Another Chance - Book Three

by Zarek Dragon

 

Dr. Bear spoke with Jake for half an hour before letting Jim and Zac in with him.  He told Jim and Zac that the best thing to help him was to just love him.  While he doesn't believe in removing spankings completely, he did agree that they should only be used if necessary.  "And," Dr. Bear was adding, "Jake said that you officially adopted him.  That makes him extremely happy, which may help the nightmares to diminish or disappear.  Fact that he loves you, knows that you love him and knows that he has a permanent home with you will do wonders."

"Good, our main concern is, we don't want him to hurt," Zac stated.  Surprisingly, Jake was sitting on his lap instead of Jim's.

The boys drove home to share the news of Jake's adoption being finalized.  When they walked in, nobody was there.  "Mom's probably at her office, Joe's probably at the ranch," Jim surmised.

"Think your mom would get upset if we stopped by long enough to let her know?" Zac asked.

"No, she'd probably be pleased that we did," Jim replied.

They drove to the law firm where Heather worked.  Not seeing her at her desk, Jim walked over and asked the receptionist where she was.  "She didn't tell you?  She took a vacation day today," the nice lady responded.

"No, she didn't say anything about taking the day off.  Any idea where she may have gone?" Jim asked.

"No, sorry and before I forget, congratulations," the receptionist offered.

"Thanks, we've been married just over two weeks and I feel like it just happened," Jim responded, thinking that she was commenting on their marriage.

"And your adoption of Jake was finalized today, wow!" the receptionist remarked.

"Yeah, Ryan was the judge and everyone agreed that Jake is where he belongs," Jim beamed.

"Let's head to the ranch, we can at least share the good news with Joe, Chris and Jackson.  It wouldn't surprise me if Ryan already let them know," Zac suggested.

Reaching the ranch, Jim thought it was odd that Silver, Gold and Oro were in the corral with their saddles on.  Zac went to the office to find it locked.  "I think someone is up to something and they want us to go for a ride," Jim speculated.

"But this is a big ranch.  Unless it's to the lake, I wouldn't have a clue as to where," Zac commented.

"So, we go to the lake, and if no one is there, we go swimming.  I bet you a kiss that they are there," Jim grinned.

"What, if they are, I'll give you a kiss and if they aren't, you'll give me a kiss?" Zac questioned.  "Why don't I concede and just give you a kiss now?"

"Works for me," Jim replied with a big smile.

After Zac gave Jim a kiss, they sat Jake in Oro's saddle, then mounted their own horses.  As they approached the lake, they could hear people yelling, screaming and just having a good time.  The boys tied their mounts to the hitching post and joined the crowd.  As they approached, they saw Ryan standing there beside a cake that read, "Congratulations Jake!"  There were also balloons everywhere. Some were purple and some were green.

"I believe I owe you a kiss," Zac said.

"You've already conceded and kissed me, but I won't turn down another one," Jim responded, smiling and placing his arms around his husband.

"I want a hug and kiss, too," Jake said.  Jim picked him up and both he and Zac gave Jake a kiss.  Heather took a picture of them doing it.

Jim put Jake down and the little boy saw someone he just had to go talk to.  "Uncle Matt, you came to my party?"

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world.  Congratulations on being officially Jim's and Zac's son," Matt replied.

"Thank you, can I ask a question?" Jake asked.

"Actually, you just did, but go ahead," Matt said, picking up Jake.

"Why is Gina's belly getting bigger?" Jake questioned.

"You think her belly is getting bigger?  Maybe it is a little.  She hasn't told me yet, but I think she has a baby growing in there," Matt whispered.

"How did the baby get in there?" Jake queried.

"I could tell you that, but I think your dads should be the ones with that privilege," Matt stated as he carried Jake back over to Zac and Jim.

"No, you can tell him, I'd like to hear the answer as well," Jim snickered with an evil grin.

"I decline, I believe that's something the dads should do at another time," Matt proclaimed.  "I want to hear more about your honeymoon."

"You've met CJ and Dalton; Second Chance is a beautiful ranch.  I wouldn't want to compare it to this one because they both have their own personalities," Zac started.  "Here, we are strictly western style of riding.  There, they also do English.  We tried it while we were there and decided that we are definitely cowboys."

