Another Chance

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 35

It was Monday morning and Jim was happy to be heading back to the ranch for the first time since his accident. Zac had left early because he wanted a head start on running the place for the first time. Jim and Joe ate breakfast and then climbed into Joe's jeep. As they pulled into the spot beside Zac's truck, they spotted Josh walking into the office.

"Not sure how I'm going to run this ranch all week and keep my hours at forty," Jim heard Zac telling Josh.

"Jackson and I discussed that. He wants me to cover tomorrow and Wednesday so you can have two days off. Jackson will be back on Sunday, so you can clock out when you hit your forty. He said that he would let you know," Josh stated. Zac had turned on the computer screen and there was a word file opened saying exactly what Josh had stated. Zac chuckled and pointed it out to Josh. He also chuckled, "Leave it to Jackson."

Jim and Joe walked into the office. "Anything specific that we need to concentrate on?" Jim asked.

"Have you hugged Gold yet? I'm sure he's still worrying about you. I've been telling him that you are alright and Joe told him yesterday that you'd be working today," Zac started. Obviously he cares about Gold a lot. Then he continued, "We have a man bringing his son at noon for riding lessons. He's thinking about signing the boy up for lessons on the weekends until we close for winter. Joe, think you can handle that?"

"Sure can. I'll wait until he gets here to pick out a horse," Joe stated.

"Aside from that, do what you normally do," Zac stated.

As Jim left the office, he noticed a 2014 Escalade sitting in the parking lot. A man dressed very professionally was heading toward the office from the barns. Jim heard a horse carrying on and thought it sounded like Gold. His walk turned into a sprint as he headed to check on Gold.

As he got close to Gold's stall, he saw a teenage boy trying to put a halter on the horse's head. Gold wanted no part of it. "What do you think you are doing?" Jim asked.

"I am trying to get my new horse ready for us to take him home," the boy stated.

"YOUR new horse?" Jim shot back.

"Yes, my new horse. Dad is talking to the owner of the ranch right now to find out the cost," the boy told Jim.

"That horse isn't for sale," Jim said trying to control his temper.

"Any horse can be bought, and we have the money to pay whatever the owner wants. Wait and see, this is MY new horse," the boy stated arrogantly.

"This horse isn't for sale and there isn't enough money to convince me to sell him. He is MY horse," Jim was almost shouting.

"My name is Brock Allen Radcliffe the 8th and my father will give you up to ten million dollars for this horse," the teen stated.

"As I said, there isn't enough money on the planet to buy him. Besides that, he won't even let you put a halter on him, do you really think he'd let you ride him?"

"In time, yes I do. We have some of the best horse trainers in the country. He is just too wild right now for anyone to ride him."

"You arrogant son of a." Jim started.

"Jim, calm down," Zac said interrupting him.

"I am sorry, Brock, but the owner of the ranch is on vacation and apparently, this horse is just boarding here," the well-dressed gentleman stated.

"This kid owns the horse. I told him that you'd pay him well for it. I want THIS horse," Brock stated.

"It's not happening," Jim seethed through his teeth.

"You own the horse?" the gentleman stated.

"Yes, and up until last week, he wouldn't let anyone except me ride him. I've raised him since he was born and I will never sell him again," Jim stated with anger still in his voice.

"Very well, Brock, I am sorry but we cannot buy this horse," the gentleman told his son.

"But I want THIS horse, even his name sounds like he should be mine. Offer him more money," Brock was started.

"This horse means more than money to this young man. If I offered him a billion dollars, I doubt he would sell."

"Then buy this ranch," Brock ordered his father.

"On second thought," the man started. "Would you boys like a hand for the day? I will give you each a thousand dollars to take a spoiled brat off my hands for the day."

"What?" Zac, Jim and Brock said at the same time.

"I will give both of you a thousand dollars apiece to teach this spoiled brat how to even work a ranch. I do not care if you give him the dirtiest jobs to do." Mr. Radcliffe stated.

"Dad, what are you saying?" Brock stated.

"Take off your good clothes, I don't want them getting damaged. If they have something you can wear, great. If not, you can work all day in your underwear. Take them off."

