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 38

"So, what did they have to say?" Jim asked.

"The brake line was cut and had to be replaced, the smoke damaged the interior, and there was a miniature smoke machine installed in my dash. John or Ben gave that to the police. They checked my gas tank and found sugar, so it had to be replaced. Glad we have insurance because there is no way I can afford the repair bill otherwise." Joe started sobbing and Jim pulled him in for a hug.

Heather came home and asked what was up. Jim told her about the cardboard note left on his car and what Joe found out about his jeep. She wrapped her arms around both of her boys. "If I offered to go to Michigan with that woman, do you think this would stop?" Joe asked. Jim gave him that look of "What did I tell you?"

"If you want to go to Michigan, then I say go, but if you're just saying that because you're worried about us, then don't. We don't know if she's behind this, so maybe it will or maybe it won't. We love you and want you to be a part of this family. She can destroy everything, but that's just it, they are things. Everything can be replaced, but none of it can replace you. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"Yes Mom. And I have never felt as much love as I do being a part of this family. I have no desire to go to Michigan, I'm just worried about you, Jim, the dogs and Zac," Joe explained.

"We'll get through this, so far they aren't doing anything but vandalizing vehicles. Don't worry about us. What did I say on the way home? If you talk about leaving to protect us again, I will turn you over my knee," Jim said forcibly.

"And I will help him," Heather said with a smile.

"I have no desire to leave you two, but I just don't know what else to do," Joe sobbed.

"You have any idea how much you leaving would hurt us? Shy of death, whoever is doing this could never hurt us as much. And what about Buster and your friends? You leaving would impact them also," Heather reminded him.

"You're right, and I am so lucky to have so much love in my life," Joe stated. Looking at Jim, he added, "Can I sleep in your room until this is over?"

Jim thought, there goes trying for grandbabies and then chuckled to himself. "Of course you can. I'm sure Zac won't mind if you sleep between us. It'll give us both opportunity to tickle you," Jim said smiling hoping he could lift Joe's spirit even a little.

"Tickle me if you want, but I'm going to sleep. Think I'm going to lay down until supper." Heather kissed Joe's forehead before she let go of him so he could go upstairs. Colby followed Joe to his room. When Joe got in the bed, he jumped on and placed his head on Joe's chest. Joe started petting him. "Don't worry, boy. I'm not leaving. Mom and Jim are right. I belong here and can't let anyone scare me away." Colby started licking Joe's face.

When he heard Joe hollering, Jim came running. Once he saw what the commotion was about, he stopped and started laughing. Kunoichi came upstairs with Jim. When she saw Colby getting Joe with his tongue, she jumped on the bed to help, Colby that is. "See, even they know you belong here," Jim stated.

Joe had a hard time talking. At least one of the dogs went to lick his mouth every time that he tried to say something. Finally they eased up and Joe looked at Jim. "It wasn't until I promised Colby that I would stay that he attacked me with his tongue. There is no way I want to leave this family, ever," Joe said smiling. Colby licked Joe's ear.

"Glad you realize that. Like Mom said, anything happens to our things, they can be replaced. There is no replacing you."

"Thank you for loving me so much," Joe said getting out of bed.

"Hey, you love us enough that you were willing to sacrifice your own happiness to protect us," Jim stated.

"What was I thinking? Mom, I could see doing that for, but you?" Joe started cackling and Jim started tickling him. When Joe fell back onto the bed, the dogs started licking his face. "Alright, alright!" Joe could barely get out. The dogs just looked at him. Jim was straddling Joe's legs ready to tickle him some more. "I admit that I love you, also," Joe finally said. Jim gave him a peck on the cheek. Heather called upstairs saying that supper was ready.

When the boys came downstairs, Heather asked what all the commotion was. "Just Jim and the dogs letting me know that I belong here and better never think otherwise," Joe stated. "It was bad enough when it was Colby, but then Kunoichi joined and finally Jim."

"Be warned Mom, when Zac and I have him in bed, you may have trouble getting to sleep," Jim stated.

"Just remember, you do have school in the morning," Heather advised.

Zac came in as Jim was clearing the table. "Joe's sleeping with us while this ordeal is going on," Jim told him, then he told Zac what Joe was told about his jeep.

"Just know Bro, you mean more than any of that stuff," Zac said.

"Trust me. Mom, Jim and the two dogs made that clear." Joe stated.

