Disclaimer: This story is fiction. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. Parts of the character is fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door. And you can always contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com with suggestions or concerns. Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.
I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance. While there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences as well. Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first submission. He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to refer to it. He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about this one. All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any references I use do his story justice. If you feel that I let his story down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.
AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help cover their expenses. While the site is currently free, only donations from loyal fans can help keep it that way. Any amount will help.
Another Chance
Chapter 31
The end of July was rapidly approaching and everyone was scurrying about. Jim was wondering how long it would take before Heather realized where they were headed once they hit the road. It was Sunday morning and their last day to work at the ranch before leaving. Jackson walked up to Zac and Jim, "I have a problem that I'm hoping you two can help me out with next week."
"Did you forget that we are leaving on vacation tomorrow?" Jim asked.
"Well, see that's part of the problem. I have a guy selling me some horses. He lives in Montana and with you guys gone, I don't have time to pick them up."
"You want us to pick them up for you?" Zac queried.
"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it. Jim, you might know him. His name is Jason Bolt."
"He's already selling horses? He works fast," Jim was surprised.
"Yeah, he has a web site up and everything. I know that you planned on driving your car, Jim, but I think you'll be more comfortable in one of the ranch's SUV's. And you'll need it to haul the horses back," Jackson stated.
"That's for sure."
"How many horses are we getting?" Zac asked.
"I paid for three, but I haven't picked any of them out. I figure that once you get up there, you can check them out. I trust Jason to help you select good horses," Jackson stated.
The boys finished up and Joe was surprised when they started climbing into the SUV. "We leaving Zac's truck here?"
"Yeah, Jackson asked us to pick up some horses while we visit our cousin. Also, Jackson thought this would be a more comfortable ride," Jim explained.
"No offense, I love the Challenger, but this will beat climbing in and out of the back seat of it, any day," Joe chuckled.
"I hear what you're saying, and have to agree," Jim responded.
Zac parked the SUV on the street since with the horse trailer, it wouldn't fit in either drive. They went inside and Jim looked at his mom. "Bad news, Zac ended up having to work next week," Jim said trying to sound down.
"That's too bad. If you want to postpone the trip, I would understand, and I can always work this week to save my vacation," Heather responded. Joe started giggling.
"Yeah, my working is picking up horses from Jason Bolt," Zac said with a smile.
"James Patrick, you are bad," Heather stated and then smiled. Jim came over and hugged her.
"I couldn't resist. You know me," Jim responded.
Heather hugged Jim back, "That I do. Known you all of your life." She gave him a quick smack on his ass and Jim laughed.
Heather, thinking they were heading to Laramie (a six hour drive), wanted to get an early start. "We usually get up around five or six anyway, so what if we hit the road at five?"
"Really? I was hoping to sleep in for once. Wake me up at nine, then we can load the SUV and be on the road at ten," Jim requested.
"I'm all for that," Zac added.
"For what, leaving at five or sleeping in? I vote to sleep in," Joe threw in.
It was decided that they would leave at ten. Jim kind of wanted to leave early so maybe his mom would sleep and not realize they weren't heading towards Laramie, but he also knew that the drive to their old ranch was only an hour and fifteen minutes.
Everyone went to bed and Jim woke up his usual time. He tried going back to sleep, but he was awake and excited about their trip. He decided to shower, fix breakfast and then start loading the SUV.
Jim had finished everything and other than their personal bags, the SUV was loaded. Zac came downstairs a little before eight. "How long have you been up? I felt lonely when I woke up."
"Yeah, well, I woke up at five and between being used to that and the excitement of the trip, I couldn't get back to sleep. Jason called to see when we plan to be there. I told him what time we plan to leave and how long it'll take so they're planning to have lunch ready shortly after we arrive."
"So, how long do you think it'll take?" Zac queried.
"It's an hour and fifteen minute drive," Jim stated.
"No, not that, I mean until she figures out that we're not going to Laramie."
"I've been thinking about that. Unless she's distracted, I think she'll know right away."
Jim was happy when he saw Joe being the next one to come downstairs. "Hey, Joe. I have a big favor to ask of you," Jim started.
Joe's face lit up, "What can I do for you?"
"Well, I need you to keep Mom distracted. I have a surprise for the both of you, but you probably won't need the distraction for it. If Mom is paying attention, it could spoil the surprise."
"It's not bad is it?" Joe queried.
"Nope, I think you'll both be really happy when the surprise is revealed," Jim stated.
"Well I was going to read this story on my laptop, but I guess I can help."
"What story are you reading?" Zac asked.
"It's on a website called Nifty. The story is about two boys named Matt and Andy. Last chapter that I read, they were seeing a shrink of sorts and get this, the doctor's name is Joe Walker. Isn't that a co-winkiedink?"
