Luther returned to the main house to find his father sitting in the swing in the yard.
"Is everything okay, son? It's very late for you to be out all alone," Zach spoke.
Luther smiled. "I wasn't alone—I met a new friend."
"That's nice to hear, son," Zach replied.
"Can I ask you a question, Father?" Luther said.
"Sure, Luther, go ahead."
"How do you know if you have met a good Genman or a POS who is nothing but a snake in the grass?"
Zach took a deep breath. "Tell me more about this man, my son."
"Well, we met and we went back to his place. He fixed us some sodas and popcorn, we watched a long movie together. I ended up resting my head on his chest as he had his arm around me holding me. I did enjoy the closeness—I have to admit that's never happened to me before. The movie ended, he stood up, cleaned up the food, I stood up, he showed me to the door and shook my hand and bid me goodnight. Tell me, Father, what kind of Genman does that?"
Zach smiled. "A gentleman, that's who. This Genman has real class, so when are you two going to see each other again, son?"
"I don't know, Father. I really don't know."
Zach bid his son good and sweet Genman dreams.
The next morning, everyone was in a good mood when Luther came out of the kitchen carrying a large lunch tote. "Good morning," he said, grabbed a couple of pancakes, and left the room headed to the front door.
Ty was the first one to speak. "What the hell was that all about?"
"None of your damned business is what that was all about," Zach replied. "And let all of my grandsons know that what your father is doing is off fucking limits to you nosy little bastards, period."
Ty and his brothers sat there in shock. "Okay, Grandfather. Just glad to see him smiling again," Ty quietly said.
Luther topped the hill and took out the blanket he had, spread it on the grass, placed the tote on it, and took a seat. He looked out on the workmen down below building new quarters for the Genmen who would be arriving soon now that the corporate ranches had been closed for good. As Luther scanned the area, he saw what he was looking for. Robbie was carrying 14 - 2x10x16 boards on his massive shoulder. The man was 100% prime Genman—big cannons flexed along with a true 8-pack as he toted the wood. Luther couldn't believe that his baggy shirt had hidden all of that last night while they sat on the couch.
The lunch whistle went off and Luther noticed Robbie walking his way. They waved at one another. As he approached, Robbie asked if this was a private affair or could he join in.
Luther smiled. "Have a seat on the blanket."
"I'm all hot and sweaty," Robbie replied.
"I know how to wash it," Luther responded.
Robbie sat down and stretched out his massive legs. Luther was enjoying the show when Robbie was pounced upon by a young boy. Robbie was quick and turned the tables on his young attacker, flipped him onto his lap, and started to tickle him. Robbie introduced his young attacker as his son Willie.
Like any child, he was a chatterbox. He was digging in the cooler when he said that he would munch on a banana on the way. He hugged his dad and said goodbye to Luther. As a parting gift, he popped off. "Well, old man, looks like you've still got it, reeling in the good looking ones. Maybe this one's a keeper this time." He ran off before Robbie could grab him.
Robbie and Luther ate the meal that he had packed. Robbie thanked Luther for the act of kindness and leaned back, placing his arms behind his head and closing his eyes. Luther couldn't take his eyes off the Greek God that was stretched out beside him—wavy light brown hair, massive arms and chest, and those beautiful 8-pack abs. Robbie was the total package when it came to Genmen. Luther took his hand and gently touched Robbie's abs and drew in a deep breath.
Luther jumped when Robbie spoke. "They are nice ones, aren't they? Hard to believe Willie almost wrecked them when he came along. Hell, he almost wrecked my ass coming out. He took almost 46 hours to push out and I was exhausted."
Luther smiled. "I bet it was a pain worth going through. I wish that I knew what it felt like."
Robbie rolled onto his side. "What about your three boys you have?"
Luther started to tear up and told Robbie. "In the S-7 breeding program, when you were fertile they took you to the center. The next thing you know it's 4 days later, you wake up sick, very sore and pregnant. And when it was your time to deliver, you went in the delivery area and then you woke up 3 days later with a baby to feed. Nope, no memories of anything at all."
Robbie reached over and wiped a tear off of Luther's cheek. "I'm so sorry, but at least they shut them down for good."
Luther smiled at the kind face in front of him. Robbie surprised him when he leaned over and kissed him passionately.
A Genman walked up. "Hey, boss, the guys on the crew are taking up a collection so that the two of you can get a room," he laughed.
Robbie grabbed an apple and centered it into Harry's forehead, knocking him backwards on his ass. Robbie kissed Luther again. "I will see you later at our meeting place to talk, but right now I need to work my crew's asses off. Seems like they aren't challenged enough." He got up and hollered down the hill. "You guys better start swinging those damned hammers, you bunch of asswipes!" He started to walk towards them.
Luther packed up and headed back to the house. When he entered the door, he saw his father and Dad. "Life is wonderful and most poor SOBs are too stupid to enjoy it," he then remarked, and walked off to the kitchen.
"That's a 360," Ben remarked.
"I don't know who put that smile on his face and changed his attitude, but my hat is off to him," Zach replied.