"The Denton Boys"
Part 14
Ezra and Clara were returning from their trip to town. They had supplies purchased, food, and things needed for the farm. Ezra had become a cattle rancher, but to any one of the Denton's, it was still the family farm.
"I'll give pa a hand unloading the wagon," said Sawyer, with manure stuck to his boots that needed cleaning.
"Tom is brushing horses," said Jesse. However an extra hand from Tom would save pa from lugging the supplies."
Clara bought more items than usual from the general store. Ezra had the wagon loaded with supplies for putting together additional bunks for the bunkhouse. Ezra was looking ahead, just like the time he bought the young bull named Ralph, who by now, was making cows happy.
That evening after a chicken and dumpling supper, they mingled on the stoop talking. Tom and Hank went off to the bunkhouse to play a game of checkers.
"Anything new in town?" asked Jesse.
"Same old whores," exclaimed ma, expressing her disapproval of saloon women selling what should be covered up.
That only lasted a few seconds when she reached into her apron pocket. "I have a letter, from the post office. It is from Chad."
"Read it ma," said Ezra.
"Yeah ma, what's he got to say?" Jesse mumbled.
Sawyer especially hungered for the news not letting the family know how much he needed to hear Chad's words. Clara began to read, as everyone listened intently. ******
Dear Everybody,
At long last, I've had my fill of mining but not without getting the better of my dream of striking gold. Colorado wasn't gold-worthy, so we went on to Nevada hoping for something to happen. It did - It happened by finding silver. I am returning as promised. It took a while, but hope I will be welcomed. I need a place to stay, as hotels don't suite me. I can pay and work for Ezra. I am arriving on the afternoon train from Houston, Tuesday next. By chance, will Sawyer meet me with the buckboard? I can't ride a horse with a trunk and suitcase. Chad.
****** "That's a mighty fine letter from Chad," said Clara. "I didn't think that boy had the schooling to write with such learning."
"He can stay in the bunkhouse, with the ranch hands, as long as need be," said pa."
Let's build the table tomorrow. Ma will have one more mouth to feed. Make a note of that boys," he concluded.
"Consider it done," said Jesse.
"Ditto for me Pa. We'll build it fancy and ma is gonna love it," bragged Sawyer.
"Darn tootin, nothing but a darn right handsome table for ma," added Jesse.
Sunday dinner was roasting in the oven as Clara peeled potatoes humming softly in the kitchen.
Sawyer sat on the stoop railing with one leg up, and the other on the floor. His crotch bulged covered by the light brown `Sunday go to meeting' pants that he was wearing.
Letting the screen door slam shut behind him, Brother Jesse brought him a mug of coffee.
"Much obliged," mumbled Sawyer, taking a sip of the coffee. "Where's yours?"
"I thought I would help you drink that one." Jesse replied.
"I'll give you a sip – or is it a lick you're after? – What's up?"
"Do you have to sit that way, with your legs apart," his brother asked.
"Don't start, homo," whispered Sawyer quietly putting his leg down. His bulged crotch was less noticeable, but not especially hidden.
Sawyer shared the coffee with Jesse and got his finger licked each time that he held the cup to Jesse's lips.
"You're a horny bastard," whispered Sawyer into Jesse's ear.
"That I am," laughed Jesse moving away to the rope swing, as their pa came from the barn, onto the stoop.
"Tom and Hank are washin up, they will be along rightly," said pa.
"What you fellers jawing about?" pa asked the boys.
"We were thinking..." began Sawyer.
"Is it good thinking or some foolish idea rolling around in your head?"
"No pa, its good thinking."
"A-huh!"
"Tell `em Jesse,"
"Tell him what? I don't know what you are hurrahing about."
"I'm hurrahing about the bunk house," admitted Sawyer.
"What about it," asked pa?
"We work, ride and eat with the ranch hands every day, and it's fitting that we stay in the bunk house like they do. There is checkers, poker and chugging beer, (not too much mind you) just a swig when the throat gets dry. There is plenty of room with the extrey beds just a goin to waste, Jesse and I should be there too."
"I reckon if you boys want to do that, okay. It's a mighty fine idea," agreed Ezra.
Clara did the best she could getting the food on the table. It was crowded with six people pushed together at a table built for four.
The conversation usually centered on the livestock and the weather. When Hank asked pa, what was next, pa replied. "We are going to build a table, – yes sir, a big long table for ma to use without a struggle."
"Just where in tarnation are we going to put a big table," asked ma, surprised at such a foolish notion.
"Jesse and Sawyer are going to the bunk house, so that space can be converted to meal time. There is plenty of space for a long table, and it is next to the kitchen. What do you say about that" pa asked Clara.
"Should work alright," she replied. "I'm just the cook around here."
To be continued...
Supporting Nifty will send your way stories that you enjoy reading. Go to https://donate.nifty.org/ and make a donation today! – Thank you.