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. The character of Joe was inspired by a very, very dear friend who I love with all my heart. Parts of both characters are 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.

Unless someone expresses a concern over the longer chapters, I'll try to continue with them at this length. Still need someone to ask Dusty where I can go invest some stock in tissues.

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 25

Jim woke up and headed downstairs to make breakfast. As he got to the bottom of the stairs, he looked over at the couch and watched for a few minutes as Joe was sleeping. He thought, even with a broken leg, that the boy looked so angelic. How anyone could not love him, was beyond reason.

As Jim headed for the kitchen, he heard Joe softly speak, "Jim, can I ask you something personal?"

Changing directions, Jim walked over to the couch. Joe sat up a little and Jim sat down and placed Joe's pillow on his lap. Joe laid his head back down on the pillow and Jim began playing with his hair. "What's up Bro? You can ask me anything."

"I'm not sure how to ask but to just ask. Are you still a virgin?" Joe asked.

"What brought this on?" Jim asked tenderly, a little surprised by the question. "Are you thinking of giving Buster your virginity?"

"Yea, but I'm not sure I'm ready," Joe admitted.

"Well, to answer your question, I gave Zac mine. Part of me wishes that I would have waited longer, but I am glad that it was him that I gave it to. Does that make sense?"

"I guess. I can understand being glad you gave it to Zac. You two were meant for each other. I've only known you guys a little over two months and I can see the strong love between you. Why do you wish you would have waited longer?" Joe inquired.

"To make it that much more special. If you're not sure you are ready, I can tell you that you aren't. You'll know when the time is right. Is Buster asking you to have sex?"

"No, I don't think he's even aware that I've been thinking about it," Joe stated.

"I can assure you, he's probably thinking about it, too, but he's not ready either. I know that you love each other, but don't rush into it. Look at Dusty and Cheyenne, they're waiting until their wedding night."

"Wasn't she." Joe started.

"Yes, but she didn't give herself to that monster, she will be Dusty. And as far as Dusty is concerned, she's just as pure as the day she was born." Jim clarified.

"Thanks, Jim. I feel better knowing that it's okay to wait," Joe said. Jim leaned down and kissed Joe's forehead.

"OK, let me up so I can fix breakfast," Jim said.

"Nope, you're comfy and I like that you're playing with my hair," Joe said and smiled.

Heather had started down the stairs when she overheard Jim talking to Joe. She stood at the top of the stairs until after they were done. As she got to the bottom of the stairs, Jim looked at her and she mouthed, "Nice talk." Jim smiled, he didn't know she was there so he was glad to have said what he did. "Well, I'm going to make breakfast. Seems you've become a pillow," Heather said with a slight chuckle.

"Yea, apparently I'm comfy. He went right back to sleep," Jim responded quietly so as to not wake Joe. His mom just smiled.

After about twenty minutes, Heather said that breakfast was ready. Jim woke Joe up and they went to eat. Joe kept smiling at Jim while they ate. Jim smiled back and said, "You really enjoyed my lap as a pillow, didn't you?"

"Told you that you were comfy," Joe giggled.

"I love how close you two have become. Now, hurry up, you don't want to be late." Heather stated.

As if on cue, Zac came rushing through the door. "Turn on the news. There was a major gas leak at the school. It's cancelled for the day."

"Well, guess we no longer have to worry about being late. Means we can get an early day at the ranch?" Jim asked.

"Would you mind waiting a while? Joe's able to get around and all, but I'd still like someone to be with him in case he has any problems," Heather asked.

"It's OK, Mom. I want to go to the ranch, too. And the fresh air would do me some good. Plus, I'd like to see the mare, as well. Jackson didn't." Joe couldn't finish his thought.

"No, I thought we told you, Colt finished breaking the mare for you. He gave you all the credit though," Zac said.

"Who's Colt?" Joe asked.

"Remember the Browning family that Jackson and Ryan had been visiting? He's their son." Jim said.

"Yeah, Mr. Browning used to do rodeos, but a couple years ago, he was thrown and became paralyzed from the waist down. Jackson thinks Mrs. Browning has been abusing Colt," Zac stated.

Heather perked up. "Why does he think that?" she asked.

