The Ranch Boy's Legacy
 
By: Backwoods Boy
(© 2021 by the author)
Edited by: Michael

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 2
New Boy in Town

Toby was awakened by his cell phone. He looked at his bedside clock. It was almost noon on a beautiful, early-July Monday. He was definitely abusing summer vacation, but the wheat harvest would begin soon and then he would be busy driving trucks for his neighbors.

Picking up the phone, a smile grew on the eighteen-year-old boy's face. He and Logan texted a lot, but a phone call was rare - and treasured.

"Hey, Logan. What's up?"

"You know damn well what's up. It always is."

Toby laughed. "What's the matter? Not getting enough from Dusty?"

"I never get enough from Dusty."

"How's school going?"

"Just fine. How about you? Your summer going okay?"

"I'm just hanging out right now. I'll be working now and then for Gramps and others, but a little time to chill won't hurt me. You don't call often. What's on your mind?"

Logan was silent for a few moments. "I got a favor to ask. Actually, I've got another problem to dump on you. This one, you may like better."

"How's that?"

"You remember my cousins, Ryan and Evan, from when you were here two years ago for my graduation?"

"Yeah, I do. They're cute kids."

Logan chuckled. "Well, first of all, they ain't kids no more, especially Ryan. They've both grown, but at five foot ten, Ryan's pulled away from Evan by a few inches, at least for now. You know how there's always that one kid in the freshman class who stands tall enough to see the world over the heads of his peers? That's Ryan."

"I'd love to see that."

"Well, you're gonna get a chance to. Here's the deal. As you know, he found out he's gay a while back, and he's making no secret of it. In this community, that's not always the best approach. It wasn't too bad in middle school, but as a freshman in high school, he's been fending off the haters all year. Somehow, things got all turned around at the school, and they busted him as the troublemaker. They finally kicked him out of school. Of course he's not the problem, but in this fuckin' community, that's the way it goes."

"I'm sorry to hear that. He seemed to be a nice kid. Both of them did."

"Well, they still are. But Ryan needs a new start, and the alternative high school here is not the place for that. So Kevin and Ann are taking him to live with Gramps and Grams, at least for a year. Then we'll see."

"I bet I know where I come in."

"Yeah, I bet you do. Colton's gonna supervise his ranch work, but Ryan needs to make the friends he can't here. Kids about his age, and some of the older guys too. Friends he can relate to all the way around. I'd appreciate you making sure that happens."

"No problem. When is this happening?"

"It's happening right now. Kevin and Ann will be on the way home within minutes."

"I think I need to borrow a tool from Gramps."

"I thought you might need to do something like that. Thanks loads, Hot Kid. You're the best. By the way, did that nickname stick?"

"Among my friends, it still crops up when they wanna give me shit about something, but for the most part it's history. So is the dog collar, by the way."

Logan chuckled. "I figured that wouldn't last. Speaking of history, the twins still don't know about the abuse case. They will eventually, but please don't drop it on Ryan right now. He's got enough to deal with."

"No problem. It's not mentioned much any more. It's surprising how fast things like that become ancient history."

"And it's best that way. Oh, and speaking of nicknames, I gave Ryan one - actually two. No one uses them but me. If you wanna piss him off, call him 'Ry-Ry'. But what I suggest is when you meet him, call him 'Tiger'. See what happens."

Toby chuckled. "Now, let me guess how he got that second nickname. Sort of like where 'Hot Kid' came from originally?"

Logan's grin was nearly visible. "Sort of like that. But that's a story for another day. I gotta go now. School goes year round for some of us. Keep me informed about how things are going. Ryan is special to me."

"Got it. I'll keep you advised. Take care."

"You too."

************

Lucy Taylor, known affectionately to friends and family alike as "Grams", looked out her kitchen window at her husband Robert's cousin's son. Fifteen-year-old Ryan leaned against the split-rail fence in front of the house, smoking a cigarette. Along with his Native-American mom's black hair, dark skin, and dark eyes, he had his father's lean-but-muscular athletic build. The combination of facial features from both sides made him a good-looking kid.

He'd changed a lot since she'd last seen him. He was considerably taller, and according to his parents, he was turning into a responsible young man. But he was still a boy in a lot of ways, and a rough school year had hardened his face a little, isolated him, and left him with at least one bad habit. No one else in their extended family smoked, to the best of her knowledge - most certainly not his parents.

It was "deja vu all over again", to quote Yogi Berra. Logan, the grandson they'd raised like their own son, was now on his own in Twin Falls and doing well in his college agricultural courses. In return, Robert's cousin had provided them with a replacement. Put that way, it sounded a little callous. She was delighted to have Ryan living with them, but it would be a challenge. She and Robert weren't getting any younger.

