Chapter 3

April 24th, 1964

It was nearly ten at night and Ennis and Jack were, as always, curled up on the sofa together watching TV. At the end of the working day they loved to unwind here with a beer, just enjoying the comfortable silence between them. The new milking machine had been set up in a temporary residence in the barn, and they'd talked to a contractor in Sandersville about a new building. Things were coming together nicely.

Jack was preoccupied. One of their hands, Pete, had been ill on Monday when Michael had started working, so had been unaware of the addition. He'd come back to work on Wednesday and had reacted badly. In his words, he could cope with queer employers, but he had issues about a coloured co-worker. Jack had been forced to call him into the office, where he'd explained to him why they had hired Michael; the fact that they could sympathise with his situation.

Pete appeared to remain uncomfortable with the situation, so Jack had told him that if he wanted to leave, he could, but he was welcome to stay if he held his tongue. Pete told Jack he would try as long as he didn't have to interact with Michael directly. Jack told him to run it by Ennis, knowing full well that Pete was intimidated by him. Jack told him that it was up to Ennis how things worked out on the land. He had a feeling that Pete would be too scared of Ennis to complain, so hopefully the boat wouldn't be rocked too much.

His thoughts were swiftly swept away by the film finishing and Ennis starting to kiss his hair, running a hand along his arm. Jack looked up at him, smirking, and soon he was lying back on the sofa with Ennis on top, their limbs weaving together as they kissed slowly.

They'd recently had another phone installed here in the living room, so they didn't have to get up to go to the kitchen every time someone called. It now rang on the side table next to Jack's head; he reached an arm across and picked it up.

"Hello?" he said, craning his head back as Ennis kissed his neck, starting to undo his shirt buttons.

"Jack?"

"Becky? Hey honey, nice to hear from ya." Ennis leaned back over him and kissed him full on the mouth, hands caressing Jack's now-bare chest.

"Jack, I..." She sounded choked up, like she was trying to hold back tears. At this, Jack put a hand on Ennis's chest, silently telling him to stop.

"Becky, you alright? You don't sound so good..."

"I...my daddy, he...he kicked me out. I got nowhere to go." She started sobbing into the phone, and Jack was devastated to hear her like this. Ennis caught the look on his face and became concerned. He sat up and allowed Jack to do the same.

"Yer daddy kicked you out? Why?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Ennis's.

"I...I..." but she was too upset to speak coherently. Jack sighed, clearly understanding that, whatever it was, it was bad, and she was in no state to talk about it just yet.

"Alright. Listen, where are ya?"

"The motel...in Childress where you guys stayed last year. The room next to the one where you guys were...number three," she replied, sniffing and breathing shakily. "I got nowhere to go..."

"It's alright, don't worry. We're comin' to get you." Jack looked back at Ennis, who nodded. Becky was clearly in a bad situation, and if her father had kicked her out, she needed help. "Get some sleep, and get somethin' to eat. Try an' stay there as much as possible. We'll be there as soon as we can, okay? Trust me, we'll be there, an' we're bringin' ya to Georgia. See ya soon, Becky."

"Okay...thanks, Jack."

He hung up and looked at Ennis. "She's got nowhere else to go, Ennis. Somethin' bad's happened, I bet, an' she's got no-one."

Ennis grasped Jack's shoulder. "She's got us, rodeo. She'll be safe here." Jack nodded, relieved.

Jack went over to Bill and Mary's house to let them know that they would be gone for a few days, and asked them to watch the house. Ennis called their foreman, Dave, to tell him what was going on and he agreed to be in charge while they were gone. They trusted him with the ranch and knew it would be okay. The rancher who was interested in their bull wasn't coming until the second of May; they figured they would be back by then.

They then spent some time packing up clothes and essentials for the multi-day trip. Ennis packed a pair of bags for them while Jack made sandwiches and packed the cooler. They'd decided to leave straightaway and get there as soon as possible. As for Lucky, Ennis had somehow managed to get through to him that he needed to stay here and watch over the ranch for them, they left plenty of dog food and water, and when Ennis called Dave he reminded him to make sure Lucky had enough to eat.

Jack packed the cooler into the truck and tarped it down to the truck bed. He then placed the bags Ennis handed to him on the floor as Ennis locked up. They'd given their spare set to Bill to look after while they were gone. Within an hour they were setting off along the dark road, heading west towards Texas. They planned to stop in a few hours, somewhere in Alabama, and take a nap in the truck.