"Well, it's hard to really say because it's not physical abuse. When Colt broke the horse, he begged Jackson to not hate him. And something he said gave Jackson and I the impression that he's being belittled," Zac stated.

"You know, physical abuse is hard enough to deal with, but it's usually easier to detect and stop, but not always. Mental or emotional abuse is far worse. It's harder to detect, and the pain can last forever. What's Jackson doing about it?" Heather inquired.

"For starters, he's getting the boy to the ranch as often as he can to get him out of that environment while Ryan is looking into the legal aspect. Jackson is also talking to the boy and getting as much information as he can."

"I'd like to be kept apprised, but Ryan works for a good law firm. And I understand that he's moved up from intern to associate," Heather said.

"Yeah, he said give him a few years and he can become a partner." Jim said.

The boys finished eating and cleaned up while Heather got ready for work. As she went out the door, she reminded them that she wanted to be kept informed about Colt. Jim looked at Joe, "I'm going upstairs to get ready to head for the ranch. If you need any help, either call for me or if you don't mind, Zac can help."

"I just wish there wasn't a fracture so close to the knee. If I could bend my leg, I wouldn't need help dressing," Joe said.

"I know buddy, but Jim and I don't mind helping. Be glad it's us and not your mom," Zac joked.

"That would be so embarrassing," Joe said turning slightly pink. Zac chuckled as he slid Joe's boxers down. He threw the worn clothes into the hamper while Joe made his way to the bathroom to wash. Zac asked if he wanted him to wash his toes sticking out of his cast. "Yes, please, I can't reach them." Zac started tickling them instead of washing. "Jim!!!"

"OK, I'll wash them, I just couldn't resist," Zac said with a cheesy smile.

After Joe was done washing, Zac started helping him get dressed. Jim headed downstairs fully dressed. "Did you call? I thought I heard you yell while I was in the shower."

"Won't mention any names, but someone was tickling my toes," Joe said feigning a pout.

"Darn, I missed it. I could have helped tickle," Jim kidded.

"So much for protecting me," Joe said smiling. Jim gave him a quick hug.

The boys got in the truck and headed for the ranch. "Guess what I found out the other day, Zac," Jim stated.

"You're pregnant? If you are, I better be the father." Zac joked.

"Only babies I'm giving birth to, you may not want to claim to be the father," Jim said.

"You might be right, there," Zac laughed.

"I don't know how he kept this from me. My mom had to have known since the sixth of January and SHE didn't even tell me until this past Saturday," Jim said.

"Does someone have a birthday coming up?" Zac guessed.

"He sure does. I think we should tickle him sixteen times on the thirteenth. What do you think?" Jim teased.

"That might take a while to administer. Maybe we should start now," Zac suggested.

"Please, no. I'm very ticklish. I beg you." The look on Joe's face was priceless.

"OK, I won't say we won't tickle you, but not sixteen times for your birthday. How about if we each kiss your cheek sixteen times on that day?" Jim offered slipping his arm around Joe.

"I'd like that," Joe said smiling. Then he saw a music store coming up. "Hey, can we stop there on the way home?"

"I take it you like music," Zac asked.

"Before I got kicked out of the house, I had a guitar. I loved playing and singing." Joe confessed.

Zac and Jim looked at each other and nodded. "Say, Jim, isn't your birthday coming up soon, too?" Zac asked.

"Little more than two months away, eleventh of May. Hoping to do Driver's Ed and get my license."

"So, Joe's two days shy of being two months older than you," Zac stated. Joe smiled.

"Turns out that way. Thankfully, his leg should be out of a cast by then and he can take Driver's Ed with me."

"When's your birthday, Zac?" Joe asked.

"I'll be seventeen in August. August the sixteenth, to be precise," he said proudly.

Zac pulled into his spot. Jackson came out of the office as the boys helped Joe get out of the truck. "How are you doing Joe?" he asked.

"I'm getting there. I've come to see the mare." Joe said smiling.

"Well, Colt is with her now. He's over in the arena." Jim handed Joe his crutches.

"How is Colt?" Zac asked.

"He called me today since school was cancelled. When I picked him up, he asked if he could put my number in his cell phone just in case," Jackson replied.

"In case of what?" Jim asked.