"Yea it is. You know those writers usually make up names. Seriously doubt that he is referring to you in any way," Jim assured.
"I know, it just caught me by surprise. Knots is a really good story and the author seems to know how to write," Joe stated. "And he likes to put quotes at the end of his chapters. They seem appropriate to that chapter. Some of them I really like."
"Hmmm, I may have to check it out. If you like it, I bet it's good," Jim stated.
Heather came downstairs a little after nine. "Looks like everyone is ready, should we load the SUV and get started?" Heather asked.
"I have everything except everyone's personal bag in the SUV already. Also, I talked to Jason and told him what time we should be there. They are planning to have food ready when we get there."
"OK then, we leave at ten as planned. We can stop someplace around noon to eat lunch." Jim smiled when his mom said this. So far everything was going as planned.
Jim got in the driver seat and everyone else piled in. They buckled their seatbelts and Joe started talking with Heather. Joe did a good job keeping her distracted for the first forty minutes, she didn't even realize they were heading north. Then she saw the sign that told her the truth.
"Why are we entering Montana? Jim, are you going to our old ranch instead of Jason's place?" Heather asked.
"Well, I guess it's time to reveal the surprise. Jason managed to buy our old ranch, so yes I am heading to our old ranch, but no, not instead of Jason's place," was the response that Jim gave.
"Sorry, guess I didn't keep her distracted very well," Joe said apologetically.
"You did an awesome job, Bro. I had a feeling she'd see the 'Welcome to Montana' sign. Fact that she didn't realize until now is good."
"You were in on this?" Heather asked.
"Jim asked me to keep you distracted so he could surprise you. He said it was a surprise for me, also," Joe said defensively.
"Well, I'm guessing your surprise is that you get to see where we used to live. It'll be good to see the old place again." Heather gave Joe a hug.
Jim looked in the mirror to see his mom and Joe smiling. Figuring that his job was done, Joe opened his laptop and started reading his story. When Heather questioned him about it, he explained the premise. She wasn't sure Joe should be reading it, but since it was about teenage boys, she didn't stop him.
With having to stop along the way so everyone could use the restroom, Jim ended up pulling into the JB Ranch around eleven thirty. Jason came out to greet them and help unload the SUV. "I'm not sure which room was Jim's, but we put you in the Master Bedroom for the week. Thought you'd like your old room," he offered Heather.
"You didn't have to do that. Any room would have worked."
"I'm sure, but Charlotte insisted. Jim which room was yours? Charlotte and I will take one of the other bedrooms." Joe and Zac came around the SUV. "Zac, good to see you again. Guessing you want to share a room with Jim, but you don't have to, we have plenty of room here."
"That's fine, I like sharing a room with Jim," Zac answered.
"And you must be Joe. Jim told me a lot about you when he visited us in Laramie. He is really proud of you."
"I'm proud of him, too. From the day that he met me, he has always treated me like a brother. We have our days, but even then, Jim never once made me feel like I didn't belong."
"Even right now, Joe's biological mother is trying to take him back, but he belongs with us," Jim stated.
"Well, I'm no Bill Gates, but I do have some money. If you need anything, we are family," Jason offered.
"We have lots of people offering financial help, but lawyer fees aren't an issue. I work for a law firm. The lawyer handling the case believes we have a strong case and everything will work out," Heather stated.
"Mind if I show Joe and Zac my old room?" Jim asked.
"Please do, and I'll follow behind with your bags," Jason replied. Jim turned towards the door and he saw it. After all this time, the grave marker was still there, and her grave looked untouched. Jim turned towards Zac, pulled him in tight and started crying. "What's wrong?" Jason asked.
"I'm guessing he just saw Shadow's grave," Heather stated as she looked in the direction of it.
"Oh, I was wondering about that grave. I'm sorry, I bet she was a good dog," Jason said, offering his condolences. He promised Jim that the grave would be treated with the utmost respect and that it would never be moved so long as he owned the property.
Zac moved Jim into the house and asked him to show them which room was his as a means to get his mind thinking about something else. Jim led the way and started cheering up. "Sorry for crying like that. I didn't realize how much it would hurt seeing her grave."
"No need to apologize, I'm honored that you turned to me and cried in my arms instead of your mom's," Zac said smiling. "Personally, I think you like getting my shirt wet so I have to take it off. Remember that first day in your room?"
"You were beside me, and you're the one with whom I want to spend my life. Hope it didn't upset her," Jim said, now worried what his mom might be thinking. He made a mental note to talk to her about it. He also smiled when he thought about how wet he made Zac's shirt the first day they met.
