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"Journey's end in lovers meeting Lee returned the next morning with Luke who, in all honesty, was excited, anxious, and eager to leave again, as soon as we hooked up, for our home on the Pecatonica! Lee said he was sitting on the front step when he pulled in; bags packed and ready to go. In addition to his luggage, Luke also brought along two instruments, a violin and a guitar, "just in case he and Lee would want to play something together," as he adroitly put it. "I didn't know you played an instrument," I said coyly, "other than that particular one with which I am most familiar!" Lee merely grinned back; "Want to play a quick tune with me?" I looked at Luke, oblivious to our slightly veiled suggestions of a quick fuck or suck, and nodded "yes" but said, "perhaps later this evening." Changing the subject, since I could see he was as hard as I was; "Did you bring fishing poles?" "Both his and mine along with my tackle boxes." Luke rode in the back seat of my extend cab and chattered like a magpie the entire trip. Everything was an adventure to him; all new and places he'd not been before. This part of Wisconsin, really most of it outside of La Crosse and just across the river from his home, was new territory and he wanted to know all there was to know about the country we traveled through. I tried my best to answer his questions, but I was no expert and so acknowledged that to him. He seemed satisfied, for the moment, but there was no doubt in my mind he'd spend some time learning more about his brother's new home state. His curiosity seemed almost insatiable! Luke eagerly helped unhook and unload the camper once we arrived at home, although he was chomping at the bit to do a bit of exploring as well. I showed him one of the spare bedrooms, indicating he should deposit his gear in there and that'd be where he'd sleep. He quickly declared it as "his room" (and well it would prove to be in the future), unloaded his bags into the various drawers of the dresser, leaned his guitar against one side of the dresser while putting the violin case on top. As slight as I thought Luke was in terms of physical development and stature, I found I was deceived since he was much stronger than I realized watching him carry bags to his room and items from the camper to the house. When I commented on it, Lee smiled; "Dad keeps him busy on the farm, baling hay and handling livestock. On top of that, since he is so light framed, Dad thought he needed a Karate class to help with coordination and strength building. He does okay, but doesn't particularly like the class - claims some of his fellow students are just to 'macho acting' and 'tough guy wannabe's' but don't know how." "In other words," I surmised, "a few rednecks among the bunch?" Lee just nodded, understanding where I was coming from. Surveying the situation, once everything of his was in the room, evidently to his satisfaction, he cajoled his brother into showing him around the farmstead, including the barn, Lee's studio in the hired man's house, and finally a walk down toward the river. "I'll bet there's catfish in that river!" he declared; scratched his head as he thought, and added, "Strange name for a river though!" looked at me, and asked, "Any soda back at the house?" Lunch wouldn't be "just a salad;" with Luke here I soon discovered. Oh, he ate the salad alright, along with a couple of burgers and two glasses of milk. When he looked around for dessert, I had to admit to him all I had at the moment was some ice cream in the freezer. A big bowl of chocolate ice cream seemed to satisfy him for the moment! "I'll tell you what," I promised, "tomorrow is Saturday and we'll go to Madison to the farmer's market. There are always plenty of delicious things for sale and we'll load up until I can get some baking done." "Really!" he exclaimed, eyes big and dancing with excitement. "Can we see the University too? How about the capital building? What is there to do in Madison?" The farmer's market is one fantastic market with all sorts of vendors, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables, to cut flowers, baked goods, arts and crafts, and street musicians. Trying to explain Madison to someone is like trying to describe a place like no other; diverse, exciting, cultural, lively, intellectual, liberal, tolerant, and accepting! It is a university town full of life from students, faculty, and those associated with it; the seat of government for our state (although I'm currently not too pleased with the present direction the conservatives are leading our state), and the center for medical care and research. Really, there are very few words which can adequately describe Madison; you just have to experience it! Since it was Friday and Friday night in Wisconsin means fish fry, we drove south to Darlington where a little pub and eatery had one of the best fish fries in the area. It was an AYCE (all you can eat) and Luke did! He certainly got our money's worth considering all he ate. He slept sound that night, full as a tick and plain worn out from the day's activities. An early breakfast and we were on the road to Madison and the farmer's market. I wanted to be there early since I felt that's when everything was fresh and there was more of a selection. I also wanted some time to explore and perhaps satisfy some of Luke's curiosity. We drove up highways 18 