Once back in camp, Ennis built a fire to keep warm, keep the predators at bay, and to heat dinner. This trip was rather rushed, with very little planning involved. Jack sent Ennis a postcard on the off chance that he might be free for a weekend of fishing in the next few days. Ennis figured he didn’t have much else to do since he was laid off from the ranch. His search for another gig was turning up nothing, and he figured he could use the break. When he returned Jack’s note, he told Alma about the trip. She didn’t mind, as she was tired of Ennis underfoot all day and night. There was not much time to plan, and Ennis kept the supply list simple. He brought cold cuts, a pre-cooked meat loaf that Alma made just for the occasion, and a variety of chips and sodas and other snacks. Jack brought vegetables, condiments, cutlery and the tent. Ennis found the meat loaf and placed it on a pan to heat. Jack peeled a few potatoes and onions and piled the mixture in a greased pan next to the meat loaf. A simple dinner, but yummy just the same.
When the meal was consumed, Ennis couldn’t believe he had eaten so much. He almost cursed himself for his gluttony. Jack was only happy to see his friend with an appetite, and he caused quite a bit of damage himself. Ennis lumbered off the log from where he sat and fell softly to the cold earth. He loosened his belt and let out a loud belch. “What did you say, friend?” Jack was laughing, his eyes gleaming. Ennis smiled. “I know I shouldn’t have eaten that meat loaf, Jack,” he began. “But meat loaf is one of my favorites and Alma sure can fix it. You liked it?” Jack rubbed his swollen belly. “Sure did, boy,” he managed. “But now I want to go to sleep.” Ennis nodded his agreement. “It’s too heavy. We’ll both be asleep in a few minutes.” Jack moved over and sat next to his lover. “Not before you tell me about church and your singing.”
Ennis placed an arm around Jack’s shoulder and pulled him close. “Well, I guess I can tell you what happened. Where do you want me to start?” Jack settled his head on Ennis’ shoulder. “Start wherever you want, but I want to hear what happened from the beginning.” Ennis told Jack all about Alma and how she volunteered him to sing at the father/daughter service in church. He related how nervous he was and how he didn’t need to be, since the entire congregation cheered him when he finished his song. Jack nodded on Ennis’ every word. “Will you sing for me?” Ennis pulled Jack even closer. “Not right now, Darlin,” he whispered. “I know you. If I sing to you and start rocking you, you’ll fall asleep.” Jack had to laugh at that, as he knew Ennis spoke the truth. “You don’t want me to go to sleep?” Jack asked, huskily. “What did you have in mind?” Ennis pulled Jack into a full-on sweet kiss. “Let me have my way with you, right there in that tent, right now, and we’ll see about that song.” Jack was excited. “Okay, Friend, you’re on! Last one in has to do the dishes!”