Another Chance - Book Three

by Zarek Dragon

 

This was going to be a big day for Joe, he was turning eighteen. A surprise party was out of the question; he knew there was definitely going to be a party. On the Friday before, Joe wanted to help decorate for it, but Jackson wouldn't hear of it. He told Joe that he could supervise but since it was for his birthday, he wasn't allowed to work on the decorations.

After the barn was decorated, Jim went to pick up Jake and Patrick from school. Scott asked, "Do you mind if I ride with you? Mom called Patrick's cell phone and asked me to ask. We have a horse foaling and so Dad's busy and won't be here for another hour at least."

Jim gave Scott a smile and responded, "You're always welcome to ride with us. You don't need to ask, just let us know. So, is your mom helping your dad, or why didn't she come?"

Scott gave a sheepish grin, "Mom might kill me for telling you but when I was four, she slid on ice and totaled our vehicle. I was in a coma for weeks. Now, she will only drive during the summer, and she prefers not to even then."

Jim was surprised, "Wow, I've only ever seen her with your dad, this kind of explains why. I slid on ice and was hit by a truck, totaling my car and putting my cousin in the hospital. I'm glad I didn't give up driving because of it. But, that being your mother's choice, I can understand it, especially since she didn't confront it right away."

Patrick handed Scott his phone, "Call your mom to let her know that you are with us."

Scott took the phone and called his house. As he was pushing the buttons, Jim told him, "We're going back to the ranch to make plans for Uncle Joe's birthday party and then we can drop you off at your house on the way home."

Scott told his mom what Jim had said and she said that it was no problem. She even suggested that he could spend the weekend if he wanted. Scott started to say that he didn't have any other clothes with him, but Patrick offered to let him borrow some from his closet. The boys were close enough in size that they could trade clothes.

Scott asked if they could stop someplace so he could buy Joe a present. Patrick replied, "I hope you don't mind, but I put your name on my present to Uncle Joe. I know you like him as much as I do, so I didn't think you would mind."

"Well, what do I owe you for my share?" Scott asked.

Patrick grinned, "A billion dollars, or one kiss. But I must warn you, I don't have change if you pay with a kiss."

"Seriously," Scott asked, "what do I owe you?"

Patrick whispered in Scott's ear so that no one else heard what he paid for the present and then said, "But I will take a kiss from you over money any day."

Jim started to laugh, "Scott, I think he's hinting there. Just kiss him and make him happy."

"Dad, I'm happy just being with him; the kiss just elevates that happiness," Patrick insisted.

As Scott gave Patrick a kiss, Jim saw Jake in his rearview mirror. He was covering his eyes, and Jim started to laugh.

Sunday, as they walked into the party barn, Joe met them at the door, "Scott, how did you get dragged into coming to my birthday party? I'm happy to see you."

Scott gave Joe a hug as he responded, "Thanks, Uncle Joe. Dad couldn't pick me up at school because our mare was foaling on Friday. I get to name the foal, and since today is your birthday, can I name it after you?"

Joe gave a funny look and asked, "You want to name a horse Joe?"

Scott grimaced, "That doesn't sound like a good name for a horse, any suggestions?"

"Well do you know if it'll be a filly or a colt?" Joe inquired.

Scott shook his head, "Not yet, I haven't been home."

Joe grinned, "OK, I'll try to think of some names. In the meantime, grab some punch and have fun."

Patrick looked at Joe and said, "Uncle Joey."

Joe smiled, "That would be a good name for a colt, or you could call it Aunt Josephine if it's a filly."

Scott quickly agreed, "I like those names."

Joe walked over to where Jackson, Jacob and Brock Radcliffe VII were. He overheard Jackson talking, "So, Jacob's 'father-in-law,' so to speak, bought the land and you're donating more money to The Rescue to ensure that it can pay Jacob, Josh and your son for a very long time?"

Brock responded, "I hope that it doesn't upset you, I mean, I was just telling Brock that I was going to donate more to The Rescue and he told me what Jake and Josh had shared with him. He's all excited about being able to earn money instead of asking me for it when he wants to take Jared out."

Jackson gave a smile, "I'm just glad that The Rescue will be in good hands. Josh was doing an excellent job, but this way, he can take a break without worry, your son is happy and I know that my brother will be less stressed."

"And if Zac and Jim would like, I wouldn't mind removing the fence, almost merging the two properties," Jacob threw in.

