you don't already know by the time that happens."

Martin broke in. "Dale, we wouldn't offer this job to you if we didn't think you could handle it. I've watched you and your interaction with the other employees here. Everyone respects you and all of them, to a man, always comments that you aren't afraid to get in and do the job, even when you could just as well supervise. Last week, baling and loading hay was a good example. You were out there working harder than anyone else and yet you had time to get your supplies ordered and other paperwork accomplished, too."

He clamped his free hand on Dale's shoulder. "You can think about this offer is you want to, but the answer had better be yes."

Marty added, "Dale, if we didn't think you could do this, we wouldn't have asked you to begin with. We feel that you. and now Craig. are part of our extended ranch family and we feel we are making the right decision."

Craig started to shake Dale's hand in congratulation, then said, "Oh, what the hell," and gathered Dale in his arms and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Congratulations, guy, you can do this!"

Dale was still reeling from the announcement, job offer, refusal to take no for an answer, being hugged and kissed by Craig. told by Marty that he was glad he and Craig were a couple. it just was more than he could comprehend at the moment.

"Marty. Martin. Thanks for your confidence in me. I never dreamed that I'd even be a foreman here, let alone the general manager. I just can't thank you enough for your faith and trust in me. I don't think I deserve this honor, but I'll do my best to not let you down."

Marty's next move surprised Dale even more. He wrapped his arm around Dale and gave him a pat on his back. "Welcome to your new job as a vital part of the operation of the Bar-W."

Dale was still confused about all that had just happened. Craig was standing there, beaming, but with tears in his eyes. He was so proud of HIS MAN and what Martin and Marty had said about Dale. about them.

What a week this had been.

Martin cleared his throat and in a louder voice said, "Excuse me, but Marty and I have an announcement to make. The two women and Jason and Kevin got quiet.

"Marty and I have asked Dale to take Mort's position as general manager of the Bar-W when he retires at the end of the year. We think that Dale has accepted, but we are not going to take anything other than a 'yes' for an answer. So, Dale, thanks for accepting!"

Dale, but this time, had managed to regain some of his composure and said, "I am overwhelmed by the suddenness of this, but I can assure you that I will do my absolute best not to let you down. I thank you for your confidence."

Marty spoke up. "I have just one thing to add. Dale, I know you are somewhat embarrassed about being public with this, but I want to tell you in front of our family that all of us support you and Craig and are very glad you are going to share your lives with each other. You have the full support of this group of people and if we can help the two of you with anything, please let us know."

Martin spoke up. "Congratulations!!"

Chris and Jeanine had hugs for both Dale and Craig and welcomed them to their extended "Ranch Family".

About this time, Mrs. Wood started putting dishes of hot food on the sideboard in the dining room. As they gathered around the table, holding hands as per their family custom, Marty offered a prayer, thanking God for their good fortune, asking His blessing upon the food, their family and for Dale and Craig.

Sunday dinner was delicious. Mrs. Wood was a good cook and every meal was a treat when she prepared it. The menu included a cup of hearty cream of mushroom soup, a wonderful tossed green salad, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fresh corn, stewed apples and home-made dinner rolls. A nice light burgundy wine was served with the meal. Dessert was a choice of either lemon cake or peach cobbler and served with coffee.

Dale and Craig were surprised that Jason and Kevin were allowed a small amount of wine, but realized that the boys were largely treated as adults.

The table setting was beautiful with white china, sterling silver and elegant crystal goblets and claret wine stems.

Conversation was lively and ranged from current events to what was going on at the ranch to what was going on at school. The story had started to get around town about the happening at Eddie Thompson and Coach Paul Dennison's houses. Although it wasn't necessarily polite dinner conversation, there was speculation as to who might have pulled the stunt. Since Marty was on the school board, he was particularly interested in the story.

"It's really too early in the school year for two teachers to have something like this happen to them. It has to be spite from a student who feels they have been wronged."