"I'd rather do a rodeo than prance around on a show pony," Jim added.  "Our first day once we got there, Zac let me sleep in.  When I did awake, he was coming into the room with a tray of food.  I hurried to the bathroom and then Zac ordered me back to bed so he could feed me.  We made a mess in the sheets, but CJ and Danny didn't mind.  They just laughed and said something about newlyweds."

"From the food or…" Matt joked.  Then he quickly asked, "Why didn't they come to the wedding?"

"They wanted to come but they thought they should make sure everything was perfect for when we got there.  They insisted that we have a picnic by their lake.  It was so beautiful," Zac's facial expression appeared very blissful.

"And we swimmed naked in the lake," Jake added.  "Daddy said that it was OK since we were all guys."  Jim's face started turning red.

"Yes, I agree with your dad, but you may not want to share every detail," Matt advised.  "Like if you told Gina that you swam naked, she might feel uncomfortable."

"Oh, OK.  We don't want Aunt Gina to feel uncomfortable.  So did she eat a baby?" Jake questioned.

"No, we'll discuss it at another time," Zac said but his eyes looked at Matt saying thanks.

"He asked," Matt said defensively.

Gina walked over and gave Jim, Jake and Zac a kiss.  "So what are you guys talking about?"

"Nothing right now," Zac stated.

"How did the baby get inside you?" Jake blurted out.

"What?" Gina was taken by surprise.

"It seems that Jake noticed your belly getting bigger and your husband told him that he thinks a baby is growing inside," Jim explained.

"Well, I was at the doctor on Friday and yes, I do have a baby growing inside me.  I'm four weeks along," Gina was glowing as she explained.

"So how did the baby get in there?" Jake was becoming a broken record.

"May I?" Gina asked.  Jim and Zac both nodded, hoping that she would curb Jake's question yet not be too inappropriate.  "Well when a man and woman love each other like Matt and I do, they do things that sometimes produces a baby inside the woman."

"Oh, so you and Uncle Matt made the baby inside you, OK.  And Daddy and Daddy won't make babies even though they love each other like that," Jake grinned.

"Exactly, happy now?" Zac asked.

"Why didn't you just tell me that?" Jake asked.

"To be honest, we weren't sure how to explain it like that," Jim told his son.

"OH, can I have some cake?" Jake's attention switched to the cake like that.  Jim took him from Matt and carried him over to the cake.

"So we are having a baby?" Matt gushed.

"I was wanting to tell you in private and then us or rather we share with Jim, Zac and our families.  Doctor called me this morning with the results," Gina explained.

"I'm so sorry that I spoiled your plans, but you are the most beautiful mother-to-be in the world and I am so happy.  I hope that the baby looks just like you," Matt was beaming.

"You want to tell everyone here?" Zac asked.

"Not today, but yes.  We want today to be about Jake becoming your son," Matt and Gina agreed.

Joe grabbed his guitar and sang while several people took turns dancing with Jake.  Before the day was done, Jake was sitting in a chair fast asleep.  Zac stood on another chair and shouted, "Everyone, I know some are getting ready to leave, Jim and I will be taking Jake home soon.  I appreciate y'all coming and making this day so special for Jake.  Matt and Gina have some news they want to share with you, but don't want to take away from Jake so they were going to wait.  Since he's asleep, I think it's safe if you want to give the news today."

"Thanks Zac," Matt gave Zac the same stare that Zac gave him earlier.  "We wanted Jake to remember how great this day is, so we wanted to wait, but since he is asleep, and since everyone here is family of sorts, Gina and I are having a baby.  She's the one carrying it, though." Everyone laughed.

After Jim was nestled in his saddle, Zac handed him Jake.  "Let's go to the barn, Gold," Jim requested and the horse made his way at a gentle gait to keep from waking the sleeping child.  Jim didn't even hold the reins, trusting his horse.

As they approached the barn, Jim saw the vet pulling in.  Zac took Jake from Jim's arms and the boy stirred a little but didn't wake up. As Jim dismounted, he looked at the vet, "Hey doc, I'm curious. The owner of Gold's sire brought him to the ranch hoping to breed with Aurixi.  She foaled only sixteen days ago so we were wondering how long we should wait."