and 151 and continued straight into the city rather than taking the "Beltline" around the south side and in that way. Traffic was fairly light for Madison and Luke got a quick glimpse of parts of the University when connected to University Avenue and drove east to the Capital where I found a spot in one of the municipal ramps, paid our fee, and set out. I grabbed several canvas tote bags I keep in the truck to hold our purchases. It took us almost two hours to make our way around the square, stopping first to purchase humungous sweet rolls, along with coffee and hot chocolate, just to fortify us in our journey! Street musicians entertained us as we walked and browsed our way past the vendors. I found fresh breads, rolls, turnovers, fresh vegetables, and sundry other items to purchase and stow in our canvas totes. Lee, on the other hand, was extremely interested in the various art on display for sale. I could see the wheels turning in his head trying to determine if this was a market for him as well. As we neared the gladiola flower vendor I made it a point to note, although Madison is a very active and artistic community, there also was a fine "art colony" in the Mineral Point area he just might be interested in investigating as well. We stood pondering whether we should add a small bundle of gladiolas to our purchases and I noticed Luke was staring past me, with an intensity only a Fielding can attain when extremely interested and focused on something or someone, toward the crowd moving behind us! I'd seen Lee look that same way at me when we first formally met at the "Rusty Scupper." When I heard Luke mutter to himself, "Friggin beautiful, that's what!" I looked carefully in that same direction and saw moving through the crowd Dr. John and Alicia Meyers and their family. It didn't take much for me to discern Luke's eyes were not fixed on any of the male members of the family; oh no, sweet lips, his eyes were zeroed in on the beautiful, and to him, most desirable Adriana! If she wasn't by now, she soon would be aware a certain Fielding boy had her in his sights and would make every effort to woe and win her! I gave the Meyers a wave and they quickly joined us. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise," laughed Alicia. "What are you doing in town?" I quickly explained, while still trying to watch Luke from the corner of my eye. Yep, I was right; he was locked on to Adriana like a young stallion in pursuit of a mare in heat. I was willing to bet he was as hard as a petrified tree in the desert! Lee stopped me long enough to introduce Luke to Dr. John and Alicia and explained how we came to know them. They shook his hand and introduced the rest of their family. When Adriana was introduced, Luke extended his hand; she clasped it softly, dropped her head, and raised it again, looking directly into his eyes. His face glowed and her eyes twinkled! Oh dear, I thought, this is going to be a busy summer! Lee, also noticing his younger brother's attention focused on Adriana, invited the Meyers to stop by on their way back to Platteville. "We can grill some burgers and brats and show you where we live." The Meyer's accepted, but noted it would be mid or late afternoon before they were able to do so since they did have some other things to do in Madison. Dr. John had the day off from the clinic and there was some shopping they wanted to complete. I gave them directions to our house with the admonition not to hurry since we'd be there the rest of the day and evening. I'm certain Luke wanted me to say "stuff your shopping and come by the house as soon as possible" but he didn't. We detoured to a super market deli on the way home to purchase more buns, potato salad, and baked beans. I figured we had enough frozen burger patties and bratwurst, along with what we bought as sides, to feed all of us. Although I was a bit doubtful after seeing Luke eat the way he did. Scott Meyers was a year or so younger and I figured he'd have a healthy appetite as well. The three of us, especially Luke, hustled around the house getting the burgers and brats out of the freezer so they'd thaw, but doing a quick run through picking up loose items, putting things away, and giving a general quick cleaning. The place really wasn't that bad to begin with, but just to make certain we did anyway. Lee and I both knew Luke wanted to make a very positive impression, especially the way he gave everything the critical eye when we finished, specifically his room! The Meyers Family arrived around two-thirty that afternoon and after using the bathrooms and freshening up, took up our offer to tour the property. As Lee and I led them through the house, past the outlying buildings, and Lee's studio setup in the hired man's house, I noticed Luke and Adriana lagged behind, somewhat separated from the rest of us. They were engaged in their own conversation and from what I could discern from the expressions on their faces, it seemed to be going well for both of them. At this point, I wasn't certain who was in pursuit of whom! Lee and I began preparing the lunch and Luke volunteered to man the grill and cook the burgers and brats. "You'll have more time to visit," he reasoned, "and not have to stand over a hot, smelly fire." At first I thought his gesture was very considerate, but reconsidered when I noticed Adriana, sweet, slim, and very attractive, pick up a plate of brats when Luke