I'll Be Seeing You
Chapter Fifty-Six: Puttin’ Out Fires
A Brokeback A/U diverging from the OS at the time of Ennis’s divorce.
Rated: NC17
Warning: m/m sexual situations
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. I borrow them from Annie Proulx and the actors that portrayed them with love and respect.
My warmest thanks to Jean.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with ya honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes,
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Kenny Loggins, “Danny’s Song”
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Never could understand it,” Ennis said, somewhat breathlessly. “All ya got a do is touch me and I’m hotter’n a brushfire. Hell, all ya got a do is look at me and I’m rarin t’ go.”
Jack gave the swell in Ennis’s jeans another squeeze. “You gonna put this thing in park?”
“The truck, or my pecker?”
“You was almost talkin’ dirty,” Jack chuckled. “C’mon and give it another try. Where ya want a park that thing, anyway?”
“You just hold your horses and I’ll show ya,” Ennis said. “It ain’t that far to the house.”
Jack’s fingers danced over Ennis’s crotch, unbuttoning buttons and unzipping zips. “I cain’t wait that long to taste ya,” he said, as he lowered his head.
“Jack. You cut that out now. Ya know I cain’t keep the damn truck on the road when ya… good God a’mighty!” The pickup swerved as Ennis reacted to what Jack was doing with his tongue and pressed down hard on the gas pedal. They ran into the corner of Alma’s nice white fence and barely avoided taking out the mailbox. “Shit!” Ennis exclaimed as he hit the brake. Jack somehow avoided biting down on the tender flesh in his mouth and raised his head from Ennis’s lap.
“Damn,” Jack breathed, surveying the damage revealed by the headlights.
“I didn’t know we was this close,” Ennis groaned. “Alma’s gonna throw a rod when she sees this. She’ll think we were drunk for sure.”
“She knows ya don’t drink.”
“She’s ain’t a very trustin’ woman,” Ennis said. “Not that she ain’t got cause.”
“Maybe ya ought a put your dick away before she comes out here.”
“I told ya I couldn’t drive worth a damn with ya doin’ that,” Ennis said as he zipped up and put the truck in reverse.
“It’s a country road with no traffic. Trust you t’ find the only obstacle for miles.”
“I’ll just git up early and go t’ the hardware store,” Ennis said as he parked in line with the rest of the vehicles.
“You forgittin’ the weddin’ breakfast?”
Ennis sighed. “Did life used t’ be easier, or somethin’?”
“Ya know better’n that. C’mon, let’s finish what we started.”
“You started it,” Ennis grumbled as he stepped down from the cab.
“Maybe we ought a forgit about it then.”
“I ain’t sayin’ that. We just got a be a little more quiet than usual, if we’re goin’ inside.”
“I’ll try, but when ya git goin’, ya make me want a tell the world how good ya are.”
“Hush now,” Ennis said, but there was a pleased note in his voice that Jack savored.
“Sneakin’ in, huh?” Bobby said, as they walked through the back door and into the kitchen.
“Damn, boy! Ya nearly gimme a heart attack,” Jack said, reeling back with a hand to his chest. “Don’t be scarin’ people like that.”
“Sorry, Dad. What were you two talkin’ ‘bout when you came in?”
“Ropin’ and ridin’,” Ennis answered.
“Right,” Bobby stretched the word out. “Can I talk to you, Ennis?”
“Well, sure, Bobby. Right now?”
“Only for a few minutes.”
“Ya want me t’ hang around?” Jack asked.
“No thanks, Dad. This is just between me and Ennis.”
Jack was consumed with curiosity, and a little hurt, but Bobby sounded so much like a man that Jack didn’t have the heart to overrule him and stay under the guise of parenting. “I see how it is,” he said. “If ya don’t need me, I’ll go on to bed.”
“Night, Dad.”
“Good night, Bad Bobby. I love you.”
Bobby rolled his eyes, but told his dad that he loved him.
“I’ll wait up,” Jack said to Ennis, as he left the kitchen.
This prompted another eye roll from Bobby. “Man, sometimes I wish my dad would keep things to himself.”
“Really?” Ennis asked. “Ya think that’d be better?”
“No, I guess not. But I don’t want a talk about you and my dad. I need to tell you somethin’ that I know is gonna make you mad. But I feel like I got a tell you. If I don’t…”
Ennis sat down at the kitchen table, out of the pool of light from the stove hood. “I didn’t have no boys, but I kind a like t’ think a ya as partly mine, if that’s all right.”