"I would do it now.  Unlike people, horses generally have a better chance of pregnancy five to sixteen days after foaling.  I'll check on her after I'm done with the colts and make sure she's ready," the vet offered.

"So will tomorrow be too late to start?  With Jake being asleep, I'd like to take him home," Jim sounded a little tired himself.

"That will be fine, the times that I told you are just most ideal.  I'm sure there will be almost as much chance of success tomorrow as today; after all, we are talking about Aurixi.  She is not like any other mare I've looked after."

"Thanks, Doc.  I'll call you tomorrow to see what you discovered," Jim stated.

Sitting in the house at the dinner table, Ryan was reading his mail.  "Hon, I need to fly to Washington, D.C., sometime.  It seems that the U.S. Judicial Board would like a meeting with me at my earliest convenience."

"Would you like for me to go with you?  We can take Colt and make it a working vacation.  And we won't be that far from my parents, so maybe we can visit with them while on the east coast," Jackson suggested.

"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea, what do you say, Dad?" Colt seemed eager.

"I say that we take a vacation.  I'll call the Board to make arrangements and then schedule our flight," Ryan chortled.

"Can we visit Second Chance, too?" Colt requested.

"They are just minutes away from my parents, so we'd better or CJ and Dalton will be mad at me," Jackson chuckled.  "And while in Washington, we won't be far from where the ponies were raised if you'd like to see them in the wild."

"Are those horses going to make noise all night?  Caleb is coming over to spend the night with me and I really would like to enjoy our time," Jeff complained, coming out of his bedroom half-dressed.

"Maybe you should spend the night with him," Jackson suggested.

"Or maybe you should just get used to it.  This is a horse ranch," Caleb stated standing at the door.

"I like you more and more every day, Caleb.  I keep telling him that, and this is breeding season," Jackson stated.  

"And Aurixi is definitely ready, everything looks good," the vet stated as he came up behind Caleb.

"Then can we put her and one of the stallions in the pasture so they can… you know, and maybe quiet down the barn?" Jeff requested.

"Jim said that he's wanting to stud her with that other palomino.  He looks ready as well from a glance," the vet offered.

"Yes, I'll put them in the pasture and then start fixing supper," Jackson declared.

"What are we having?" Colt asked.

"Thank you," Jeff mumbled under his breath.

"I was thinking of making taco-stuffed pasta shells," Jackson answered.

"Want me to start boiling the shells?" Colt offered.

"If you want, sure.  You're welcome to help me make the entire dish if you want," Jackson suggested and Colt's face lit up.  Jackson loved how happy Colt has become since moving in with him last year.

Jim pulled into the drive and Zac got Jake out of the car seat.  "Want me to carry him?" Jim asked.

"No, you look beat yourself.  You open the door and I'll carry him to his bed, get him in his jammies and then do the same to you," Zac said grinning.

"We haven't had supper yet," Jim warned.

"Jake's asleep, you need a nap, supper can wait," Zac insisted.

"Want me to wait by the door so you can carry me to my bed?" Jim chuckled.

"I'm not carrying you to our bed, I'm just planning to get you in your jammies," Zac retorted.

"I don't wear jammies," Jim corrected.

"You might today, you look like you're coming down with something," Zac advised.

"I'm just worn down, we had a big day.  Just let me sleep for a couple of hours and you'll see," Jim stated.

"I don't know, you look pale," Zac had concern in his voice.

Once Jake was in jammies and under the covers, Zac led Jim into their room and helped him undress.  Then he made Jim take a hot shower.  "You're not joining me?" Jim pouted.

"Not this time, I'm picking out 'jammies' for you, maybe these black sweats and a red t-shirt," Zac replied.  Zac heard a thud and ran back into the bathroom.  Jim was laying in the tub with the shower spraying his body.  Zac called nine-one-one right away and then turned off the water.

The dispatcher asked Zac if Jim was breathing.  Zac told him that he was and his breaths seemed normal.  "Good, now check to see if he is bleeding."

"OK, I'm placing you on speaker so I can have my hands free," Zac informed the dispatcher.  "No, I don't see any blood and he's starting to stir."