"Yeah, when he suggested that he go to Michigan to get this to stop, we made sure he knows better than to make that suggestion again. Like he said, even the dogs made that clear."

"Be glad I wasn't here. You would have been tickled so much," Zac said with a grin.

"Trust me, Jim did a good job on that. I almost wet myself. And the tongues getting me didn't help," Joe said with a smile.

"Almost wet yourself? Jim you failed," Zac kidded.

"No, I told him that was a prelude to when he's sleeping between us," Jim stated.

"Oh no, I'm not tickling him that much when sharing a bed with him. He's getting it now," Zac warned and started chasing Joe around the house. Heather shook her head and laughed. She wasn't too enthused about them running around the house, but she didn't say anything because Joe needed this.

Suddenly one of the lamps Marilyn gave her at Christmas fell over. Joe tried to catch it, but it shattered. "I'm so sorry, Mom," Joe said ready to start crying.

"I'm as much to blame," Zac said.

Heather looked at Joe, "Are you feeling better?"

"Until the lamp got knocked over," Joe said.

"That lamp can be replaced and that's a small price if you're feeling better," she stated.

"I'll pay to replace it, I was chasing him," Zac offered.

"And I'll help," Joe said.

"Hey, if it went down to make my brother feel better, I'll chip in," Jim said.

"See how much you are loved? I'll gladly replace it if it makes either one of my sons feel better. You both are that important to me." Joe went over and threw his arms around Heather. He whispered how sorry he was for breaking her lamp and she swatted him on the butt. "There, does it make you feel better by being punished?" she laughed.

"That was a love tap, but yeah," Joe said as he let her go. Heather kissed his cheek.

The boys went upstairs and climbed into bed. "Please don't tickle me too much, I'm worn out," Joe said climbing in bed.

"Don't worry, I think we all are now. Did you see the look on Mom's face when the lamp went down? First she had a look of horror, then she looked to see if you were alright and finally a look of relief. Trust me, she was more worried about you than the lamp."

"I know, I could tell. And I love her and you just as much," Joe stated before closing his eyes. He was truly worn out and went right to sleep. Jim and Zac kissed his cheek before climbing in on either side of him.

The boys had been asleep for a few hours but it felt like minutes when the jeep's alarm started sounding. Jim grabbed his rifle as he ran down the stairs. Joe, Zac and Heather weren't far behind him. Before he got to the door, he could see through the window that the jeep was on fire. He opened the front door as the jeep exploded. Jim was knocked back a bit and dropped the rifle.

Leaving the rifle on the floor, Jim ran to yell at the police officers for letting this happen and he found them asleep. They both had a Styrofoam coffee cup on their lap and looked like half of each cup had spilt onto their laps. Jim woke them up and was furious. Heather told him to calm down.

Heather held Joe as they watched the jeep burn. The fire department came and put out the flames, but anything that could burn on the jeep was already gone. "Sorry about the vehicle, it's a total loss," a fireman told Joe and Heather.

"I'll miss it, but it can be replaced. Important thing is, none of my family were hurt," Joe stated. He was smiling but his eyes were moist.

"Right you are," the fireman assured.

"Trust me, this family made sure when all this started that I was aware of it," exclaimed Joe. The fireman asked Joe what he meant by "when all this started" and Joe told him everything. He then told them that police were supposed to have his jeep under surveillance but Jim found them asleep.

"Those are two good officers, so that surprises me. I'm sure there's an explanation why they were asleep," reasoned the fireman.

Officer Jenkins arrived and questioned the officers. He suspected that the coffee had been drugged. The officers said that a lady came from around Zac's house and gave them the coffee. When Jenkins asked Marilyn to come over, they both said that she was not who gave it to them. Jenkins showed a picture of Mrs. Walker and they again said that it wasn't her. Now Jenkins was stumped.

Zac was a bit upset, "Whoever it was tried to make my mom look guilty. And if it wasn't Mrs. Whacko, er... I mean Walker, sorry Joe, then who was it?"

"No, I think you had it right the first time," Joe said smiling. "Once the adoption is final, do I get to start using Bolt for my last name?"

"If that is what you want," Heather said holding him against her while they watched the firemen finish up. It amazed her at how calm Joe was staying. Joe stood watching until the firetruck pulled away. The sun was starting to come up.

