Another Chance - Book Two

by Zarek Dragon

 

It was the day after Christmas and Nick was a nervous wreck. Most of his clothes were burnt in the fire, he only had one uniform, what he was wearing, what he received for Christmas and little else. Nothing seemed appropriate for his date with Heather. He grabbed his car keys and looked at Chris. "I'm going shopping for some new clothes, you want to come?"

"Can we go out to the ranch after? They asked me if I wanted to go earlier, but I wasn't sure what your thoughts for today were since we had the fire, whether we were going to go sift through it or what," Chris asked.

"I'll need to get the safe, but other than that, I think I'll hire a crew to clean it up. I'll let them know that if they do find anything salvageable, we'd like to see it, but I doubt they'll find anything worth keeping, though," again, Nick was trying to not sound down, but could tell he wasn't very good at it.

"To be honest, we really didn't have anything that can't be replaced. Just tell them to get rid of it. Pictures of Mom, I can print off my laptop if necessary. We get another place, or rebuild, we can just get everything new," Chris advised.

"I think you're taking this fire better than me, Champ," Archer smiled.

"Because other than some clothes, I didn't really lose anything," Chris stated.

"That is true, but like you said, everything can be replaced, so I guess I'm not really losing anything, either. We'll go shopping, then I'll take you to the ranch and I'll start getting ready for my date," Nick responded.

They set out and while Chris could get by with what clothes he had, he did want to replace some of the clothes that he had lost. Nick needed to replenish almost everything, he already ordered new uniforms when he was at the Sheriff Department with Chris's phone.

Chris picked out some nice shirts and some t-shirts that he liked as well as some new jeans and dress slacks. Nick selected a new suit, dress clothes, jeans and the whole ball of wax. He wasn't surprised by the almost five-hundred-dollar total and hoped that the insurance would cover that plus whatever else they need. As they were loading the bags of clothes into the trunk of the car Nick was using, Nick's phone went off. "You've reached Nick Archer; how may I help you?"

"This is the Fire Inspector, can you come to the police station? I have some questions for you."

"Sure, I have Chris with me, I can drop him off at the Another Chance Ranch and be there in about thirty minutes. Will that work?" Nick asked.

"Fine, but no more than thirty minutes," the Inspector didn't sound very happy.

Nick was surprised to see two police cars at the ranch when he pulled in, as it is out of their jurisdiction. Chris got out and went to find Jim as he was told by his dad. Nick had a very uneasy feeling in his stomach so he got out and talked with one of the officers. "What's up, fellas?"

"No idea, we were just told to come out here and escort you to the police station. Seems the Fire Inspector thinks you might not show up," the lead officer stated.

"That's nuts, why wouldn't I. He doesn't think I set my own house on fire, does he?" Nick was a little irritated even thinking he might get accused.

Following one officer with the other behind him, Nick drove to the police department without incident. He was led to an interrogation room where the Inspector was waiting. As he walked in, Officer Mark Wallace started reading him his rights, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk with an attorney and have him with you while you are being questioned."

"I know my rights," Nick stated sounding somewhat agitated. "Am I being accused of setting my house on fire?"

"Do you know what these are?" the Fire Inspector asked.

"They look like pennies to me," Nick stated.

"They are, and do you know where I found them?"

"They are very common, and you probably found several around what used to be my house," Nick replied.

"I found them behind a fuse in your fuse box. I understand that you were planning to convert to circuit breakers, were you having issue with the fuse to your kitchen appliances."

"No, wasn't really having much issue at all, but I was advised that if I ever wanted to sell my house, I should consider switching to circuit breakers, and told that I would be better off in the long run," Nick responded. "I do have to ask though, did you find them or was he with you and he found them?"

"Do you know what this is?" the Inspector asked, holding a charred piece of cloth.

"Looks like one of my shop towels from the garage. I use them when I'm working on my car," Nick answered.

"And your fuse box was in the garage?" the Inspector asked.

"No, the fuse box was in the utility room between the kitchen and the garage. If you're suggesting that towel was anywhere near the fuse box, that wouldn't be possible unless someone purposely placed it there," Nick stated.

"Can I cuff him and escort him to a cell now? He just confessed," the officer seemed excited.