"OK, don't let him move just yet.  Make sure that he doesn't have any broken bones.  From what you say happened, I have my doubts, but just check for sure.  An ambulance is en-route and should be there in five more minutes."

"I'm alright," Jim growled.  "I just felt really tired, you asked about a red tee and I fell asleep."

"Babe, you fell asleep in the shower and then fell.  Am I wrong to care so much about you?" Zac spoke tenderly.

Heather was surprised to see an ambulance pull up. She opened the door to watch, hoping that nothing was wrong with Vince, Marilyn or Zayne.  She was really surprised when they came up to her.  They asked where Zac was and she directed them upstairs.  Worried, she went up as well.

Jim had the sweats on and just grabbed the shirt when two EMTs walked into the room.  "Where's the patient who fell?" one of the men asked.

"I just fell asleep in the shower, I'm fine," Jim insisted.  The man started shining a light in Jim's eyes and checking him out.  Jim was getting irritated with all the fuss.  "I said that I'm fine, I'm tired but other than that, I am fine."

"Everything appears normal, no sign of a concussion or anything.  I think we should take you in so they can find out why you fell asleep in the shower.  That's not normal.  I can't force you to go," the EMT advised.

"Then I don't want to go," Jim averred.

"Please, do it for me," Zac requested.

"I tell you that I am fine, just tired, but I love you so if it will ease your mind, I will go," Jim conceded.

"Thank you, I love you, also," Zac avowed.  Looking at Heather, "Do you mind watching Jake?  He's asleep so he shouldn't be a problem, but if you have plans, I can wake him and take him with me."

"You just go be with Jim.  I can watch Jake and I'll have Joe drive to the hospital so you and Jim have a way home," Heather agreed.

"Thanks, Mom," Zac chirped and gave her a peck on the cheek.  Zac walked downstairs beside Jim while an EMT was in front and one behind.

"I feel like the President only with EMTs and a very handsome guy as my protection detail," Jim joked. Jim climbed into the ambulance and sat on the gurney.  Zac sat beside him.

After running several tests, a doctor walked into Jim's ER room.  "Mr. Bolt, you appear to be fine, almost everything checked out perfectly," the doctor stated.

"Almost everything?" Zac questioned.

"Yes, his iron count is a little low.  That would explain why he's tired," the doctor replied.

"How can my iron be low?  We eat beef most of the time, some chicken and bacon.  My diet is full of iron," Jim assured.

"Males rarely have iron deficiency from diet.  Have you recently had a wound that bled a lot, or been under stress or very active lately?" the doctor inquired.

"No wounds that I recall, but Zac and I did get married a couple weeks ago.  We signed papers to adopt our son today. He's five," Jim explained.

"An active five year old, how long has he been with you?" the doctor questioned.

"We've had him for two months now, my mom was his foster mother until we got married.  You best not say that he's the cause," Jim argued.

"No, but you are more active with him.  With you still growing yourself, you are probably using more iron than you are taking in.  I suggest getting an iron supplement, at least for now.  Your body will adapt," the doctor advised.

"That's it? You don't need to poke or prod me anymore?" Jim questioned.

"No, you are free to go home, have fun with your son but take care of yourself," the doctor ordered as he left the room.

"I'll poke and prod you if you want," Zac said with a devilish grin.

"You better, but wait until we get home," Jim chuckled.  "And see, I've just been too active, it's nothing serious."

"But don't you feel better knowing why you're so tired and that there is a simple solution?" Zac countered.

"I feel better knowing that you love me enough to care, and knowing that you feel better," Jim smiled.

On the way home, Joe stopped at a drug store and Zac ran in to get the biggest bottle of iron that he could find.  Jim laughed when he saw how big the bottle was.  "Couldn't you find a bigger bottle?" he asked.

"I looked, but two hundred count was the biggest bottle I could find.  It should last you a few days, anyway," Zac exclaimed.

"A few days, how about a few months, over half a year?" Jim remarked.

"Not the way that I plan to feed them to you.  I was thinking an iron tablet every hour should do the trick," Zac insisted.

"You know, there is such a thing as too much iron.  What do the directions say?" Jim questioned.  Joe just giggled as he drove the two home.