“Me ‘n’ Jenny were talkin’ about that, about how we got two sets a parents each. I guess we’re just luckier than other kids.”
“I’m right glad ya see it that way and ya can tell me anythin’ ya want to.”
“Well, I like Jenny an awful lot,” Bobby began, and said the words that had been burning inside him for several hours. He was careful to say that he didn’t know anything for sure, and that he was too embarrassed to ask Jenny point blank. Ennis stayed in his seat and got even quieter than usual. This silence was more than just a lack of noise. This was the silence of something huge that had settled into place at last, implacable and ineluctable. When Bobby finished speaking, Ennis nodded once and rose to his feet. “Ennis?” Bobby said tentatively. “Did I do right?”
Ennis’s head turned as though his neck could use some oil. “Yeah, Bobby. Don’t ya worry ‘bout that none. I’ll handle it from here.”
::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack had found a copy of Catch 22 in a bag of paperbacks in the closet and started reading to pass the time. When he heard Ennis’s footsteps in the hall, he set the book down on top of the night stand Bible that Alma had thoughtfully provided. There was a light knock and Ennis entered. Jack deciphered the expression on his lover’s face and got out of bed to go to him. Ennis opened his arms and leaned into the offered hug.
“Whut’s wrong, pard?” Jack asked.
“Nothin’ ya can help with. Rather not bother ya with it.”
“Ya know better’n that.”
“I ought a be horsewhipped,” Ennis said, his voice eroding into a sob like granite grinding on granite. “I knew. I knew… in my heart… that Jenny…”
Jack tightened his arms around Ennis as the other man’s sobs robbed him of speech. “I swear, if her and Bobby…”
Ennis shook his head, wiping tears on Jack’s bare shoulder. “No,” he took a deep shuddering breath. “Bobby wouldn’t never…”
“Ennis, Bobby’s my son and I love him, but he’s a young man and I know how careless a young man can git when he’s in love.”
Ennis met Jack’s eyes. “In love?”
“You’ve seen how he looks at Jenny,” Jack said. “Or maybe ya haven’t. Don’t matter; she thinks a him as a baby brother. It ain’t never gonna happen with them. But if that ain’t whut Bobby wanted t’ talk about, whut was it?”
Ennis rubbed at his eyes with his fists. “Gimme a second.”
“Take all the time ya need, bud. I’ll be right here,” Jack moved back a pace and gave Ennis a little breathing room.
Ennis snuffled, pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and blew his nose. “I let my little girl stay in a house with a pervert,” he said baldly.
“Whut?”
“Monroe, he had some trouble keepin’ his eyes to hisself when Junior was growin’ up. But he went t’ counselin’ and Alma told me he was doin’ good, spendin’ most a his time at the store, and bein’ real careful ‘round Jenny when she got older.”
“Ennis…”
“Hold on. I ain’t finished. Bobby told me that he feels like Jenny’s hidin’ somethin’ and it’s got to do with her step-daddy. I just cain’t think a nothin’ else it could be.”
“Ya got a talk t’ the girl.”
“Rather talk t’ Monroe.”
“But ya came here first. Ya know why? Cause ya know I love ya and I wouldn’t let ya do nuthin’ stupid. Just like you wouldn’t let me make a fool a myself. Havin’ come that far, you’re not gonna ignore my advice, are ya?”
Ennis raised his eyes from the floor. “Reckon that wouldn’t be too smart, would it?”
Jack shook his head. “It’s late. Jenny’s most likely in bed, which is where you ought a be.”
“I just cain’t… If anythin’ happened t’ Jenny, it’ll be my fault for leavin’ ‘er here.”
“Ennis, listen a me. If it’s anybody’s fault, it’s Monroe’s, and after him, I’d say Alma should git some a fair share a the blame.”
“Should a took better care a her.” Fresh tears sparkled in Ennis’s eyes.
“Ennis, c’mere,” Jack said, cradling the other man’s head to his chest. “We all make mistakes. Some us make really big mistakes. That don’t mean we got a keep on makin’ ‘em. We can change, bud, and it ain’t no harder than decidin’ to do it and stickin’ with it. We just got a make that choice ev’ry day, ev’ry second, if that’s whut it takes. We’re the ones got the power t’ say yes or no. Now, unless ya think Jenny’s in some danger tonight, why don’t ya leave it ‘til mornin’?”
“I don’t think anythin’s gonna happen t’ Jenny with Junior in the same room, but I cain’t help feelin’ bad.”