Seeing Joe heading towards them, Jackson replied, "Sorry to be talking shop at your party, Joe; but you'll be part owner, what do you think?"

"There's nothing wrong with this conversation. Yeah, it is shop, but we are at the ranch. As for the idea of removing the fence, I don't see any reason why Zac or Jim would mind. You do realize though, that we plan to take in boys who have been abandoned, right? We probably won't for a few years, but that is what we have planned."

Jacob gave a flashy grin, "That's all the more reason I would like to do it. If any of those boys would like to volunteer at The Rescue, I know Jack and Josh would love to train them. I've not been around horses as much, so I'm still learning myself, but if it'll be a few years, then maybe I can help train them as well. And it'll help the boys feel not only wanted, but needed."

Brock looked at Joe and said, "About you taking these boys in, I would like to donate on a regular basis for that. I already give a million dollars a year to Aunt Sallie for the group home, I would like to match that for your ranch."

Joe replied, "You need to talk with Mom about that. Jim and Zac aren't aware yet, but she's been talking with Nate King since Christmas about setting up a foundation for it."

"And who is Nate King?" Brock asked.

"When Jim and Zac went to pick up the yearlings in South Dakota, we ran into them. Nate's grandson and his grandson's boyfriend are the ones who donated that money to Patrick Henry at Christmas time," Joe answered.

"Yes, I remember that," Brock acknowledged.

Jackson spoke up, "Speaking of which, I need someone to go pick up Patrick's horse in Utah."

Joe smiled, "Buster and I can do it, unless you want Jim and Zac to do it again. That being the case, we will stay with the boys."

"We'll discuss that this week, but the horse will be ready on the weekend. Now, we've done enough shop talk, let's have some fun," Jackson requested.

Joe went to find Jim and Zac and asked them their opinion about removing the fence between the two properties. As he walked away, he heard Jackson asking Brock, "So you'll be donating a million a year to the group home, a million a year to The Rescue, and a million a year to the boys' ranch?"

Joe was surprised when he heard Brock's answer. "I have offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo. I make ten times what I'm donating each year, so it's nothing. Money helps get things done but true happiness comes from helping those you care about. Brock's starting to understand that and I am so proud of the young man he's becoming."

Joe thought, "Yeah, he's definitely become a young man to be proud of, especially compared to when they first met him." He found Jim and Zac and shared with them about the idea of merging the properties. He purposely neglected to inform them about the donation since he knows those involved want to surprise them.

Jackson stood on a chair and got everyone's attention, "I want to thank everyone for coming to help celebrate this momentous occasion. This is Joe's eighteenth birthday and I remember how excited he was when he joined our lives. He said it was the first time that he ever felt wanted. Now Joe plans to go to college and get a degree to help other 'unwanted' boys to feel wanted. Joe, we are so proud of you and even though I'll mainly be in Colorado, I will visit once in a while to see how much you accomplish."

"Thanks, Jackson," Joe replied. Joe was going to leave it at that, but everyone wanted him to give a speech, so Joe stood on a chair. "Two years and three months ago, my biological parents threw me out of the house, making me feel unwanted and ashamed that I was gay. Right away, I discovered the Bolts who took me in and let me know that I had nothing for which to be ashamed. I felt wanted, not only by Mom, who proved being a mother has nothing to do with giving birth, but also by Jim and Zac. Jim has stood by my side and when Buster and I get married, I know Jim will be by my side as my best man. He and I would argue about who was luckier to have the other as a brother until we finally agreed that we both are very lucky. Zac, you've always been there for me as well and I'm very lucky to have you as a brother. It may officially be brother-in-law, but you are just as much a brother as Jim.

"Then we got double lucky when Mom married Nick, or as I like calling him, Dad. Dad brought with him another brother for us. In the seven months since Mom and Dad have been married, Chris has proven that he belongs with this family with the love that he's shown all of us as well as accepting our love. I'm sure Mom can tell you, none of us are perfect, but we have a perfect love for one another. And looking around, seeing so many faces, Jackson, Ryan who came here today, and Colt, Dusty and Cheyenne, Matt and Gina, Jon, and too many for me to mention all of you, so please don't feel slighted, all of you mean so much to me. Looking at Brock and his son Brock along with Tonya, I remember when we met and how exasperated Jim became, but I also remember the good days even more than the bad. I hear they have a special day coming up."