"For Adults, take one tablet dairy, preferably…" Zac started reading. "Dairy? They have a typo in these directions, how can I be sure they didn't mean hourly?"

As they entered the house, Heather was on the phone.  She smiled when she saw Jim walking in, relieved that it wasn't serious enough to be kept overnight.  When she hung up the phone, she asked him how he was feeling.

"I'm a little run down.  Found out that I've not been getting enough iron in my diet for as active as I've been since taking care of a five year old.  The doctor recommended taking an iron supplement," Jim stated.

"Many mothers everywhere have had to do that, I did while carrying you and trying to keep up with you.  I should have seen it," Heather recollected.

"So who were you talking to, or was it personal?" Jim asked.

"That was Aunt Brenda.  She and Uncle Brandt just got into their new home in Montana.  Austin asked about you," Heather answered.  "She asked me to come up for the week and help her arrange the house.  Brandt will be working ten hour shifts for the first couple of months, so she'd like help while letting him relax when he's home."

"I'd offer to go up too, but with Jake, it wouldn't be fair to anybody," Jim said.

"And you need to relax some yourself.  You've been go, go, go with Jake ever since he became a part of your life.  Zac's here and willing to help take care of Jake, you need to let him.  Look at Marilyn and Vince, they share taking care of Zayne."

Jim hung his head down, "I have been selfish with the little guy, haven't I?"

"You just love him so much, it's understandable.  And he loves you as well.  If I didn't know better, I'd swear that you gave birth to him," Heather joked.  "Other than with Jake, I would never use the term selfish with you."

"Yeah Bro, you give so much of yourself to everyone.  Selfish is the last word I would normally use to describe you," Joe added.

"Nothing I 'gave birth' to was ever as cute as him," Jim chuckled.

"So since you're feeling alright, I am heading up tomorrow to spend a week with Aunt Brenda.  We have plenty of food in the house, and I trust the three of you to not trash it.  Remember Nick is right behind us if you need anything," Heather informed them.  "And Joe, if you invite Buster over, I wouldn't get upset."

"Thanks, Mom," Joe giggled.

"So, a party starting tomorrow night, but I have two questions," Jim started.  "When are you coming home and where do you keep the alcohol?"

"Yes, you are definitely back to your normal self.  I'll be home Sunday night and you know that the only time we have alcohol in the house is for New Year's with the exception of the wine for cooking," Heather chuckled.

"We can invite Chris and Nick, Nick so he can buy alcohol, Buster, Dusty and Cheyenne," Jim started, grinning at Heather as he spoke.

"James P. Bolt, you are bad.  Zac, take him to your room and spank him for me, please," Heather joked.

"You only used my middle initial, not my middle name, so I know you're not serious," Jim pointed out.

"Besides, he'd like that," Zac teased.

"Because I know you're just being your ornery self, brat," Heather blushed at Zac's remark.  Jim turned and acted like he was crying into Zac's shoulder, every now and then looking at his mom.  "Acting like you're crying because I called you a brat?  I'm going upstairs to pack for tomorrow, then I will fix supper.  Nick and Chris should be here soon."  Heather swatted Jim's rear as she went past him on her way to the stairs.

While they ate supper, Heather told Nick and Chris about the phone call and her trip.  Nick started pouting, "I'll miss you while you're gone."

"Don't worry Nick, we'll keep you occupied while she's away.  We're gonna throw a big party and you're invited so you can buy the alcohol," Jim teased.

"If I thought you were serious, I'd have to point out that I am the Sheriff and my duty includes upholding the law, not breaking it by buying alcohol for minors," Nick stated.

"Details, details… I figure a couple twelve packs of Barq's root beer, and maybe another twelve pack of Verner's ginger ale should last through the week.  I don't recommend anyone snorting the Coke, the carbonation might burn your nose," Jim continued.  Everyone just shook their heads.

Jake had a Coke in a glass with a straw.  He started putting the straw to his nose but Jim stopped him, "I never should have mentioned doing that with you around.  If you decide to snort Coke when I'm not around to stop you, it will burn your nose.  You ever laugh and have pop come out of your nose before?"

"Uh huh, and it didn't feel good," Jake replied.

"Well, if you snort it into your nose, it feels worse," Jim advised.

"You talk like you know from experience," Joe commented.

