Taking Texas By Storm
by: E Walk
(© 2009 by the Author)
 

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Chapter 4 

Skinny Dipping

We climbed into Dad’s Land Rover with him in the driver’s seat and Mother in the passenger seat.  I sat in the middle in the back so Allie and Bra could see the scenery as we were driving.

Allie was full of questions, “Granddad, is that ranch symbol a lazy T. or something?”

Dad answered, “Little Al, that’s The Lazy T ranch.  It was owned by Mrs. Tillison, until she died, and she willed it to Spencer Knight.  He and his wife have two sons about your age.  I’ll introduce you to them.  Perhaps we could go skinny dipping with them if you’d like.”

Allie looked at me, “Granddad, what exactly is skinny dipping.”

I waited to see how Dad would answer.  “Little Al, it means we would go swimming without any clothes on, as long as your Grandmother and any other women weren’t around.  Would that bother you?”

Allie giggled, “Heck, no.  I’ve seen Dad and Bra without clothes.  That way I wouldn’t have to wonder what you looked like and I can see if Dad took after you.”

We stopped at a western wear store and Dad insisted that Allie and Brahim get cowboy boots, western jeans and some western style shirts.  Allie looked at me, “Dad, aren’t you going to get any clothes like these?”

I hugged him, “I have some of these kinds of duds in my bedroom at the ranch.  I’ll have to pull them out of the closet when we get back.”

Allie’s response was priceless, “Dad, maybe you should wear them to work to keep people from shooting at you.”

Dad wasn’t satisfied until the guys had a genuine cowboy hat, as well.  I had no idea how much the parents had spent on things for the guys, but it was a considerable amount. 

Both guys realized that it was useless to complain, so they just rolled with the punches.  Allie was walking beside Dad, “Granddad, thank you for everything, but you don’t need to do this.”

Dad pointed his finger at Allie, “Look, Little Al, your Grandmother and I can do what we want.  Let’s go get some lunch.  I’m starved.”

We went into a restaurant and I saw Allie looking around.  He asked Dad, “Granddad, are you sure it’s safe to eat in here?”

“Little Al, we’ve been eating in this dump for nigh onto forty years and we ain’t died yet.”

We went to a table and sat down and an older lady approached, “Oh no, why did you have to pick this table?  I suppose you’d like a glass of water.  That will cost you an extra tip.  Don’t tell me the gentleman over there is the Ugly Duckling, Eddie.  I don’t think I’ve seen these two handsome young men in this neck of the woods before.”

Mother answered, “Mabel, the young man next to Big Al is our grandson, Little Al, and the handsome gentleman next to me is our new son-in-law, Bra.”

Mabel looked confused, “I didn’t realize that one of the daughters had gotten divorced and remarried.  I’m surprised you hadn’t said something.”

Dad answered, “The girl’s haven’t gotten divorced, yet.  It seems that Ed found himself a ready made family.”

Mabel fell back against the wall, “Oh my stars, wait until I start spreading the news that Little Eddie has found himself a man.  They’re will probably be people driving by the Double Zero trying to get a glimpse of Eddie’s man.  Now what can I bring you?”

Dad answered, “We’ll have the usual, all around.”

Mabel yelled, “Five rattlesnake burgers, well done with a side of coleslaw and homemade potato chips.”

After Mabel had gone to get our drinks, Allie looked up at Dad, “Granddad, are we really going to be eating rattlesnake?”

“No, Little Al, we’re not going to be eating rattlesnake.  This restaurant is famous for it’s Brangus burgers.”

Allie frowned, “Granddad, what’s a Brangus?”

Dad answered, “Brangus cattle are like you saw on the ranch this morning.  They’re a cross between Black Angus and Braham cattle.  They make for some fine eatin’.”

I watched as everyone devoured their food.  Allie looked up at Dad, “Granddad, you’re right.  They sure do make for some fine eatin’.”

As we were leaving the restaurant after Allie endeared himself to Mabel and the cook, we met Spencer Knight and his two sons.  Dad started, “Spencer, come meet Ed’s friend Bra and his brother, Little Al.  Bra and Little Al, this is Mr. Knight and his two brats, Jeff and Jason.”

Dad continued, “We’re going skinny dipping at the watering hole, about four if you would care to join us.”

Jeff who was the older of the two boys scowled, “Big Al, we’ll be there, if you promise to be nice for a change.”

When we were settled in the Land Rover, I thought we were going home.  But that was not the case.

Dad stopped in front of the church.  Mother turned to us, “I need to practice for the services in the morning.  I would also like to hear Bra and Little Al sing.

Mother had been the organist at the church for as long as I could remember.  She had a key to the church, but the door to the church was open, so we walked in.  If I must say so myself, my Mother was a very good organist.

Bra was sitting next to me, and Dad had his arm around Allie.  Allie looked at Dad, “Granddad, Grandma’s really good, isn’t she?”

Before Dad could answer, Mother stopped playing and turned around, “Bra and Little Al, I want to hear you sing.  Get up here and let us hear what you can do.”