"Today is your birthday, we can make an announcement another time," the older Brock stated.

Joe insisted, "Nonsense, you making the announcement today would make today even more special."

"If you really feel that way," Brock conceded, "Many of you know that Tonya and I have agreed to get married. We set the wedding date and would like to have the wedding here on the Third of July. We thought about doing it on the Fourth so we could joke that the whole nation was setting off fireworks for our wedding, but we decided to honor our nation by not doing that. Ryan, if possible, we'd like for you to officiate. Brock has agreed to be my best man, something he has totally earned." Everyone saw the younger Brock blush.

Ryan spoke up, "I'd love to officiate; it would be an honor."

Zac looked at Ryan, "Just make sure you bring your husband and son and stay around for a few days." Ryan nodded his head and smiled, knowing what Zac meant.

After Joe opened his presents for everyone to see, everyone started to leave. Scott walked over to Joe and gave him a hug. "Uncle Joe, Patrick called my house to let them know we're on the way. Mom said that the foal was a colt and asked what his name would be. I told them that I would like to name him Uncle Joey."

Joe hugged Scott tightly and picked him up. He gave Scott a kiss on the cheek and said, "I think that's the best birthday present I received today because it came from your heart."

"You like it better than the X-Box someone gave you?" Scott asked.

Joe smiled, "Yeah, as much as I like having a newer X-Box, I like you naming a colt after me more. I hope you and Patrick stay friends or even boyfriends forever."

Scott blushed, "I'd like that too. I love Patrick and want to be his forever."

Joe advised, "Just don't take him for granted and when you have a disagreement, talk things out. There will be times when you will argue, but use those times to strengthen your relationship. You may not understand what I mean yet, but trust me, you will."

"Thanks Uncle Joe," Scott acknowledged, "I think I know what you mean now. I can't really explain it, but I think I understand."

Jim and Zac planned to drop Scott off at his house on the way home, but Patrick wanted to see Uncle Joey so they got out and walked to the barn. Dena came out and asked, "Uncle Joey is a good name for the colt, but how'd you come up with it?"

Scott smiled, "Today is Uncle Joe's birthday." Dena got a perplexed look on her face.

Jim offered, "I hope you don't mind, but Joe is my brother and therefore Patrick's uncle. Since Patrick calls him Uncle Joe, so does Scott."

"No, I don't mind, it all makes sense, now," Dena agreed. "Uncle Joey is a really great name for the colt and I'm glad you feel like honoring Uncle Joe in this way."

Scott gave Dena a hug, "Thanks Mom. Uncle Joe said it was the best present he received today."

Jim smiled, "Yeah, I pre-ordered the next expansion for 'World of Warcraft' for him, but a gift like this just can't be beat."

Scott's eyes got big, "'World of Warcraft!' I've always wanted to play it but Mom thinks I'm too young."

Zac offered, "Some of the best players are ten or eleven years old and you can set parental controls."

Dena inquired, "Do you let Patrick play?"

In response Jim stated, "He hasn't expressed a desire to play, but he has watched me play. I wouldn't have a problem with getting him his own account."

"Seriously!" Patrick exclaimed. "I think it would be fun to play. Maybe you, Papa, Scott and I could play together."

"What about Uncle Joe? I just mentioned a few minutes ago about getting him the next expansion?" Jim teased.

Patrick asked, "Can we play with five on the team?"

Zac replied, "In the game it's called a group or party and five is the maximum for a normal group, but you can have raid groups. There are raid dungeons with a difficulty level of either ten or twenty players. Dad, Uncle Joe and I walk through some of the lower levels like they are nothing."

"Well if Patrick starts playing, I'll let Scott," Dena agreed. Scott was really excited and started jumping around.

"When we get home, I'll set up Patrick's account and have him send Scott a referral. That way, Scott and you will be able to evaluate the game and he can play for free until he reaches level 20, but he'll have lots of restrictions, like maximum gold will be ten and he won't be able to use certain things. If you like the game and want to continue playing, he'll have to buy the game and then it's just under fifteen dollars a month. And once he pays for his first two months, Patrick will get either a mount or a pet for referring him."

"Please Mom?" Scott begged.

Dena gave Scott a smile, "If Patrick sends you a referral, I'll let you, but you have to pay for it out of your allowance."

Scott asked, "I've already seen kids playing it at school during lunch and know I want to play. Do I have to wait until I reach level twenty to pay for it?"