"No, that was not a confession, and I am seeing the full picture. Inspector, this officer should not have anything to do with this case," Nick declared and asked to speak with the Inspector alone. After much protest, the officer was asked to leave the interrogation room. Nick then told the Inspector the reason Officer Mark Wallace should have no part of the investigation and what his suspicions were.

With no evidence against Archer, the Inspector let him leave. He headed back to Heather's and across the street to put the bags of clothes he had bought in the room that he and Chris would be using until things were sorted out with his insurance company. With there being suspicion of foul play, that will be delayed until whoever did this is caught and Nick's name is cleared.

As Nick came downstairs, Marilyn approached him, "I have some houses that you might be interested in. One is on Mustang Lane."

"Not sure I will be able to get another house. I just found out that my fire wasn't an accident," Nick looked agitated.

"Oh? Any idea who may have set it?" Marilyn asked.

"I have my suspicions, and I relayed them to the Fire Inspector. As of now, I am their prime suspect," Nick explained.

"That's crazy. You have an alibi, you've always been either here, or rather at Heather's, or with the boys for the last couple of weeks," Marilyn stated.

"I know and I'm not worried. So, what's the house on Mustang like?" Nick asked.

"It's a three-bedroom house with two and a half baths. The Master bedroom has its own bath while the two slightly smaller bedrooms share one. It's almost set up like Heather's house, except the two bedrooms sharing a bath," Marilyn explained. "And the yard is right against Nineteen Quarter Horse Way's yard."

"Isn't that Heather's address?" Nick asked.

"No wonder you're a deputy," Marilyn teased.

"Perhaps we can look at it tomorrow. I need to start getting ready for my date with Heather," Nick suggested.

"You can use either shower upstairs, I know Zac wouldn't mind or I have a better shower. Water jets out from all four corners," Marilyn offered.

The boys were home from the ranch and sitting at Heather's dining room table chatting. Heather was upstairs getting ready for her date. The doorbell rang and Jim went to get it. He was trying to think why Nick wouldn't just come in as he opened the door, surprised to not see Nick there. "Is Joe here?"

"Deputy Dawn, since everything is over and Nick's assignment has ended, I wasn't thinking you were coming. Come in while I get Joe," Jim offered.

"I'm not staying, I just came by to drop something off," Dawn stated.

"Still, come on in. I think Joe will be happy to see you," Jim suggested.

Deputy Dawn stepped in the door while Jim went to get Joe. When Joe came out to see what she wanted, his eyes lit up. Jim, Zac and Chris were watching as Joe gave Dawn a hug and then hugged his bear. He started pulling the shirt up to look at the seam and Dawn stopped him. "Before you look, I need to tell you, the CSI guys totally removed the belly. They made a sketch of it and I used that as a pattern. They and I went together and bought material so the bear looks almost as good as new," she told him.

Joe looked and couldn't believe his eyes. You couldn't tell that the bear had been cut at all. Joe gave Dawn another hug and thanked her. He started crying because he was that happy. Dawn smiled and said that she was happy that she made him happy. Then she went to leave and everyone thanked her. "Bye, Dep'ty Dawg," Austin said waving, "Tank you for bwinging Joe's bear back." Dawn stopped and hugged Austin, she didn't even mind him calling her "Dep'ty Dawg".

Joe took his bear up to his room. As Joe got to the top of the stairs, Heather was coming out of her room. "Wow Mom, you look amazing," Joe stated.

"You got your bear back, I take it that was Dawn at the door," Heather responded.

"She did an awesome job, too. You can't even tell that he was cut. But you look so pretty. I mean, you always do but this, this will make Nick want to propose to you all over."

"Do you think it's too much?" Heather started worrying.

"No way, it's just you are so pretty anyway that you'd look good wearing a burlap sack. That dress really goes well with your eyes," Joe replied.

"And you know just the right words," Heather said and then kissed his cheek.

Heather made her way down the stairs and Chris looked at her. "Forget my dad, will you go out with me instead," Chris joked.

"I would if you were your dad's age," Heather teased.

"I will be in twenty-two years," Chris debated.

"You look stunning, Mom. That dress always looked good on you," Jim stated.

"Yes, your father thought so too. Whenever we went out for our anniversary, he wanted me to wear it. You don't think he'd be upset with me wearing it for the first date with Nick, do you?" Heather questioned.

"No, I think he'd be happy. I want to hug you so bad, but I don't want to get your dress wet with my tears," Jim stated.

"Are you alright? Sure you're not upset?" Heather asked.

