Another Chance - Book Two

By Zarek Dragon

  

It was ten when Ryan knocked on the door. Joe greeted him, looking not too happy. Ryan told him, "Jackson said to not worry about today. Jim told him how upset you were about not being able to come in."

Vile was in Joe's voice as he spoke, "Yeah, but it's not just because I'm not earning my paycheck. I'm more upset because of that woman, she was never a mother to me. When my dad knocked me around, she laughed and offered me a dress, does that sound like a mother? And she's not called or anything since I've been out of her house. It's been six months, hell it's been over sixteen years and she never acted like a mother before. If she really loved me, then why would she do this now?" Heather came up behind Joe and pulled him against her, turning him around.

"Won't you come in, Ryan?" she asked.

Ryan nodded his head as he walked in the door. "Yes, and I feel I have something at stake here as well. You're probably aware that our company doesn't allow us to charge for our colleagues, but even if we could, I'd handle this for free."

"Yes, I am aware and thank you. Would you like some coffee?" Heather offered.

Ryan accepted a cup and they sat down to discuss everything. With everything that Joe had to say, Ryan was sure any judge would let him stay right where he is. He advised Joe that should the judge grant his birth mother's petition, he should have an application of emancipation ready for submission and he pulled the application out of his briefcase. "And what happens if the judge gives me to her but doesn't approve my emancipation?" Joe asked.

"Then we appeal his or her decision and take it to another judge. I know Jackson really likes you boys and he will assist in any way that he can to help you stay here. Unless we get that one judge, I can't see any judge giving her custody with the way she was on the last day you were there. Keep your head up and think positive."

Ryan talked with Heather for a few minutes. Joe went to his room. He knew Ryan was right but he just wanted to cry. Joe thought about running away. He knew that it would only hurt the ones who do love him and not solve anything, though. If anything, it would make his life more complicated. Colby jumped on his bed and started licking his face. Even that didn't seem to raise his spirits much. He started to push Colby away, but then Kunoichi joined in and started licking Joe's feet. Joe couldn't help but start to laugh.

Things seemed odd at the ranch not having Joe there. Admittedly, there was a time when Joe wasn't there, but now that he's become a part of everyone's lives, there seems to be a hole like something is missing. Jim and Zac got their chores done and went into the office. "What's up, gentlemen?" Jackson asked.

"Everything is done and we're thinking of calling it a day," Zac started.

"I totally understand. Today was like a sucker punch to the abs, and if he leaves, I'll miss him, too. I know that Ryan will do his utmost to win or whatever. I threatened him."

"You threatened Ryan? What, no sex for a week if Joe leaves?" Jim kidded.

"Actually a month, but yup," Ryan stated as he walked in.

"So, how is it looking?" Jackson asked.

"Well, Joe is sixteen, his mom hasn't tried contacting him in the six months he's been away from her, and he really can't recall her being motherly in the time he was there. She was invited to his birthday, but she wrote on the envelope, 'Refused – Return to Sender'. Unless we get Dillon, I see this as an easy case."

"Maybe you'll get the judge you had for Colt," Jim said hoping.

"Get him and it'll be a slam dunk. He listens to what the child has to say and takes that to heart as he decides. Dillon thinks that all children should live with their birth parents until they are eighteen. There have been a few, very few, times when she has decided the other way."

"Jim thinks she should be voted out of office and while we're too young to vote, I have to agree," Zac mentioned.

"Only problem is, no one has been running against her. She is up for re-election this year."

"Why don't you run against her?" Jackson asked.

"Are you kidding me? I've not been practicing law very long and…" Ryan started.

"And people are ready for a change. Obviously, Dillon has put kids with their birth parents when she shouldn't more than once. While I never approved of smear campaign tactics, I would approve of pointing out her record," Jackson stated.

"I'll give it some thought," Ryan stated and headed into their living area.

"Why don't you boys head home. Tell Joe that I gave him a sick day," Jackson advised.

"Before we do, I have a request to make," Jim stated.

"Approved," Jackson said.

"You don't even know what I plan to ask," Jim argued.

"Yet I approved you taking time off to visit Zarek's family. When would you like to go?" Jackson flashed his smile.

Jim gave him a puzzled look. "How did… Did Zarek tell you?"