"Sure hope she's gonna be okay..." said Jack, staring out at the darkness before them, his green jacket wrapped tightly around him in the chill of the night; Ennis was wearing the winter jacket Jack had bought him for Christmas.

Ennis moved his right hand off the steering wheel and took Jack's left, squeezing it. "She'll be fine, darlin'. 'Specially once we get to her."

"Yeah..." Jack wracked his brains, trying to figure out what on earth could have happened, but nothing came to mind; he'd never heard her that upset before. She was a strong young woman who had always seemed in total control of herself, and it was clear to him that something big had occurred to mark this change in her behaviour.

Sometime the next day, they were driving through Louisiana, figuring that they would reach Texas in a couple of days. Jack grew more and more worried about Becky as time went on. He'd called the motel number that morning to check up on her, and she seemed to still be quite upset, but not as hysterical as she had been. She'd evidently had enough time to calm down and get some sleep. Ennis had given up trying to reassure Jack that everything would be alright; Jack always worried about those he loved.

Instead, he turned his mind to the events of the past week. They had successfully used their new milking machines on some of their cows, and had put up a new flyer in the feed store advertising their new product. Jack was of the mind that they should come up with a logo of some sort; something that would identify products in shops as theirs. They could approach butchers in Sandersville, package their meat and sell it. And not only could they sell their milk, but maybe they could create other dairy products from it, cheese and so forth, maybe even ice cream. That was always popular with children, especially during the summer.

As for the logo, Jack had shown Ennis some potential designs, and they both liked the image of a mountain with the word 'Brokeback' curved at the top and 'Ranch' curved along the bottom. It was simple yet somehow was perfect for them.

A few young men had seen the job advert in the feed store and had stopped by to apply. True to the promise they had made themselves, Ennis and Jack had told them at the interview the nature of their relationship. Most of the men who applied were taken aback but said they didn't care as long as they were doing paid work. Money was tight all around, so they couldn't afford to be choosy about whom to work for. One applicant looked thunderstruck when he was told, and immediately walked out of the office, leaving Jack shaking his head. Ennis had been particularly sweet and tender that night, reminding Jack just how much it was worth it.

They hadn't run into their drunken assailant again, but a conversation with Bill and Mary told them that his name was apparently Fred Kane, and he was a known troublemaker. His wife had left him recently because he insulted and threatened her brother, who rumour had it was gay. It left him with an intense dislike of gay people, which explained why he'd acted that way towards Ennis and Jack.

That was another thing. Jack had begun to realise that the term 'queer' was often used as a derogatory term for men like themselves. Apart from Ennis, the only people he'd heard use it were people who wished them ill. That had scared him; that Ennis had used the term up on Brokeback, and probably since. He'd taken his concerns to Ennis, who agreed to try and stop using it, for it always held bad connotations for them, and start saying 'gay' instead. Jack felt more comfortable with that term. He knew that Ennis would do anything to avoid causing friction between them.

Jack was silent as he stared out of the passenger seat window, watching as the landscape rolled by, his mind in two parts; one back home in Georgia, hoping that everything was alright, and the other ahead of them in Texas, with his cousin who needed his help. He had no idea what was going on and couldn't think what it might be, but he knew that he and Ennis would undoubtedly be there for her, no matter what. She needed them, had called for help, and help would come.

Jack's thoughts turned to Ennis. He'd seen a growth in maturity in him over the last six months. Gone was the shy, quiet man who was quick to blow up like a volcano without warning, the man who decided everything with his fists. He was still a little on the quiet side, but he wasn't really shy anymore, and no longer quick to anger. In his place was someone kind and gentle, at least with him, someone who could show his emotions without fear of ridicule. He knew that Jack would never judge him for anything. He could be quite sweet sometimes, and Jack absolutely loved it. He couldn't believe how strong their love felt, even after almost a year.

It was obviously a stark contrast to how he'd been on the mountain. Even as late as August, he'd still been shy about making love with Jack, seemed to lack the confidence to make the first move once they were both in the tent. Jack usually had to coax him into it, and he always enjoyed it, even if he did get flipped over in the end. It was always worth it. They hardly ever did it without facing each other these days; they much preferred to see each other and kiss. It sure felt more intimate that way.