"Well, I was always sure that you felt that way, but in that instant, I never felt more loved. As for your mom, she gave me a wink and smile to let me know it was alright," Zac stated. That eased Jim's mind a bit, but he still wanted to talk with her. Then, Jim led the way to his old room.
Jason came in with their luggage. "Your mom said that these were you three young men's bags. Let me put them down, then Joe, you can grab yours and I'll set you up in the room beside this one," Jason offered.
"Jason, you've owned this ranch for only a couple weeks, officially. How'd you get it to look so thriving already?" Jim asked.
"Your dad had a hand in that. He kept such clear documentation and the guy I bought the ranch off of let me have the books right away. I contacted all of your dad's contacts and told them who I was. They agreed to work with me because I was related. After two weeks, they said that I remind them so much of him, not only in looks, but in personality and the way I do things. Your dad did the hard part," Jason stated.
"Well, I'm glad that everything worked out. It's nice knowing the ranch is back in the family."
"Well, Zarek and I talked about this ranch. Hopefully, it won't happen anytime soon, but you never know, but if anything happens to me, Zarek wants to co-own the ranch with you."
"Seriously? I hope that's a long way off, but it's nice to know. I'm hoping that when Zac and I have kids, we can bring them here to visit you," Jim stated.
"So, which one of you is getting pregnant?" Jason asked with a straight face.
"Neither of us, we plan to adopt. I don't want my belly stretched out like that," Jim stated with an equally straight of a face. Then everyone laughed.
Everyone had settled in and they started enjoying themselves. Jason showed Zac some of the horses that he had to choose from, but told Zac that he had three set aside that he thought Jackson would like better. Zac looked at the horses, then asked to see the others. He thought that all the horses looked to have potential but agreed with Jason's choices.
Back in Cody, Zarek had offered to help at the ranch while Jim, Zac and Joe were away. He was working alongside Jeff and they got to talking. "So, Jackson says that you'll be living here and going to school?" Zarek inquired.
"Yeah, I'm going to be studying Computer Networking. Ryan tells me that you work on computers."
"Yeah, I have a computer business. I build custom machines, troubleshoot, upgrade older systems, and install networks. Perhaps when you get a degree, I could put you to work. While you're in school, I could use you as an intern on days you're not working here."
"That would be cool, but I don't know if I could work for you," Jeff stated.
"Oh? Why not?" Zarek was a bit surprised to hear Jeff say that.
"Hope I don't offend you, but." Jeff started out.
"You know, most people say that before they say something offensive," Zarek warned.
"True, but you asked why, so at the risk of offending you, I'd be too distracted. I find you attractive," Jeff stated.
"Well, you definitely didn't offend me. I know that you're gay," Zarek stated.
"And you're not upset that a guy just hit on you?"
"Obviously, you don't know that I'm bi. No, I'm flattered that you hit on me, you are a handsome guy. You want to maybe go out when we get done? We can talk about your career, or maybe whatever comes up?" Zarek said with a wink.
"OH SHIT!!!" they heard Ryan yell from the house.
"What's up?" Jeff ran over and asked.
"I just received a letter from the court. Judge Dillon is handling the case and the date's set for next Monday. I need to call Heather," Ryan stated. He pulled out his phone and told it to call her.
Heather listened to what Ryan had to say. Then she asked, "Should we come home early?" Ryan advised her that wasn't necessary provided they were back Sunday so that they could be refreshed for court.
Heather waited to tell any of the boys about the call. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and Joe especially seemed happy for the first time since they had learned about Mrs. Walker trying to take him away. She decided that she would tell them on the way home.
This week was a good week but seemed to go way too fast. Jason became really close to the three boys, and even taught them a thing or two about caring for the horses. He reminded Jim so much of his father, but instead of making him depressed, Jim felt like his father was there and happy for him. As they were getting ready to leave, Jim hugged Jason as he would have his dad.
Zac was doing the driving home since he had the horses in the trailer. Heather was sitting behind Zac so she could talk to Jim and Joe easier. "I received a call from Ryan on Monday," she started.
"What did he have to say?" Joe inquired.
"Court date has been set. It's tomorrow," Heather wasn't sure how the boys would take knowing that she knew all week. "I didn't want to tell you because you needed this week to lift your spirits, and Joe, you seemed so happy for the first time in a while."
"Part of me is glad you didn't say anything. It would have totally ruined this vacation had I known, but part of me wishes I had known sooner. How can I prepare?" Joe asked.
"You are prepared. All you have to do is be honest and tell the truth," Heather advised.
"Well, I'm glad I didn't know. I had so much fun and that would have ruined it. I really like Jason. While he could never replace Dad, I felt like he approved of me getting close to him," Jim added. Zac gave Jim a quick glance trying to figure out what he had just said.