picked up a plate of burgers and accompanied him to the outside where the grill was located. She stood by his side, helping him with the cooking, visiting, giggling, and batting her eyes at him. Dr. John viewed it all suspiciously, but didn't say a word! We set the table inside for the four adults and set up a couple of folding tables, with chairs, on the porch for the younger generation. The meal was great, the conversation even more delightful. As we cleaned up and began putting things away, Luke suddenly appeared from his bedroom holding a violin and the guitar. "Thought we might play a tune or two, Lee; that is if you're willing," he said, almost but not quite pleading. Lee wouldn't turn his little brother down so we gathered on the porch for an impromptu concert. Luke opened with a short excerpt of a piece, "Chopin, 'Nocturne' op. 27, number 2 in D," he explained after he finished. From there, he and Lee began singing and playing not only country, but mostly traditional guitar and fiddle music, much to everyone's delight! Forty-five minutes later, Lee begged off, claiming his fingers and wrist were getting sore. It didn't deter Luke one bit! He traded the violin for the guitar and began singing and playing, not fast country music, but ballads, mostly soft, sweet, love songs directed to the young lady he had his eyes set on! That Fielding boy had it bad, that's for certain! All good things eventually come to an end and the Meyers' Family had to leave for home. Luke and Adriana had their heads together and soon I heard Luke's cell phone chime and a couple of moments later, Adriana's did as well. They both now had the numbers they needed stored in their phones so they could stay in constant contact. The Meyers' were not gone but a half hour and Luke had his phone out, his thumbs moving like crazy as he was either answering or sending a text message. "Looks like my little brother is smitten!" Lee said with a sly smile. "No shit, Sherlock!" I answered in return. "What was your first clue?" "I think it was the broomstick I saw slithering down his jeans right leg," responded Lee in a thoughtfully joking manner. The next morning Luke asked if he could stay a little longer, "Maybe a few days next week through the Fourth of July. I understand there's something called "Rhythm and Booms' in Madison to celebrate the Fourth and I wouldn't mind seeing and hearing it." "And perhaps meet up with Adriana and her family while we're there?" Lee questioned. Luke, unabashed with the question, nodded, adding, "Wouldn't you if you were me?" He was right of course, if Lee was of that persuasion. Lee just shook his head, figuring it was a lost cause, so we may as well help young Luke out! "It'll be fine with us," Lee answered, "but it's up to Mom and Dad. They might need you at home." "I already checked," Luke said confidently grinning, "its fine with them." The night sky was clear, the fireworks bursting over the lake were spectacular sending their red, blue, yellow burning glitter into the air and cascading toward the earth, accompanied by loud reports and music was, as usual, fantastic! Neither Lee nor Luke had ever been to the program, although I think Lee appreciated the spectacle more than Luke since he was pretty well occupied. We met the Meyers' Family and joined them, laying our blankets out on the grass next to theirs. I'd packed a picnic supper for us, along with sodas and other goodies and Alicia Meyers had as well. Luke headed for a separate blanket just a short distance away where Adriana waited, smiling, waving him over. I noticed she had a separate cooler just for them. She looked vulnerable to me, but willing and eager to accept Luke's intentions and actions of endearment. I don't think Dr. John was as eager because he cast a frowning warning at Luke as he scooted by on his way to meet his girlfriend. Didn't seem to bother him however, he never wavered in his path! During the program, Luke and Adriana sat with their arms around each other visiting, giggling softly, and finally Luke stretched out on his back and Adriana rested her head on his chest while they visited and watched the display (I think she also glanced more than once at the rocket stretching Luke's britches almost straining to fire off into the air or somewhere). It was a great night for celebration and for young lovers, ending all too soon as far as Luke and Adriana were concerned. Luke had to return home since the county fair was coming up and he had a Black Angus steer to show. His animal didn't end up going to the State Fair, but at auction, at the county fair's end, it brought a really nice sum for him to add to his college fund. It wasn't long after that he wrangled another visit to "see his brother," but in reality the purpose was to go to the Grant County fair, since Adriana had texted him they were going to go. We arranged to meet them about mid-morning at the fair grounds and spend the day. I think the Dr. John and Alicia were resigned to Luke courting their daughter, but Dr. John was still apprehensive; after all, Adriana was his only daughter and I think, as a doctor and what'd he'd observed, albeit concealed by clothing, he was fully aware of what Luke had in mind and how much he had to do it with! It's not the biggest fair in the country, but a nice one! There were the usual exhibits to look at and, of course as far as the kids were concerned, the carnival. It was "wrist