Jason had been eating, listening to the conversation. He and Kevin didn't usually enter the conversation unless a question was directed at them.

"Dad, the Riley twins have been in trouble at school this week. They caused a problem in their homeroom the other day and the principal put them in supervised detention because the school couldn't find their parents. Then they caused problems in gym class the day we were being evaluated. Both Coach Dennison and Coach Thompson had to get on them because they were harassing other kids."

Marty had heard of the Riley boys and knew the two older ones had been held back in school a couple of times because they missed so much school they hadn't learned anything. Most teachers would pass boys like that just to get rid of them, but the principal had decided that they should be failed and repeat the grades. Marty made a mental note to tell the school superintendent what Jason had said.

"Thanks, Jason. That might be helpful. I'll see to it that what you told me gets to the right people."

Dinner was over and Marty and Martin stood. Chris asked Jason and Kevin to help clear the table and Martin and Jeanine had to leave because they were going to an anniversary reception.

Dale remembered that he needed to talk to Marty about Jason's questions from the other evening. He didn't want to betray any confidence, but felt that Marty should know that Jason had questions about remarks made by other boys in his class.

"Marty, could I talk to you privately for a moment?"

"Sure, come on in the den," he said, excusing the two of them.

Dale was a little nervous and Marty thought it was because he wanted to talk about the offer of the General Manager's job. He started to reassure Dale, but he broke in.

"No, Marty, that's not what I need to talk to you about. I need to tell you that Jason and Kevin experienced some harassment at school the other day. You weren't home and Jason asked me some questions that I answered the best I could, but I really feel that you need to have a talk with him. And. I don't want to betray any trust that Jason might have in me. Obviously he needs some answers. that should come from you as his father."

"What type of problems?"

"Mainly name calling, but Jason has been somewhat sheltered and I think he may be close to the beginning of puberty. Certainly, boys his age are aware of other boys calling each other names and teasing each other. So, I guess it's time for you and he and maybe Kevin to have THE TALK. Marty, I only wish that I'd had a father to talk to when I was their age. A lot of things would certainly been easier for me. assuming I would have had a father who was willing to listen and ask and answer my questions."

"Dale, I really appreciate your telling me this. I guess I've put this off, but the boys trust me and I need to reassure them that they can come to me to get their questions answered. I don't mind them trusting you to ask questions and get answers, but I hope you will keep me informed so I can keep their confidence, too."

Marty shook Dale's hand, and slapped him on the shoulder with the other.

"I want to talk to you and Mort in the morning, so as soon as you get the day started, call me and I'll come out to the barn office tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Fine. Thanks so much for your confidence. I hope I'm capable of taking over this job."

"You deserve it and I know you'll ask for help of either Dad or me if you run into a problem. We're here to help you, Dale."

They left the den. Craig was talking to Chris and they both thanked Marty and Chris for including them as dinner guests.

As they were going out the door, Craig told Marty that he had given some working drawings to Ray, along with a computer- generated bill of material so he could start his estimates. "Marty, I'll be glad to bring a set out to you in the morning."

"That won't be necessary, I have to be in town tomorrow, so I'll call ahead of time and pick them up at your office. You didn't design it as a Taj Mahal, did you?" he asked, laughing.

Craig teased. "No, I decided that something like the Palace at Versailles was more in keeping with the architecture of the Bar-W buildings." They all laughed.

Climbing into Craig's car, they left the house behind.

(to be continued)

• • • • • Author's Note: This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my readers' feedback. I would appreciate your comments, criticism, suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say. All Email will be answered. If you wish to receive e-mail notification of subsequent posting, please let me know by sending your request to the e-mail address below. Contact me at: tulsadriller7@aol.com

Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters. I received positive replies from all over the world. My special thanks to RW, whom I've known for many years and value his suggestions. Also for the proofreading help of Paul Daventon, author of "Turning the Page" found in the "Adult-Friends" section of Nifty. Please read it.