"You made mention that you were very happy meeting them. That his dad bought your old ranch and that you want to surprise your mom. So, when would you like off?" Jackson's grin couldn't get any bigger as he stared at Jim.

Jim smiled back. "We were talking about going the last week of July. Hopefully, Joe's court date isn't during that time."

"And you're approved also, Zac. I'll make sure all three of you are covered that week," Jackson stated as he wrote that down on the calendar laying on his desk. "Now go home and cheer Joe up. He's probably distraught with worry."

Jim and Zac headed home but made a stop on the way. They picked up a seafood pizza to take to Joe. As they entered the house, Jim called out for Joe. It took a few minutes for Joe to get to the stairs, but he announced he was on the way so Jim wouldn't worry or call again.

"Bro, Ryan seems to think that you have a good case for staying. I'm going to be optimistic on the deal and thought we'd celebrate with a seafood pizza. What do you think?" Jim asked.

"Sounds like a plan, and until a court date is set, guess there's no reason to worry about it. Maybe she'll change her mind and see how happy I am. If she cares about me, isn't that all that should matter?" Joe pondered.

"Yes, yes it is. And if you said that you wanted to go, I wouldn't dream of stopping you. But I love you and I know you want to stay here, so I will fight for you and do everything in my power to make that happen," Heather stated sternly. She was carrying a salad and sat it on the table.

"And that's one of many ways that you have proven your love. I don't think she loves me, she's just afraid of being alone." Everyone nodded their head to signify that Joe's assessment was possibly correct.

After they finished eating lunch, Zac offered to clean up. Jim told Joe and the dogs to get in his car. The dogs ran and waited for Jim and Joe to open the car doors. Jim drove to Yellowstone National Park. When he got out, he put leashes on the dogs apologizing stating that it was the law. He and Joe walked the dogs and talked while admiring the beauty. Joe looked at Jim and started to cry. "I'm scared, I don't want to leave here. As much as that man was a sperm donor, she's almost just an egg donor."

Jim opened his arms and Joe hugged him. Then Jim wrapped his arms around Joe tightly as if he was never going to let him go. "Just calm down, Bro. There hasn't even been a case set yet, you have an excellent attorney, and Mom won't just give up."

"Whatever happens, promise we will stay in contact," Joe begged between sobs.

"You are my bro. Without any doubt, we will stay in contact for the rest of our lives," Jim said kissing Joe on the cheek. Joe pulled away from Jim, thanking him. Then he wiped his eyes.

"I must seem like a baby," Joe stated.

"Hey," Jim snapped. "That's my bro you're talking about. Refer to yourself as a baby again and I will put you in a diaper." Jim then flashed a much needed smile.

"OK, I'm not a baby," Joe said as he smiled back. "And I'd like to see you try and put me in a diaper."

"I'm sure Zac would help, especially if he knew why."

"Ryan has to win, I can't leave you and Zac. You guys wouldn't have anybody to pick on," Joe's spirits were starting to lift. After a few more minutes, they got back in the car and headed home.

As Joe was getting out of the car, Zac grabbed him and led him to his truck. "Where are we going?" Joe asked.

"Just for a drive. Here, I'll even let you do the driving," Zac said as he tossed his keys to Joe. They pulled out and just drove. Zac did most of the talking as he assured Joe that everything would work out.

Jim and the two dogs went into the house. "Did your trip do any good?" Heather asked.

"He seemed to be in higher spirits. If nothing else, he knows how much we love him. So, you planning to take Joe for a drive when he and Zac get back?" Jim gave his ever popular grin.

Heather mussed Jim's hair. "No, I think I'll just hug him when they get back. I think he knows that we will fight as hard as we can to keep him."

It wasn't Zac's truck that pulled up, but a green Buick. Heather recognized the lady getting out of the vehicle as Mrs. Walker. "Where's my son? I've gotten sober and changed my mind about letting him be adopted," she yelled.

"After all this time, do you think I'd just let him go? You've been abusing him for years, maybe not as physically as your husband, but mental and emotional abuse is far worse. And you think you can just come here and get him? He's hurting because of you. I finally have him where he's happy and you want to just yank him away? It's not happening. You need to leave."

"I'm not leaving without my son."