band" day so if you purchased a wristband, you could ride rides all day. We opted to buy the wristbands for the kids and turned them loose. I gave Luke forty bucks to spend on food or games or whatever. Dr. John announced they had to leave no later than six o'clock and to meet up near the cars by then. Since it was about one o'clock then, after we'd eaten lunch at one of the many church and club food stands, that gave them enough time to ride all the rides they wanted. The younger Meyers' boys were instructed to stay with Scott, Luke, and Adriana and not wander off on their own. I raised my eyebrows in question, figuring Luke and Adriana kind of planned on being alone! Dr. John sort of shrugged his shoulders and said simply, "Nothing like a little brother or two along to chaperone and keep everyone in line. They tend to be little tattle tales at times." I guess I couldn't blame him! Knowing the Fielding boys like I do and as horny as they can be, there's only one thing that temporarily tempers their ardor and that's to bury a particular part of their anatomy balls deep and exercise it! Around five o'clock, we were sitting on some benches visiting, just about worn out, when the twins came huffing up to us, followed by on their heels by a very winded Kevin. "Poppa, come quick," shouted Lyle (I think). "Scotty and that Fielding Boy are fighting!" and turned to race away. All four of us were on our feet and Dr. John shouted after them, "Are they fighting each other?" "Nah," shouted Leslie (I think) over his shoulder, "about four or five bigger boys!" "I don't think we need to hurry," wheezed Kevin to me. "It was about over when I left." It didn't take us but about two minutes to reach the site of the battle behind one of the game joints. We pushed our way through the small crowd of mostly young and strangely silent gathering of males and females all looking either down or towards the rear of the joint where Luke, Scott, and Adriana stood. With their backs to the rear wall of the joint forming a protective barrier, Adriana behind them, Luke's left hand behind him securing her to his back and right hand holding an old-fashioned wooden cane with a hook handle, Luke and Scott poised defensively, ready to take on additional challengers. Scott, nose bloodied, face dotted with small cuts and bruises, stood with both hands formed in fists, fierce determination in his eyes. Sprawled or sitting in front of the two defenders were five boys, probably a year or two older than Luke, all nursing wounds, seen and unseen, and groaning their discomfit. Clearly this collection of miscreants, in my mind's eye, was the group who received a proper drubbing! An old man, a delightfully full smile on his face, dressed in bib-overalls, t-shirt, and seed corn hat topping his head, sat on a nearby box chuckling slightly! "What happened?" I asked, directing the question towards him as Dr. John and Lee began checking our boys and the injured group of assailants. "Well," he began, "those boys," pointing to the group on the ground, "decided they wanted a little pinchy feely with that gorgeous girl the other two are protecting. The lanky one," pointing at Luke, "took exception to their bold approach. That one," he continued pointing at a boy lying on the ground, "never even got close to what he wanted!" I glanced a quick look, spotted one of the group holding his balls with one hand and his nose with the other. I didn't think he'd be too comfortable for a couple of days, at least until the ache in his balls diminished. "Lanky boy," pointing at Luke, "dropped him with a kick to the balls and a flat hand to the nose. By God, that's going to hurt for a few days!" The four remaining thugs jumped into the fray and that prompted Scott to join up in defending his sister. "The lanky boy," again pointing at Luke, "kept the girl behind him, but if you notice, that bunch nursing their wounds," pointing at the assailants, "are much bigger than the other two, so I tossed the lanky boy my cane, then sat back and watched him clean their clocks!" He laughed aloud; "Never in my life have I seen a young boy use an old man's cane so effectively!" Our conversation was interrupted when Luke, left hand holding on to Adriana's right hand, walked up to the boy holding his balls, poked him in the gut, and announced in a soft, menacing tone, "If you or any of your buddies ever try to touch her again, I will hunt you down and teach you the real difference between 'touching' and a beating! Understand?" The kid nodded as Luke and Adriana turned and walked over to the old man and me and giving him a "Thank you," handed the cane back to its owner. I stepped aside and joined Lee and Dr. John, who by now had finished their assessment of the injured and concluded there was nothing permanent done, painful, yes; permanent, no! Dr. John pointed at Luke, nodded his head up and down, and said, "I knew there was something I liked about that Fielding Boy." As he said that, Adriana, not seeming to care who was watching or where they were, raised herself up on her tiptoes, and locked lips with Luke in a very sensuous and thanking kiss. Luke, clearly appreciating the gesture, quickly put his arms around her, pulled her close to his body, and joined in. Dr. John, watching the display of affection, turned to me, muttering, "Well, maybe I'd better rethink my previous remarks!"
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