Heather called the law firm and told them what had happened. She asked if it would be alright for her to come in late and her boss told her to take the day off, she had plenty of sick days accumulated, as well as a couple weeks of vacation remaining. She thanked him and said that she would be in tomorrow.

Officer Jenkins was still on the premises and searching for any clues as to who came around the Schoen house. He found a ruby red slipper in the back yard. "I think you had a visit from Dorothy," the detective kidded but when no one laughed, he apologized for the joke. "We will see if we can get any DNA from the slipper. Maybe it will give a clue who is behind this or who gave the officers the coffee."

"Maybe it was the cowardly lion, since whoever is such a chicken-shit," Joe yelled the last part hoping they could hear.

"I'm sorry that this is happening to you, young man. I will warn officers against taking any more coffee. They seriously thought that the lady came from the Schoen house."

Officer Jenkins left and Heather looked at the boys, "Are you up for school? I understand if you want to take the day off."

"I'm a bit tired, but I want to live a normal life as if nothing happened. Let these cowards know that they can't control me," Jim stated. Heather could hear determination in his voice and thought about Jon. "What?" Jim asked as his mom started smiling.

"You just reminded me so much of your father right then. It was as if he were standing beside you telling you what to say," Heather told him. That caused Jim to smile.

"If Jim's going to school so am I," Joe stated. Zac agreed.

As the boys headed out the door, Heather called the insurance company to let them know what happened. The man answering the phone got her policy number and told her that he was checking with the Cody Police Department and Park County Sheriff Department for a report on the damages. Several minutes later, he stated that he did find the report and would have a check cut for the value of the vehicle.

At first the insurance company only wanted to pay for partial value of the jeep. Heather reminded him that she pays a high enough premium so the boys have no deductible and the jeep was bought brand new and they've only had it less than a month. She was also kind enough to let them know that she could switch insurance companies very easily and that she did work for a law firm.

The person Heather was talking to spoke with someone else. Heather heard bits and pieces of him relaying what she had said. Finally he came back on the line and told Heather that they would be willing to send her a check for one thousand dollars more than the purchase price for the jeep so they could easily replace it. This would include anything extra that was added such as an aftermarket alarm system or audio if they still have the receipt.

"Only thing added was an alarm system yesterday. A lot of good that did, but I do have the receipt," Heather informed.

"Great, if you could send us a picture with your phone, we'll get this check prepared and out to you right away," the gentleman stated.

She took the picture and sent it. The man acknowledged receipt of it and said that the check was being cut right away. He apologized for any hassle and told her that either she could pick up the check any time or they can put it in the mail today and she would have it within two days. Heather asked him to mail it. He agreed and they hung up.

When school let out, Joe let out a big yawn as he stood by Jim's car. Jim was heading that way and saw him which caused him to yawn as well. "Don't do that," Jim said as he yawned.

"Sorry, but I'm ready to go back to bed," Joe explained.

"Totally understand, but you even say or write the y-word and I start doing it," Jim informed him.

"What, yawn?" Joe giggled as he watched Jim start yawning. They got into the car and started for home. Joe said the y-word every block until they got home. As Jim pulled in, Joe unlocked his door to get out fast. He forgot that Jim had a button to lock it back. Jim turned off the engine and turned towards Joe and started tickling him. Joe kept saying the y-word hoping it would cause Jim to stop. While Jim kept yawning, he didn't ease up on his tickling. It got to the point where Joe couldn't even speak because he was laughing so hard. Finally, they got out of the car and went inside.

"Joe, we need to talk," Heather stated.

"Something wrong?" Jim asked.

"No, but I was on the phone with the insurance company," Heather stated. Looking at Joe, she continued, "They originally wanted to cover only part of the cost to replace your jeep. I convinced them that they needed to cover the full price or we would switch companies."

"Thanks Mom, I am glad you handled that. I wouldn't have known what to do," Joe replied.

"Check could be here tomorrow or Saturday. You want to get another Jeep Grand Cherokee?"

"Would it be alright if I wait until all this chaos ends before I decide?" Joe asked.

"Of course, I think that sounds very smart," Heather stated as she gave Joe a hug and kissed his forehead.

"Think I'm going to bed. Jim had me yawning the whole way home," Joe said with a grin. Jim started yawning again.

"Somehow, I think it may have been the reverse," Heather chuckled knowingly.