"That's what I asked, and he just hung his head down," Jackson responded.

Joe got to the gate of the arena. Colt looked over and saw him. He rode the mare over. "You did a good job training this mare. Hope you're not mad at me for finishing it."

"Why would I be mad at you? Jackson was considering selling her, you may have saved her life," Joe said. "Besides, it's not like I can do it right now, anyway."

I'm sorry, it's just that my mom says." Colt started. "Never mind, I'm Colt, how's your leg?"

"Driving me crazy. It itches all the time, and I can't dress myself with anything going over the foot. So how is the mare doing?" Joe asked.

"That must be rough. I think she's ready for others to ride her," Colt stated.

Jackson walked up behind Joe, "That's good to hear. Why don't you get her groomed and stabled so I can take you home?"

"Can't I stay here a while longer? I feel safe here," Colt asked.

"Does your mom even know that you're here?" Jackson replied.

"She was at work when school was cancelled, but Dad knows that I am. When I asked if I could come, he gave me permission," Colt explained.

"What exactly did he say?" Jackson inquired.

"His exact words?" Colt asked.

"Yes, his exact words."

"He said do whatever I wanted that he didn't care," Colt started to cry and hugged Jackson.

Jackson held Colt tight, "You think that he doesn't care about you? I'm sure that's not how he meant it."

About that time Ryan's car pulled up. He got out of the car and headed towards Jackson. Jackson gave him a look of "why aren't you at work?" "I'm sorry, babe, but when I was doing research, one of the partners asked what I was doing."

"Let me guess, they fired you." Jackson said.

"No, but I was given the rest of the day off without pay. Can we talk in private?" Ryan asked.

Mrs. Browning's car pulled up before Jackson was able answer. Colt tried to hide as best he could behind Jackson. "Colton Ulysses Browning, you best get your sorry, good for nothing ass in my car, immediately if you know what's good for you." Colt hurried to the car. Mrs. Browning walked over to Jackson and started poking him in the chest with her finger, "Next time you lay your hand on my son, I will have you arrested, you perverted son of a bitch. I was nice to you and invited you into my home because your boyfriend was handling a case for my husband. Then I hear about him snooping into my private life from one of the partners. Stay away from my son or I will get a restraining order." She got in the car and Jackson could hear her yelling at Colt until they were almost out of sight.

"They called her right before they sent me home. I'm off her husband's case, now too." Ryan explained.

"He's definitely being abused. He apologized to me and asked me to not be mad at him. He started to tell me something that his mom said, but changed his mind. I'd bet my next paycheck that he's being abused," Joe said solemnly.

"I know kiddo, I just wish we could do something," Jackson stated.

"Once he turns sixteen, we can see about getting him emancipated, but he'll need a job. Know any ranches that might hire him?" Ryan smiled at Jackson.

"Joe, you want to sit in the office in case anyone calls? I need to groom the mare since Colt didn't get to do it." Jackson asked.

"Sure, until my leg heals, not much else that I can do," Joe stated.

"Don't worry about that, kiddo. I'll let you sit there and answer phones whenever Zac and Jim are here so you can still get paid and be around the horses. My insurance is paying for everything, I hope."

"As far as I know," Joe said.

"Well, let your mom know that if she gets any bills to bring them to me. Anything that my insurance doesn't pay, I will."

"I think she got the electric bill yesterday." Joe chuckled.

Jackson laughed. "You know what I mean," he said as he mussed Joe's hair.

"I'll help you groom the mare. We can discuss things while we do." Ryan said.

"Jackson, Jim and I are going to pick up a few things. Need anything?" Zac offered.

"Lots of things," Jackson said. Then he walked over to Jim and said quietly, "Was just looking over Joe's paperwork. His birthday is in nine days and you didn't say anything."

Jim shrugged his shoulders and responded, "I just found out three days ago. That's one of the things we'll be picking up. Found out that Joe used to have a guitar and he would like to get another one."

"Can you pick up a guitar strap for me, then? Zac has my credit card on him. Pick out the one that'll last. And tell your mom that I'm offering one of the barns for the party. Just let me know."

"Will do, Jackson," Jim said.

Zac and Jim took off for the music store. Once there, Jim looked over at the man at the counter. He looked to be seventeen or eighteen with blonde hair and brown eyes. "You have any left-handed guitars?" Jim asked.

