6
Epilogue
Over the course of Ennis's recovery the four got to be the best of friends. Many conversations were done over late suppers. Jack and Ennis hung on Joe and Tony's words as their accounts of what life was like in the 'old days'. In our fast paced days now, even in the West, changes do take place, even though most folks don't consider life out there as very fast paced.
Ennis had keen interest in the ranch and how the other ranchers and folks treated them if it's come to be known about their relationship.
Tony explained, "That the ranch was his parents, this is where he was born. Folks around accepted me. They respect my honesty and hard work. Twenty some years ago Joe came here to help out with a roundup. He's been there ever since."
Joe added, "I'm sure, there are people around that think they know something about us. We keep our eyes and ears open and our mouths shut. We've heard scuttlebutt about a few of the ranchers and some of the hands; It's told they'd screw a snake if they could get it to hold still. They go around shooting their mouths off causing trouble. We are not part of that life.
Ennis asked, " If there is any chance to join you guys at the ranch?"
That answer came as a yes and no. Tony replied, "There are times like now; the roundup, when lots of help is needed. But there's not really enough money coming in here to support four people year round. I understand your dream of ranching, but in this day and age, with huge corporate operations in competition, it's hard to make any good money. For a guy to start out from scratch is all but impossible. By the time ground is mortaged and buildings erected, equipment purchased and then stock bought, plus taxes and interest, the debt would be so high you'd never get ahead."
"You boys would be far better off going out and getting a 'real job.'
Tony said, you two talked like you really got a kick out of living outdoors in nature. How about a job, doing something you love and making it pay really well? How about some great benefits like health insurance and a retirement plan tossed in?"
The guys looked at each other and grinned. Jack said, "Nice dream."
Joe said "No-no, just last week in the paper; the state of Wyoming is looking for good people. There is a search on, only a few miles from here, for a 'Habitat and Access Technician' at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois. There are many different duties with that job. Things you both know how to do from ranch life.
They promise awesome pay, a great cabin to live in, scenery to die for, plus you get the Winter off. Not a job for everyone, but just for a few special people. This could be you!"
There's open positions for Game and Fish Wardens all over the state too. With jobs like these work really wouldn't seem like 'work'!
Have you applied to any positions like that? Well, go for it guys!
While still seated there at the big ol kitchen table Tony said, please take the hand of the person beside you; Joe and I have something really important to us we need to say.
As the four of them locked hands, Tony spoke. "We already told you how it came to pass that Joe and I ended up together here. Neither of us can imagine a life on this ranch without the other. We are complete, perfect. But beneath all that was a bit of loneliness, we were alone with no one to share our good days or the bad days.
Joe added, "Now that we have met Ennis and Jack whose love is as strong as ours, you two coming into our little world is the ray of sunshine we'd always longed for. We are hereby adopting you into our family.
We want you to know that you will always be welcome here, come hell or high water. Our door will always be open and a table set your you.
Above all, please stay in touch!"
Well, I guess it was another beginning after all.
To the reader:
If you happen to be in the Wyoming woods and you encounter a Game or Fish warden, look closely at his name tag if it says delMar or Twist, give the guy a big grin and tell him hello from me!
Mike157