"I did not wear any underwear today Dad, please," Brock switched from a demanding brat into a begging child.

"Then you will work naked for all I care. I am tired of your tantrums and whining. Working a ranch for the day will do you some good."

"Please don't do this, Dad," Brock begged as he dropped to his knees.

"Mr. Radcliffe, I'm not even sure it would be legal for us to let him work here, especially naked," Zac stated.

"Very well, but when we get home, you will put your nose in a corner and stand there until I say otherwise. Now get up before you ruin your pants," Mr. Radcliffe told his son. He looked at Jim, "I am proud of you for keeping your principles. Some things just cannot be bought. I did catch that you said that you would not sell him again."

Jim told Mr. Radcliffe about what happened and having to give up Gold. He also told how things worked out so that he was able to reunite with his horse.

"I see," was all Mr. Radcliffe said. "Would it offend you if I made a donation to whatever charity you want in your father's name?"

"No, that wouldn't offend me. Not going to use that to try and get my horse though, are you?" Jim asked kind of skeptical.

"No, I would not dream of separating you from this horse. But I am willing to use the funds that were planned for Brock to get a horse for whatever charity you would like. If Brock wants a horse, he can earn the money for himself."

"Dad?" Brock shouted.

"In that case, we have a rescue attached to this ranch. It runs on donations," Jim stated.

"I am so sorry for acting like I did," Brock stated to his father.

"While you do owe me an apology, I think that you owe this young man even more. If he forgives you, I will match whatever you earn to get you a horse, but it will NOT be this young man's horse."

Brock looked at Jim, "I think I would rather earn the whole thing myself." Jim's jaw dropped. He was ready to tell him that no apologizes were necessary and he could understand Brock wanting Gold.

"Go get in the car, we will talk when we get home," Mr. Radcliffe said, slightly in shock himself. He turned to apologize to Jim but Brock pressed his lips to Jim's open mouth and even slipped in his tongue. Now Zac couldn't believe what had just happened.

After Brock went to the car, Mr. Radcliffe started apologizing for the whole thing, "I am so sorry. I have known that my son was gay ever since he was thirteen, but I never suspected him to just kiss someone like this. I hope that he did not offend you."

"No, not offended, just surprised especially after he refused to apologize," Jim stated still a little stunned. "If anyone is offended, it might be my boyfriend."

"I see," Mr. Radcliffe said.

Brock ran back into the barn, "I am sorry. I guess I was being a brat. I hope that I eventually get a horse that I love as much as you do yours. I am also sorry that I kissed you. When your mouth dropped, I just thought you looked so cute."

Jim was a little stunned, but not like he was before. "I was ready to tell you that no apology was necessary. I can see how you would want my horse. To me, there is nothing more valuable on the planet," Jim started. Gold chose that time to lay his head on Jim's shoulder.

"Yes, and I see that your horse loves you just as much," Brock said. Then he turned to his father, "When the owner returns, can I see about working here?"

"If you wish," Mr. Radcliffe stated.

"Actually, I do have the power to hire. I don't think we need anybody else at the moment, but the rescue is always looking for volunteers," Zac stated.

"Can I, Dad?" Brock asked as his face lit up.

"It is volunteer, that means you will not get paid," Mr. Radcliffe stated.

"You have been telling me all my life that money is not everything. When I went towards the car, it really clicked what you were saying. If I volunteer at the rescue until I graduate, would you consider getting me a horse for graduation? I also promise to grow up and quit acting so spoiled."

"I think you just took your first step towards growing up. Let's head over there to see what we can do. I do have a donation to give them," Mr. Radcliffe stated. Brock threw his arms around his dad.

As they headed out of the barn, Zac pulled Jim in tight for a loving hug, "I'm glad that I'm not you. I would hate to think what was going through your mind at the time."

"I was thinking, where can I hide the body?" Jim said with a little laugh.

"So how was the kiss?" Zac teased.

"Kind of weird, actually. Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting it and my mouth was open, but it weirded me out. Besides, you are the only one I want kissing me like that," Jim told him. Gold kept nudging Jim. "OK, you can kiss me, too," Jim added. "You want to go for a ride?"