“Lemme fix that,” Jack said, nuzzling Ennis’s ear.
Ennis was abruptly aware that the body in his arms was naked. He knew Jack was right, and that he should put it out of his mind until morning, but it wasn’t easy. Fortunately, Jack knew several ways to distract him that worked like a charm. He knew with the sureness of the turning seasons that he would never, could never get tired of loving Jack Twist and regret for the lost years welled up in him. Resolutely, he tamped it back down, unwilling to waste even a single moment of his second chance in bemoaning what might have been. Jack was here now, warm and willing, and the best thing that could ever have happened to damaged goods like Ennis del Mar.
Ensconced in the snug berth of the only harbor he needed, Ennis leaned in, eyes focused on Jack’s face as though he gazed through a window at some unimaginably beautiful land where there were no bigots, no child molesters, and every parent was kind and wise. Jack raised his head from the pillow, meeting Ennis halfway in a kiss that melted away two decades, and they rocked against each other like teenagers out to lose their virginity. Ennis’s tongue muffled Jack’s cry of completion as Jack shivered through his orgasm like a fly-plagued horse. Missing the wild music of Jack’s moans and sighs, Ennis lost the beat and it took several more thrusts before he groaned his release and his seed spooled out deep inside Jack. He tried to prop himself, but he was boneless with pleasure and collapsed onto his lover. Jack took the weight gladly, letting his legs sprawl wide as his man began to soften inside him. If it were in his power, Jack would make this moment last for all time.
“Thanks,” Ennis murmured in Jack’s ear.
“Whut’d I do?”
“You’re you.”
“Go to sleep now. You ain’t makin’ sense.”
Ennis did as Jack said, drifting off on the euphoria of afterglow, safe in Jack’s arms. Jack lay awake for a little while longer, most of his thoughts occupied with wondering what Jenny had said to Bobby, and how Bobby was going to be affected by this knowledge. Jack was reassured by the fact that Bobby had told someone what he suspected. While Ennis talked with Jenny tomorrow morning, Jack was going to make sure Bobby knew how proud his dad was that he had spoken up.
Ennis nestled closer in his sleep and began to snore softly. To that ragged lullaby, Jack fell asleep to dream of Brokeback.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Alma.” Ennis called as he knocked on the door of the master bedroom.
“Whut is it, Ennis? I’m doin’ twelve things at once here.”
“Well, now you’re doin’ thirteen,” he said as he barged in. “Where’s Monroe?”
Alma stared at him, church hat in one hand and a padded hanger in the other. She was wearing a white slip and pantyhose and a shocked expression. “Whut in tarnation! Ennis! Git out a here this minute. I ain’t dressed.”
“We was married for Chrissake. Git the damn dress on and git Monroe in here.”
“I hope ya want a talk about whut ya done to my mailbox, my fence and my garden,” Alma rallied. “I know it was you and that Jack Twist.”
Alma’s husband stuck his head out of the bathroom, saw Ennis, and ducked back inside.
“You git on out here,” Ennis said.
“Ennis,” Alma said, pulling on her dressing gown. “You lower your voice right now.”
Ennis kicked blindly behind him and the door slammed closed. “Monroe, I said git your damn ass out here now, or I’m gonna come in there and drag ya out and I’m tellin’ ya whut’s the truth, ya ain’t gonna like it.”
“You’re gonna do no such thing,” Alma said. “I’ll call the police.”
“On Junior’s weddin’ day? I don’t think so. Now git out here, Monroe!”
“Why?”
“We need t’ talk,” Ennis answered.
“I ain’t foolin’,” Alma hissed. “If ya start anythin’, I’ll call the police.”
“Call the Army if ya want, but you, me and Monroe’re gonna have a talk. And when that talk is over, you’re gonna let me take Jenny t’ Texas with me when I go. There ain’t gonna be no discussion about it. Just so ya understand that.”
“Monroe,” Alma hollered. “Git out here. Now.”
Less than ten minutes later, Ennis exited the master bedroom. There was no blood on his knuckles, nor did Monroe sport any bruises, but it was agreed that Jenny would live with her father and that Monroe would see a psychiatrist. In the end, it was Monroe’s guilt and his fear of Ennis that undid him, and reduced him to a quivering, weeping mess like a decomposing jellyfish at the shoreline.
“You look mighty satisfied with yourself,” Jack said, as Ennis came into their room.
Ennis nodded to Bobby before he answered. “Things’re settled.”