Jim came to the door. "Police are on their way. I recommend that you leave before they get here."

"Fine, but I will get my son back one way or another. Mark my words, you are in my cross-hairs and I plan to take Joseph with me when I move to Michigan," Mrs. Walker stated as she headed for her car.

"Is that a threat? Did you just threaten me?" Heather was seething. A police SUV had turned down the cul-de-sac as Mrs. Walker got behind the wheel. They watched as she pulled out of the drive, then the SUV took the spot she had been parked in.

"Is everything alright?" the officer asked as he got out of his vehicle.

"Now that she's gone, they are for the moment. Thank you for coming, that woman threatened me, I think," Heather responded.

"Threatened you? Didn't by any chance get it recorded, did you?" the officer asked.

"No, didn't realize that she would…" Heather started.

Suddenly they heard, "Fine, but I will get my son back one way or another. Mark my words, you are in my cross-hairs…" Jim turned off his phone at that time.

"Yep, I recorded everything after I placed the call to nine-one-one," Jim stated. He had a smile on his face for his brilliant thinking.

"That definitely sounded like a threat to me. I'll have an officer go pick her up. Can I borrow your phone so I can get a copy of that recording?"

Jim handed his phone over to the officer.

Joe pulled into Zac's driveway since the police SUV blocked the Bolts' drive. He walked over with Zac right behind him. "What's going on?"

"She was here thinking she could just come and take you. I had to call the police," Jim told him. Joe ran to Heather's arms.

"Is that why she came here?" the officer asked. Heather started relating the entire story starting with how Joe came to live there. The officer seemed interested and took notes. Every now and then, he would stop her to ask questions, he was being thorough. "Sounds like an interesting situation to say the least. Here's my card, call me if she comes back," the officer said after Heather finished her statement.

Everything seemed to calm down for a couple weeks and the boys' lives returned to normal. At the ranch, business was picking up. This being horse country, most people knew how to ride, and some even stabled their horses at Another Chance. Those that didn't already know how wanted lessons. Many requested Joe as he proved to be a good instructor.

Fourth of July was just around the corner and Jackson asked the boys if they were interested in riding their horses in the parade. "Would we have anything showing that we work here?" Zac questioned.

"I was thinking of getting flags. Jim, you would carry the American flag, Joe, you could carry the Wyoming flag, and Zac would carry a flag with our brand on it. Or you guys could switch, but whoever carries the American flag and state flag would be at the front of the parade. The one with our brand would be back some ways so as to not detract from the importance of the other two."

"I'll carry our brand so Jim and Zac can be together," Joe offered.

"Are you sure?" Zac asked. "I can carry our flag so you can ride with your brother."

"I would be honored to carry our flag," Joe stated with a grin.

"Alrighty then. The hands who want to be in the parade will be following Joe. I'll have red, white and blue shirts being made up for everyone riding. Our logo will be on the back."

Fourth of July morning, Jim was at the very front of the parade holding the American flag. He had a holder attached to his saddle horn that helped hold it to free up one hand for the reins. Zac was to his left and slightly back holding the flag of the great state of Wyoming. "Mmmmm, best looking flag carrier I've ever seen," Zac stated while waiting for the parade to start.

"And how many flag carriers have you seen?" Jim asked with a chuckle.

"I've seen a few. I've been watching this parade for as long as I can remember. One year, they had a really fat guy holding it. I mean, he was so fat that I felt sorry for the horse carrying him. I was seven and I cried to my mom I was so worried about the horse."

"Well, then I can see why you would think I was the best looking, comparing me to him," Jim chuckled some more.

"Baby, on a scale of one to ten, he would be a one and you'd be a thousand," Zac stated.

"A thousand, eh? On a scale of one to ten, that's all I get?" Jim queried with a wink.

"Only because you done broke that scale and it couldn't go any higher."

"Nice response, come closer so I can kiss you before the parade starts."

It was just a few minutes after that Jim started leading the parade. He nodded his head a few times to the crowd. He saw his Mom and Marilyn out in the crowd and heard Marilyn whistle. His mom was holding her ears. As he reached about midway of the parade, he could hear an announcer talking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, leading the parade this year is Jim Bolt, riding Gold. As you can see from his shirt, he rides at the Another Chance Ranch, a proud sponsor of this year's parade. If you are interested in riding, this ranch has many options for the novice as well as the well-seasoned rider. We will see some of their employees later in the parade.