The boys went upstairs and climbed into Jim's bed. Joe expected Jim to tickle him, but instead, received a kiss on the cheek and they went to sleep.

Joe wasn't sure what had happened but he was face-to-face with Mrs. Walker. "Do you seriously believe these people love you? Look what they are doing to you," she sneered.

"What do you mean? They have shown me more love in eight months than you have in the fifteen and a half years that I lived with you," Joe said defensively.

"But if you were living with me, would your jeep have been destroyed? You talked about wanting a green jeep all of your life. You finally get it and it gets destroyed. I would have died rather than let that jeep get destroyed."

"I can get another one, insurance will pay for it. There is no doubt that Jim and Mom love me," Joe argued.

"I am your mother," Mrs. Walker growled as horns started coming out of her head.

"No, you are just the woman who gave birth," Joe sassed back.

"Don't you dare sass back to your mother like that," Joe's father snarled

"Spermy? How did you get out of prison?" Joe asked.

"OH, faggot boy is going to sass back to me as well. See how you react when I cut off your balls and make you eat them." Joe was starting to shake.

Suddenly a man stepped between them. "You will not hurt this young man. He is a part of MY family now," the man said. Joe was looking at him close. He looked familiar but Joe couldn't place him.

"Your family? I don't even know you," Mrs. Walker blared.

"I've been watching after Jim since he was born and now that Joe is his brother that makes him MY son. I am Jon Alexander Bolt and you will die before I let you hurt my son anymore," the man said cocking a rifle that looks like Jim's. The man took aim at Spermy. Joe started crying and then heard someone in the distance calling his name.

When Jim finally woke him up, he asked Joe if he was alright. "I was having a weird dream. Mrs. Whacko tried to convince me that you guys didn't love me, then Spermy showed up and threatened me. Then a man came and rescued me. He said that I was HIS son now and was ready to protect me at any cost. Said that his name was Jon Alexander Bolt," Joe explained.

"That would be my dad, but I'm puzzled," Jim said. "Did Mom tell you Dad's middle name or did you look it up?"

"That is your dad's middle name? No, I never knew it," Joe stated.

"OUR dad, you heard him say that you are his son. Not sure how he mentioned his middle name since we never mentioned it. Maybe his spirit visited you in a dream," Jim said with a tear running down his cheek.

"Sorry if I upset you, I didn't mean to," Joe stated.

"I'm not upset," Jim said, "I just missed Dad and wish he would visit me in a dream."

"He did say that he's been watching over you since you were born and still is," Joe told him.

"Your dream didn't indicate who was doing this did it?" Jim asked.

"I'm thinking it showed me that that woman is behind it, or maybe Spermy somehow."

"Could he have someone on the outside working for him in any way?" Jim inquired.

"I don't know, maybe," Joe replied. He was still a little freaked thinking that maybe Mr. Bolt did visit him in a dream.

Heather called them downstairs and they were rushed wanting to tell her about the dream. As they reached the bottom step, they spotted Officer Jenkins. "I have good news and bad news," Officer Jenkins stated.

"What's the good news," Joe asked.

"Do you know a Dorothy Wilcox?" Officer Jenkins asked.

"She's the attorney working for that woman who calls herself my mother," Joe stated with disgust. "Why do you ask?"

"For the record, I wasn't serious about Dorothy visiting the other day, but her DNA was all over that ruby slipper. We picked her up and she claims that both Mr. AND Mrs. Walker were paying her to do this. They were hoping to scare you into going to Michigan, then they had sadistic plans for you. Mrs. Walker is being picked up as we speak."

"So it's over?" Joe broke down and started crying.

"What's the bad news?" Jim asked as he went to hold Joe. Instead, Joe turned to Heather.

"Mr. Walker was shot in prison just a few minutes ago. We don't know how, he was in full view of the security camera and we can't find the slug or any evidence. It's like a ghost shot him and the doctor said the wound looked like it came from an old Winchester. He's seen a few when he was younger, or so he says." Jim and Joe just looked at each other.

"Ummmm, that's weird. Joe just had a dream that my father was carrying a Winchester and told Mr. and Mrs. Walker that he would kill them before he would let them hurt Joe anymore," Jim stated.

"And where is your father?" Jenkins asked.

"He died January of last year," Heather stated.