The pickup that pulled into the compound was one she knew well. She smiled to herself. If there was one young man in the world besides Logan she truly loved, it was her neighbors' son, Toby. Over the past three years, he'd been a rock of support as Logan transitioned to his new life. He was as much a grandson as Logan.

It didn't take her more than ten seconds to figure out why Toby was there. It would be just like Logan to thoughtfully lay the groundwork for Ryan's adjustment to the community. Although their hired hand, Colton, the same age as Logan, was lined up to mentor Ryan, having Toby as a friend would be the icing on the cake. Ryan would be in good hands.

************

Toby pushed the pickup door shut and looked over towards Ryan. Yes, the kid had grown considerably. He was slightly taller than Toby, and would be eye to eye with several of the older teens he'd soon meet. Standing shirtless in the sun, his smooth body and face suggested his actual age, but the hardness and well-developed muscles suggested someone a couple of years older. In short, he was a fifteen-year-old hunk.

As Toby walked towards him, Ryan quickly stubbed out his cigarette. A smile of recognition grew on his face.

"Hey, Toby. I remember you. You came to visit after Logan moved in with us. And you were there for his graduation party."

He and Toby exchanged a fist bump. Toby smiled.

"Yeah, I remember you too, although it looks like you've grown some. How did your 4-H rabbit project turn out?"

Ryan grinned. "You remember that? I came home from the fair with a load of blue ribbons that year, and last year as well."

"Awesome! I also remember a long discussion on the breeding habits of rabbits."

The younger boy laughed. "Yeah, I guess I was kinda geeky about that."

Toby put a hand on his shoulder. "Well, it's good to have you here, Ry-Ry... I mean Tiger. We're gonna have a lot of fun together."

The boy cringed a little. "You've been talking with Logan."

Toby grinned. "Yeah, I have. I know all about those nicknames. I promise not to call you 'Ry-Ry' again. Logan had a half-dozen names for me when we first met. Some I liked, but some not so much."

Ryan smiled knowingly. "He mentioned some of those to me, including 'cherry-boy Toby'. He also said he took care of that problem, so that nickname didn't last long."

Toby laughed. "It lasted less than ten minutes. If I understand correctly, he took care of that problem for you too. I think we've got a number of things to share about Logan. Right now, I need to borrow a fence stretcher from Gramps. Do you know where he is?"

"Yeah, he's out in the shop working on a tractor."

"Great, I'll go find him. It's good to see you again, Tiger. I'm sure we'll get together soon. And by the way, I'm gonna see to it that your preferred nickname becomes well-known."

Ryan smiled happily. "That's okay by me."

************

"Hey, Gramps, how's it going?"

Gramps put down the wrench he was working with and wiped his hands on a rag before shaking hands with Toby.

"Hi, Toby. To what do I owe this visit?"

"I came to borrow a fence stretcher."

He frowned. "I thought you had one of your own now."

"We do. It was an excuse to stop by and renew my acquaintance with Ryan."

Toby's substitute grandfather chuckled. "Logan called you."

"Yes, he did. It's my assigned duty to supplement the great care you and Grams will give him and the mentoring he'll get from Colton."

Gramps looked across the compound to where Ryan stood, lighting up another cigarette.

"He's a great kid, but he's had a tough year. It may take a while to smooth out the rough edges he's acquired. We'll be grateful for all the help we can get."

"I'm sure you'll have lots of help. I remember how quickly and easily I connected here. Between Colton and me, we'll have him hooked up with all of the right guys in no time."

Gramps looked thoughtful. "I hope it's easier for him than it was for you. You may have connected quickly and easily, but there were a few rough spots on the way."

"The rough spots have been forgotten, at least on most days. It's the good times that stay in the memory."

Gramps smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way. Now, do you want to borrow that fence stretcher?"

"Yeah, I'll take it for appearances. I wouldn't want Ryan to catch me in a lie right out of the gate."

A phone beeped an incoming message. Toby looked, it wasn't his.

"Gramps, did you get a cell phone?"

"Yeah, Lucy made me get it, mostly so she could bug me all day instead of just at night. Damned new-fangled crap."

Toby smiled. "I think she may be bugging you right now."

It took a minute or so for Gramps to dig under his work coveralls to get his phone out of his pants pocket. He adjusted his glasses and looked at the message.

"You're invited to stay for lunch."

Toby laughed. "For me, it'll be breakfast."

************

Grams had set the table for five, but Gramps informed her Colton was having lunch at his job site, repairing a fence.

"I gave him the message that he should plan on having dinner with us tonight. He'll be here."