Only one time could Jack recall them being slow and gentle back on Brokeback – their second night together. That, for Jack, was like walking into a dream. It had been everything he had hoped it would be and more. Ennis had been so shy and endearing to him; his heart had melted when he saw Ennis's scared face, knowing what he wanted but being too scared to initiate it. He'd come to Jack, and silently let Jack know what he wanted. Jack had picked up on his nervousness and done most of the work that night, teaching Ennis all those things that a romantic relationship should entail of. Ennis had learnt so much that night and was now able to use that knowledge with confidence.

Jack's mind wandered fully to that night, figuring that it would pass the time well enough. His heart would treasure that night always, the real start of their relationship. He was unaware that next to him, Ennis was also thinking about that night.

Jack lay there in the tent, staring up at the canvas. He honestly didn't know if Ennis would come to him tonight, even after he'd basically said that this 'thing' between them could continue, if only for the summer. He'd just have to wait and see, knowing that Ennis would have to come to him under his own steam; he couldn't force him.

He thought back to the night before. Why had he enjoyed being taken so roughly like that? It had hurt like hell and he'd been sore for most of the day, yet it had felt incredible to have Ennis inside him like that. His tough, silent exterior and calm, sometimes sweet interior was a combination that had completely swept Jack off his feet. A strong feeling was building inside him, something he'd never felt before but knew it was what he'd been looking for. He'd had these thoughts for a year, after all.

He'd had to lie to Ennis about being queer. He knew that if he didn't, that would be it; Ennis would want nothing more to do with him and that would be the end of it. Jack wanted to know more, wanted to experience more, and only with Ennis.

What he felt for Ennis...he hadn't felt that about Joel, and certainly not about Jimbo down in Texas. Joel truly had been a drunken mistake, and while it had stirred a new awareness in him, it hadn't felt anything like last night. And Jimbo...a product of confusion if nothing else.

He was certain of the feelings that were growing in his heart. But at the same time, he had to resign himself to the fact that even if Ennis reciprocated these feelings, their affair was only to last until September, the end of the summer. He had to make the most of this time.

He heard soft footsteps approaching the tent, and his heart skipped a beat. Was it true? He turned his head when he saw movement in the corner of his eye. Ennis was approaching the tent slowly.

Jack sat up as Ennis crouched just inside the tent, his hat between them like a barrier, the only thing protecting him from what might happen. Jack placed a hand gently on his forearm, stroking his thumb across it in an attempt to comfort him.

Jack could see the fear in his eyes. He was clearly scared of this 'thing' that had been created between them without warning. Jack knew in his heart that Ennis had never been in this situation before, and was scared of the unknown. His heart melted with this new feeling inside him as he peered up into Ennis's face, his eyes slightly hooded. The firelight was casting an amber glow over them both that could only be described as...well...romantic. It was the perfect setting for a night like this.

Jack gently removed Ennis's hat from his shaking hands and placed it aside. Ennis was unable to meet his eyes for more than a second; instead he kept sneaking glances down at Jack's bare chest, taking it all in, and perhaps a glance or two down lower, at his jeans.

Ennis's nervousness filled Jack with empathy. He so wanted this night to be good for them both, and that would only happen if Ennis relaxed. So he gently brought his hand up to Ennis's cheek and caressed it, then moved it to the back of his neck to bring him close. It was time for them to move to the next step of their fledgling relationship. Jack brought his other hand up around Ennis's neck and then brought his face up close, nearer and nearer to Ennis's lips.

When their noses were touching, Jack opened his mouth and leaned in, letting Ennis come to him on his own. Ennis finally gave in and opened his own mouth, letting their lips finally meet. The kiss was tender and sweet, yet a little awkward due to lack of practice. But all in good time.

They broke apart with their faces still close, a single strand of saliva connecting their lips.

It broke as Ennis whispered, "I'm sorry..." clearly embarrassed about his hesitation and nervousness. Jack didn't mind in the slightest; Ennis had nothing to apologise for.

"It's alright..." he whispered. He had all night to get Ennis to relax and all the patience in the world. "It's alright..." He nodded slightly at Ennis and brought his head to rest on his chest, pulling Ennis's body down with him as he lay back on the bedroll.

Jack held Ennis in his strong arms and let Ennis get accustomed to this closeness, this intimacy. Ennis ran his hands along Jack's bare chest gently as if he were made of the most fragile glass, and Jack rubbed his forehead just as gently. Ennis occasionally ducked his head to kiss at Jack's chest, and in due time sought Jack's lips willingly. Jack kissed him again as he rolled them both over, until he was on top of Ennis.