Zac shook his head, "No, you can pay for it at any time. Just use the link that Patrick has battle.net send you, it'll get Patrick a gift and make things easier for you to join."

Scott smiled and said, "I will wait, especially if it means Patrick gets something."

Arriving at the house, Jim started his laptop and sent Patrick a link. He also advised him that World of Warcraft can become addicting, so schoolwork and chores had to be done before he could play. Once Jim had his account active, he showed Patrick how to send the link to Scott. He was surprised when he saw that Scott paid for two months right away and he could choose his mount or pet.

Monday after school, Jim picked up Jake and Patrick and drove back to the ranch. Patrick was surprised to see Buster at the ranch since Buster only works the weekends. He was really surprised when Joe met them and they all walked into the office. Jackson greeted them, "I'm glad that everyone is here. This Saturday, Patrick Henry's new horse will be ready for pick up, so I need two of you to go do it, or if you want, Colt and I will go."

Joe spoke first, "We've discussed it and Patrick, we decided that it's your choice; would you like for your dad and papa to go pick up the horse, then Uncle Buster and I would stay with you and Jake, or would you rather we go so they can stay home with you?"

Patrick was a little surprised but quick to respond, "What about Uncle Buster and school?"

"The Rescue in Utah is a shorter drive so they can leave after Buster gets out of school," Jackson replied.

Patrick inquired, "Then, is there any way I would be able to go? Patrick is my friend and I would like to go help pick up his horse."

"Then you think your family should go pick up the horse," Jackson more stated than questioned.

Patrick smiled, thinking he had a chance, "Yeah, I mean, no offense to Uncle Joe and Uncle Buster, but if they went, I would still want to go. But it would be easier if Dad and Papa went and took Jake and me."

"Boys," Jackson started, "we hadn't considered that idea. I can see Patrick wanting to go along; after all, it is his friend's horse."

"Buster and I will watch the house and take care of the dogs for you," Joe offered.

Buster suggested, "And we could watch Jake if he doesn't want to travel."

"I love you Uncle Buster, but I wanna go with Daddy and Papa," Jake blurted out.

Jim was beside Patrick with his arm around the boy. He gave him a slight squeeze before saying, "I guess our family will be taking a trip this weekend."

Joe offered, "Would you like to use my SUV so the boys can watch a movie or something during the drive?"

"Thanks for the offer, Joe," Zac acknowledged, "but I had a DVD system installed in Jim's and my truck."

Friday morning, as Zac dropped Jake off at school, he informed Jake's teacher that Buster would be picking the boy up. When he got to the middle school, he told Patrick, "Dad and I will be getting the truck ready for the trip. Uncle Buster will be the TA for your last class, so he agreed to bring you to the ranch as well as pick up Jake."

Patrick kissed Zac on the cheek and said, "Thanks Papa. I'll see you when we get there, then."

Zac smiled thinking, 'I'm gonna hate when he feels too old to do that.'

The day was going by too slowly for Patrick. He was anxious to get on the road with his dad and papa. Finally, the last class let out and he rushed with Buster to his car. The temperature was just below thirty-one degrees outside, with a dusting of fresh snow on the ground, but for some reason Patrick was sweating. Buster couldn't believe the sweat running off the boy. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Patrick replied, "I'm fine, just anxious to go get Patrick's horse."

Buster put his hand to Patrick's forehead, "Dude, you're burning up. I'm calling the ranch."

Whining, Patrick begged, "Please, Uncle Buster, I'm fine. I just want to go pick up the horse. And I'm sweating, isn't that a good sign?"

Buster shook his head, "Not always. I know a lot of people claim that you can't have a fever and sweat, but I know that's not always true, and you are burning up. Do you have a scratchy throat, headache or a tightness in your chest?"

Patrick hesitated, "Ummm, no, just a bellyache."

Buster pulled out his cell phone and ordered, "Call Joe." The phone made a few noises and Joe answered. Buster spoke calmly but with an urgency in his voice, "Can one of you guys pick up Jake? I think I need to get Patrick to the hospital."

"Yeah, sure, I'll pick Jake up. What's wrong with Patrick?" Joe asked. Jim caught the worrisome tone in his voice, but waited to respond.

Buster became frantic, "Oh no, he just doubled over. I'm not a doctor, so I don't know, but he's sweating in this cold weather. He admits that he had a bellyache earlier. Hopefully it's nothing, but I'm not taking any chances. I can't talk any more, I'm heading to the hospital."