"By Mr. Bolt holding our great state's flag, we have another rider from Another Chance, Zac Schoen, and get this, he's riding Silver, so we have Silver and Gold leading the parade this year. Next we have…" Jim could hear the announcer continuing, but he didn't really care what the announcer had to say, he knew who was following them.

After the parade, everyone headed to the park for picnics, rides, games, and later there would be fireworks. Jim and Zac hitched their horses to a post and joined their moms. Joe wasn't too long before he joined them also. They were setting out fried chicken along with potato salad and corn-on-the-cob. Vince was sitting beside Marilyn.

Looking at those around him, Vince stated, "I can't think of a more appropriate time, everyone that matters is here. Marilyn and I have set a wedding date. We thought about sixteenth of August, but that's someone's birthday. And, we want to have time to take care of all the details. I want this to be Marilyn's happiest wedding and I know it will be my only wedding."

"Enough of that, when do you officially become my dad?" Zac asked anxiously.

"We chose the date to be the eleventh of October. I hope I don't offend anyone that I didn't choose them as my best man, Zac, I expect will walk Marilyn down the aisle and give her away."

"I'll gladly walk Mom down the aisle, and I'll share her, but I'm not about to give her away," Zac said smiling. Marilyn mussed his hair, then kissed him on the cheek.

"Did we miss something?" Jackson asked as he walked up to the table.

"Vince just announced their wedding date," Jim stated.

"I have an announcement, also. I've decided to run against Judge Dillon. As many have said, it's time that she is voted out. Plus, if she is the judge at the hearing, I can officially ask her to recuse herself on the grounds her decision could be thought of as biased."

"You had to mention that, didn't you?" Joe asked.

"No worries, buddy. If we don't have her, there's no way a judge would take you away from Heather and Jim."

Buster was heading towards the table. His mom and dad were behind him. "Mr. Jones, I thought you had a year and nine more months?" Joe was a little surprised.

"I did have, but thanks to good behavior and overcrowding, I was let out early."

"Way to go, congrats and all that stuff."

"What's this, Cornelius has been telling me about you? Your real mom is trying to take you back?" Mr. Jones stated.

"No, my real mom is right here. That woman just gave birth to me," Joe stated.

"I trust that everything works out. She can't take you away from my Cornelius. Has she even filed a petition or whatever it's called?" Mr. and Mrs. Jones hugged Joe.

"Not that I've heard. Ryan is the lawyer handling it and he thinks that we have a good shot at winning," Joe stated with a smile for the first time while talking about the case.

"Good, this is a day of celebration, so let's celebrate!"

The end of July was rapidly approaching and everyone was scurrying about. Jim was wondering how long it would take before Heather realized where they were headed once they hit the road. It was Sunday morning and their last day to work at the ranch before leaving. Jackson walked up to Zac and Jim, "I have a problem that I'm hoping you two can help me out with next week."

"Did you forget that we are leaving on vacation tomorrow?" Jim asked.

"Well, see that's part of the problem. I have a guy selling me some horses. He lives in Montana and with you guys gone, I don't have time to pick them up."

"You want us to pick them up for you?" Zac queried.

"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it. Jim, you might know him. His name is Jason Bolt."

"He's already selling horses? He works fast," Jim was surprised.

"Yeah, he has a web site up and everything. I know that you planned on driving your car Jim, but I think you'll be more comfortable in one of the ranch's SUV's. And you'll need it to haul the horses back," Jackson stated.

"That's for sure."

"How many horses are we getting?" Zac asked.

"I paid for three, but I haven't picked any of them out. I figure that once you get up there, you can check them out. I trust Jason to help you select good horses," Jackson stated.

The boys finished up and Joe was surprised when they started climbing into the SUV. "Are we leaving Zac's truck here?"

"Yeah, Jackson asked us to pick up some horses while we visit our cousin. Also, Jackson thought this would be a more comfortable ride," Jim explained.

"No offense, I love the Challenger, but this will beat climbing in and out of the back seat of it, any day," Joe chuckled.

"I hear what you're saying, and have to agree," Jim responded.