"No, I'm just so happy for you. You deserve a great guy like Nick," Jim said as he kissed her cheek. Zac put his arm around Jim and held him.

Brenda came out of the kitchen, "Boys, supper is almost… Holy Shit girl, you look gorgeous."

"Aaaaaaaaah, Mommy, you sayd a bad word," Austin admonished.

"I know, I'm sorry, but look how beautiful your Aunt Heather looks," Brenda apologized.

"She an angel," Austin said smiling.

Nick walked in and stopped, "I'm sorry, I didn't notice that the gate was pearly. It looked like the door of hopefully my girlfriend's house."

"I take it that you approve?" Heather asked.

"Approve? You are so beautiful that I feel like I should be fitted for wings. Song is devil with the blue dress, but I think it should be angel with the blue dress," Nick gushed out. Then he knelt down, "Milady, I know that you've already said yes once, but you look so beautiful that I have to ask again. Will you come down from heaven to marry this poor unworthy human?"

Joe was coming downstairs at that time, "See, I told you that he would."

"You sir, are not an unworthy human and I am no angel. Each second that I spend with you, I know more and more that you are the one I want to marry," Heather responded.

"Then should we get out of here and head to Angelino's for a meal? And if you're interested, I have open tickets to the Orchestra," Nick offered.

"I would love that, but then any place with you is like heaven on earth," Heather said with a smile.

"Have fun Mom," Jim encouraged as they headed out the door.

After Heather left, Joe called Buster and told him that he should come over after supper. He wanted to show him the bear, but kept that as a surprise. Aunt Brenda was setting the food on the table as Joe hung up. "Hope you all like meatloaf. It's probably not as good as Heather's but it should be edible."

"Don't put yourself down, Aunt Brenda. You're probably just as good of a cook as Mom. Grandma taught you both," Jim stated.

"That's true, but our styles may be slightly different, and you're used to your mom's," Brenda explained.

"Doesn't mean hers is better, just means that they have different tastes," Joe backed Jim up.

Jim took a bite of his meatloaf and his eyes went big. "Do I taste a hint of teriyaki?" he queried.

"I accidentally grabbed it instead of Worcestershire sauce. I'm sorry," Brenda apologized.

"Don't be. I may ask Mom to start doing that. This is really good," Jim exclaimed.

"You're not just saying that?" Brenda asked.

"Heck no, this is really good. Now if it had mushrooms or jalapenos. It might be better, but Austin doesn't like mushrooms, so small sacrifice."

"Jalapenos in the meatloaf does sound good but I didn't know if everyone would have liked it," Brenda explained.

"So, now that we have it established that my wife makes a good meatloaf, I received a call from my company this morning," Brant started saying.

"And?" Brenda asked.

"They are considering opening the Montana offices back up. If they do, they want me to be the CEO of that office," Brant went on.

"When, what about Austin's school, what about our house?" Brenda questioned.

"I told them that I would have to run things by you before I could give them an answer. As to when, they realize that you are pregnant, so it wouldn't be until August. As for Austin's school, he'd be able to start his next grade in Montana so it wouldn't be disrupted. As for our house, they are offering to purchase our home in Montana just like our current home. Everything will be in our name, sort of as a bonus. Our home in Japan will remain ours, as I will need to spend one month a year there, whatever month I decide," Brant informed her.

"Sounds like they were thinking of everything. You'd be a fool to pass it up," Brenda told him.

"And once we move back to Montana, you and Heather can visit each other more often. I was thinking that I would take the month of July or August as my month in Japan so you, Austin and our new baby can travel with me," Brant was smiling.

"So you actually made up your mind to do this before asking?" Brenda inquired.

"I only thought about if I accepted it. I had little doubt that you would be against it, but if you were, I would have said no. You and Austin come first," Brant defended himself.

"That's why I love you. So, when are you telling them that you'll accept?" Brenda asked.

Brant chuckled, "They said to let them know when we return, and if I turned them down, they probably wouldn't reopen. And I didn't tell you, they are offering me a twenty percent raise, I would only answer to the president and vice-presidents of the company, and as long as the office runs like it should, I will have no set hours. I can work as little or as much as needed."

"And you are planning to accept, I hope," Brenda stated.

"Only reason I wouldn't would have been if you were against it," Brant said leaning over to kiss Brenda.