Joe didn't even get a chance to tell Buster to just go. Jim had a tear running down his face as he asked, "What's wrong with Patrick?"

Joe answered, "Buster didn't really say, but someone needs to pick up Jake and one or both of you need to get to the hospital. I'm heading to Jake's school."

Jackson didn't hesitate, "I'm heading to the hospital. I'll call Josh and ask him or Jacob to watch the ranch for us. Jacob's over there learning what he can before we move it. Your truck is attached to the trailer, so you can ride with me."

Jim was a nervous wreck and glad that he wasn't driving. Zac kept rubbing his back and telling him that everything was going to be alright. They arrived in the hospital and rushed to the emergency room, and found Buster sitting in the waiting room. "How's Patrick?" Jim asked.

Buster seemed nervous as he cried, "I… I... I don't know. He was burning up and said that he had a bellyache. He was passed out when we arrived." Tears were streaming down Buster's face.

Zac stated, "He was nauseous before school but insisted that he was just anxious about our trip."

Jackson looked like he was suddenly surprised, "Speaking of which, I need to call that rescue in Utah and let them know we'll be delayed picking up the horse."

A doctor came out and walked over to Buster. "Is one of the boy's parents on their way? We really can't treat him without permission from one of them."

Zac stood up, "I'm his Papa and my husband is his dad. We may not look old enough, but he was adopted and I have his adoption papers to prove it if necessary."

"That won't be necessary. Are you Jim or Zac?" The doctor asked.

Zac gave a weak smile, "I'm Zac. Can you tell me what's wrong with him?"

"To be honest, we have an idea but at this time, we don't know. Do you know if he still has his appendix?"

Jim answered, "As far as we know he does. Will he be alright?"

"We always hope so, but we won't know until after we treat him. I'm optimistic."

"Can we see him?" Jim cried.

"Let's us find out what's wrong first. If it's what I suspect, time may be critical."

The doctor went back into the emergency room. Jim sat down and started crying with Zac holding him. Joe and Jake walked into the room and Jake ran over to Zac and Jim. "Why is Daddy crying? Where's Patrick?"

Zac put Jake on his knee, "Daddy's worried about Patrick. Patrick's very sick and will be in the hospital for a few days."

The doctor came back out and approached Zac. "I was right, he has acute appendicitis and we're prepping him for surgery. It's a good thing he was brought in when he was. From the looks of things, his appendix is very inflamed and on the verge of bursting. He's not out of the woods yet, but your friend may have saved his life."

Joe leaned over to Buster and said, "Thank you for being right. I'm glad you used your best judgment and came here." Then he gave his love a kiss.

Buster gave Joe a hug and said, "I knew something wasn't right. I just did what was logical to me."

"Well, I'm glad. When we have children, I know you'll be a great dad," Joe stated.

Buster smiled, "I hope we have children that take after you. I don't care how many we have as long as you and they are happy, but I do want children."

Joe gave Buster another kiss and then stated, "I've always wanted children, but after seeing you with Patrick and Jake, I really want children."

It was almost two hours before the doctor came back out. Jim looked at the doctor's face and started to cry, but these weren't sad tears. The doctor was smiling and Jim felt relieved. "Patrick came out of the surgery just fine. He's in the recovery room and will be out for another half hour or so, but you can go see him one at a time. Once he's in his room, I'll allow more. Oh, and if we would have waited five more minutes, the surgery would have taken longer because the appendix would definitely have ruptured."

Jim walked over to Buster, hugged him and said "Thank you for saving my boy's life. I am so glad you were there."

Buster was choked up and his voice was raspy, "I… I… I am too, but you needn't thank me. I love him like a son, myself. I'm just glad we got him here on time."

Jim waited to go back and see Patrick. He was hoping that Patrick would be awake before he went back. Buster, also wanted to wait. Buster went just before Jim and Patrick opened his eyes. "You gave us quite a scare, Bud. You had appendicitis and I almost didn't get you here in time."

In a raspy voice, Patrick asked, "Did Dad and Papa go to pick up Patrick's horse? I wanted to go." Buster noticed a tear running down his face.

Shaking his head, Buster informed the boy, "No, they are in the waiting room. You and Jake are the most important people to them, do you honestly think they would leave with you here? Your papa, Uncle Joe and Jackson already came back to see you. Your dad will be coming back when I go back out. The rest of the family is out there too, but they're going to wait until you are in your room to come visit."