"When I was at school in Montana, a few of us were joking, acting like we were snorting Coke only, I got my nose too close to the straw," Jim confessed.

"Was that when they called me and asked me to pick you up?  Your shirt was all wet and you looked you had been crying?  I think it was your first day in seventh grade," Heather recalled.

"That was it.  I was at the drinking fountain trying to get water up my nose to stop the burning.  The principal didn't think I should stay at school having a wet shirt," Jim admitted.  "I was so embarrassed that day."  Jake was holding his nose and Jim looked at him, "Did you snort Coke up your nose?"

"No, just imagining how you're describing it.  I don't wanna try it," Jake looked down.

"I'm glad, shows that you may be smarter than me," Jim chuckled.

"Not really, you said that you were playing and accidentally got too close.  Would you have really tried it?" Zac inquired.

"I seriously doubt it," Jim responded.

"See, then it's not that Jake is smarter, though he is very smart.  He was given an example of what happens and is smart enough to not follow it so he doesn't suffer the same consequences.  You just did it accidentally," Zac offered.

"You're right," Jim conceded.

"Now, you're eating supper, take one of your iron pills," Zac demanded.

"Can I have a kiss to go with it?" Jim giggled.

"I want an iron pill," Jake stated.

"You don't need an iron pill, but if you want one just for the kiss, we can do that without the pill," Zac offered.

"Works for me," Jake grinned.

The following morning, the boys made a big breakfast and Jim prepared some sandwiches for Heather to take with her.  She insisted that she was going to stop some place for lunch, but Jim still made them.  "You might want something handy to eat while you drive.  I'm not making you a full lunch, just some sandwiches to munch on," Jim explained.

Nick put Heather's bag in the trunk for her while she grabbed the bag with her sandwiches.  She gave everyone a kiss in the house except Nick.  She waited until they were at her car door, talked a little and then she kissed him long and passionately.  Jim was a little sad to see her leave.  This was the first time that he could recall her going anywhere without taking him.

"I'm heading to the ranch.  You want to join me, Jake?" Zac asked.

"Will I get to ride Oreo?" Jake inquired.

"Sure, we can go riding later but the pony's name is Oro.  Oreo is a cookie," Zac corrected.

"I'll come, too," Jim stated.

"I love you, but why don't you take a nap and get some rest?  And make sure you take your iron pill," Zac ordered.

"You know, you don't have to remind me to take my pills.  Now that I know that I need them, I assure you that I will," Jim promised.

"I believe you, but I just care so much about you.  You can come out to the ranch maybe around three," Zac offered.  He gave Jim a kiss and then put Jake in the car seat in his truck.

When Zac pulled into the ranch, Jackson met him in the parking lot.  "Jim isn't coming in today?" Jackson asked.

"Not until later.  He had an accident in the shower, nothing serious.  It's just that he's been so active that his iron was low," Zac explained.  "So I suggested that he take a nap and come out later."

"Well, I was hoping to ask the two of you to watch the ranch for the week.  Ryan, Colt and I are heading to Washington, D.C.," Jackson stated.  "And while on the east coast, we plan to visit with my parents and go see CJ and Dalton."

"We can do that.  What's in Washington?" Zac inquired.

"The Federal Judiciary board wants to meet with Ryan for some reason.  We don't have a clue as to why," Jackson offered.

"Wow, he's only been a judge for eight months and a judicial board is already asking to speak with him?  I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Zac joked.

"Neither do we, but since he's not been a judge very long, we hope that if it is bad, they take that into consideration.  Maybe one of the Supreme Court Justices is retiring and they want him to fill the spot," Jackson chuckled.

"I have my doubts on that.  Though I think Ryan would make an excellent justice, I have a feeling that they would look at more seasoned candidates," Zac commented.  "So, when do you leave?"

"Our plane takes off at three fifteen so we need to be at the airport a little after two.  Jeff is heading to visit with our parents, so I have another favor.  Can you and Jim watch the house?  You can even stay here if you would like," Jackson offered.

"One of us will be here most of the time anyway, so watching the house is no problem.  Mom, or rather Jim's mom just left to help her sister out, so it's just Joe, Jim, Jake and I at our house.  Buster may be spending the week with Joe, so I'm not sure about staying here," Zac replied.  "I'll discuss it with Jim and Joe."