Zac parked the SUV on the street since with the horse trailer, it wouldn't fit in either drive. They went inside and Jim looked at his mom. "Bad news, Zac ended up having to work next week," Jim said trying to sound down.

"That's too bad. If you want to postpone the trip, I would understand, and I can always work this week to save my vacation," Heather responded. Joe started giggling.

"Yeah, my working is picking up horses from Jason Bolt," Zac said with a smile.

"James Patrick, you are bad," Heather stated and then smiled. Jim came over and hugged her.

"I couldn't resist. You know me," Jim responded.

Heather hugged Jim back, "That I do. I've known you all of your life." She gave him a quick smack on his ass and Jim laughed.

Heather, thinking they were heading to Laramie (a six-hour drive), wanted to get an early start. "We usually get up around five or six anyway, so what if we hit the road at five?"

"Really? I was hoping to sleep in for once. Wake me up at nine, then we can load the SUV and be on the road at ten," Jim requested.

"I'm all for that," Zac added.

"For what, leaving at five or sleeping in? I vote to sleep in," Joe threw in.

It was decided that they would leave at ten. Jim kind of wanted to leave early so maybe his mom would sleep and not realize they weren't heading towards Laramie, but he also knew that the drive to their old ranch was only an hour and fifteen minutes.

Everyone went to bed and Jim woke up his usual time. He tried going back to sleep, but he was awake and excited about their trip. He decided to shower, fix breakfast and then start loading the SUV.

Jim had finished everything and other than their personal bags, the SUV was loaded. Zac came downstairs a little before eight. "How long have you been up? I felt lonely when I woke up."

"Yeah, well, I woke up at five and between being used to that and the excitement of the trip, I couldn't get back to sleep. Jason called to see when we plan to be there. I told him what time we plan to leave and how long it'll take so they're planning to have lunch ready shortly after we arrive."

"So, how long do you think it'll take?" Zac queried.

"It's an hour and fifteen-minute drive," Jim stated.

"No, not that, I mean until she figures out that we're not going to Laramie."

"I've been thinking about that. Unless she's distracted, I think she'll know right away."

Jim was happy when he saw Joe being the next one to come downstairs. "Hey, Joe. I have a big favor to ask of you," Jim started.

Joe's face lit up, "What can I do for you?"

"Well, I need you to keep Mom distracted. I have a surprise for the both of you, but you probably won't need the distraction for it. If Mom is paying attention, it could spoil the surprise."

"It's not bad is it?" Joe queried.

"Nope, I think you'll both be really happy when the surprise is revealed," Jim stated.

"Well I was going to read this story on my laptop, but I guess I can help."

"What story are you reading?" Zac asked.

"It's on a gay stories website . The story is about two boys named Matt and Andy. Last chapter that I read, they were seeing a shrink of sorts and get this, the doctor's name is Joe Walker. Isn't that a co-winkiedink?"

"Yeah it is. You know those writers usually make up names. Seriously doubt that he is referring to you in any way," Jim assured.

"I know, it just caught me by surprise. Knots is a really good story and the author seems to know how to write," Joe stated. "And he likes to put quotes at the end of his chapters. They seem appropriate to that chapter. Some of them I really like."

"Hmmm, I may have to check it out. If you like it, I bet it's good," Jim stated.

Heather came downstairs a little after nine. "Looks like everyone is ready, should we load the SUV and get started?" Heather asked.

"I have everything except everyone's personal bag in the SUV already. Also, I talked to Jason and told him what time we should be there. They are planning to have food ready when we get there."

"OK then, we leave at ten as planned. We can stop someplace around noon to eat lunch." Jim smiled when his mom said this. So far everything was going as planned.

Jim got in the driver seat and everyone else piled in. They buckled their seatbelts and Joe started talking with Heather. Joe did a good job keeping her distracted for the first forty minutes, she didn't even realize they were heading north. Then she saw the sign that told her the truth.

"Why are we entering Montana? Jim, are you going to our old ranch instead of Jason's place?" Heather asked.

"Well, I guess it's time to reveal the surprise. Jason managed to buy our old ranch, so yes I am heading to our old ranch, but no, not instead of Jason's place."

"Sorry, guess I didn't keep her distracted very well," Joe said apologetically.