As Jim was prepping Gold to go riding, Brock ran back over. "I get to start working at the rescue tomorrow," Brock excitedly told Jim.

"That's great, they need guys who want to help. It won't be easy, but I bet you'll make a difference for some of the horses," Jim stated.

"Can I apologize to Gold? I was thinking that he is the one to whom I really owe an apology," Brock stated.

"Yes, you may apologize," Jim told him.

"I am sorry Gold. I think that you are a beautiful horse and would have loved having you as my own. You and Jim obviously belong to each other and had I known, I would like to believe I would not have tried breaking that bond. Can you forgive me?" Brock asked. Gold neighed and nodded his head. "Umm, did he really do that?"

"Yes, they say that animals understand very little of what we say, maybe a few words, but I swear Gold understands every word spoken to him," Jim said smiling.

"Cool, I need to get back to the Rescue, Dad is looking at a few horses that I might be interested in. He said I could come over to tell you that I will be working there but wanted me to come back quickly to help select one since they want to match the horse to me."

"Then you might want to get back over there," Jim advised.

"Before I go, can I ask you something personal?" Brock asked.

"Ask me anything, if it's too personal, I'll let you know," Jim stated.

"Are you gay?" Brock asked.

"That is a little personal, but I've always considered myself bi until I met Zac. Now, he's the only one I am interested in," Jim said.

"Oh," Brock said looking down. "I know it is way too soon, but I was hoping to eventually be your boyfriend."

"Don't worry, I think you'll have no trouble finding a handsome boy, IF you stay the way you are now and not how you were when I first met you," Jim stated.

"I know, and the good news, I long as I do not start acting like a brat again, Dad is suspending any punishment. He says that punishments are meant to teach us that our actions are wrong and he is hoping that I already learnt it. However, if I prove that I am just acting this way to get out of the punishment, then he will add on to it."

"Wow, hopefully you did learn," Jim said. "You aren't just acting this way now are you?"

"Do you believe that I would have asked to work at the rescue if it were an act? Or that I would have apologized to Gold with only you as a witness? I am truly sorry for my actions and I was thinking about Dad wanting to pay someone to teach me a lesson. I thought that I had better change my ways or else," Brock said with a tear forming at the corner of his eye.

"I believe you, now hurry back over there so your dad doesn't get upset or start to worry," Jim said.

Brock ran back over to the Rescue. Jim didn't know that Zac had seen Brock come over and was standing at the office door while they talked. He couldn't hear everything, but he could read Brock's body language and hear a few words, especially when Brock spoke. When he put his hand on Jim's shoulder, Jim jumped. "I think that kid will be alright, but he's a little messed up," Zac said.

"How much did you hear?" Jim asked.

"Very little, but whatever he said to you, I think he really meant it. I could see remorse in the way he carried himself, especially when he talked to Gold."

"Good, I want to believe he was telling the truth, but wasn't really sure. He seems alright and I lost my desire to hide his body," Jim chuckled.

As Jim mounted Gold, Mr. Radcliffe and Brock came back over. "Before we leave, I want to thank you for not killing my son. I have no doubt that you had the desire at first."

"Did you pick out a horse?" Jim asked.

"The horse that Brock likes and seems to like him cannot be released for a few more days. Brock said that he would be willing to wait if it means the horse will be at his best."

As they chatted, Joe was walking Sunshine to the arena. Brock saw him and asked about him. "He was sired by Gold, but that's my brother's horse," Jim said.

"If Gold sires any more, will they be for sale?" Brock asked.

"Possibly, but no idea when that will happen again or if the foal will be for sale at this time," Jim responded.

"Next foal he sires, would you consider letting me buy him?" Brock asked.

"You know that the foal won't be able to be ridden for a while, don't you?" Jim asked.

"Like two or three years, I believe," Brock said. "Their muscles and bones need to develop and then they need breaking. I would love to have a horse since its birth so maybe I could develop a bond like you did with Gold," Brock explained. "And if Gold is the sire that would be even better." Gold reached over and pulled Brock closer as if in a hug.