"I understand, it's your call, do what you think is best.  The ranch is yours for the week.  I need to go finish packing and see if Colt needs help," Jackson uttered.  "And if you get hungry, we have leftovers from last night in the fridge.  I made a bunch, you and Jake can eat some for lunch and then you, Jake and Jim can finish them for supper.  They won't last until we get back unless you freeze them."

"Why don't I do that so you can have them when you get back?" Zac asked.

"What, you don't like my cooking?  I'm hurt," Jackson feigned.

"I've liked everything that you've ever made so far.  I'm just thinking that you won't want to cook when you get back, so you can just heat them up to save the hassle," Zac explained.

"Pffft, we will probably stop somewhere and eat.  Neither of us will want to do the dishes, either," Jackson chuckled.

"If you don't want to save it, we'll definitely eat it, but are you sure?" Zac quizzed.

"What I like is the fact that you never once even asked what it is.  You may not like it," Jackson chuckled.

"Like I said, I've liked everything that you've made so far, so I trust that I will like it," Zac responded.

"Well I hope you like it.  If you don't, then freeze it; otherwise, enjoy it," Jackson suggested as he went through the door back into the house.

Zac looked at Jake, "He never did say what it was.  I guess we'll find out when we go eat lunch."

"I guess," Jake repeated.

Jake went to playing with Legos while Zac looked over the various reports.  He placed the order for Sunday's delivery and calculated how much time he would need to put in.  Just before one, Jake made a comment about being hungry so Zac locked the office door and knocked on the one to the house.  Jackson opened it and told him that he should have just come in.  "You never gave me a key, so I didn't know.  Jake's getting hungry, so we decided to try your leftovers," Zac explained.

"You have a key to the house," Jackson declared.

"I do?" Zac looked puzzled.

"Yes, and so does Jim and Vince.  It uses the same key as the office," Jackson ensured him.

"Are you sure that's wise?  I mean, I trust Dad and Jim, but so many people can just enter your house," Zac questioned.  "I think that my main concern is, what if someone forces them to unlock your door.

"If I can trust them to give access to the office, I feel that I can trust them to have access to my house.  And you didn't know until now that you had access, so why would anyone else think that?" Jackson assured.

"And it is just Dad, Jim and me, so I can see your point," Zac conceded.  Jackson led him to the leftovers.

As Zac was heating up the pasta shells, Jake looked at Jackson, "That smells good.  Are you joining us?"

"Well thank you for the compliment and for asking, but Ryan, Colt and I ate some earlier.  I hope that you like it as much as we did," Jackson smiled at Jake.

Jackson took time to drink a lemonade while Jake and Zac ate.  Jake finished what Zac had given him and asked if there was more.  "Where do you put all the food that you eat?  You can have more when we eat supper," Zac told him.  Looking at Jackson, Zac continued, "The way this boy eats, we may need a raise."  Jackson just laughed.

Before Jackson left, he told Zac that any food in the house, they could help themselves to and to make sure Jake didn't starve.  Zac could hear him laughing all the way to the truck, and a little as Jeff drove away.  Joe parked his SUV shortly after.

"Was that Jeff driving? I thought I saw Colt in the front seat with him," Joe questioned as he entered the office.

"He's taking Jackson, Ryan and Colt to the airport and then driving to visit their parents," Zac explained.  "Jim didn't come with you?"

"Was he supposed to?  He was just waking up when I left.  Hopefully, the extra sleep did him some good," Joe responded.

"Hopefully," Zac agreed.  "I have something I need to run by you and Jim.  Will you be around when he gets here?"

"I'll just be working with Sunshine in the arena.  When he pulls in, I can come back to the office for a few," Joe offered.

"Thanks, Bro," Zac said.

At two fifty-five, Jim pulled into his usual parking spot.  Zac picked Jake up and headed towards him.  Jake kept squirming, wanting to be put down so that he could run to Jim.  He didn't realize that with Zac's longer legs and quick pace, he was getting to Jim faster.  Zac gave Jim a kiss and Jake almost leapt from Zac's arms to Jim's.  "I missed you so much, but I think I needed that sleep," Jim chuckled.

