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.
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Another Chance
Chapter 30
In the morning, Jim and Zac walked downstairs. "Whoever took our boots off, we appreciate it. We were really tired after the trip. Zarek's family are very nice and invited us to visit whenever we want."
"Well, they are family, so maybe you can visit them a few times before school starts back."
"They want to meet the two of you, also," Jim stated looking at his mom and Joe.
"Then, it's settled, Mom's going on our trip, too," Joe said.
"I take it that you decided that's where we're going?" Jim questioned.
"Without a doubt," Joe said with a smile.
"You have vacation time coming up, Mom? I'm thinking maybe last week of July." Jim asked.
"Yes, I can plan to take that week off," Heather told her sons.
Zac was just sitting down at the breakfast table when there was a knock at the door. Jim started to stand, but Heather motioned for him to stay seated. She opened the door to see a new face. "Hi, I'm Samantha Williams and I was just assigned to Joe's case while his regular case worker is on maternity leave. I hope I didn't wake you this early, but I have something very important I must discuss," the lady started.
"Would you like to come in? As for waking us, we were just sitting down to breakfast, we have plenty if you're hungry. Or, perhaps a cup of coffee?" Heather offered.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid you're not going to like me with what I have to say."
"OH?" Heather was a bit surprised. Joe came over to the door.
"Mrs. Walker has filed for divorce from her husband. She's moving back to Harbor Springs, Michigan to live with her mother and wants to take Joe with her."
"Can she do that? I don't want to go!" Joe raised his voice.
"It's only been six months and she is complying with the courts as to the only way she can stop the adoption. I'm sorry, but from what I understand, she has every right," Mrs. Williams stated.
"Why does she want me now when she didn't want me six months ago? She never acted like a mother before, is she doing this because I am happy for once?" Joe's agitation was very obvious.
"I have no idea, I just know that she stopped by the office right as we got there this morning," Mrs. Williams responded.
"Does she expect me to just hand Joe over like that? Can I take this to court?" Heather appeared as agitated as Joe.
"Yes, actually we told her that she would need to file with the courts to regain custody. I'll let you know when the date is as soon as we know. >From the looks of things, we believe it'll be early August."
"If she wins, I don't want to go with her. Can I file for emancipation?" Joe asked.
"You can apply and hope the courts go in your favor, but there's no guarantee that they will. Hope you're not mad at me, I will do everything that I can to help you. I'm sure you've already been told, Joe's well-being and happiness are our main concern. We will fight for what we believe is best for you. The court will listen to you and take what you have to say to heart. Unless you get Judge Dillon, I'm sure everything will work out. Dillon always seems to go with the birth mother, regardless."
"Sounds like he needs to be voted out, if you ask me," Jim stated, now standing beside Joe.
"Yes, those of us at the CPS have thought that she needed to be voted out for some time." Mrs. Williams said. Jim felt sheepish having referred to the judge as a "he". "And we all agree that Joe is where he should be, so we'll do what we can to assist.
"Thank you for the heads up, Mrs. Williams. I assure you that while we are agitated, it's not at you," Heather said smiling.
"If you know a good lawyer, which I'm sure you do since you're a paralegal, I recommend using him or her. And while the state can't assist with the cost, all of us in the office have agreed to help with what we can to cover it if need be."
"I'm sure that won't be necessary. I'm sure that Ryan will do it and not charge," Heather stated, "But thank you for the offer. It means a lot."
"Like I said, we all believe that Joe is where he should be. And we will be in court to testify to that." With that, Mrs. Williams got into her vehicle and headed back to the office. Heather got on the phone and Jackson answered. Heather asked for Ryan and explained the situation. Zac and Jim finished breakfast and headed to the ranch. Joe wanted to go but Heather insisted that he stay home. She thought he should be there to talk with Ryan. Joe wasn't happy, but did agree that giving every detail would be important.
It was ten when Ryan knocked on the door. Joe greeted him looking not too happy. "Jackson said to not worry about today. Jim told him how upset you were about not being able to come in."
"Yeah, but it's not just because I'm not earning my paycheck. I'm more upset because of that woman. She was never a mother to me. When my dad knocked me around, she laughed and offered me a dress, does that sound like a mother? And she's not called or anything since I've been out of her house. It's been six months, hell it's been over sixteen years and she never acted like a mother before. If she really loved me, then why would she do this now?" Heather came up behind Joe and pulled him against her, turning him around.
"Won't you come in, Ryan?" she asked.
"Yes, and I feel I have something at stake here as well. You're probably aware that our company doesn't allow us to charge for our colleagues, but even if we could, I'd handle this for free."
"Yes, I am aware and thank you. Would you like some coffee?" Heather offered.