"Yes, I think your father would have definitely approved of you forming a bond with his cousin," Heather said with a smile.
Zac drove to the ranch to drop off the horses and trailer. Jackson joined them and helped to unload the animals, then they unhitched the trailer. He told Zac that these horses looked perfect and were a good deal for the money that he paid. Zac informed him of how Jason had pre-picked these three but let Zac look at all the horses before deciding. "He seems like a good man. I'll definitely do more business with him in the future."
"Yeah, he taught us a few things about horses, too. All of his horses look great, but these three were the best of the ones he was selling."
"That explains how Zarek was able to step in and help while you boys were gone. And speaking of Zarek, what would your thoughts be about him dating my brother?" Jackson asked.
"Well, Jeff is an attractive guy and has a good head on his shoulders, and Zarek is like a slightly older version of Jim, so I really like him. If I weren't already dating Jim, I might consider dating him, myself. I would say that they would make a nice couple. Does Jeff know that Zarek is bi?" Zac asked.
"Yes, Zarek told him on Monday. They're out having dinner together as we speak," Jackson informed Zac.
"Hope things work out," was all that Zac said. They had the horses unloaded, the trailer was unhitched, and Zac was getting ready to get back in the SUV. "Gonna take them home, then I'll be back to get my truck," Zac stated.
"Just bring SUV back tomorrow after the hearing. Your truck will be fine one more day," Jackson advised.
They went home and as they walked into the house, Kunoichi and Colby jumped on them. "Did Marilyn take good care of you while we were gone?" Jim asked as he was hugging Colby. Kunoichi was being hugged by Joe. Heather fixed a light supper, then the boys went to bed early so they could wake up refreshed. They all had trouble sleeping, but Joe really had trouble. Jim and Zac let him sleep with them, and the two dogs worked their way into the mix.
The hearing was set for nine, so they arrived at the courthouse early. Judge Dillon came out and everyone was seated. Ryan stood up, "Your Honor, I motion that you recuse yourself from this hearing. I will be running against you in the next election and whatever decision you may make could seem biased."
"Mr. Grayson, you are mistaken. You will not be running against me in the next election."
"Your Honor, I have filed to run," Ryan argued.
"Yes, you have. But I have been filling this seat for over forty, almost fifty years. I have made many decisions, most I am happy with, but some I do regret. At the time I thought they were the right decision, but only time proved me wrong. After you filed to run, I gave my two weeks' notice. This will be my last case. I'm guessing that they haven't given you a phone call yet," Judge Dillon stated.
"In that case, I must retract my motion," Ryan said as he sat down.
"Miss Wilcox, would you call your first witness," Dillon asked.
"I call Joseph C. Walker to the stand." Joe sat in the seat and was sworn in.
Judge Dillon looked at Joe, "This is a hearing, not a trial, but you are still required to be one hundred percent honest, do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am, I do, Your Honor," Joe responded.
Miss Wilcox stood up. "Can you tell me who it was that gave birth to you? Who it was that was in labor for eighteen long hours waiting for you to come out?" she asked.
"Well, to be honest, I was too young to really know, but I've heard the stories of my birth from that woman over there," Joe stated.
"Let the record show that the witness pointed to my client, Mrs. Walker," the lawyer stated. "I rest my case."
"That's your entire argument? You believe that she should be given custody just because she gave birth?" Judge Dillon looked a little hot.
"Your Honor," Miss Wilcox started.
"Don't Your Honor me, I know that I have a reputation for going with the birth mother. And if I believe that the birth mother is fit to be a mother, I believe that the child should be with her. Some of the decisions are the ones that I have grown to regret. Just this week, I was told about a woman who offered a dress to her son after the father abused him for being gay. I told the case worker that in my opinion, that mother doesn't deserve to be a mother. Then I come to find out that it was your client. I will give you one week to gather proof that she IS worthy of being this young man's mother. And if you fail, I will finalize the adoption next Monday."
Joe was smiling and looked at the judge, "Thank you, Your Honor."
"See, I'm not as bad as some of the stories you may have heard," she said with a smile. "And I will listen to what you think is best for you before I make my decision as to what I think is best for you."
"Your honor, in light of what I just saw, if you change your mind about retiring, I would withdraw my candidacy," Ryan stated.
"Thank you, but no, I'm tired and ready to retire. I can see in you a promise to be fair and I think that you'll be a good replacement."
"I'd be honored to fill your seat in your stead," Ryan added.
"Now, don't think I'm going automatically with you just because of what I said. If they can prove that she is ready to be a mother, I can still go with them, so be ready to prove this young man does belong with the Bolts. Got me?"
"Yes, ma'am, I totally understand and wouldn't have it any other way," Ryan stated.
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