The two guys looked at me and I pleaded innocent, since I had nothing to do with what was happening.  The two guys went to Mother.  She handed Bra and Allie a piece of music.  “Bra, sing this while I play.  Little Al, why don’t you sing with him.”

I knew that Brahim could read music, but I didn’t know if Allie could.

When the guys started to sing Dad moved next to me and put his arm around  me, “Son, you hit the mother lode when you hooked up with these two guys.  Your mother will have them singing every time you come to visit.”

When the two guys and Mother finished the song, there was someone clapping at the back of the sanctuary.  Dad and I turned around and Father Cahill was walking down the aisle, “You two gentlemen are going to be singing at both services tomorrow, right?”

Allie answered, “Sir, our voices don’t work until after we’ve been fed a couple times, so I guess we can’t sing until after two tomorrow afternoon.”

Dad stood, “Father Cahill, I’d like to introduce our new son-in-law Brahim Safi and our new grandson, Little Al.  They’ll be here with bells on their toes in the morning, if I have to drag them out of bed.”

I thought Father Cahill might emote some feeling of disdain but that was not the case. Instead he answered, “I’ll be at the Double Zero at five to tie the bells on their toes.”

We left the church after we shook hands with Father Cahill.”

As we were riding to the Double 00, Mother turned to Brahim and Allie, “You both have beautiful voices.  Maybe the next time you come, we can spotlight each of you.  Ed said you could sing, but I never dreamt that you could sing so well.”

Allie responded, “Bra’s the singer, not me.” 

Dad reacted, “Little Al, you’re very talented, as well.  If you got it, why not flaunt it?”

When we arrived at the ranch, Mother suggested, “Why don’t you gentlemen go do your skinny dipping while I fix dinner?”

After we changed into suitable clothes, we went to the stable and saddled horses. Dad grabbed some towels out of the shower in the stable and we were off to the watering hole which was really a spring fed lake.  I knew the water was going to be cold, from past experience and was not looking forward to swimming.

When we arrived, Spencer and his sons, Jeff and Jason, were already naked and were swimming.  It didn’t take long for us to join them in their state of undress.  Dad led us to a ramp, that I didn’t remember being there, and dove in. Allie looked at me and whispered, “Now I know why you have such a big penis.”

Allie dove in and when he surfaced, he proclaimed.  “Granddad, you didn’t tell me that we were going to be swimming in the Artic Ocean.”

Brahim dove in and his reaction was much the same.  I decided to pass on swimming, since I still had the sutures and the bandage on my leg.  The two Knight boys started to chide me, “What's the matter Mr. Ed?  You afraid you might spring some wood if you see some real men?”

Allie immediately responded, “Dad, was shot in the leg this week and has sutures in his leg.  He isn’t supposed to over exert himself for a while.”

Spencer and his two sons swam over to the ramp and Spencer asked, “I don’t suppose you’d care to elucidate?”

I elucidated as succinctly as I could about what happened to me.  While I was telling the Knights what happened,  Dad was talking to Allie and Bra.  Allie finally swam over to where I was and climbed out, “Dad, the water is really cold.  I think my penis has shrunk and has gone away for good.”

Spencer started to laugh, “Don’t worry, Little Al, it will be back in all it’s glory as soon it gets warm again.  Why don’t you three youngun’s’ go sit in the sun, so we can watch them penises grow?”

Spencer climbed out and sat beside me, “Ed, you found two diamonds.  I would say in the rough, but I don’t think that would be accurate.”

Dad and Bra came over to where Spencer and I were sitting and crawled out.  Dad announced, “Guys, I think we should be heading back.  Liz doesn’t appreciate when we’re late for dinner.  Spence, we’ll see you at church tomorrow.  You’re in for a surprise.” 

When we arrived back at the ranch, we started to show the guys how to groom the horses.  The stable manager took the horses and grinned, “The queen called and said dinner was ready.”

Allie looked at Dad, “Granddad, what was the man saying?”

 

Dad put his arm around Allie, “He was saying that your Grandmother called on the intercom and announced that dinner was ready.”

When we arrived at the house, we took off our boots in the entryway and washed our hands.  Allie went to help Mother serve dinner.  As we were finishing the wonderful meal, Allie asked, “Why is the ranch called the Double Zero Ranch?”

Mother answered. “It’s my fault that the ranch is called the Double  Zero Ranch.  When my parents  bought the ranch, I was four years old.  The ranch was known as the Double Circle Ranch.  The first time I saw the sign at the entrance, I asked why it was called the Zero Zero Ranch.   I kept telling everyone that we live on the Zero Zero Ranch and the name stuck.”

Allie, Bra and I took care of the dishes after the meal, much to Mother’s surprise.  Both parents were in the kitchen with us asking all kinds of questions.  It was nearly eleven thirty before we finally made our way up the stairs.

Since it was so late, Brahim and I decided to just cuddle before we went to sleep.  The next morning, we were awakened by Allie. “Dad, how should we dress for church if we’re going to be singing?”