Jack leaned down to claim Ennis's mouth again, and this time Ennis responded much more enthusiastically. They kissed passionately for a few minutes, and then Jack finally broke away.

"Ennis..." he whispered, gently fingering the first few buttons on Ennis's shirt, looking into his eyes. "Can I?"

Ennis's eyes were dark and unreadable, but he nodded slowly. "Yeah..." Jack reared up onto his knees, straddling Ennis as he steadily undid the buttons, pulling the material out of his jeans. Ennis was wearing an undershirt but Jack could see the outline of his muscles, the ones that he'd secretly admired for days. He placed his hands on Ennis's shoulders and encouraged him to sit up.

Ennis did so, shyly taking off the material and allowing Jack to pull off his undershirt. When it was off over his head Jack gazed at Ennis's chest, running his hands gently over it.

"So beautiful," he whispered. He leaned forward and nuzzled into the blonde hair, feeling how soft it was. He saw Ennis's hands moving and looked up. Ennis's hands were making their shaky way to his own chest, taking his cue from Jack.

Jack sat back up and looked at him encouragingly. "Go on, it's okay..."

Face filled with concentration, Ennis ran his trembling hands over the dark patches of hair on Jack's chest, feeling the texture. Jack moved his own hands down to his rodeo buckle and met Ennis's eyes.

"Alright?"

Ennis seemed to know what Jack was asking and bit his lip nervously. He'd never seen another man naked before, had certainly never seen another man hard before, and the bulge in Jack's jeans spoke for itself. He nodded, unable to speak.

Jack undid his buckle slowly, eyes fixed on Ennis for his reaction, undid the buttons and pulled the zipper down. He then sat back on his ass to get his jeans over his hips. Ennis blushed when he saw Jack's erection, but then became distracted by the fact that Jack was cut. He'd heard about that, but it didn't repulse him, in fact it made him feel sorry for Jack.

Jack was watching him. "You okay?"

"Uh, yeah..."

"You wanna...?" he gestured to Ennis's own jeans, where a wet spot had long since appeared. Ennis's face went even redder, but as if his fingers acted on their own, he felt them move down to his own buckle, and before he realised it, his own jeans were down around his hips. He was having trouble looking at Jack while being so exposed, he was feeling very self-conscious.

Jack just smiled. Ennis in all his glory was a fine sight to behold, and he gently pulled Ennis's boots off his feet so Ennis could get his jeans off. They joined the pile of clothes in the corner and Jack gently pushed Ennis onto his back, lying on top of him again. He knew that no way was Ennis ready for penetration, and he doubted that he could do it again so soon after his first time.

Instead, he started rubbing his hips against Ennis's in a slow, gentle rhythm, kissing Ennis all over his face and whispering to him how beautiful he was. Ennis didn't have the words to respond in kind but held Jack close and responded to his kisses. Their groins were locked together and they knew it wouldn't be long. They were both painfully hard and without even thinking about it, Ennis began thrusting up against Jack, who was delighted with this response.

The combination of the thrusting, the rubbing and the slow, tender kisses were enough to make them climax simultaneously, in what was the best orgasm they'd ever experienced.

From that night on, the two young cowboys forged a connection that would never be broken; the new feelings inside them grew stronger by the day, until one day in late August when they could finally put a name to them: love.

At last, they reached Childress, Texas at around 1 in the morning. Jack was eager to get to Becky and make sure she was alright. It was all Ennis could do to hold his hand in the truck, grip it firmly to calm him. He knew by now that Jack was quite protective of Becky; saw her as something of a sister after their years growing up together. It occurred to Ennis that maybe the presence of a woman on the ranch would deflect any rumours that might be floating around.

He didn't know why Becky's father had thrown her out, but now he could see what Jack had meant when he'd said that he was like his brother, Jack's father. He hoped to hell that her father hadn't raised his hand to her; both he and Jack would be over there straightaway with the first shotgun that came to hand. Hitting a woman was something that you just didn't do.

Jack gripped back at Ennis's hand, trying to calm his nerves and concentrate on what Becky would do once they got her home and on her feet. He felt like it would be pushing it to ask her to cook or clean, simply because of her gender. Then again, he did those jobs and he'd never felt like a wife or anything, but that was probably because he only spent the mornings in the office; he spent the afternoons out in the fields with Ennis.