“Don’t drown us in information,” Bobby said.
Jack stood and patted his son on the shoulder. “I think Ennis might rather talk about it after breakfast.”
Bobby made a face as he took the crutches Jack handed him. “This is gonna be the most boring party ever. Who ever heard a gittin’ all dressed up at six in the mornin’ just to eat breakfast. I’m gonna end up with egg on my tie and look like a dork.”
“You’re lucky, son. At least ya don’t look like a dork all the time like Ennis.”
Bobby exchanged a glance with Ennis. “How come ya put up with ‘im?” Bobby asked.
“He’s cute,” Ennis said.
“Ya both suck,” Jack said, picking up his hat. “I’ll be in the truck.”
:::::::::::::::::::::
“Daddy?” Junior put a hand on Ennis’s arm as they walked into the back room at the Perkins restaurant. Her eyes were focused across the room on the tables pulled together to make one long one and she smiled vaguely at the early arrivals.
“Whut is it, li’l darlin’?”
“Did you say somethin’ t’ upset Mama before ya left the house?”
“Yep.”
“I hope it ain’t gonna be necessary t’ upset anymore a the weddin’ party.”
“Nope.”
“Ya gonna tell me whut ya said?”
“No, I sure ain’t. Not today. This is your day, and if I hadn’t had t’ have that talk with your mama and step-daddy, I sure wouldn’t a. I hope it don’t ruin nuthin’.”
“Well, Monroe ain’t comin’ t’ breakfast, but I reckon that don’t quite ruin everythin’. Thanks for bein’ on your best behavior and I got a tell ya, ya sure look handsome in that suit.”
“Ya need t’ git your eyes checked. Cain’t make a silk purse out a no sow’s ear.”
Junior rose on her toes to kiss her father’s cheek. “Thanks, Daddy,” she whispered. “Thanks for bein’ my mama and daddy when I needed ya.”
“Shoot! More like you raised me, gal, but it sure makes me proud t’ know I had a hand in bringin’ ya up. Ya shine like a lucky star.”
“Oh no,” Junior sighed. “If I keep cryin’ at everythin’, I’m gonna look like a raccoon.”
“I told you to use my water-proof mascara,” Jenny said, brushing past them. “You’re blockin’ the way, if ya care.”
“Who’s weddin’ is this?” Junior asked sharply.
“Sorry,” Jenny said. “I forgot you’re queen for the day. And you look just as beautiful as a princess. No lie. You look just gorgeous.”
“Well, you did help me pick out this dress.”
“And told you to buy the scarf,” Jenny said on a yawn. “Damn, it’s early.”
Ennis took Jenny’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go find a seat.”
“Won’t be a problem. There’s a little card with your name on it in front a your place.”
“That’s handy,” Ennis said, looking around for Jack, who’d insisted on letting Ennis and Bobby out while he parked the truck. “Course it don’t give ya a choice who you’re settin’ next to.”
Jenny grinned. “That’s what I like about you, Dad. You tell it like it is.”
“Ya like me, huh? Enough t’ come and live in Texas?”
“Are you kiddin’?” Jenny stopped in her tracks and looked up at Ennis.
“No, I ain’t. I already talked to your mama and to Jack. What a ya say?”
Jenny squeaked, clapped her hand over her mouth, and jumped up to throw her arms around Ennis’s neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“I’ll take that as yes,” Ennis said, putting a hand gently on her back. “C’mon now. It ain’t gonna be all fun and games, ya know. You’re gonna have t’ git a job, or go t’ college, and ya ain’t gonna change my mind ‘bout that.”
“That’s great!” Jenny said. “Perfect! I love you, Daddy.”
Jack walked up and found himself on the receiving end of a warm hug before Jenny went to sit at the young folks’ end of the table. “Well,” Jack said. “That sure was nice, but whut did I do t’ deserve it?”
“You’re you,” Ennis, sliding Jack a sidelong glance under lowered lids.
Jack’s mind went back to the fresh memory of lying spent on Alma’s starched sheets with Ennis still hard inside him, his heart slowing its runaway pace, the echoes of his climax reverberating in his farthest corners. “Never could understand it,” he said, his voice pitched for Ennis’s ears alone. “All ya got a do is touch me and I’m a wildfire. Hell, all it takes is a look like that, and I’m ready t’ go off.”
Under cover of the long white tablecloth, Ennis’s hand found Jack’s and they briefly clasped fingers in promise of pleasures to come and in a pledge as solemn as the vows Junior and Kurt would be making later that day.
tbc
A Brokeback A/U diverging from the OS at the time of Ennis’s divorce.