Patrick held his arms up and Buster moved in for a hug. Patrick whispered, "Thank you for saving my life, Uncle Buster."

"I'm happy that I did. I love you, Patrick," Buster declared. "I'll go out so your dad can come back. And then they'll take you to your room."

Buster left and Jim came rushing into the room. Without saying a word, he hugged Patrick and cried. Patrick whispered, "I'm sorry."

Jim pulled away and gave him a funny look. "What are you sorry for?" he asked. "You have nothing to be sorry for. This just happened. It's not your fault."

In his raspy voice, Patrick stated, "But I caused you to worry."

Jim smiled, "Again, that's not your fault. I'm glad that you're alright."

Patrick asked, "So how long do I have to stay in here? I really wanted to go with you and Papa to pick up Patrick's horse."

Jim explained, "Don't worry. Jackson called and told them that one of the persons coming was in the hospital, but we will be on our way after you can go."

Patrick smiled, "Thank you, Dad. I love you."

A nurse came over to them. "We are taking Patrick to his room. If you would like to follow, you may. Otherwise, please go out to the waiting room with the rest of the family and a staff member will inform you when he is settled." Jim opted to follow them.

After Patrick was settled, the doctor came in the room. Patrick asked him, "Will I be out of the hospital in time for school on Monday?"

"I'm afraid not. You may get out Monday or Tuesday, but then you'll need to rest for a few days. I'm recommending you not return until next Friday or the Monday after."

With a sad look on his face, Patrick complained, "There goes my perfect attendance. I had never missed a day of school since I started kindergarten."

The doctor smiled, "I'm glad to hear that. You are a bright boy and it feels good hearing you say that. There is a way in which you can attend classes for a week without being there. Brock Radcliffe donated some robotics for children in the hospital to be able to attend school while in the hospital. You will be given access while in the hospital and the robot will download your schedule. It will go to all of your classes as scheduled and you will be considered present for all of them. PE will be the only one that you won't really be able to participate in. Once you get home, you will still have access until you are released to return to school."

"Seriously? That would be so cool?" Patrick was excited by the idea. "And I really don't want to miss school if I don't have to. What does it cost?"

The doctor declared, "For you, nothing. When Mr. Radcliffe donated them, he made it clear that he didn't want any patient having to pay a penny to use any of them. Unfortunately, some patients don't care if they miss school so they don't use them but hearing you, I know you will make good use of one. You just have to use a laptop, which the hospital supplies and you'll return it when you're done with it. All of your text books will be on the laptop."

"What about turning in homework?" Patrick asked.

"Some teachers don't mind waiting until you actually return to school to accept it, but the robots are tied into the school's network and can print the assignment on the school's printer in the office. It was funny when we first started the program and the printer started printing without the secretary knowing why. She thought the printer was possessed."

Patrick started to laugh and replied, "I would have loved to have seen that."

Jim nodded his head and added, "Me, too."

The doctor stated, "I'll go let the rest of the family know that he's in his room. Don't stay too long. Patrick needs his rest."

Jim hugged and kissed Patrick, "Bud, I think I'm going out to the lobby so others can come back. I love you and can't wait for you to come home."

The doctor looked around the crowd in the lobby and told them, "Patrick is in his room, he's very alert and looking good. You can visit him at any time, the hospital has no special visitors' time. With the exception of this little guy, no more than three in the room at a time. This little guy can be back there with three others." Jake chuckled every time the doctor referred to him as "this little guy."

Zac picked Jake up and started back to see Patrick. They met Jim coming out of Patrick's room. "How's he feeling?"

Jim smiled, "He was upset about not going with us to Utah until I told him that the trip was postponed until he can go, and he's excited about using a robot to keep his perfect attendance at school."

Zac chuckled, "He's not normal. I think most kids would want to use being in the hospital as an excuse to stay away from school for a few days."

"Perhaps," Jim partially agreed, "but then, if given the opportunity to use a robot, I wouldn't have missed school during kindergarten when I had chicken pox. It's the only time that I missed."

"What about when you went to Montana to see William, or were in court for Chris?" Zac questioned.

Jim smiled, "I made a deal with the teachers and did extra work so I would still be counted present. They told me what we were going over and what the homework was going to be. I had to email them a report on what I learned and the homework wasn't allowed to be late, it had to be sent the same day. Not only did I get an A for the work, I was considered present since I basically taught myself."