"You did an awesome job, Bro. I had a feeling she'd see the 'Welcome to Montana' sign. Fact that she didn't realize until now is good."

"You were in on this?" Heather asked.

"Jim asked me to keep you distracted so he could surprise you. He said it was a surprise for me, also," Joe said defensively.

"Well, I'm guessing your surprise is that you get to see where we used to live. It'll be good to see the old place again." Heather gave Joe a hug.

Jim looked in the mirror to see his mom and Joe smiling. Figuring that his job was done, Joe opened his laptop and started reading his story. When Heather questioned him about it, he explained the premise. She wasn't sure Joe should be reading it, but since it was about teenage boys, she didn't stop him.

With having to make a stop along the way so everyone could use the restroom, Jim ended up pulling into the JB Ranch around eleven thirty. Jason came out to greet them and help unload the SUV. "I'm not sure which room was Jim's, but we put you in the Master Bedroom for the week. Thought you'd like your old room," he offered Heather.

"You didn't have to do that. Any room would have worked."

"I'm sure, but Charlotte insisted. Jim which room was yours? Charlotte and I will take one of the other bedrooms." Joe and Zac came around the SUV. "Zac, good to see you again. Guessing you want to share a room with Jim, but you don't have to, we have plenty of room here."

"That's fine, I like sharing a room with Jim," Zac grinned.

"And you must be Joe. Jim told me a lot about you when he visited us in Laramie. He is really proud of you."

"I'm proud of him, too. From the day that he met me, he has always treated me like a brother. We have our days, but even then, Jim never once made me feel like I didn't belong."

"Even right now, Joe's biological mother is trying to take him back, but he belongs with us," Jim stated.

"Well, I'm no Bill Gates, but I do have some money. If you need anything, we are family," Jason offered.

"We have lots of people offering financial help, but lawyer fees aren't an issue. I work for a law firm. The lawyer handling the case believes we have a strong case and everything will work out," Heather stated.

"Mind if I show Joe and Zac my old room?" Jim asked.

"Please do, and I'll follow behind with your bags," Jason replied. Jim turned towards the door and he saw it. After all this time, the grave marker was still there, and her grave looked untouched. Jim turned toward Zac, pulled him in tight and started crying. "What's wrong?" Jason asked.

"I'm guessing he just saw Shadow's grave," Heather stated as she looked in the direction of it. She had a lump in her throat as she fought back tears herself.

"Oh, I was wondering about that grave. I'm sorry, I bet she was a good dog," Jason said, offering his condolences. He promised Jim that the grave would be treated with the utmost respect and that it would never be moved so long as he owned the property.

Zac moved Jim into the house and asked him to show them which room was his as a means to get his mind thinking about something else. Jim led the way and started cheering up. "Sorry for crying like that. I didn't realize how much it would hurt seeing her grave."

"No need to apologize, I'm honored that you turned to me and cried in my arms instead of your mom's," Zac said smiling. "Personally, I think you like getting my shirt wet so I have to take it off. Remember that first day in your room?"

"You were beside me, and you're the one with whom I want to spend my life. Hope it didn't upset her," Jim said, now worried what his mom might be thinking. He made a mental note to talk to her about it. He also smiled when he thought about how wet he made Zac's shirt the first day they met.

"Well, I was always sure that you felt that way, but in that instant, I never felt more loved. As for your mom, she gave me a wink and smile to let me know it was alright," Zac stated. That eased Jim's mind a bit, but he still wanted to talk with her. Jim, then, led the way to his old room.

Jason came in with their luggage. "Your mom said that these were you three young men's bags. Let me put them down, then Joe, you can grab yours and I'll set you up in the room beside this one," Jason offered.

"Jason, you've owned this ranch for only a couple weeks, officially. How'd you get it to look so thriving already?" Jim asked.

"Your dad had a hand in that. He kept such clear documentation and the guy I bought the ranch off of let me have the books right away. I contacted all of your dad's contacts and told them who I was. They agreed to work with me because I was related. After two weeks, they said that I remind them so much of him, not only in looks, but in personality and the way I do things. Your dad did the hard part," Jason stated.

"Well, I'm glad that everything worked out. It's nice knowing the ranch is back in the family."