"I actually have one, it's acoustic. I don't get many requests for left-handed. If you don't like the one I have or want an electric, I can order one, but it'll be a week before it gets here," the man stated.

Jim looked at the guitar and it was solid black. Jim liked it but asked to see what his choices were if he ordered. Looking through the catalog, he found one that jumped out at him and showed it to Zac. It was an acoustic guitar that was mainly black, but the face was very dark along the edges and turned a light green toward the center. "I like that, and I know Joe would love it," Zac exclaimed.

"His birthday is in nine days, are you sure it'll be here before then?" Jim asked.

"Actually, as long as I order it before noon, it'll be with my shipment this Friday. I just need at least ten percent down."

"Can we just pay for the whole thing, now?" Jim asked.

"I see no reason why not. Will there be anything else for you?"

"Yea, but it needs to be separate. Our boss asked us to pick up a guitar strap for him to give. He said to make sure it would last," Zac replied.

"You ask me, I have some really good quality ones over here. I think the two-tone green one would look really good for that box," the clerk suggested. "And its guarantee to last is longer than any of the others."

"I'll take it. And we have one more request. We'll be stopping in with the person who these are a birthday present for later on today. I'll rush in so that you know. Is there any way that you can hide the left-handed guitar from him? Suggest ordering it, but tell him that it'll take a couple weeks," Zac requested.

"Since you're paying for the whole thing in advance, I can definitely do that. Hate for him to ruin your surprise. I'm the only one here today, so you needn't worry about him dealing with another employee. The name's Nick. My dad owns the store."

"Nice to meet you, Nick." Jim said shaking his hand. He and Zac finished their purchases and then went to pick up a few other things that the ranch needed.

When they got to the ranch, they told Jackson about the guitar being ordered and described it and then showed him the guitar strap they picked up for him. Jackson loved it. He took the guitar strap into the house. "You do love them boys, don't you?" Ryan asked.

"That I do. I almost think of them as my own. You ever consider the idea of adopting?" Jackson asked.

"Many times, until recently I was never sure what you would think of it."

"I know a certain boy that I would love to adopt, and not just to get him away from his mother. That would just be a bonus," Jackson chuckled.

"I hear you, but I don't think the bitch would allow that. I swear, I see so many people who shouldn't have children yet they do and abuse them. Take for example Joe's father or Mrs. Browning. Then I see someone like you who would be a great parent."

"I think you would make a great parent, too," Jackson said as he kissed Ryan.

"You want me to take that on my way to work and have Joe's name embroidered on it?" Ryan asked.

"Now, who's showing love for the boys?" Jackson chuckled.

"What can I say, they are a great bunch. I'll drop it off on the way in and pick it up on the way home."

On their way home, Zac made a stop at the music store for Joe. He rushed in so Nick could hide the left-handed guitar. Jim stayed with Joe and walked beside him to help him until they were almost to the door. Then Jim hurried forward so he could hold the door open. Joe looked at Nick. He kind of smiled because he thought Nick looked like a humanized version of Colby, Jim's yellow Lab.

"You have any left-handed guitars?" Joe asked.

"Sorry, I normally carry one, but I sold it earlier to some dude. If you're interested, I can order one, but my supplier is backed up right now," Nick stated.

"How long would it take?" Joe asked.

"Two, maybe three weeks?"

"How much do I need up front?" Joe asked.

"Well, I rarely sell them, so I keep one in stock, normally. Let me order one and you can just pay me when it comes in. Then, I'll just order a second one. That way, if there's more of a delay and you change your mind, you're not out anything," Nick suggested.

Joe gave his phone number and asked Nick to call him. Then he and Jim headed out to the truck. Zac looked at Nick and told him how much he appreciated his help. He also slipped him two twenties. "Dude, it was my pleasure to help. I can see a ten or twenty, but this is way too much."

"You did a great performance. You earned it," Zac insisted.

The boys got home and Heather hadn't gotten off work yet. Jim looked at Joe, "I should get a guitar. I've always wanted to learn, maybe you could teach me."

"Don't know if I can, but I'm willing to try," Joe liked the fact that Jim asked.