Zac gave Jim a funny look, "Are you sure you and Patrick aren't biologically related?"

Jim laughed, "The only time Dusty missed was when he was in the car accident, but the teachers gave of their time going over what he missed so he has a perfect attendance. While I do agree that probably most students would take the time off, I know that there are others like Dusty, Patrick and myself who would attend even when sick if there were a possibility."

Zac shook his head, "As Joe said; straight-A students, all of you, but I'm glad that you like school so much."

Jim smiled, "But if I had to choose between school or being with my family when they really needed me, I would miss school in a heartbeat."

Zac gave Jim a kiss and said, "I hope you never have to prove that, but I know you would. Come back in with us."

Jim put his arm around Zac and they walked into Patrick's room. Jim chuckled, "Are you feeling any better?"

Patrick laughed, "Than a few minutes ago? Sure, my dad AND papa are here along with my little bro." Jake gave Patrick a smile. "By the way Dad, is Austin still going to stay with us during the summer?"

Jim replied, "That is the plan, why do you ask?"

"We have a new kid in my class. His family just moved here from Yokosuka, Japan. I was telling him that I had a cousin who used to live in Japan, but I barely met him. I told him that Austin might be staying with us and he would like to meet him. Plus, I am hoping Austin will be willing to help me learn some Japanese," Patrick answered.

Jim mussed up Patrick's hair, "I'm sure Austin would love to help you learn Japanese. As for your friend, he's welcome to visit as long as his parents approve. What's his name?"

Patrick got a big grin on his face, "Akio."

Jim kissed Patrick on the forehead, "Well, I've hogged you enough. I'm going to head to the lobby so someone else can come back. In the meantime, have a nice chat with your papa and little bro."

Jim heard Zac saying, "He really loves you, you know. He was so worried, as was I, but he was really worried."

Jim reached the waiting room and it was crowded with not only his family, but Zac's family, Walker Jenkins, Miss Columbus was there with the Kennedys, Richard and Toby Maelstrom, and the Gavins. The family that really surprised Jim was the Henrys. Jim walked over to them, "Mr. and Mrs. Henry, I'm happy to see you, but what brought you here? Patrick's looking good. I would have never guessed he was sick a few months back."

Mr. Henry stated, "Please, call me John. Yeah, Patrick is back to the boy he was before getting leukemia, that rodeo worked a miracle, and Maggie tells me that you orchestrated it. No, we're not here for my Patrick, Jackson called us to tell us of the delay in getting his horse. When we told him, he begged to come see his friend."

"I'm happy to see you and I'm sure Patrick will enjoy seeing Patrick," Jim chuckled. Then he stood on a chair and announced, "I want to thank everyone for coming to see Patrick, but he just had surgery, so I hope no one gets offended if I ask you to come back tomorrow. One person can go back now and then maybe two more people, but after that, Patrick needs his rest. Since the Henrys drove all of this way, I hope no one minds if Patrick goes back as the one more."

Everyone agreed so Patrick Henry went back. Jackson walked up to Jim, "I'll see Patrick when he's able to come to the ranch, just let him know that I was here but agreed that he needed his rest. As for you and Zac, since you were supposed to be gone, I already have you covered for tomorrow and Sunday, so be here for Patrick. You want to ride with me so you can get your truck?"

Jim gave Jackson a hug, "Thank you Jackson, and I'll be sure to let him know how much you care about him."

Patrick Henry walked into the room and looked at Patrick, "I gave you my horse and then when it's time to get my new horse, how do you repay me? By getting sick. Some friend you are."

Patrick started to cry, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, honest."

Zac patted Patrick on the shoulder, "He's joking Bud, he's not upset with you."

"Yeah, I'm sorry if I upset you, I was just kidding," Patrick H. admitted. "You couldn't control getting sick any more than I could control getting leukemia. And your dad told me how much you wanted to go get my new horse. I'm glad you didn't go and have this happen on the road. Mom says that it could have killed you."

Patrick wiped his eyes, "That's what the doctor told me, too. Uncle Buster literally saved my life."

Zac kissed Patrick on the forehead, "We'll see you tomorrow, Bud. Dad and I are going to take Jake home. Hopefully someone brought our truck here. It was hooked to the trailer, so Jackson brought us. Don't let too many people visit today. When you're ready to go back to sleep, politely ask them to leave. OK?"