"Well, Zarek and I talked about this ranch. Hopefully, it won't happen anytime soon, but you never know, but if anything happens to me, Zarek wants to co-own the ranch with you."

"Seriously? I hope that's a long way off, but it's nice to know. I'm hoping that when Zac and I have kids, we can bring them here to visit you," Jim stated.

"So, which one of you is getting pregnant?" Jason asked with a straight face.

"Neither of us, we plan to adopt. I don't want my belly stretched out like that," Jim stated with an equally straight face. Then everyone laughed.

Everyone had settled in and they started enjoying themselves. Jason showed Zac some of the horses that he had to choose from, but told Zac that he had three set aside that he thought Jackson would like better. Zac looked at the horses, then asked to see the others. He thought that all the horses looked to have potential but agreed with Jason's choices.

Back in Cody, Zarek had offered to help at the ranch while Jim, Zac and Joe were away. He was working alongside Jeff and they got to talking. "So, Jackson says that you'll be living here and going to school?" Zarek inquired.

"Yeah, I'm going to be studying Computer Networking. Ryan tells me that you work on computers."

"Yeah, I have a computer business. I build custom machines, troubleshoot, upgrade older systems, and install networks. Perhaps when you get a degree, I could put you to work. While you're in school, I could use you as an intern on days you're not working here."

"That would be cool, but I don't know if I could work for you," Jeff stated.

"Oh? Why not?" Zarek was a bit surprised to hear Jeff say that.

"Hope I don't offend you, but…" Jeff started out.

"You know, most people say that before they say something offensive," Zarek warned.

"True, but you asked why, so at the risk of offending you, I'd be too distracted. I find you attractive," Jeff stated.

"Well, you definitely didn't offend me. I know that you're gay," Zarek stated.

"And you're not upset that a guy just hit on you?"

"Obviously, you don't know that I'm bi. No, I'm flattered that you hit on me, you are a handsome guy. You want to maybe go out when we get done? We can talk about your career, or maybe whatever comes up?" Zarek said with a wink.

"OH SHIT!!!" they heard Ryan yell from the house.

"What's up?" Jeff ran over and asked.

"I just received a letter from the court. Judge Dillon is handling the case and the date's set for next Monday. I need to call Heather," Ryan stated. He pulled out his phone and told it to call her.

Heather listened to what Ryan had to say. Then she asked, "Should we come home early?" Ryan advised her that wasn't necessary provided they were back Sunday so that they could be refreshed for court.

Heather waited to tell any of the boys about the call. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and Joe especially seemed happy for the first time since they had learned about Mrs. Walker trying to take him away. She decided that she would tell them on the way home.

This week was a good week but seemed to go way too fast. Jason became really close to the three boys, and even taught them a thing or two about caring for the horses. He reminded Jim so much of his father, but instead of making him depressed, Jim felt like his father was there and happy for him. As they were getting ready to leave, Jim hugged Jason as he would have his dad.

Zac was doing the driving home since he had the horses in the trailer. Heather was sitting behind Zac so she could talk to Jim and Joe easier. "I received a call from Ryan on Monday," she started.

"What did he have to say?" Joe inquired.

"Court date has been set. It's tomorrow," Heather wasn't sure how the boys would take knowing that she knew all week. "I didn't want to tell you because you needed this week to lift your spirits, and Joe, you seemed so happy for the first time in a while."

"Part of me is glad you didn't say anything. It would have totally ruined this vacation had I known, but part of me wishes I had known sooner. How can I prepare?" Joe asked.

"You are prepared. All you have to do is be honest and tell the truth," Heather advised.

"Well, I'm glad I didn't know. I had so much fun and that would have ruined it. I really like Jason. While he could never replace Dad, I felt like he approved of me getting close to him," Jim added. Zac gave Jim a quick glance trying to figure out what he had just said.

"Yes, I think your father would have definitely approved of you forming a bond with his cousin," Heather said with a smile.

Zac drove to the ranch to drop off the horses and trailer. Jackson joined them and helped to unload the animals, then they unhitch the trailer. He told Zac that these horses looked perfect and were a good deal for the money that he paid. Zac informed him of how Jason had pre-picked these three but let Zac look at all the horses before deciding. "He seems like a good man. I'll definitely do more business with him in the future."