Rated: NC17
Warning: m/m sexual situations
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. I borrow them from Annie Proulx and the actors that portrayed them with love and respect.
My warmest thanks to Jean.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with ya honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes,
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Kenny Loggins, “Danny’s Song”
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Never could understand it,” Ennis said, somewhat breathlessly. “All ya got a do is touch me and I’m hotter’n a brushfire. Hell, all ya got a do is look at me and I’m rarin t’ go.”
Jack gave the swell in Ennis’s jeans another squeeze. “You gonna put this thing in park?”
“The truck, or my pecker?”
“You was almost talkin’ dirty,” Jack chuckled. “C’mon and give it another try. Where ya want a park that thing, anyway?”
“You just hold your horses and I’ll show ya,” Ennis said. “It ain’t that far to the house.”
Jack’s fingers danced over Ennis’s crotch, unbuttoning buttons and unzipping zips. “I cain’t wait that long to taste ya,” he said, as he lowered his head.
“Jack. You cut that out now. Ya know I cain’t keep the damn truck on the road when ya… good God a’mighty!” The pickup swerved as Ennis reacted to what Jack was doing with his tongue and pressed down hard on the gas pedal. They ran into the corner of Alma’s nice white fence and barely avoided taking out the mailbox. “Shit!” Ennis exclaimed as he hit the brake. Jack somehow avoided biting down on the tender flesh in his mouth and raised his head from Ennis’s lap.
“Damn,” Jack breathed, surveying the damage revealed by the headlights.
“I didn’t know we was this close,” Ennis groaned. “Alma’s gonna throw a rod when she sees this. She’ll think we were drunk for sure.”
“She knows ya don’t drink.”
“She’s ain’t a very trustin’ woman,” Ennis said. “Not that she ain’t got cause.”
“Maybe ya ought a put your dick away before she comes out here.”
“I told ya I couldn’t drive worth a damn with ya doin’ that,” Ennis said as he zipped up and put the truck in reverse.
“It’s a country road with no traffic. Trust you t’ find the only obstacle for miles.”
“I’ll just git up early and go t’ the hardware store,” Ennis said as he parked in line with the rest of the vehicles.
“You forgittin’ the weddin’ breakfast?”
Ennis sighed. “Did life used t’ be easier, or somethin’?”
“Ya know better’n that. C’mon, let’s finish what we started.”
“You started it,” Ennis grumbled as he stepped down from the cab.
“Maybe we ought a forgit about it then.”
“I ain’t sayin’ that. We just got a be a little more quiet than usual, if we’re goin’ inside.”
“I’ll try, but when ya git goin’, ya make me want a tell the world how good ya are.”
“Hush now,” Ennis said, but there was a pleased note in his voice that Jack savored.
“Sneakin’ in, huh?” Bobby said, as they walked through the back door and into the kitchen.
“Damn, boy! Ya nearly gimme a heart attack,” Jack said, reeling back with a hand to his chest. “Don’t be scarin’ people like that.”
“Sorry, Dad. What were you two talkin’ ‘bout when you came in?”
“Ropin’ and ridin’,” Ennis answered.
“Right,” Bobby stretched the word out. “Can I talk to you, Ennis?”
“Well, sure, Bobby. Right now?”
“Only for a few minutes.”
“Ya want me t’ hang around?” Jack asked.
“No thanks, Dad. This is just between me and Ennis.”
Jack was consumed with curiosity, and a little hurt, but Bobby sounded so much like a man that Jack didn’t have the heart to overrule him and stay under the guise of parenting. “I see how it is,” he said. “If ya don’t need me, I’ll go on to bed.”
“Night, Dad.”
“Good night, Bad Bobby. I love you.”
Bobby rolled his eyes, but told his dad that he loved him.
“I’ll wait up,” Jack said to Ennis, as he left the kitchen.
This prompted another eye roll from Bobby. “Man, sometimes I wish my dad would keep things to himself.”
“Really?” Ennis asked. “Ya think that’d be better?”
“No, I guess not. But I don’t want a talk about you and my dad. I need to tell you somethin’ that I know is gonna make you mad. But I feel like I got a tell you. If I don’t…”
Ennis sat down at the kitchen table, out of the pool of light from the stove hood. “I didn’t have no boys, but I kind a like t’ think a ya as partly mine, if that’s all right.”