Ryan accepted and they sat down to discuss everything. With everything that Joe had to say, Ryan was sure any judge would let him stay right where he is. He advised Joe that should the judge grant his birth mother's petition, he should have an application ready for submission and he pulled the application out of his briefcase. "And what happens if the judge gives me to her but doesn't approve my emancipation?" Joe asked.
"Then we appeal his or her decision and take it to another judge. I know Jackson really likes you boys and he will assist in any way that he can to help you stay here. Unless we get that one judge, I can't see any judge giving her custody with the way she was on the last day you were there. Keep your head up and think positive."
Ryan talked with Heather for a few minutes. Joe went to his room. He knew Ryan was right but he just wanted to cry. Joe thought about running away. He knew that it would only hurt the ones who do love him and not solve anything, though. If anything, it would make his life more complicated. Colby jumped on his bed and started licking his face. Even that didn't seem to raise his spirits much. He started to push Colby away, but then Kunoichi joined in and started licking Joe's feet. Joe couldn't help but start to laugh.
Things seemed odd at the ranch not having Joe there. Admittedly, there was a time when Joe wasn't there, but now that he's become a part of everyone's lives, there seems to be a hole like something is missing. Jim and Zac got their chores done and went into the office. "What's up, gentlemen?" Jackson asked.
"Everything is done and we're thinking of calling it a day," Zac started.
"I totally understand. Today was like a sucker punch to the abs, and if he leaves, I'll miss him, too. I know that Ryan will do his utmost to win or whatever. I threatened him."
"You threatened Ryan? What, no sex for a week if Joe leaves?" Jim kidded.
"Actually a month, but yep," Ryan stated as he walked in.
"So, how is it looking?" Jackson asked.
"Well, Joe is sixteen, his mom hasn't tried contacting him in the six months he's been away from her, and he really can't recall her being motherly in the time he was there. She was invited to his birthday, but she wrote on the envelope, 'Refused - Return to Sender'. Unless we get Dillon, I see this as an easy case."
"Maybe you'll get the judge you had for Colt," Jim said hoping.
"Get him and it'll be a slam dunk. He listens to what the child has to say and takes that to heart as he decides. Dillon thinks that all children should live with their birth parents until they are eighteen. There have been a few, very few, times when she has decided the other way."
"Jim thinks she should be voted out of office and while we're too young to vote, I have to agree," Zac mentioned.
"Only problem is, no one has been running against her. She is up for re-election this year."
"Why don't you run against her?" Jackson asked.
"Are you kidding me? I've not been practicing law very long and." Ryan started.
"And people are ready for a change. Obviously, Dillon has put kids with their birth parents when she shouldn't more than once. While I never approved of smear campaign tactics, I would approve of pointing out her record," Jackson stated.
"I'll give it some thought," Ryan stated and headed into their living area.
"Why don't you boys head home. Tell Joe that I gave him a sick day," Jackson advised.
"Before we do, I have a request to make," Jim stated.
"Approved," Jackson said.
"You don't even know what I plan to ask," Jim argued.
"Yet I approved you taking time off to visit Zarek's family. When would you like to go?" Jackson flashed his smile.
Jim gave him a puzzled look. "How did. Did Zarek tell you?"
"He made mention that you were very happy meeting them. That his dad bought your old ranch and that you want to surprise your mom. So, when would you like off?" Jackson's grin couldn't get any bigger as he stared at Jim.
Jim smiled back. "We were talking about going the last week of July. Hopefully, Joe's court date isn't during that time."
"And you're approved also, Zac. I'll make sure all three of you are covered that week," Jackson stated as he wrote that down on the calendar laying on his desk. "Now go home and cheer Joe up. He's probably distraught with worry."
Jim and Zac headed home but made a stop on the way. They picked up a seafood pizza to take to Joe. As they entered the house, Jim called out for Joe. It took a few minutes for Joe to get to the stairs, but he announced he was on the way so Jim wouldn't worry or call again.
"Bro, Ryan seems to think that you have a good case for staying. I'm going to be optimistic on the deal and thought we'd celebrate with a seafood pizza. What do you think?" Jim asked.
"Sounds like a plan, and until a court date is set, guess there's no reason to worry about it. Maybe she'll change her mind and see how happy I am. If she cares about me, isn't that all that should matter?" Joe pondered.
"Yes, yes it is. And if you said that you wanted to go, I wouldn't dream of stopping you. But I love you and I know you want to stay here, so I will fight for you and do everything in my power to make that happen," Heather stated sternly. She was carrying a salad and sat it on the table.
"And that's one of many ways that you have proven your love. I don't think she loves me, she's just afraid of being alone." Everyone nodded their head to signify that Joe's assessment was possibly correct.