I shrugged my shoulders, “Allie, why don’t you wear your khaki slacks, a nice shirt and your jacket like we did for casual nights on the ship.”

Allie asked, “Should we wear a tie, too?”

“I guess so.”

Boy, was I asking for trouble.  When Dad saw  Allie and Brahim, he growled, “Who do you two think you are?  We can’t have you going to church looking like city slickers.  Shed the jackets and the ties.”

The guys complied and Mother added, “Guys, you’re still overdressed as you will see.  All eyes will be focused on you for sure.  I’d have you change, but your so danged handsome dressed like that, the neighbors will all be envious of your good looks.  Now sit down and eat.”

Mother looked at the clock, “Guys, we need to go, so I can be ready.  Bra, can you drive?”

“Yes, ma’am, I can, but I don’t have a driver’s license from the states, yet.”

“That’s okay, you can drive here.  Go get the Volvo and pull it up to the front, while I fix my hair.  Ed, you can do the dishes this morning.  We’ll see the two of you at the church.”

I was surprised when Dad started to help me.  This was not something that my Dad ordinarily would do.  I realized that he just wanted to talk.  “Ed, I’m really impressed by your two guys.  But what would happen if perhaps you and Brahim were to decide that you an he were not compatible or you found someone you liked better?”

“Dad, I have thought that, and then I would still have him live with Allie and me, if he should want to.  Allie, really wants me to adopt him.  Right now, I don’t see us having any problems, but Brahim, especially, is going to be meeting a lot of new people and anything is possible.”

Dad nodded, “Ed, I just don’t want you to be hurt.  We need to leave if we’ll going to get to the church on time.”

Dad and I talked the entire way to the church.  Rather I should say Dad talked and I answered.  Probably the most significant thing we talked about was the loan.  “Ed, we’re prepared to give you the money you requested, if you would still like to borrow it.”

“Dad, I would rather pay you and mother interest than a financial institution.   Assuming I don’t get canned, I should pretty much have it paid back in three years.  I have no idea how much I will actually be receiving each month, after taxes, social security and whatever else they deduct.  At some point, we’re probably going to need to get Bra a vehicle, because he’ll need to be able to drive back and forth to school once the Daniels move out.”

Our conversation was cut short because we arrived at the church.  We were being seated as the recession was beginning.  I looked and the two guys were in the choir loft by themselves.  I leaned over to Dad, “Where’s the choir?”

Dad grinned, “Choir practice doesn’t start until this week.  The choir has been off for the summer.  That’s why your Mother wanted to see if the guys could provide the special music.”

After the service, I watched as Jeff and Jason Knight cornered Allie and took him and introduced him to some of their friends.  Allie came to me, “Dad, the guys want me to go to Sunday school with them.  Is that okay?”

Dad answered, “That's fine, Little Al.  Just make sure you don’t eat too many donuts before the second service; otherwise you’ll be too full to sing.  We’re going to take Bra and your Grandmother for coffee and a roll.  We’ll see you at the ranch after the second service.”

As the four of us were leaving the church, a lady approached us, “Liz, is this young man going to be joining the choir?  I hope so because he sure does have a wonderful voice.  Ed, your young son has a wonderful voice as well.  Where is he?”

Dad answered, “Mrs. Witherspoon, Little Al decided to go to Sunday school with the Knight boys.  Ed, Bra and Little Al live in Houston so I don’t think Bra will be joining the choir.”

I hugged Mrs. Witherspoon, “You’re looking younger than ever, ma’am.  It was good to see you again.”

The parents really grilled Brahim and me during the time we were having the coffee and roll at the bakery that was within walking distance of the church.  I was going to be interested in Bra’s perception of what happened when he got back to the ranch after the second service.

We walked back to the church and Dad and I started to talk.  I looked at Dad, “You and Mother were asking a lot of questions.  What is Bra going to think?”

 

Dad shrugged, “Ed, this was  probably the only time that Little Al wasn’t going to be around, and we decided this was the time to find out the information that we wanted to know.  Your Mother and I already like both boys very, very much.  I guess you might say, we were making sure that our preliminary impressions were correct.  Your Mother had reservations about Brahim.  She was concerned that he might be using you as a tool to come to the U. S.”

I sighed, “Brahim had nothing to do with his and Allie’s being here.  I think that Brahim is a little overwhelmed by what has been happening.  Allie, on the other hand is a little more able to adapt to new situations.  He has been able to fit in.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he looks rather like me.”

Dad surprised me with his next comment, “Little Al  looks as if he’s going to have a prick that’s bigger than either yours or mine.”

I chuckled, “Dad, you should tell Allie that.  It would make his day.

As we were pulling up to the house, Dad muttered, “Oh shit, the girls are here with their dickhead husbands.  Ed, be prepared to take a lot of grief when the bigots meet Bra and Little Al.”

I wondered, ‘What does Dad knows that I don’t know?’

To be continued...

Editor's Notes:  I have the distinct feeling that there are going to be some really grumpy people hanging around.  I hope Allie puts them in their place. 

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 11/27/09