During lunch, the conversation revolved around the happier aspects of Ryan's life over the past year. Grams expressed how glad she was to have him living with them. Gramps told him how pleased he was to have more help. They were doing their best to make him feel welcome, but from time to time he'd grow quiet and stare at his plate for a while. Once or twice he quickly wiped a tear from his eyes. He needed something to look forward to, and Toby had a suggestion.

"How long are you working tomorrow, Tiger?"

 Ryan looked towards Gramps, who answered.

"Until noon." Then he smiled. "Tiger, eh?"

Toby grinned at Ryan. "It's a nickname Logan gave him."

Grams asked. "A private or public nickname?"

"Public, as of today."

Gramps chuckled. "It's a great nickname. How did he happen to give you that one?"

Ryan turned a little bit red. Toby answered the question.

"Because he's an all-around tough guy with a ranch-boy work ethic. He comes highly recommended by Logan."

The quick knowing smiles on Grams' and Gramps' faces suggested a belief the nickname might include other attributes, but they politely kept that to themselves.

Toby continued. "But to get back to my original question, if Ryan's only working until noon, I'd like to spend the afternoon with him, show him around the area and maybe meet some of the guys. Would that work for you, Tiger?"

A happy smile preceded the response. "Sure!"

Toby pulled out his phone. "What's your number, Tiger?" He entered the boy's number, and spoke out loud as he typed it in. "T-I-G-E-R. Got it, thanks."

He sent a message to Ryan's phone, so Ryan would have his number too.

"Seriously, Tiger, call or text me anytime you've got a question or need help with something. Or even if you just wanna talk. Tomorrow you'll see how close I live. Drop by anytime you want to. If I'm not there, Mom and Dad will be happy to see you. They're gonna love you too. So, how about if I come by about one o'clock tomorrow?"

Ryan smiled happily. "That sounds great."

As he got in his pickup to leave, Toby looked towards the house. As he expected, Ryan was on the back porch watching him, looking wistful and lonely. As they waved to each other, Toby resolved to do the best he could to make Ryan's new life a happy one.

************

Ryan had met Colton before on a visit to the ranch, but Gramps re-introduced them when the blond cowboy hunk arrived for dinner. As the two shook hands, a spark of mutual understanding passed between their locked eyes. The four of them sat down to dinner. After some small talk, Gramps raised the first of several subjects they needed to cover.

"Ryan, you'll be working most of the time under Colton's direct supervision. He knows you've got lots of experience, but the two of you can talk about the details of that later. And living here isn't going to be all work and no play. You're here to be our grandson, not slave labor. Colton will want you to help with the irrigation and other things when he needs you to, but expect as much free time as you want."

Ryan was taking this seriously. "I wanna help as much as I can, just like I did at home, and like Logan did when he was here."

Gramps smiled. "That's a good starting point. Like at home, there are legal limits on how many hours you can work in a day or a week. We don't intend to come close to that. If there are specific things you want to do with your new friends, be sure to let Grams or Colton or me know. That's more important than work. But we will need to know where you are and that you're okay."

Colton spoke up. "Tiger, speaking of new friends, both Toby and I have plans on how to connect you up with the community. Toby texted me that he'll be showing you around tomorrow afternoon, and we have a few other ideas we'll suggest after that." He smiled. "And as you can tell, he told me your nickname."

Ryan was pleased. "That will be awesome if you can hook me up with some friends. And I'm looking forward to working with you too." Looking down at his plate, he quietly added, "I really didn't have any friends back home, except Evan and Logan."

There was a short pause before Grams spoke up.

"I'll have to remember your nickname, Tiger. You can have Logan's old room in the basement, or the second bedroom in the bunkhouse, whichever you prefer. As to meals, you can plan to eat here with Gramps and me all the time, or with Colton part of the time. You and Colton work that out. As for laundry, I'll do it or you can do your own, either here or in the washer and dryer in the bunkhouse."

Colton had some ideas. "Tiger, if you want to, you can plan on having breakfast with me, at least on work days. We'll be up earlier than Gramps and Grams, and I think that would be best for all of us."

Ryan had some definite preferences. "I'd like to stay in the bunkhouse with Colton. If it's okay with you, Colton, I'd like to be your roommate. I know how to cook and I'll do my part with everything else."

Colton grinned at him. "I'd be happy to give that a try. If it isn't working out for you, we can make changes as we go."

Grams appreciated Ryan's desire for independence. "I'm good with that, and I'll keep your refrigerator stocked. Colton, if you'll give me a weekly grocery list, or more often if you need to, I'll take care of the basics." She smiled. "You'll still have to buy your own beer though."

Colton laughed. "That's more than generous."