"Does Mom know yet? Wait, scratch that, of course she doesn't, you just found out," Jim sounded excited. "She'll be so happy when you tell her."

That night when Heather and Nick came home, Jim greeted them at the door. "Waiting on us?" Heather chuckled.

"Well, several things, one how was your date, two, can we start using teriyaki in meatloaf instead of Worcestershire, and three, Aunt Brenda has some news for you," Jim rushed to say in one mouthful. Brenda overheard Jim and it made her feel good knowing that Jim wasn't just saying that he liked the meatloaf with teriyaki.

"Well, the date went as we expected. We both had a wonderful time. Pleasant conversation. We're thinking about setting a date for the wedding maybe this summer," Heather stated. Jim hugged her and then Nick.

"You may want to hear Aunt Brenda's news before you set a date," Jim announced after he let Nick go.

"As for the meatloaf, I'm willing to try it to see what it tastes like," Heather agreed.

"Aunt Brenda did it by accident and no offense but I think it was the best meatloaf I've ever had. There is some left over if you want to try it later or for lunch tomorrow," Jim was grinning.

"And what news does my sister have for me?" Heather asked.

"I want to tell you so bad but I think I'll be nice and let her," Jim smiled.

Brenda was sitting on the couch as they headed into the living room. "Sis?" Heather queried.

"I didn't know that he really liked the meatloaf that well. I thought he was just being nice," Brenda stated.

"Sis?" Heather asked again while Nick cleared his throat.

"OH, you want to know what my news is," Brenda teased.

"Fine, if you don't want to tell me, I'm sure I can find someone who will," Heather stated and started to turn around.

"Brant and I may be moving to Montana this summer. His company is talking about reopening those offices and if they do, they want him to be the CEO there," Brenda finally told her.

"When will you know?" Heather asked.

"I have no idea. Brant has to let them know that he will do it when we get back."

"We can hold off the wedding until you're back in the States if it's going to happen. If not, we can plan the wedding for when you use Marilyn and Vince's gift. I do have a dilemma, though. I want both you and Marilyn as my matron of honor," Heather stated.

"She'll probably be the one helping you plan everything; I think it's only right that you ask her. I am honored that you considered me, though," Brenda declared.

"I'm so glad that you feel that way. I didn't want to hurt either of you," Heather was weepy-eyed as she spoke. "Jim, will you give me away?"

"Nope," Jim said with a smile. "Like Zac, I'm willing to share you, but I refuse to give you away."

"Will you walk me down the aisle, then?" Heather smirked.

"I would be honored, but why don't you ask Joe? I think that would make his day," Jim replied giving his mom a hug.

Heather went up to Joe's room. The door was open, Joe and Austin were playing together. She watched them for a few minutes before clearing her throat. She thought how everyone that came into this house, Austin seems to befriend right away. "Mom, did you want something? How was your date?" Joe asked.

"Date was what I expected, we had a good time. We decided to get married this summer, perhaps after Brenda's family moves to Montana, if that happens," Heather started.

"Bet you're excited for both, them moving closer and the wedding. Jim going to walk you down the aisle?"

"I did ask him and he said that he'd be honored, but thinks that you should do it," Heather stated.

"No way, he's your actual son. I'm adopted," Joe protested.

"Do you honestly think that matters? To me, you are both my sons. I did ask him first but only because I was married to his father. I love you both the same," Heather argued.

"I never meant to imply that you didn't. I know that you and Jim go out of your way to make sure I know I am loved just as much as if I were born into the family. Heck, maybe more. Jim was born into the family so you love him but I was chosen to be a part of the family," Joe grinned. "If it means that much to you and Jim, I'll walk you down the aisle."

"From the first day that we laid eyes on you, we knew that you belonged here," Heather stated with a tear running down her face. She's remembering that bloody beaten boy that she brought into the house. She's remembering how happy he was when he opened his Christmas presents last year. Her thoughts turn to how happy he was coming home Valentine's Day and introducing Buster to her. Then her thoughts turn to when his father came to the house and Jim defended him. She wasn't so happy about that day, but she was happy with her son protecting Joe like a brother. She knew from the beginning that Jim accepted him but standing up for him like that, not knowing what would happen, she was very proud of both her sons.

"What's wrong, Mom?" Joe asked, seeing her cry.

"Nothing, just remembering how happy this last year has been since you've joined our lives," Heather stated.