"Listen, we can't let you work here, but I am basically just riding today. We normally charge for riding except employees of the ranch or volunteers at the Rescue. Would you be interested in riding with me, today? We can take you home afterwards so your father doesn't have to stick around or come back," Jim offered.

"I do not start working there until tomorrow and I have no riding clothes here," Brock explained.

"But you will be starting, that's all that matters there. As for the clothes, I have a spare pair of jeans and a t-shirt you can wear. I just don't have any boots," Jim offered.

"These are my old shoes, I can wear them," Brock said as Jim dismounted and headed for the barn with the lockers. He and Mr. Radcliffe followed Jim in.

As Jim opened his locker, Brock started removing his clothes. "Brock, I am sure they have someplace you can change," Mr. Radcliffe stated.

"You were going to have me work naked, so what is the difference, Dad? Besides, I am sure Jim has seen naked guys before and you have seen me naked a few times," Brock stated logically.

"I do take PE at the school, so yeah, I have seen naked guys. All is cool as far as I'm concerned," Jim said.

"I guess it does not really matter," Mr. Radcliffe agreed. Brock handed him his clothes and Mr. Radcliffe headed for the door. Before he went out, he looked at Brock, "You did not take your keys out of your pocket, what time do you expect to be home?"

"We usually leave around four or five depending on what's going on," Jim stated.

"So I should expect you a little after five?" Mr. Radcliffe asked as Brock was slipping on the pair of jeans Jim gave him.

"Yes sir, I believe that sounds about right," Brock answered.

After Mr. Radcliffe left, Jim looked at Brock, "You know he really loves you."

"You don't know the half of it. My dad suspected that I was gay a few years ago. He came in, closed my door and told me that if I were, he would love me no matter what. So I admitted it to him. He put his arms around me and said that he just wanted me to be happy," Brock said with a smile.

"I can see that. What about your mom?" Jim asked hoping for similar results. To Jim's surprise, Brock broke down crying. From what little Brock managed to say, Jim gathered that Brock's mom left when she found out that Brock was gay. "Sorry, I didn't know," Jim said trying to comfort Brock.

"Is everything alright?" Zac poked his head in the barn. "Gold's been waiting." Then he noticed that Brock was crying and Jim was holding him.

"I just found out that Brock's mom didn't accept him being gay," Jim mouthed.

"Sorry, I just tried to make light of everything and not really accept her leaving. Until today, Dad basically let me have whatever I wanted to let me know that he didn't blame me for it, her leaving that is. Guess today was too much," Brock said.

"Well, it's not your fault that she left. My dad left before I even knew I was gay and it's his loss just like it's your mom's. You deserve someone who loves you no matter what," Zac stated.

"Maybe I did, not so sure with the way I've been acting lately," Brock said.

"Your dad obviously loves you," Jim said.

"I know, but he's my dad. He's supposed to love me. But then, so was my mom," Brock started crying again.

"Like I said, her loss. We've seen you at your worst, or so I hope. Jim was ready to kill you, but now we see you as a good guy who feels a lot of hurt," Zac said.

Brock chuckled, "I can understand why you wanted to kill me. I am so sorry for trying to take Gold."

"Like I said, no apology necessary. Gold is the greatest horse ever, as far as I am concerned. I understand. Why don't we see if we can find a horse for you to use. I bet Gold is getting antsy," Jim said.

Brock looked at Zac, "And I'm sorry for kissing your boyfriend."

"You didn't know, and he is hot," Zac said smiling. Jim blushed.

Jim was helping Brock prep his horse and it surprised Jim how much he knew about prepping. Jim didn't have to tell him anything. It was almost noon when Brock finished cinching the saddle. A black SUV pulled into the parking lot. Man getting out could almost be Jackson's twin. At first, Jim thought it was Jackson.

Holding Gold's reins, Jim walked over. "Pardon me, but is your last name Sprayberry by any chance?" he asked.

"Sorry, but no. My name is Jacob Malcolm Dylan, why do you ask?" the man responded.

"You look a lot like the owner of this ranch. I mean you could be his twin," Jim told the man.