“Me ‘n’ Jenny were talkin’ about that, about how we got two sets a parents each. I guess we’re just luckier than other kids.”
“I’m right glad ya see it that way and ya can tell me anythin’ ya want to.”
“Well, I like Jenny an awful lot,” Bobby began, and said the words that had been burning inside him for several hours. He was careful to say that he didn’t know anything for sure, and that he was too embarrassed to ask Jenny point blank. Ennis stayed in his seat and got even quieter than usual. This silence was more than just a lack of noise. This was the silence of something huge that had settled into place at last, implacable and ineluctable. When Bobby finished speaking, Ennis nodded once and rose to his feet. “Ennis?” Bobby said tentatively. “Did I do right?”
Ennis’s head turned as though his neck could use some oil. “Yeah, Bobby. Don’t ya worry ‘bout that none. I’ll handle it from here.”
::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack had found a copy of Catch 22 in a bag of paperbacks in the closet and started reading to pass the time. When he heard Ennis’s footsteps in the hall, he set the book down on top of the night stand Bible that Alma had thoughtfully provided. There was a light knock and Ennis entered. Jack deciphered the expression on his lover’s face and got out of bed to go to him. Ennis opened his arms and leaned into the offered hug.
“Whut’s wrong, pard?” Jack asked.
“Nothin’ ya can help with. Rather not bother ya with it.”
“Ya know better’n that.”
“I ought a be horsewhipped,” Ennis said, his voice eroding into a sob like granite grinding on granite. “I knew. I knew… in my heart… that Jenny…”
Jack tightened his arms around Ennis as the other man’s sobs robbed him of speech. “I swear, if her and Bobby…”
Ennis shook his head, wiping tears on Jack’s bare shoulder. “No,” he took a deep shuddering breath. “Bobby wouldn’t never…”
“Ennis, Bobby’s my son and I love him, but he’s a young man and I know how careless a young man can git when he’s in love.”
Ennis met Jack’s eyes. “In love?”
“You’ve seen how he looks at Jenny,” Jack said. “Or maybe ya haven’t. Don’t matter; she thinks a him as a baby brother. It ain’t never gonna happen with them. But if that ain’t whut Bobby wanted t’ talk about, whut was it?”
Ennis rubbed at his eyes with his fists. “Gimme a second.”
“Take all the time ya need, bud. I’ll be right here,” Jack moved back a pace and gave Ennis a little breathing room.
Ennis snuffled, pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and blew his nose. “I let my little girl stay in a house with a pervert,” he said baldly.
“Whut?”
“Monroe, he had some trouble keepin’ his eyes to hisself when Junior was growin’ up. But he went t’ counselin’ and Alma told me he was doin’ good, spendin’ most a his time at the store, and bein’ real careful ‘round Jenny when she got older.”
“Ennis…”
“Hold on. I ain’t finished. Bobby told me that he feels like Jenny’s hidin’ somethin’ and it’s got to do with her step-daddy. I just cain’t think a nothin’ else it could be.”
“Ya got a talk t’ the girl.”
“Rather talk t’ Monroe.”
“But ya came here first. Ya know why? Cause ya know I love ya and I wouldn’t let ya do nuthin’ stupid. Just like you wouldn’t let me make a fool a myself. Havin’ come that far, you’re not gonna ignore my advice, are ya?”
Ennis raised his eyes from the floor. “Reckon that wouldn’t be too smart, would it?”
Jack shook his head. “It’s late. Jenny’s most likely in bed, which is where you ought a be.”
“I just cain’t… If anythin’ happened t’ Jenny, it’ll be my fault for leavin’ ‘er here.”
“Ennis, listen a me. If it’s anybody’s fault, it’s Monroe’s, and after him, I’d say Alma should git some a fair share a the blame.”
“Should a took better care a her.” Fresh tears sparkled in Ennis’s eyes.
“Ennis, c’mere,” Jack said, cradling the other man’s head to his chest. “We all make mistakes. Some us make really big mistakes. That don’t mean we got a keep on makin’ ‘em. We can change, bud, and it ain’t no harder than decidin’ to do it and stickin’ with it. We just got a make that choice ev’ry day, ev’ry second, if that’s whut it takes. We’re the ones got the power t’ say yes or no. Now, unless ya think Jenny’s in some danger tonight, why don’t ya leave it ‘til mornin’?”
“I don’t think anythin’s gonna happen t’ Jenny with Junior in the same room, but I cain’t help feelin’ bad.”