"It's been a really good year. There have been times when I was worried, but overall, it has been a good year. I can never express enough how happy you and Jim have made my life," Joe said giving Heather a hug.

"The smile on your face is enough for both of us. I think your cousin must have been tired," Heather responded. They turned to look and Austin had the bear Nick gave him hugging Joe's bear and he was fast asleep hugging both.

"Isn't he cute? I want one just like him when Buster and I get married," Joe declared.  "That, and I think I want to be a social worker after I get my degree."

"You have time to decide on that, but if it's what you want, I know you'll be good at it."

"Thanks Mom. You could have said many things to try and discourage me, but you didn't. I know that the pay is lousy and there are heartaches when you see a loving family not able to stay together, but then there are cases like mine," Joe hugged Heather tighter thinking how blessed he was.

"I would never discourage you from doing anything that you wanted unless it was against the law, of course," Heather hugged Joe. "And you never answered me whether you will walk me down the aisle."

"Yes, I did; I said that if if it means that much, I would do it, but is there any way Jim and I can both do it? I'd be honored to walk you down, but I think that should be Jim's place," Joe sobbed.

"I love how the two of you look out for each other. You two are definitely brothers," Heather smiled.

Jim came upstairs. He saw Joe hugging their mom and her smiling. "So is he going to do it?"

"He thinks that it should be your place but suggested that both of you do it," Heather informed him.

"I'm all for that but know Joe, that I'd gladly let you, knowing how happy it would make you," Jim stated.

"I know you would and I love you for that. That alone makes me happy," Joe replied.

"Well the reason that I came up was to let you know that we're going across the street for the night. I love you, Mom and Joe," Jim said as he gave them each a hug.

As Jim left, Joe looked at Heather, "If you and Nick have any children, I hope that they turn out just like him."

"Yes, that would be nice. I don't know if Nick and I will, but I wouldn't be upset if we do. And I wouldn't complain if the baby turned out like any of you boys."

"Thanks Mom. I think I'm going to bed too. I love you," Joe stated before giving Heather one last hug and closing his bedroom door.

In the morning, Nick was awakened by his cell phone going off. He looked at the time and saw that it was seven in the morning. Chris was already gone with the others to the ranch. "Hello, this is Nick Archer," he answered.

"Mr. Archer, I hope that I didn't wake you. I'm sorry if I did. Do you or your son smoke?"

"No, neither one of us do, why?" Nick asked.

"You are sure of that?"

"I am positive. I've been around people who smoke and think the smell stinks. If Chris did, I'd smell it on his clothes. Again, why?" Nick was more than curious.

"If neither of you smoke, then you were right that someone else was at your house. There were the remains of a cigarette butt in the ash that I sampled before anyone else was there," the Fire Inspector stated. "I'm having it tested for DNA right now, but not sure what the chances that enough trace survived the fire."

"Do you know if Officer Wallace smokes? I thought I smelled smoke on him yesterday but thought that could have been from if he was helping you at the house," Nick asked.

"He was never at the house and he is in the break room smoking right now. You seriously believe that a police officer would set your house on fire?"

"I never would have thought that a deputy would molest my son, yet Officer Wallace's brother did just that. I don't know if he was out to kill Chris and I, thinking we would have been at home asleep, or what his agenda was, but yes, I believe that he is capable of starting the fire," Nick sounded agitated.

"Well, I will definitely keep that thought open, but I want to let you know, you are no longer a suspect and I will inform your insurance company to that affect," the fire investigator paused. "Just looking at this butt, it is the same brand that Officer Wallace is smoking. You may be on to something."

"Thank you," Nick said as he hung up his phone.

Nick went downstairs to see if any breakfast remained. There were ten slices of bacon and two eggs sitting on a plate. He couldn't believe that steam was coming from the eggs. "I heard you up there and made a couple of fresh eggs for you. What the boys had fixed were cold and would have been rubbery if you nuked them," Marilyn explained.

"I appreciate that, but I'm used to cold eggs so you wouldn't have had to gone through the trouble," Nick said smiling.

"Judging by your face, I'm guessing that your date went well," Marilyn hinted.

"It went exactly as I expected. Heather and I are talking about a late summer wedding so that her sister can be here. But I'm also happy because I just got off the phone with the Fire Inspector," Nick chimed.

"I take it that you're no longer a suspect," Marilyn grinned.