"Perhaps I am. I was adopted and told that I do have a twin. I've yet to get any information on him. Do you know his date of birth?" Jim had Jacob curious.

"Unfortunately, he's kind of secretive about that but I do know that he was born in 1991," Jim stated.

"Is he here?"

"No, he's on vacation and won't be back until Sunday. So, are you the man wanting to give his son riding lessons?" Jim asked.

"Yes, we just moved here from Florida and my son asked if he could learn to ride since we're going to live in horse country," Jacob stated.

Joe walked up at that time, "I'm going to be the instructor. If he will follow me, we can pick out a horse for him."

Jared Michael Dylan got out of the SUV. As he headed towards the barns behind Joe, he saw Brock mounting a horse. Jared walked into a post for the corral. "Are you alright?" Brock was there fast. "Do you need mouth to mouth resuscitation?" Brock asked smiling.

"Only if you're the one giving it," Jared stated. Brock smiled and helped him up.

"My name's Brock. I'll be volunteering at the Rescue until the end of summer and then on the weekends during school."

"Cool, I definitely want to come here for my training then. By the way, my name is Jared."

Before Jared hit the fence, Jim was talking with Jacob. "You seem a little young to have a son Jared's age. What are you about seven years older than him?" Jim asked.

"Elizabeth and I were both adopted and while we eventually want an actual birth child, we wanted to adopt a child first to give them a chance. At first, we wanted a baby so no one would question it, but then we had seen Jared getting picked on by the other kids. I went to break it up and started talking with Jared. He sat with us while we talked with the social worker."

"And you decided to adopt him?" Jim asked.

"Not at first, but we did ask if he could spend time with us to see how things went. Jared smiled and that was when I knew he is the son that I wanted. Took Elizabeth a couple days. He told us right away that he was gay and that was why he was getting picked on. He wanted to be up front about it in case that mattered. OH NO, he just walked into a post!" Jacob said running toward his son.

"If you want to come here, I have no problem with that. Perhaps I can meet my twin then," Jacob stated after hearing his son talking to Brock.

Joe took Jared to find a horse and Jim took Brock to go riding. "He seems like a nice boy?" Jim asked.

"I like him, and I think he likes me. I think he invited me to kiss him," Brock was smiling.

"You kissed me but not him when he invited you?" Jim inquired.

"What if he has a boyfriend?" Brock replied.

"If he invited you to kiss him, he doesn't," Jim told him. "What exactly did he say?"

"Well I asked if he was alright or needed mouth to mouth. He responded by saying only if I were giving it."

"Yeah, I think that was an invite to kiss him," Jim told him.

"You do not think I blew my chances by not kissing him, do you?" Brock questioned.

"I seriously doubt it. He's attracted to you. Listen, if you don't mind my asking, I've noticed that you don't use any contractions, may I ask why?" Jim was being curious.

"Contractions are not proper English and I am constantly reminded that I should always use proper English. If you do not tell, I'd really like to use contractions," Brock said chuckling.

"Dude, I won't tell. Around here, relax and just be a typical teenager," Jim advised.

"Oooh, that lake looks so beautiful," Brock said as they got within view of it.

"Want to go swimming?" Jim asked.

"I did na. didn't bring any trunks," Brock said.

"You wouldn't be the first to skinny-dip in it. Zac and I have many times. So has Joe," Jim explained.

"Seriously!!! What if someone comes around?"

"We stay in the water until they leave," Jim said as he started taking his clothes off. Brock followed suit.

After the boys enjoyed a long swim, Jim got out and sat by the fire pit. Brock got out and sat beside him. "I'm surprised that you are comfortable being naked around me after this morning," he told Jim.

"I seriously thought about it. Now you know that I have a boyfriend and you don't want to jeopardize anything that might happen with Jared, so I feel safe."

"Sounds logical, and you are right. Still, if our roles were reversed, I'm not sure if I'd have felt comfortable," Brock said, smiling every time he used a contraction.

"Be careful, keep using contractions and you might slip and use one in front of your dad," Jim teased. After he felt dry, Jim started putting his clothes on.

When they got back to the ranch, Jared was already gone. Brock was a little disappointed. "How'd the training go?" Jim asked.