“Lemme fix that,” Jack said, nuzzling Ennis’s ear.
Ennis was abruptly aware that the body in his arms was naked. He knew Jack was right, and that he should put it out of his mind until morning, but it wasn’t easy. Fortunately, Jack knew several ways to distract him that worked like a charm. He knew with the sureness of the turning seasons that he would never, could never get tired of loving Jack Twist and regret for the lost years welled up in him. Resolutely, he tamped it back down, unwilling to waste even a single moment of his second chance in bemoaning what might have been. Jack was here now, warm and willing, and the best thing that could ever have happened to damaged goods like Ennis del Mar.
Ensconced in the snug berth of the only harbor he needed, Ennis leaned in, eyes focused on Jack’s face as though he gazed through a window at some unimaginably beautiful land where there were no bigots, no child molesters, and every parent was kind and wise. Jack raised his head from the pillow, meeting Ennis halfway in a kiss that melted away two decades, and they rocked against each other like teenagers out to lose their virginity. Ennis’s tongue muffled Jack’s cry of completion as Jack shivered through his orgasm like a fly-plagued horse. Missing the wild music of Jack’s moans and sighs, Ennis lost the beat and it took several more thrusts before he groaned his release and his seed spooled out deep inside Jack. He tried to prop himself, but he was boneless with pleasure and collapsed onto his lover. Jack took the weight gladly, letting his legs sprawl wide as his man began to soften inside him. If it were in his power, Jack would make this moment last for all time.
“Thanks,” Ennis murmured in Jack’s ear.
“Whut’d I do?”
“You’re you.”
“Go to sleep now. You ain’t makin’ sense.”
Ennis did as Jack said, drifting off on the euphoria of afterglow, safe in Jack’s arms. Jack lay awake for a little while longer, most of his thoughts occupied with wondering what Jenny had said to Bobby, and how Bobby was going to be affected by this knowledge. Jack was reassured by the fact that Bobby had told someone what he suspected. While Ennis talked with Jenny tomorrow morning, Jack was going to make sure Bobby knew how proud his dad was that he had spoken up.
Ennis nestled closer in his sleep and began to snore softly. To that ragged lullaby, Jack fell asleep to dream of Brokeback.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
“Alma.” Ennis called as he knocked on the door of the master bedroom.
“Whut is it, Ennis? I’m doin’ twelve things at once here.”
“Well, now you’re doin’ thirteen,” he said as he barged in. “Where’s Monroe?”
Alma stared at him, church hat in one hand and a padded hanger in the other. She was wearing a white slip and pantyhose and a shocked expression. “Whut in tarnation! Ennis! Git out a here this minute. I ain’t dressed.”
“We was married for Chrissake. Git the damn dress on and git Monroe in here.”
“I hope ya want a talk about whut ya done to my mailbox, my fence and my garden,” Alma rallied. “I know it was you and that Jack Twist.”
Alma’s husband stuck his head out of the bathroom, saw Ennis, and ducked back inside.
“You git on out here,” Ennis said.
“Ennis,” Alma said, pulling on her dressing gown. “You lower your voice right now.”
Ennis kicked blindly behind him and the door slammed closed. “Monroe, I said git your damn ass out here now, or I’m gonna come in there and drag ya out and I’m tellin’ ya whut’s the truth, ya ain’t gonna like it.”
“You’re gonna do no such thing,” Alma said. “I’ll call the police.”
“On Junior’s weddin’ day? I don’t think so. Now git out here, Monroe!”
“Why?”
“We need t’ talk,” Ennis answered.
“I ain’t foolin’,” Alma hissed. “If ya start anythin’, I’ll call the police.”
“Call the Army if ya want, but you, me and Monroe’re gonna have a talk. And when that talk is over, you’re gonna let me take Jenny t’ Texas with me when I go. There ain’t gonna be no discussion about it. Just so ya understand that.”
“Monroe,” Alma hollered. “Git out here. Now.”
Less than ten minutes later, Ennis exited the master bedroom. There was no blood on his knuckles, nor did Monroe sport any bruises, but it was agreed that Jenny would live with her father and that Monroe would see a psychiatrist. In the end, it was Monroe’s guilt and his fear of Ennis that undid him, and reduced him to a quivering, weeping mess like a decomposing jellyfish at the shoreline.
“You look mighty satisfied with yourself,” Jack said, as Ennis came into their room.
Ennis nodded to Bobby before he answered. “Things’re settled.”
“Don’t drown us in information,” Bobby said.