"Sure Papa, I will," Patrick answered.

Zac carried Jake to the waiting room and found it almost empty. Joe, Buster, the Henrys and Jim were the only ones still there. Buster walked over to him, "How's he feeling?"

"He's a little emotional right now. I think he's hoping you go back to see him; he wants to thank you personally."

Buster smiled, "He already did once; he doesn't need to again, but I'll go back to see him. I'm just happy I didn't take any chances. I had hoped I was overreacting, but I'm glad that I brought him here just to be sure."

"As we all are," Zac stated. "I would rather you overreact and it be nothing than to have taken a chance that it was nothing serious. I can't wait to see you and Joe have your own kids. Both of you will be great dads."

Patrick Henry came out, looked at Buster and said, "He's hoping to see you and Uncle Joe, but then he's glad that his dad asked everyone else to come back tomorrow."

Buster responded, "Thanks, I guess Joe and I will go back now so he can get some rest."

That night, Jim found Jake asleep in Patrick's bed. "He really misses him," Jim cooed to Zac.

Zac smiled, "I know he does, so do I as I am sure you do as well."

Jim gave Zac a kiss and climbed into bed. He admitted, "You know me too well." Then they snuggled together and went to sleep.

Saturday morning Jake woke Jim and Zac up, "Daddy, Papa, we're late. The sun is up and we're not at the ranch."

Jim pulled Jake into the bed and said, "Jackson gave us the day off so we can go see Patrick in the hospital. Why don't you sleep here until we're ready to go?"

Jake shook his head, "I'm ready now. I miss my brother."

Jim gave Jake a kiss on the cheek and said, "I know you do, but Patrick needs his sleep so we'll go a little later."

"Ok, I'll wait to go so Patrick can rest," Jake conceded.

On the way to the hospital, they stopped at Scott's house to see if he wanted to go. Ed Gavin stated, "We were planning to go later so Scott could see him, but if he wants to go with you now, I think he would like that."

Scott rushed to get ready and walked out to Jim and Zac's truck. As he was getting in, Jim apologized, "I'm soooo sorry that you didn't get to see Patrick yesterday. He does know that you were in the lobby."

"I understand, he just had surgery and needed rest," Scott agreed. "I'm just thankful that you thought to stop by today."

Zac commented, "I'm glad you understand. That tells me that you care more about Patrick then yourself."

Scott joked, "No, I'm thinking of myself. I want to keep Patrick in my life for a very long time, so he needed to rest." Jim just shook his head slowly.

They walked into Patrick's room as he was eating lunch. Patrick saw Scott come through the door and put his fork down. "It's about time you get that cute butt to my room. I couldn't see that handsome face when it was in the lobby."

Scott blushed, "I wanted to come back and see you. The doctor said no more than three people at a time but your dad requested that only two come back so you could get some rest."

Jim looked down, "I'm sorry. I didn't know the doctor said three people."

Scott gave Jim a smile, "It's OK, you were thinking of Patrick."

Looking at Patrick's food, Zac asked, "Whatcha have there?"

Patrick smiled, "They gave me liver, asparagus and cottage cheese with peaches. They said that the protein will help me heal faster."

Jake made a face and claimed, "I'd rather heal slower than eat liver."

"But liver is good and good for you," Patrick debated. Jake just shook his head.

Jim nodded his head and explained, "Liver IS good for you, Jake; but some people like it and some don't. Patrick does. And asparagus is the vegetable highest in protein, or so I was told."

Scott winced, "Liver may be good for you, but I'm not crazy about it. Once we get married, I may eat some for my husband, but he'll have to eat most of it." Patrick flashed Scott a smile.

Patrick was curious, "So, why aren't you at the ranch? I mean, I like having you here and I was expecting to see you after you got off, but how'd I get so lucky to see you sooner?"

Zac replied, "Jackson already had us covered since we would have been in Utah, so he thought you would like us coming early."

"And we brought you some coloring books, playing cards and your laptop," Jim added.

Jake offered, "And I can help you color."

After Jim handed him the coloring books, Patrick found one with horses. Jake climbed into bed beside him so Patrick offered him a crayon. Scott sat on the edge of the bed on the opposite side of Jake. He put his arm around Patrick. Jim pulled out his phone and took a picture. He sent it to Trevor.

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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