Cowboys Love Forever

Chapter 3: Message from the Past

Chapter 3: Message from the PastErica looked at Cody, then continued.

“Don’t say a word, Cody, just stand there. “Look at him, Jace. He’s grown up to be quite the handsome man, hasn’t he?”

“Yes, he has,” Jace said as he walked onto the deck.

“Do you remember Ray, Jace?” Erica said. He had a strong build like Cody does, as well as a perfect hairy chest.”

“Cody has just the right amount of hair on his chest,” Jace said. “Not too much or too little. Just a dusting, and I love it.”

“I remember you always did like a hairy chest and a masculine man,” Erica said. “Of course, his being younger probably wasn’t easy for you to handle mentally.”

“You’re right,” Cody said.

“Yes, you are, Erica,” Jace said.

“I see some of Nicky in him, too,” Erica said. “The eyes so loving and flirtatious are all Nicky.”

Cody smiled then spoke.

“Should I turn around or spin?”

“Why not?” Erica said. “Both Ray and Nicky had great behinds, let’s see how yours compares.”

“Be careful,” Jace said, “he might moon you.”

Erica laughed.

“You know I think his butt is even nicer than his dad’s or grandpa’s,” Erica said.

“I like it well enough,” Jace said. “It’s a forbidden zone for me until the wedding night, though.”

They all laughed.

“Good for you, Cody,” Erica said. “Can’t be giving it all away without having a ring on your finger.”

“Just like my pops told me,” Cody said, and smiled.

“Cody,” Erica said, “we wanted to be there for Nicky, but he wouldn’t let us.”

“He wouldn’t let anyone around, except for me and the hospice workers,” Cody said. “Mrs. Sugar, can I ask you a question?”

“Is it personal?” Jace said. “Do you need me to leave?”

“If it’s too personal l just won’t answer his question,” Erica said, then smiled.

“Jace and I have no secrets from each other,” Cody said.

“Ray and I were the same way,” Erica said. “It’s the only way for things to stand the test of time. Now, ask your question, Cody.”

“Momma was upset when she heard Grandpapa’s remains were dealt with before she could have a say in anything. Were you there?”

“Things went according to your grandpapa’s will,” Erica said. “He wanted to be cremated. He asked me to wear my sheer white beach cover-up and spread his ashes in our favorite spot on the yard facing the water. He’d even arranged to get special permission from the important people, so I’d have no problems doing it. The man loved seeing me in my sheer white cover-up. And sometimes I even wore my bathing suit under it.”

Cody and Jace laughed.

“Thank you for making Grandpapa so happy,” Cody said. “I loved that man a lot.”

“He knew you did,” Erica said. “And he loved you just as much. There’s something else. A promise I need to make good on.”

“A promise?” Cody said.

Erica reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope, which she handed to Cody.

Hamilton stepped onto the deck at that moment with his camera.

“I’m back and ready to take pictures, Erica,” Hamilton said.

“Give us a few minutes, then we’ll go inside,” Erica said.

“Okay,” Hamilton said. “Jace, you didn’t tell me Erica was so beautiful.”

“Words would’ve fallen short,” Jace said.

“That’s true,” Hamilton said.

“I should’ve worn my rubber boots with all the BS that’s flowing,” Erica said, then laughed.

“You folks take your time out here,” Hamilton said, and went back inside.

“He’s a nice man,” Erica said. “Ambitious, too—I like that.”

Cody had opened the envelope, and was looking down at a letter his dad has written.

“This is addressed to not just me but also Jace, Macon, Elvira, Luna and even Mr. and Mrs. Chan,” Cody said. “Did you know that, Mrs. Sugar?”

“Yes, I did,” Erica said. “Your father even called me to read what he’d written in that note.”

“The others need to hear this too, since their names are on this,” Cody said.

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Jace said.

“It’s what Pops wanted, or he wouldn’t have addressed it to everyone,” Cody said. “And they’re all here right now.”

“Yes, they are,” Erica said.

“You specifically picked this time to give Cody the note,” Jace said.

“Jace Bingham,” Erica said, “don’t think you need to defend my sweet boy from me. We’re all family here.”

“Yes, we are,” Jace said. “Forgive me. I’m just feeling a bit nervous, is all.”

“A big, grown man like you never has anything to stress about,” Erica said.

“I’m not on edge,” Cody said, “but I am anxious to read what Pops wrote. And I don’t like putting things off, so let’s do this thing.”

“I like the way you think,” Erica said, then wrapped her arm around Cody’s, and they walked back into the house, followed by Jace.

“Aw shoot,” Macon said, “I recognize the look on Jace’s face—what’s happened?”

“Heck,” Tommy said, “Even I recognize the look on Jace’s face.”

“Nicky left a note with Erica addressed to all of us,” Jace said.

“Me too?” Tommy said.

“You and Meili,” Jace said.

“I’m glad I’m not the one sleeping with Nicky’s son,” Macon said, then laughed nervously.

“Is Uncle Jace in trouble?” Deena said.

“Heck no, he’s not,” Gage said. “Uncle Cody’s dad sent him here ‘specially for Uncle Macon.”

“That’s right,” Deena said, “I forgot.”

“Aren’t they sweet,” Luna said, “and so wise, too.”

“A little too wise if you ask me,” Elvira said. “Deena and Gage, go spend some time with your chicks.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Deena said.

“They’re fixing to have adult talk now,” Gage said, and he and Deena left the room.