Jack stood and patted his son on the shoulder. “I think Ennis might rather talk about it after breakfast.”
Bobby made a face as he took the crutches Jack handed him. “This is gonna be the most boring party ever. Who ever heard a gittin’ all dressed up at six in the mornin’ just to eat breakfast. I’m gonna end up with egg on my tie and look like a dork.”
“You’re lucky, son. At least ya don’t look like a dork all the time like Ennis.”
Bobby exchanged a glance with Ennis. “How come ya put up with ‘im?” Bobby asked.
“He’s cute,” Ennis said.
“Ya both suck,” Jack said, picking up his hat. “I’ll be in the truck.”
:::::::::::::::::::::
“Daddy?” Junior put a hand on Ennis’s arm as they walked into the back room at the Perkins restaurant. Her eyes were focused across the room on the tables pulled together to make one long one and she smiled vaguely at the early arrivals.
“Whut is it, li’l darlin’?”
“Did you say somethin’ t’ upset Mama before ya left the house?”
“Yep.”
“I hope it ain’t gonna be necessary t’ upset anymore a the weddin’ party.”
“Nope.”
“Ya gonna tell me whut ya said?”
“No, I sure ain’t. Not today. This is your day, and if I hadn’t had t’ have that talk with your mama and step-daddy, I sure wouldn’t a. I hope it don’t ruin nuthin’.”
“Well, Monroe ain’t comin’ t’ breakfast, but I reckon that don’t quite ruin everythin’. Thanks for bein’ on your best behavior and I got a tell ya, ya sure look handsome in that suit.”
“Ya need t’ git your eyes checked. Cain’t make a silk purse out a no sow’s ear.”
Junior rose on her toes to kiss her father’s cheek. “Thanks, Daddy,” she whispered. “Thanks for bein’ my mama and daddy when I needed ya.”
“Shoot! More like you raised me, gal, but it sure makes me proud t’ know I had a hand in bringin’ ya up. Ya shine like a lucky star.”
“Oh no,” Junior sighed. “If I keep cryin’ at everythin’, I’m gonna look like a raccoon.”
“I told you to use my water-proof mascara,” Jenny said, brushing past them. “You’re blockin’ the way, if ya care.”
“Who’s weddin’ is this?” Junior asked sharply.
“Sorry,” Jenny said. “I forgot you’re queen for the day. And you look just as beautiful as a princess. No lie. You look just gorgeous.”
“Well, you did help me pick out this dress.”
“And told you to buy the scarf,” Jenny said on a yawn. “Damn, it’s early.”
Ennis took Jenny’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go find a seat.”
“Won’t be a problem. There’s a little card with your name on it in front a your place.”
“That’s handy,” Ennis said, looking around for Jack, who’d insisted on letting Ennis and Bobby out while he parked the truck. “Course it don’t give ya a choice who you’re settin’ next to.”
Jenny grinned. “That’s what I like about you, Dad. You tell it like it is.”
“Ya like me, huh? Enough t’ come and live in Texas?”
“Are you kiddin’?” Jenny stopped in her tracks and looked up at Ennis.
“No, I ain’t. I already talked to your mama and to Jack. What a ya say?”
Jenny squeaked, clapped her hand over her mouth, and jumped up to throw her arms around Ennis’s neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“I’ll take that as yes,” Ennis said, putting a hand gently on her back. “C’mon now. It ain’t gonna be all fun and games, ya know. You’re gonna have t’ git a job, or go t’ college, and ya ain’t gonna change my mind ‘bout that.”
“That’s great!” Jenny said. “Perfect! I love you, Daddy.”
Jack walked up and found himself on the receiving end of a warm hug before Jenny went to sit at the young folks’ end of the table. “Well,” Jack said. “That sure was nice, but whut did I do t’ deserve it?”
“You’re you,” Ennis, sliding Jack a sidelong glance under lowered lids.
Jack’s mind went back to the fresh memory of lying spent on Alma’s starched sheets with Ennis still hard inside him, his heart slowing its runaway pace, the echoes of his climax reverberating in his farthest corners. “Never could understand it,” he said, his voice pitched for Ennis’s ears alone. “All ya got a do is touch me and I’m a wildfire. Hell, all it takes is a look like that, and I’m ready t’ go off.”
Under cover of the long white tablecloth, Ennis’s hand found Jack’s and they briefly clasped fingers in promise of pleasures to come and in a pledge as solemn as the vows Junior and Kurt would be making later that day.
tbc