Since they didn't have school, they didn't have homework. Jim put water on the stove to surprise their mom with supper when she got home from work. Joe came into the kitchen and asked if he could help. "If you want. When the water starts boiling, add the linguini noodles. I'll start melting butter and add some minced garlic. If you want, then, I'll get the ingredients and you can add them and make sure nothing burns."

"Are we making Shrimp Scampi Linguini?" Joe asked.

"You got that from linguini, butter, and garlic. I'm impressed."

The boys had just finished preparing supper when Heather entered the house. "Hope you're hungry, Mom. Joe made Shrimp Scampi Linguini."

"I just watched everything cook and added what you gave me. It was a joint effort," Joe insisted.

Joe made his way to the table since he was still unable to carry anything. Heather offered to set the table while Jim brought the food from the kitchen. "It smells delicious. You boys make a great team in the kitchen. So, what's the word on Colt?"

"He was at the ranch today. I talked to him a little bit. No doubt in my mind that he's abused," Joe stated.

"Yea, his mother came to the ranch and picked him up. She started yelling at Colt, then Jackson, and back to Colt ever since she got out of the car," Jim added.

Joe started telling how Ryan was sent home early and thought he was about to lose his job. Heather's eyes started to tear up as the boys continued talking. "Well, I'll talk to one of the partners where I work. I know they are planning to hire a few associates over summer. He does have options."

After supper was done, Heather started clearing the table. Joe went to the couch and Jim helped with dishes. "What's the plan for Joe's birthday? Jackson has offered the barn where we held the Christmas party."

"We could do a surprise party. We can have it right after school. And to give everyone time to show up, you and Zac can take Joe to the bakery to pick up a small cake. Let him think it's for you guys to celebrate his birthday with Jackson. Only, we'll talk to the bakery and set things in motion. There won't be a cake ready." Jim smiled.

"What are you getting him for his birthday?" Jim asked.

"I don't know yet. You and Zac seem to always be ahead of me, there," Heather complained.

"If you want, you can go in with us," Jim looked to make sure Joe was on the couch. He had just turned on CBS. "He wants a guitar. He was looking for one today, but Zac and I ordered one that we think he will just love." Jim described the guitar and told his mom what Jackson had bought. She agreed to pay a third of the cost for the guitar.

When the guitar came in, Heather picked it up for the boys. Figured they always had Joe with them, so it would be easier for her to get it without him knowing. She looked at it before she placed it in her trunk. "Joe will definitely love this," she thought.

After school on Thursday, Zac drove Jim and Joe to the bakery. Jim walked up to the counter and said that he was there to pick up the cake for Sprayberry. "I'm sorry, I don't have a cake here by that name," the guy at the counter apologized.

"Would you check again, I heard Jackson order it yesterday myself. It was supposed to be a nine inch two layer spice cake with cream cheese frosting," Zac said.

The guy looked at all his cakes and apologized again. Jim said that he was going to call Jackson and see what happened. He stepped outside while Zac asked the guy how long it would take to get one made if needed. After a few minutes, Jim poked his head in, "Jackson said that he was running an errand earlier and already picked it up. Thanks for your time, Dude." The guy at the counter just smiled and waved.

"Wish he would have let us know. We could have been almost to the ranch by now," Zac grumbled.

"Maybe he tried while we were at school. Phone was off so let me check my voice mail," Jim suggested. He held his phone to his ear. "Yea, he did. Sorry, Zac."

"Well, guess no reason to be upset, then. Let's just get to the ranch and have some of that cake."

As usual, Zac pulled into his spot. "That looks like Buster's mom's car," Joe said.

"Maybe Jackson called him to help celebrate. He knows how much the two of you love each other," Jim suggested. "And a nine inch cake is more than enough for five easily."

They got out of the truck and headed for the office. They found the door locked. "Jackson!" they called out and started heading towards the barns. Zac suggested that they split up to look for Jackson. They sent Joe to the barn where everyone was waiting, and they hurried to get there unseen by him.

Joe walked to the barn and opened the door. "Jackson, you in here?" Jackson let out a groan like he was hurt. "Guys, I think I found him and he's hurt!" Joe yelled.