"It was nearly impossible. All he wanted to talk about was Brock and I don't think he heard a word that I said," Joe complained.

Brock perked up, "Really, he kept talking about me?"

"Yeah, he wanted to know if you were dating anyone, he asked if I thought you'd go out with him. I kept telling him that I've barely even met you myself so how should I know. Then he asked me something else about you," Joe ranted.

"Cool, if you see him again, tell him that I am interested in a guy named Jared," Brock told him.

"He might think it's him. His name is. Wait, you do mean him, don't you?" Joe started to smile. Brock smiled back and nodded his head.

"We'll be ready to go once we get the horses taken care of," Jim said.

Brock helped Jim brush Gold and chit chatted. Gold was more accepting of Brock now that he seemed to be a friend of Jim's. "Do you think Gold would ever let me ride him once?" Brock asked. "I know that he's your horse, and I heard you say that he did let someone else ride him last week, so I'm just curious. I'd love to say that I got to ride him, if only the one time."

"Last week, we encountered a snake and I fell off and got hurt. Gold let Zac ride him for the first time but only to rescue me. We don't even know if he'll let Zac ride him again," Jim responded.

"Well, figured it didn't hurt to ask," Brock stated.

"Continue to be Gold's friend, and maybe someday, but I'm making no promises."

"I understand," Brock said with a smile.

The horses were stabled and the boys got into Joe's jeep. Brock gave them his address and Jim punched it into the GPS. As they pulled up to the gate, Brock punched in the code to open it. Jim saw four horses roaming the property. "Who do these horses belong to?" Jim asked.

"To whom do these horses belong?" Brock corrected out of habit, "Sorry, I have heard that told to me many times when I phrased a question of sorts. They are my father's and I can ride then whenever I desire, but I prefer to have my own. And I am serious about wanting a foal to raise such as you have Gold."

"Again, no promises, but if Gold has a foal and it goes for sale, I will let you know. I believe that you'll treat the foal very special. Just don't spoil it," Jim said with a grin.

They pulled up to the door and Brock invited the boys inside. Joe turned off the engine and they got out. Brock was about to ring the bell when his father opened the door. Brock threw his arms around his dad and thanked him several times. "You seem to be in good spirits. I take it you had fun."

"Yes sir, I can't er. I mean cannot express how much I enjoyed being there."

"Relax Brock. While I try to use proper language, I prefer you to use it when dealing professionally, but if you wish to use contractions with your friends, just have fun." Mr. Radcliffe stated.

"Thank you Dad. I love you so much," Brock started crying into his dad's shoulder.

"You going to tell him, or do you want to wait and see what happens?" Jim asked.

"Tell me what?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.

"I may have a boyfriend," Brock said smiling as he wiped his eyes.

Mr. Radcliffe turned to Joe and started welcoming him to the family. Brock stopped him, "Not him Dad, although I can see why you'd think that."

"Oh, what is his name?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.

"His name is Jared and can we discuss him during dinner?" Brock asked.

"Of course, and speaking of which, would you boys like to stay for dinner?"

"We appreciate the offer, but Mom probably already has ours cooking." Jim said.

"You know, I would have never guessed that the two of you are brothers. You do not look anything alike."

"Jim was adopted," Joe said quickly. Jim elbowed him.

"Actually, Joe was adopted, but the way we act with each other, you'd never have guessed it. Santa gave him to me last Christmas," Jim said with a smile.

"I think it was Santa gave Jim and his mom to me. See I kinda adopted them as my family as well as them adopting me, so Jim was adopted," Joe explained.

"I stand corrected. One thing I do know, I love having Joe as my brother and will always have his back."

"And Jim has proven that time and time again. I consider myself very lucky to have been placed with his family when my own father kicked me out."

"I'm glad Brock has made such great friends. You boys are welcome to visit whenever you wish. Just call us and we will give you the code to get in the gate. It changes every morning." With that, the boys thanked Mr. Radcliffe for his generosity and started for the door. Brock told Jim that he'd have his jeans washed and would drop them off at the ranch tomorrow as he went to the Rescue. Jim and Joe headed home.

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