"Not only that, but it's looking like who I suspected is the guilty person," Nick stated.

"Then are you still interested in checking out the house on Mustang?" Marilyn inquired.

"Heather would like to join us," Nick replied. "We were wondering how hard it would be to join the two yards."

"If Heather were to take down her back section of the privacy fence, they match up perfectly," Marilyn explained. She pulled out a map showing Nick the property surrounding this area.

After Nick finished his breakfast, they walked across the street to see if Heather was up. Marilyn used the key that Heather had given her and found her sitting at the dining room table. "Girl, you must have enjoyed your date as much as Nick did, judging by your face," Marilyn stated.

"OH, I'm almost ashamed to say it, but I think it may have been the best date I've ever had," Heather stated.

"From what I've been hearing about Jon, I guess I really did a good job, then," Nick said, causing Heather to jump. She didn't realize that he was with Marilyn. Nick laughed at seeing her reaction. "I'm sure that you and Jon had better dates, but this one is just fresher in your mind."

"Perhaps, but Jon never liked the Orchestra like you. He took me on many occasions, but I could tell he was uncomfortable. We both enjoyed Country Concerts and he liked Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, John Michael Montgomery, Alabama, and a number of different acts. We had some really great dates, really great, but that was the most enjoyable I've ever been at the Orchestra," Heather clarified.

"That's understandable. So, you like country, then? I grew up on country, but I also like rock, jazz, blues, and of course classical as long as no one is singing opera to it," Nick stated.

Heather started laughing, "I can see you now, head banging to Metallica."

"Hey, Metallica is awesome and yes, I have done some wild and crazy things at some of their concerts," Nick joked. "Head banging was never one of them. Did have hair down to my shoulders as a teen. Mom used to say that it was a good thing my dad wasn't alive. He'd grab me by the hair and drag me to a barber if he were."

"We came over because Nick said that you wanted to check out the house on Mustang with us," Marilyn said.

"Let me grab my coat," Heather answered.

The three of them looked around the house. Heather noticed that the setup was almost exactly like hers, but the rooms were smaller. "The architect that designed your house liked the design but scaled it down for the houses on this street to make it more affordable," Marilyn told them.

"I like the house, but what do I do with it once Heather and I marry? It almost seems silly to buy it for only eight months," Nick commented.

"Well, you have several options, you could rent a house for that time," Marilyn suggested.

"Why pay for someone else's house so they make money," Nick debated.

"You could rent it out, I know Zac will be wanting to move out about that time," Marilyn offered.

"I'd be willing to let him live here, but I'd be leery about renting it to anyone I didn't know," Nick stated.

"You could put it back on the market once you move in with Heather," Marilyn said.

"I'd have to think on that, it depends on how the market is. Part of me wants to tear it down and either put a pool or a barn here, but the house is too nice," Nick argued.

"What if when you move in with Heather, we move the house to the lot that you have now. That will make that lot sell better at a higher price and you can build your pool or barn," Marilyn suggested.

"Moving the house won't be easy or cheap, I'll have to think about that, but I do want this property," Nick decided.

"Sign these papers and I'll get them filed. As soon as your insurance company gives you a check, you can use that as a down payment and start moving in," Marilyn responded as she pulled papers out of her satchel.

"Actually, if they pay the value of the house as well as everything in it, I should get enough to pay the full amount. Chris and I may live Spartan until August, though," Nick smiled.

"Everything that you see here stays, so you'll have a refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer as well as this table. You'll just need beds, dressers and a television plus whatever else you may want," Marilyn informed them.

"We have Jim's old bed in the basement. Chris can have it so at least he has a bed. It's only a twin size, but at least it's comfortable," Heather offered.

"Sounds like a plan," Nick said as he looked at his watch. "I can't believe that it's after noon already. What do you ladies think of the idea of going to that new Dole restaurant that opened up? I hear they have a great teriyaki burger. It'll be my treat," Nick offered.

"Sounds delicious to me," Heather stated. "the way Jim likes teriyaki, I'd bet he would love it, too."

"So would Zac," Marilyn added as they drove to the restaurant. As they pulled in, they spotted Zac's truck in the parking lot. "Speaking of the devils..."

Zac and Jim were walking out carrying three bags of sandwiches. "Is somebody hungry?" Nick teased.

"These are all for Chris," Zac joked.