After they finished eating lunch, Zac offered to clean up. Jim told Joe and the dogs to get in his car. The dogs ran and waited for Jim and Joe to open the car doors. Jim drove to Yellowstone National Park. When he got out, he put leashes on the dogs apologizing stating that it was the law. He and Joe walked the dogs and talked while admiring the beauty. Joe looked at Jim and started to cry. "I'm scared, I don't want to leave her. As much as that man was a sperm donor, she's almost just an egg donor."
Jim opened his arms and Joe hugged him. Then Jim wrapped his arms around Joe tightly as if he was never going to let him go. "Just calm down, Bro. There hasn't even been a case set yet, you have an excellent attorney, and Mom won't just give up."
"Whatever happens, promise we will stay in contact," Joe begged between sobs.
"You are my bro. Without any doubt, we will stay in contact for the rest of our lives," Jim said kissing Joe on the cheek. Joe pulled away from Jim, thanking him. Then he wiped his eyes.
"I must seem like a baby," Joe stated.
"Hey," Jim snapped. "That's my bro you're talking about. Refer to yourself as a baby again and I will put you in a diaper." Jim then flashed a much needed smile.
"OK, I'm not a baby," Joe said as he smiled back. "And I'd like to see you try and put me in a diaper."
"I'm sure Zac would help, especially if he knew why."
"Ryan has to win, I can't leave you and Zac. You guys wouldn't have anybody to pick on," Joe's spirits were starting to lift. After a few more minutes, they got back in the car and headed home.
As Joe was getting out of the car, Zac grabbed him and led him to his truck. "Where are we going?" Joe asked.
"Just for a drive. Here, I'll even let you do the driving," Zac said as he tossed his keys to Joe. They pulled out and just drove. Zac did most of the talking as he assured Joe that everything would work out.
Jim and the two dogs went into the house. "Did your trip do any good?" Heather asked.
"He seemed to be in higher spirits. If nothing else, he knows how much we love him. So, you planning to take Joe for a drive when he and Zac get back?" Jim gave his ever popular grin.
Heather mussed Jim's hair. "No, I think I'll just hug him when they get back. I think he knows that we will fight as hard as we can to keep him."
It wasn't Zac's truck that pulled up, but a green Buick. Heather recognized the lady getting out of the vehicle as Mrs. Walker. "Where's my son? I've gotten sober and changed my mind about letting him be adopted," she yelled.
"After all this time, do you think I'd just let him go? You've been abusing him for years, maybe not physically as your husband, but mental and emotional abuse is far worse. And you think you can just come here and get him? He's hurting because of you. I finally have him where he's happy and you want to just yank him away? It's not happening. You need to leave."
"I'm not leaving without my son."
Jim came to the door. "Police are on their way. I recommend that you leave before they get here."
"Fine, but I will get my son back one way or another. Mark my words, you are in my crosshairs and I plan to take Joseph with me when I move to Michigan," Mrs. Walker stated as she headed for her car.
"Is that a threat? Did you just threaten me?" Heather was seething. A police SUV had turned down the cul-de-sac as Mrs. Walker got behind the wheel. They watched as she pulled out of the drive, then the SUV took the spot she had been parked in.
"Is everything alright?" the officer asked as he got out of his vehicle.
"Now that she's gone, they are for the moment. Thank you for coming, that woman threatened me, I think," Heather responded.
"Threatened you? Didn't by any chance get it recorded, did you?" the officer asked.
"No, didn't realize that she would." Heather started.
Suddenly they heard, "Fine, but I will get my son back one way or another. Mark my words, you are in my crosshairs." Jim turned off his phone at that time.
"Yep, I recorded everything after I placed the call to nine-one-one," Jim stated. He had a smile on his face for his brilliant thinking.
"That definitely sounded like a threat to me. I'll have an officer go pick her up. Can I borrow your phone so I can get a copy of that recording?"
Jim handed his phone over to the officer.
Joe pulled into Zac's driveway since the police SUV blocked the Bolts' drive. He walked over with Zac right behind him. "What's going on?"
"She was here thinking she could just come and take you. I had to call the police," Jim told him. Joe ran to Heather's arms.
"Is that why she came here?" the officer asked. Heather started relating the entire story starting with how Joe came to live there. The officer seemed interested and took notes. Every now and then, he would stop her to ask questions, he was being thorough. "Sounds like an interesting situation to say the least. Here's my card, call me if she comes back," the officer said after Heather finished her statement.
Everything seemed to calm down for a couple weeks and the boys' lives returned to normal. At the ranch, business was picking up. This being horse country, most people knew how to ride, and some even stabled their horses at Another Chance. Those that didn't already know how wanted lessons. Many requested Joe as he proved to be a good instructor.
Fourth of July was just around the corner and Jackson asked the boys if they were interested in riding their horses in the parade. "Would we have anything showing that we work here?" Zac questioned.