"Think? No thinking about it, you needed that sleep.  You look so much more alert today," Zac stated, giving Jim yet another kiss.

"We ate seashells with taco meat inside," Jake announced.

"I'm sorry that I missed it," Jim expressed.

"We having it for supper, too," Jake added.

"OH?" Jim gave Zac a puzzled glance.

Joe saw them chatting and instead of going to the office, he walked towards them.  "OK, now that everyone is here, Jackson and his family left for the week.  Jim, I hope you're up for it, but we are running the ranch for the week," Zac announced.

"Now that I'm taking an iron supplement, I'm good.  I'll leave you to do the worrying," Jim chuckled.

"I may need to help you with that bottle of iron," Zac joked.  "Also, Jackson asked if we would take care of his house while he's away.  At first, he wasn't aware that Mom went to Montana and offered to let us stay there while he's away.  It's up to us if we do.  Joe, it would mean that you and Buster would have our house to yourself.  I can see how you might like that or not like it, so you are part of this decision."

"Real question is, what would Mom think?  Would she get upset, knowing that we left Buster and Joe alone or would she be fine with it?" Jim questioned.

"I don't think that she would get upset, after all, there's nothing Buster and I will do differently, regardless.  And you two are married, so it's not like you will do anything here that you wouldn't do at home.  I think the three of you should stay here.  You'll be closer to the ranch, have a chance to be your own family.  The only con that I can think of is missing one another, but we'll still see each other during the day while we work, and you can come visit.  Maybe we can plan to have dinner together on Thursday or Friday."

"You've put some thought into this," Zac sounded surprised.

"Ever since you said that Jeff took Jackson to the airport.  Don't get me wrong, I love you guys and will miss you when you move out, but at the same time, that house always seems so busy and it'll be nice to be alone, well except for Buster," Joe confessed.

"So, will this change anything between you and Buster and keeping your asses virgin until you get married?" Jim inquired.

"Daddy, you said a bad word," Jake blurted.

"I know and I should have covered your ears or not used that word.  I'm sorry," Jim apologized and then looked at Joe for his answer.

"Anyone else, I may tell them that's personal, but like I said, Buster and I won't do anything differently, except maybe run around the house naked," Joe admitted.

"I'm proud of you and hope the two of you keep that promise.  If you do decide to give in, just know that I will still be proud of you," Jim beamed.

"I know you will, that's why I don't mind sharing with you about my personal life.  I believe that even if I did something wrong, you would stick by me and help me through it.  Both of you have always cared for me, I can even feel it with you showing Jake just as much love, if not more," Joe assured.

"So, I take it, we're going to stay here and leave Joe and Buster to have some time together, just the two of them?" Zac asked.

"That sounds like the plan," Jim replied.

"What's a virgin?" Jake inquired.

"I really should have covered your ears or been more careful with my wording," Jim stated.

"So, what is it?" Jake begged for an answer.

"Can I answer that later?  I'm not sure I can answer without causing more questions that you may be too young to understand," Jim replied.

"Let me try," Zac insisted.  "You remember when Gina told you how the baby got inside her?"

"Uh huh," Jake nodded his head as he talked.

"Well, a virgin is someone who hasn't done anything that creates a baby.  Does that help you understand?" Zac explained.

"A little, am I a virgin?" Jake queried.

"I certainly hope so," Jim responded, smiling at his son.

"Good, I don't wanna make a baby yet," Jake giggled.

"Yeah, you want to wait until you're fifty before you make a baby," Jim joked.

"At least," Zac added.

"But what if when I'm old like you and want to adopt a cute little boy?" Jake questioned with a devilish grin.

"Did he just call us old, shall we tickle him?" Jim teased.

"You said that if I told you that I didn't want tickled, you wouldn't.  I don't want tickled," Jake seemed to plea.

"OK, I did say that, but be warned.  If you tease us, you cannot use that as a defense.  Do I make myself clear?" Jim spoke sternly.

"Thank you Daddy, I love you," Jake hugged Jim and kissed him on the cheek.  Jim had a single tear run down his cheek and the biggest smile on his face.

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.

Also, I have created a mailing list.  If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at Zarek Dragon.  Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website.