"I seriously hope that you are kidding," Nick stated.

"Two of the sandwiches are, anyway," Jim said. "Jackson's treating us for lunch and asked if we wanted to try this place since they just opened. I was all for it."

"That doesn't surprise me. I was just telling them that as much as you love teriyaki, you'd probably like this place," Heather smiled.

"If anyone would know that, it'd be you or Zac. Do you have anything planned for supper tonight?" Jim asked.

"Why, are you wanting teriyaki burgers for supper?" Heather responded.

"No, but Ryan found a recipe that I think sounds good. I want to try making it. Can I expect eleven to be eating?" Jim replied. "I need to know how much chicken to get."

"If Marilyn and Vince join us, it'll be eleven," Heather answered.

"I wouldn't mind trying whatever," Marilyn said.

"Good, if I can convince my handsome, charming, sweet, loveable boyfriend to stop at the grocer's on the way home, I'll get enough for eleven," Jim smiled and made eyes at Zac.

"You have another boyfriend besides me?" Zac teased.

"Sure do, he stares at you every morning when you brush your teeth and shave," Jim kidded.

"Damn, that guy is good looking," Zac laughed. "But I gotta warn you, he's a lousy kisser. His lips taste like glass."

Nick, Marilyn and Heather went into the restaurant shaking their heads while Jim and Zac headed for the ranch.

On the way home, the boys got everything that Jim needed to make their meal, but since Austin doesn't like mushrooms, Jim grabbed two extra cans of cream of chicken soup. When they got home, Zac assisted him and they prepped six cups of rice to double the recipe. Jim cut the chicken up as he figured it would cook better and be easier to get it out of the dish.

With the rice cooked and the oven set, Jim started putting the dish together. He divided the rice between two nine by thirteen inch pans, put little more than half the chicken in one for the adults and the rest in the other for the teens. He had mixed two cans of cream of chicken with one can of cream of cheddar soup and layered that on top. The rice kept wanting to move with the mix as he spread it. Once it was in the oven, he told everyone that it would be ready in forty-five minutes.

Just before Jim started putting food on the table, Nick's cell went off. When he hung up his phone, he was smiling. "I take it that was a good call?" Heather asked.

"Oh yes. That was my insurance agent calling. She stated that they are willing to pay full value for my house, including clean up as well as forty thousand dollars to cover our lost belongings. After she had spoken with the fire inspector, the company already cut a check and I can pick it up Monday morning. And once the culprit who started the fire is caught, that person will be sued by the insurance company for the full amount," Nick started chuckling.

"Great, then if you want to give me a check, I can get everything done on Monday and you can start moving in. That house had been on the market for three months, so my realtor company paid the previous owner. Technically, I own that house until it goes into your name. And I don't care if you start moving once the check is deposited," Marilyn informed him.

"What do you say, Chris? Do you want to move into our new house on Monday?" Nick asked.

"Where is it? Can we go check it out after supper?" Chris responded.

"You see that fence right there?" Nick said pointing at the fence separating the two properties. "Our new house is just on the other side. Heather and I are talking about either removing that fence or putting a gate in to connect the yards."

"If I can have any say in it, I think we should just remove it. What type of fencing does the other property have?" Jim asked.

"It has the same. What I am thinking is, we save that section of fence, and once Heather and I get married, we may move that house to the lot I have now and sell it, then close up that end of the lot and put in either a barn or a swimming pool," Nick stated.

"Since we can keep horses at the ranch, I suggest a pool," Joe threw in.

"I agree with Joe," Jim said.

"I wouldn't mind a pool," Chris agreed.

"I like Joe's logic. It would be nice to have Aurixi here, but we don't have to do the work with her at the ranch and a pool would be nice," Heather smiled.

"Well, you were the one I was thinking of for the barn," Nick averred looking at Heather. "So I'm guessing we all want a pool. And Marilyn, Vince, you and Zac will be free to use it whenever you want once it's built."

"I'll go get my trunks now," Vince joked.

"Umm Dad, one, it's not built yet and two, you'd freeze your umhum off if you went outside in trunks right now," Zac said seriously. Everyone laughed.

Jim had put the dishes on the table while they were talking. Since there were six adults, they took the big table. The four teens and the "ornery" teen sat at the smaller table. After they ate, Heather and Nick took everyone to check out the house. Marilyn let Nick keep the key.

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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