After dessert, apple pie of course, the four of them got up from the table. Colton turned to Ryan.

"Can I help you move your stuff?"

Ryan smiled at his new roommate. "Sure, I'd appreciate that."

************

In the bunkhouse, Ryan unpacked and put everything away in the closet and dresser. Finished, he went to the living area. Colton looked up from the table where he was making notes on his phone for Tuesday's tasks.

"Grab a soda from the refrigerator and have a seat across from me here, Tiger. I'll be done in a couple of minutes."

As he sat at the table, Ryan looked around, recalling this was Logan's bunkhouse before he moved to live with them near Twin Falls. A few minutes later, Colton finished his notes and put away his phone.

"Would you mind a short interview?"

"No problem." He grinned mischievously. "Am I gonna be on TV?"

Colton chuckled. "No, the cameras are turned off today." Then he became serious again. "Since we're gonna work together, I'd like to know if there's anything I need to teach you."

"Probably not. I've been helping my dad for quite a while."

"Hand-line irrigation?"

"Yeah."

"Fence repair?"

"No problem."

"Tractor driving?"

"A little. I may need some advice on the tractor you have here."

"It's a John Deere 4020."

"Should be no problem."

"Cattle?"

"They love me."

Colton smiled. "We're looking good. Logan tells me that when Toby started here, he had to teach him everything."

"Logan and Toby worked together here? And he taught Toby all that stuff?"

"Yup. Toby caught on quickly, though. I'm glad you have experience, I'm not as good a teacher as Logan."

"So, what are we gonna do tomorrow?"

"Move the irrigation pipe in the alfalfa field in the morning, including shifting the back line to the front. Then I've got some equipment to repair. But as we've discussed, Toby's gonna stop by after lunch and show you around the area. You'll probably have to wait until Sunday to meet the other guys because most of them are older than you, and they're full-time, hard-working ranch boys."

Ryan nodded his head. "Sounds good to me."

"One other thing. I don't know how it was at home, but no smoking on the job here."

Ryan smiled. "At home there was no smoking at all. I had to do it behind the barn. Gramps and Grams don't mind if I smoke here, as long as it's outside."

Colton was quiet for a few moments. "What you do is your choice, but I think you're gonna find that few of your new friends smoke." He smiled. "Except for maybe a little weed now and then."

Ryan looked surprised. "I've never smoked pot at all."

"I don't smoke it either, but some do."

"Okay. Anything else?"

"Not at the moment."

Ryan stood up. "I promised Mom and Dad I'd call this evening. I oughta send a couple of texts too."

"Sounds good. We'll be up for breakfast at five thirty, and I'll look forward to your help with that."

"You'll have all the help you want. How about if I cook dinner tomorrow night?"

Colton was surprised. "If you wanna do that, it'd be great. I usually keep it simple. Take a look through the refrigerator and cupboards and plan whatever you like."

"Cool. I'll do that. And I know if I need something, I can always get it from Grams."

************

The phone conversation with his mom and dad lasted an hour, during which Ryan gave them a detailed report of his day. The texting he initiated with Evan was shorter.

**Hey bro - how are things going**

**Okay - I really miss you**

**I miss you too - are you taking good care of my rabbits**

**You bet - like I promised**

**Thanks - I appreciate it - how's your chicken project going**

**Not good - I think rabbits may be more fun - can I show yours at the fair**

**Whatever you wanna do**

**Did you run into Toby yet**

**Yeah - he's gonna show me around tomorrow**

**Cool - he's a nice guy - say hi for me**

**I will - love you bro**

**Love you too**

It was good that the conversation was not a phone call, because when he had finished, tears glistened in Ryan's eyes. Being separated from his twin brother for the first time was not fun. He had one more communication task, but Logan started it before he could.

**Are you doing okay Tiger**

**Yeah**

**Bullshit**

**Okay - I'm lonesome**

**Did you connect with Toby**

**Yeah**

**Are you staying in my old bedroom**

**No - in the bunkhouse with Colton**

**That is so cool - I bet you guys get along perfectly**

**We do - he's gonna be great to work with and he's a really cool roommate**

**And hotter than hell - Toby told me he's fun in bed**

**Yeah he's hot - but he wouldn't be as fun in bed as you**

**If you ask maybe he'll give you a chance to find out**

**Smart ass - how are you doing**

**Fine - but I miss you - give my love to Grams and Gramps and take good care of them for me**

**Ok - I'll do that - I'll text you again soon**

**I'll look forward to it**

He'd started out okay, but now he was in tears. What time was it? Eight o'clock. He had to get up early anyway. He wiped away the tears and went to bed.

To be continued...

Posted: 11/26/2021