Erica sat back in her chair and Jace stood protectively by Cody’s side.

“Look at him standing like a lion by Cody’s side,” Macon said. “If you didn’t know him, it’d be hard to tell Jace is nervous.”

“Macon,” Bailey said, “be nice.”

“Listen to your wiser half, son,” Erica said.

“Okay, Mrs. Sugar,” Macon said, then chuckled earning himself a light slap on the shoulder from Bailey. “Why you picking on me?”

“Cody has something to read, and he can’t with you acting so silly,” Bailey said.

“I’m sorry Cody…and everybody,” Macon said. “Go on and read Nicky’s note.”

“Thanks,” Cody said and began to read.

Howdy to my two big brothers, my pretty little sister, the best chef I know—that’s you Tommy, and his sweet wife. Luna, I’ll be sure to look up your husband and son when I get to Heaven.

Cody stopped and looked at Luna, who smiled his way. He then continued.

I’m sure you all think sending Cody your way is one of my bigger practical jokes. But to tell ya the truth, a man doesn’t joke when it comes to the person he loves most in all the world.

The last comment had Cody choked up, and he handed the note to Jace, who continued.

Who else could I send Cody to but my family? And Jace, brother, I love you like we was blood. In all seriousness, I didn’t send him there to cause you any grief. Besides, it’s your own darn fault anyway.

Jace stopped in his tracks.

“Oh no, brother,” Macon said. “Don’t even think of stopping there.”

“It’s alright,” Jace,” Erica said. “Keep reading.”

Nervously, Jace continued.

How could poor Cody not fall…and fall hard for you? In front of him was the perfect cowboy. You even walked in doing your best cowboy strut, trying to impress the boy. Man, he treasured that picture of you and him. As far as I know, he’s still got it.

“I do,” Cody said.

Aw heck, I know you were just being your perfect self, Jace. Thank God Macon wasn’t with you that day, or the poor kid might’ve fainted.

Everyone laughed, including Jace.

Who would’ve thought I’d be the next to go? I thought for sure I’d be the one burying you and Macon, Jace. Ha, ha. But being at death’s door gives a man clarity. You all were my family—I include Luna, Tommy, and Meili in that comment. My son—my Cody, dated a few men and some of the relationships even lasted a while. But he couldn’t get over you, Jace. Can’t say I blame him as you are impressive in many ways, with a good heart and lots of love to give.

You have to admit Cody seems like he was made for you. He’s everything you like in a man, with a good heart to boot. But I’m not trying to interfere in anything here. Mrs. Erica had very specific instructions regarding this letter. And if she’s given it to Cody and you, Jace, then I’m the happiest man in Heaven right now. It’s because Cody and Jace have found their way to one another. I didn’t doubt it, knowing my son like I do. However, I know my big brother. So, I have just a couple things to say specifically to Jace.

“Uh-oh,” Macon said, then chuckled, but got another light slap on the shoulder from Bailey. “Ow, I’ll behave—promise. Keep going, Jace.”

Age is just a number, Jace read.

Everyone laughed loudly, but Jace kept reading.

Macon, brother, if you don’t think Jace got the message loud and clear, kick his butt for me till he does.

“I’ll do that, Nicky,” Macon said looking upward, then he slapped his knee and laughed.

“I’m going to keep reading,” Jace said.

Y’all guys can get married now, so do my boy right and put a ring on his finger. He’ll give you the love you’ve always deserved. You’re in his heart for a reason—you and him are meant to be.

And you have my blessing. The both of you have my blessing to be happy in love.

Everyone was quiet.

“Thanks, Daddy,” Cody said while looking up.

Jace looked at Cody and pulled him close.

“God,” Jace said looking up, “tell Nicky he’s right about everything and not to worry, I’ll get a ring on Cody’s finger. Let Nicky know I love Cody more than anything, and tell him thank you for giving us his blessing.”

“Awww,” Luna said. “That was so sweet.”

“It sure was,” Hamilton said.

“Did Nicky write anything else?” Meili said.

“He did,” Jace said, “and it’s about you and Tommy.”

Tommy and Meili are a true brother and sister to me. They helped a man’s second dying wish come true. The one thing I really wanted as my final meal, was to taste one of Tommy’s egg rolls and wontons. I want you all to know those two crazy people drove all the way here to bring me one egg roll and one wonton. Not wanting Cody to get in trouble—cause I wasn’t supposed to have solid food—I sent him to the store. While Meili distracted the hospice worker, Tommy snuck in through the backdoor and…the wet spots on the paper are my tears. Tasting that egg roll made me cry, it was so darn good. That was your best one yet, Tommy. Man, he—Tommy—he cut up that egg roll so fine and fed me like a baby. He’s a good guy, God bless him. I was able to finish both the egg roll and wonton and Tommy got away before the worker came back.”

Everyone was laughing, even while tears streamed from their eyes. Tommy had to wipe his face, and his wife held his hand.

“Thank you,” Cody said to the Chans through tears, then he laughed. “Tommy, Pops loved your food more than anyone’s. I’m glad he was able to eat it one last time.”

“Yeah,” Macon said, then wiped his face. “But ya only brought him one egg roll and a single wonton.”

This time Luna walked over and slapped Macon’s shoulder.

“He…he,” Tommy said, through tears, “Nicky could barely eat one of each. It was difficult for him.”

“We know,” Cody said. “Thank you both for doing that for Pops.”

“There’s more,” Jace said. “One final paragraph.”