Maybe he could ask her to do the cooking and cleaning. He'd sure love to spend more time outside on the land, and she had a decent sized brain; perhaps he could teach her the books.

He couldn't think too much right now. His mind kept drifting to the young woman in question, and exactly why and how she had ended up in this predicament.

Ennis finally pulled up at the motel they'd spent time in last year. He parked up outside number three where Becky had told them she was. Jack jumped out of the truck and went straight to the door.

He knocked a few times, trying to hear movement, but no answer.

"Becky? It's us," he called. By this time Ennis had joined him, and he also tried knocking.

"She might be asleep."

"What do we do? We gotta make sure she's okay."

Ennis bit his lip. "Can't believe I'm suggestin' this, but...is it locked? Maybe we could, uh..."

"Just go in? It's alright, I ain't pegged her as the type to sleep naked, you know." Jack smirked. Then he twitched at that thought. She was family.

He took hold of the handle and gently turned it; it was unlocked. Jack slowly opened the door to the room.

Becky was lying on her side, curled up, fast asleep with her arms hugging a pillow. From the looks of it, the pillow seemed to be damp with tears. The bedside light was still on.

Jack looked back at Ennis, an expression of sorrow on his face. Ennis pressed a hand to his back. "Come on," he whispered.

They approached the bed as quietly as they could. Jack slowly lowered himself to sit on the edge on the side she was laying, and Ennis sat next to him, facing him so that they had to twist themselves sideways to see her.

Jack gently shook her shoulder. "Becky?"

She stirred, her face scrunching up in discomfort, and she gave a small tired moan. It was obvious that she was feeling drained by what had happened. They didn't yet know what else was going on to make her feel like this.

Her bright green eyes opened blearily, and she looked up at the figures before her. A pair of bright blue eyes beneath a black hat, and an equally concerned-looking pair of deep brown eyes beneath a tan hat.

Ennis and Jack.

She looked up at them both, a mixture of happiness and woe in her heart. "I..."

"Come here," Jack whispered, coaxing her into a sitting position. She slowly sat up and rubbed her forehead, feeling groggy. She knew in her heart that they would come for her, like a pair of knights in shining armour, yet she was nervous as to how they would take her news.

She looked between them; they both had a hand on one of her shoulders. Within seconds all three of them were falling into a group hug, them holding her tight and reassuringly, her gripping on for dear life and willingly taking the comfort they were offering. Ennis and Jack had one hand saved for each other, gripping tight.

They broke apart after what felt like an eternity, reluctant to let go. Ennis whispered, "What happened? Why did yer daddy...?"

She swallowed hard; she wasn't quite prepared to tell them her big news, it was a life-changing event after all. She didn't think they would turn her away, but she didn't know if two young men like themselves were ready to have a pregnant woman in their midst, and later on, a baby. A screaming baby, no less. It would change their lives just as much as hers if they let her stay. All she knew was that she needed to get away from Texas, and they were the only chance she had. Maybe she could find a place of her own in Georgia; she knew they would help her nonetheless, even if they couldn't put a roof over her head.

She had a lump in her throat and couldn't speak. "I..." she squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head.

Whatever had happened to her, Ennis and Jack could see that it had sent her into a bit of a shock. They both remembered last September, when John Twist arranged to have them killed in the dead of night, and the effect it had had on Jack. How he had gone into shock and was unable to respond to anything. Ennis had looked after him then, and they could now do the same for Becky. They had to let her open up to them in her own time.

Jack put his hands on her shoulders. "S'alright. Don't worry. You don't gotta say nothin' just now. Get some more sleep, okay? Me an' Ennis need some shut-eye too. We'll come an' get ya in the mornin', okay?"

She sniffed and nodded. She was immensely grateful to them for standing up and trying to do right by her. Ennis turned off the light as she lay back down, hugging the pillow once more.

After getting themselves a room and bringing in their bags, Ennis and Jack stripped and flopped onto the bed next door, which happened to be the same room they'd taken when they were here last year. It felt like a lifetime ago; so much had changed since then. Becky's calls over the last six months told them that the men who had attacked Jack had fled town soon afterwards, and hadn't been seen since, despite the efforts of the sheriff to catch them, and the statement that Ennis and Becky had given. Jack hadn't even thought about it while they had been preparing this trip; he'd been too caught up in getting to Becky. But now he was glad that the men had disappeared.