"I was thinking of getting flags. Jim, you would carry the American flag, Joe, you could carry the Wyoming flag, and Zac would carry a flag with our brand on it. Or you guys could switch, but whoever carries the American flag and state flag would be at the front of the parade. The one with our brand would be back a ways so as to not detract from the importance of the other two."
"I'll carry our brand so Jim and Zac can be together," Joe offered.
"Are you sure?" Zac asked. "I can carry our flag so you can ride with your brother."
"I would be honored to carry our flag," Joe stated with a grin.
"Alrighty then. The hands who want to be in the parade will be following Joe. I'll have red, white and blue shirts being made up for everyone riding. Our logo will be on the back."
Fourth of July morning, Jim was at the very front of the parade holding the American flag. He had a holder attached to his saddle horn that helped hold it to free up one hand for the reins. Zac was to his left and slightly back holding the flag of the great state of Wyoming. "Mmmmm, best looking flag carrier I've ever seen," Zac stated while waiting for the parade to start.
"And how many flag carriers have you seen?" Jim asked with a chuckle.
"I've seen a few. I've been watching this parade for as long as I can remember. One year, they had a really fat guy holding it. I mean, he was so fat that I felt sorry for the horse carrying him. I was seven and I cried to my mom I was so worried about the horse."
"Well, then I can see why you would think I was the best looking, comparing me to him," Jim chuckled some more.
"Baby, on a scale of one to ten, he would be a one and you'd be a thousand," Zac stated.
"A thousand, eh? On a scale of one to ten, that's all I get?" Jim queried with a wink.
"Only because you done broke that scale and it couldn't go any higher."
"Nice response, come closer so I can kiss you before the parade starts."
It was just a few minutes after that Jim started leading the parade. He nodded his head a few times to the crowd. He saw his Mom and Marilyn out in the crowd and heard Marilyn whistle. His mom was holding her ears. As he reached about midway of the parade, he could hear an announcer talking.
"Ladies and gentlemen, leading the parade this year is Jim Bolt, riding Gold. As you can see from his shirt, he rides at the Another Chance Ranch, a proud sponsor of this year's parade. If you are interested in riding, this ranch has many options for the novice as well as the well-seasoned rider. We will see some of their employees later in the parade.
"By Mr. Bolt, we have another rider from Another Chance, Zac Schoen, and get this, he's riding Silver, so we have Silver and Gold leading the parade this year. Next we have." Jim could hear the announcer continuing, but he didn't really care what the announcer had to say, he knew who was following them.
After the parade, everyone headed to the park for picnics, rides, games, and later there would be fireworks. Jim and Zac hitched their horses to a post and joined their moms. Joe wasn't too long before he joined them also. They were setting out fried chicken along with potato salad and corn-on-the-cob. Vince was sitting beside Marilyn.
Looking at those around him, Vince stated, "I can't think of a more appropriate time, everyone that matters is here. Marilyn and I have set a wedding date. We thought about sixteenth of August, but that's someone's birthday. And, we want to have time to take care of all the details. I want this to be Marilyn's happiest wedding and I know it will be my only wedding."
"Enough of that, when do you officially become my dad?" Zac asked anxiously.
"We chose the date to be the eleventh of October. I hope I don't offend anyone that I didn't choose them as my best man, Zac, I expect will walk Marilyn down the aisle and give her away."
"I'll gladly walk Mom down the aisle, and I'll share her, but I'm not about to give her away," Zac said smiling. Marilyn mussed his hair, then kissed him on the cheek.
"Did we miss something?" Jackson asked as he walked up to the table.
"Vince just announced their wedding date," Jim stated.
"I have an announcement, also. I've decided to run against Judge Dillon. As many have said, it's time that she is voted out. Plus, if she is the judge at the hearing, I can officially ask her to recuse herself on the grounds her decision could be thought of as biased."
"You had to mention that, didn't you?" Joe asked.
"No worries, buddy. If we don't have her, there's no way a judge would take you away from Heather and Jim."
Buster was heading towards the table. His mom and dad were behind him. "Mr. Jones, I thought you had a year and nine more months?" Joe was a little surprised.
"I did have, but thanks to good behavior and overcrowding, I was let out early."
"Way to go, congrats and all that stuff."
"What's this, Cornelius has been telling me about you? Your real mom is trying to take you back?" Mr. Jones stated.
"No, my real mom is right here. That woman just gave birth to me," Joe stated.
"I trust that everything works out. She can't take you away from my Cornelius. Has she even filed a petition or whatever it's called?" Mr. and Mrs. Jones hugged Joe.
"Not that I've heard. Ryan is the lawyer handling it and he thinks that we have a good shot at winning," Joe stated with a smile for the first time while talking about the case.
"Good, this is a day of celebration, so let's celebrate!"
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