Joe flipped on a light switch and everyone yelled "SURPRISE!!!" Joe jumped. He saw Buster and his mom, Heather, Dusty and Cheyenne, Jackson and Ryan, Michael from school, and a few other guys from school. Uncle Darry had been visiting Dusty again, so even he was there. Joe placed his hand on his chest.

Jim and Zac walked up to him. "Happy birthday, Bro."

"That was enough to give a guy a heart attack, and I'm getting old now. I just turned sixteen," Joe chuckled.

"That reminds me, Zac, we haven't given Joe his birthday kisses yet," Jim said.

"You have to wait in line behind me, but I'm just giving him one kiss," Buster said. He put his arms around Joe and hugged him tight. Then he pressed his lips to Joe and started kissing. Joe felt Buster's tongue enter his mouth and he didn't resist even the slightest. The kiss seemed to last forever.

"Now I know you guys are trying to give this old guy a heart attack. WOW!!!" Joe exclaimed. Buster smiled.

Jim hugged Joe from his right and Zac from his left. They kissed Joe on the cheek simultaneously. They counted between kisses. After their sixteenth kiss, they each tickled him a little. Everyone else just gave Joe a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

Heather was cutting the cake while everyone made Joe feel more loved than he thought was possible. After everyone was done, Joe walked up to her. "I never had a birthday party before, let alone a surprise one. Thank you so very much, Mom," Joe said with a tear running down his cheek.

"I'm glad you're so happy, but Jim did most of the work. I did what I could, but he did all the inviting."

"Not sure how I got so blessed, last year I would have never thought it was possible. I even thought about suicide. I'm so glad that I didn't even try," Joe was getting even more emotional.

"I'm so glad you didn't try, also. I wouldn't have been blessed meeting you and if I could have requested a Bro, I wouldn't have even imagined one as awesome as you," Jim said hugging Joe. Joe sobbed into his shoulder. "It's alright, you're among friends who love you, and you have a terrific boyfriend who obviously cares deeply for you."

Jim let go of Joe and he turned towards everyone. "Sorry that I'm being such a baby, but this has just made me so very happy."

"HEY!!! Don't be calling my Bro a baby. I may have to tickle you," Jim teased.

"Yea, and you call my boyfriend a baby, I may have to help," Buster added.

"OK, I'm not a baby, but I am still so very happy. Thank you everyone for making this day special," Joe announced.

"Dude, you being you makes every day special. We are just glad we could help you celebrate your birthday," Zac stated. Joe hugged Zac.

Jim led everyone in singing "Happy Birthday." After the singing was done, Joe grabbed the first piece of cake and Jackson dished out the ice cream. After he had his, everyone else grabbed theirs.

After everyone had eaten a piece of cake, Joe started to open his presents. He got a variety of gifts. Uncle Darry gave Joe an orange ball cap. Someone gave him a cowboy hat. Buster's gift was a forest green pullover shirt that laced up the front. Other than the color, it made Joe think of Zorro and he planned to wear it when they go on a date. Joe opened the rest of presents that were on the table. Heather brought over the present from Zac, Jim and her. "I'm guessing that Zac and Jim picked this out, but they invited me to join. We hope you like it."

Joe opened the box and couldn't believe his eyes. He pulled the guitar out and started to cry. "By the way, Bro, Nick didn't really sell the guitar he had. We asked him to hide it so you wouldn't buy it. And he never ordered another one for you. We saw this one and knew you'd love it," Jim said hugging Joe.

"I do, I really, really do." Joe cried.

"Zac helped," Jim said.

"I was just there, you looked through the catalog and found it. I just agreed that it was perfect," Zac said.

"That's good enough, come here so I can hug you, too," Joe ordered.

Jackson walked over. "I didn't want you to open mine before you saw that, so here you go. It's from Ryan and myself."

Joe opened the box and saw the guitar strap with his name on it. He gave Jackson and Ryan a big hug and immediately put it on the guitar. Everyone asked him to play something and Joe started playing and singing George Strait's "I Cross My Heart." His eyes were focused on Buster as he sang.

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@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com . For those that tried zarek@woh.rr.com mailto:zarek@woh.rr.com , I apologize. I had used this email for over 12 years, but it was discontinued 2 years ago. I still catch myself writing it occasionally.