Jack rolled onto his side and looked at Ennis, who was staring at the ceiling.

Does he have any idea how beautiful he is? Jack thought to himself. The sight of Ennis never failed to take his breath away. He felt incredibly lucky to have someone like him, even if Ennis couldn't see it in himself. Jack knew that Ennis had never considered himself good-looking, and it was all Jack could do to keep reminding him that he was very much wanted, just as much as Jack knew that he was wanted.

"Ennis," he whispered, gazing at his lover.

Ennis turned his head. "Hmm?" His hand automatically rose up from the bed to stroke Jack's cheek.

Jack smiled. "C'mere." He opened his arms and drew Ennis in, kissing him softly on the lips, then on his cheeks and forehead. He felt Ennis wrap his own arms around him as he responded to the kisses.

"Jack..." he whispered between kisses.

"Yeah, sweetheart?"

Ennis leaned in close. "I want ya inside me," he breathed in Jack's ear. Jack paused. Ennis didn't bottom often, only now and then, and as much as Jack loved to be inside him he was often too nervous to ask. He always waited until Ennis should request it.

"You sure?" he whispered back.

"Yeah."

Jack pulled back to look at him and smiled slightly. "You got it." He rolled onto his back and pulled Ennis over him, telling him with his eyes what the desired position was.

I want ya to ride me.

Ennis positioned himself over Jack and passed him the lube. Jack wasted no time in slicking himself up while Ennis watched with hungry eyes. Jack tossed the tube aside and met Ennis's eyes, helping him into position as he spread his cheeks and lowered himself down, until Jack was fully sheathed inside him. It was an interesting feeling; to be on top of Jack yet having Jack inside him. It sure felt different than being the total bottom.

Jack reached up and interlaced their fingers together as he began to thrust upwards slowly, ever mindful of Ennis's lack of experience at being receptive. He would only go at the pace Ennis set.

Ennis's eyes were closed and his mouth slightly open as the feeling washed over him, the incredible feeling of being filled by his Jack. Back on Brokeback, he'd had his doubts when Jack told him how good it felt, despite the pain. But by now he could see for himself what he'd meant. Neither of them really felt pain anymore during sex, they were both used to it now.

Jack continued to thrust eagerly as Ennis's muscles clamped around him. Their skin lapped together and they were sweating profusely, Jack's head sinking deep into the pillow. Ennis leaned forward over him and kissed him hard, drawing his tongue out and sucking on it. Jack had a hand on Ennis's erection and was stroking it in time with his thrusts. Ennis's free hand was tangling in Jack's hair as they kissed and rocked together, feeling the fireworks about to explode.

Ennis finally spasmed and spilled into Jack's hand and he trembled all over. The feeling went straight to where Jack completed him and caused Jack to go over the edge too as they moaned into each other's mouths.

Ennis collapsed onto Jack and they breathed heavily in unison, Jack shifting a little so he could pull out and then flop back down again onto the bed.

"I love ya," he breathed into Ennis's ear, seeing the curls flutter under his breath.

"Love ya too," came the barely audible response.

The next morning, the three of them got some breakfast in the same diner where they'd first seen Becky last year. They were planning to be on the road by ten.

As for the lady in question, Becky looked tired and her eyes were still bloodshot from all her crying. Both Ennis and Jack were surprised when she refused coffee and ordered juice instead. She sure looked like she needed coffee and Jack knew she loved the stuff.

Unwilling to put any pressure on her, Ennis and Jack talked to each other and let her sit in silence if she wanted to. So many thoughts were running through her head and she wondered how long it would be before they finally spilled out. She hadn't said anything but early that morning she'd been awoken with morning sickness. She'd always hated throwing up in the past when she got ill, and now it was likely to stick around for the majority of the next eight and a half months. She sure hoped Ennis and Jack would take her in. She couldn't do this on her own.

After breakfast they loaded up the truck again. Fortunately, the truck Jack had bought from Tom's work friend had a back seat, so they were able to set Becky up there. They put a few blankets in there and told her to try and get some more sleep, and she was immensely grateful to them for looking after her. They then started the long drive back to Georgia. If they stuck to schedule they would be back in time to see that rancher who was interested in their bull. They both had high hopes for this deal, and for everything else they were planning for the ranch. Becky heard them talking about all of these things and hoped her news wouldn't throw a spanner in the works.