"Yeah, he taught us a few things about horses, too. All of his horses look great, but these three were the best of the ones he was selling."

"That explains how Zarek was able to step in and help while you boys were gone. And speaking of Zarek, what would your thoughts be about him dating my brother?" Jackson asked.

"Well, Jeff is an attractive guy and has a good head on his shoulders, and Zarek is like a slightly older version of Jim, so I really like him. If I weren't already dating Jim, I might consider dating him, myself. I would say that they would make a nice couple. Does Jeff know that Zarek is bi?" Zac asked.

"Yes, Zarek told him on Monday. They're out having dinner together as we speak," Jackson informed Zac.

"Hope things work out," was all that Zac said. They had the horses unloaded, the trailer was unhitched, and Zac was getting ready to get back in the SUV. "Gonna take them home, then I'll be back to get my truck," Zac stated.

"Just bring the SUV back tomorrow after the hearing. Your truck will be fine one more day," Jackson advised.

They went home and as they walked into the house, Kunoichi and Colby jumped on them. "Did Marilyn take good care of you while we were gone?" Jim asked as he was hugging Colby. Kunoichi was being hugged by Joe. Heather fixed a light supper, then the boys went to bed early so they could wake up refreshed. They all had trouble sleeping, but Joe really had trouble. Jim and Zac let him sleep with them, and the two dogs worked their way into the mix.

The hearing was set for nine, so they arrived at the courthouse early. Judge Dillon came out and everyone was seated. Ryan stood up, "Your Honor, I motion that you recuse yourself from this hearing. I will be running against you in the next election and whatever decision you may make could seem biased."

"Mr. Grayson, you are mistaken. You will not be running against me in the next election."

"Your Honor, I have filed to run," Ryan argued.

"Yes, you have. But I have been filling this seat for over forty, almost fifty years. I have made many decisions, most I am happy with, but some I do regret. At the time I thought they were the right decision, but only time proved me wrong. After you filed to run, I gave my two weeks' notice. This will be my last case. I'm guessing that they haven't given you a phone call yet," Judge Dillon stated.

"In that case, I must retract my motion," Ryan said as he sat down.

"Miss Wilcox, would you call your first witness," Dillon asked.

"I call Joseph C. Walker to the stand." Joe sat in the seat and was sworn in.

Judge Dillon looked at Joe, "This is a hearing, not a trial, but you are still required to be one hundred percent honest, do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am, I do, Your Honor," Joe responded.

Miss Wilcox stood up. "Can you tell me who it was that gave birth to you? Who it was that was in labor for eighteen long hours waiting for you to come out?" she asked.

"Well, to be honest, I was too young to really know, but I've heard the stories of my birth from that woman over there," Joe stated.

"Let the record show that the witness pointed to my client, Mrs. Walker," the lawyer stated. "I rest my case."

"That's your entire argument? You believe that she should be given custody just because she gave birth?" Judge Dillon looked a little hot.

"Your Honor," Miss Wilcox started.

"Don't Your Honor me, I know that I have a reputation for going with the birth mother. And if I believe that the birth mother is fit to be a mother, I believe that the child should be with her. Some of those decisions are the ones that I have grown to regret. Just this week, I was told about a woman who offered a dress to her son after the father abused him for being gay. I told the case worker that in my opinion, that mother doesn't deserve to be a mother. Then I come to find out that it was your client. I will give you one week to gather proof that she is worthy of being this young man's mother. And if you fail, I will finalize the adoption next Monday."

Joe was smiling and looked at the judge, "Thank you, Your Honor."

"See, I'm not as bad as some of the stories you may have heard," she said with a smile. "And I will listen to what you think is best for you before I make my decision as to what I think is best for you."

"Your honor, in light of what I just saw, if you change your mind about retiring, I would withdraw my candidacy," Ryan stated.

"Thank you, but no, I'm tired and ready to retire. I can see in you a promise to be fair and I think that you'll be a good replacement."

"I'd be honored to fill your seat in your stead," Ryan added.

"Now, don't think I'm going automatically with you just because of what I said. If they can prove that she is ready to be a mother, I can still go with them, so be ready to prove this young man does belong with the Bolts. Got me?"

"Yes, ma'am, I totally understand and wouldn't have it any other way," Ryan stated.

 

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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