"Well, either it was a ghost or I don't know what to think. Looking at every camera, NOBODY was even close enough to shoot him unless their bullet could go around corners. The bullet went right through the heart, appears to have shattered the sternum entering and his spine before exiting, but yet it didn't even touch the wall an inch behind him. We'll know more once the doctor completes his autopsy."

"Freaky thing is, in the dream, he gave his full name including his middle one. I didn't know his middle name until Jim woke me up and confirmed it," Joe said. Joe grabbed hold of Heather and held tight.

"Like I said, we have no clues, how he was shot is in no way possible without some evidence, but it happened. We are classifying it as an unsolved mystery and stowing it away. Normally, I don't believe in ghost, but in this case, maybe your Dad is watching out for the two of you. Either way, we are taking Mrs. Walker to court and if she's smart, she'll plead guilty. Miss. Wilcox will be serving fifteen years as part of a plea bargain. Mrs. Walker is facing more serious charges."

"Thanks for letting us know, Officer Jenkins. I'm sure Joe will sleep better knowing," Heather stated. Officer Jenkins was getting ready to go out the door when he saw a puff of white smoke come from the Winchester over the mantle.

"Did you see that?" he asked as another officer came in the house.

"You're not going to believe this," the other officer said. "Mrs. Walker was in custody in the police car and somebody just shot her. Windows were up and bullet didn't go through them. It went all the way through her and there's no bullet in the seat, not even a mark other than her blood."

"Was that rifle Mr. Bolt's?" Jenkins asked pointing at the Winchester.

"Yes it was,' Heather responded.

"I may not believe in ghosts, but I think he's looking out for his boys, both of them," Jenkins stated. "Hope I never have to do anything against them."

That night, Joe slept in his own bed and it felt good. He had the first good sleep since this ordeal started. Jim went to bed and said aloud, "I love you Dad and thank you for watching over Joe."

As he drifted off to sleep, he wasn't sure if it was his subconscious or his father really visiting him. "I love you too, son. Wish I could really be there, but you know what happened. I am so proud of how you accepted Joe as your brother. That makes him my son, too. Sorry about his birth parents, if he would have gone to Michigan, he would not have seen his next Christmas. I had to protect him."

"So you did visit him in a dream?" Jim asked.

"Even told him my middle name so you would know I really did. I have to go, but know that I am protecting the two of you. You won't remember much other than that, but I do love you and watch over you," Jon Bolt said as he faded away.

Jim woke up saying, "I love you Dad and thanks." He had a single tear run down his face.

Jim went downstairs to fix French toast. It was one of his dad's favorite breakfast. His dad used to grab two slices and butter them. On one, he would put grape jelly, the other was powdered sugar. Then he would stack the latter on top. Jim let Kunoichi out and went into the kitchen. Joe was already there.

"Hey Bro, whatcha fixin'?" Jim asked.

"French toast, I'm hungry for it," Joe stated.

"Weird, I had a visit from Dad in my dream and when I woke up, I thought about making some because it was one of his favorites," Jim responded.

"What did Dad have to say?" Joe asked trying out calling Jim's father "dad" to see how Jim reacted.

"I don't remember much, but I recall him saying that he will protect us and he loves his two sons. It is official, both my parents have adopted you, you are stuck with us," Jim gave a big grin.

"I think you are stuck with me, but we've had this conversation. Though I've only met him in my dream and heard the two of you talking about him, I love Dad," Joe said.

"I know, and he loves you as well. Want me to help get things ready?" Jim was way too cheerful for morning.

"After you let the dogs in, you can set the table. I want grape jelly and powdered sugar for my French toast," Joe replied. Kunoichi knocked on the door at that time.

"How did you know they were ready to come in?" Jim questioned.

"Window silly, I saw Colby heading toward the door," Joe explained.

Heather was sitting at the dining room table when Joe brought out the French toast. "OK, you boys are starting to freak me out," she said. "Did Jim tell you that this was one of his father's favorite breakfast?"

"He did after I started making it," Joe answered. "I don't know why, but I was just hungry for some." Joe grabbed two slices of toast and buttered them. He started putting grape jelly on one. When he stacked the other on top, Jim and Heather stared at him. "What?"

"This is freaky. You mentioned doing grape jelly and powdered sugar, I didn't think anything of it figuring you were putting both on each slice. You're fixing your toast like Dad did," Jim explained.

"I know, he told me how good it was in a dream so I figured I'd try it. Wish we could have talked more, but he wanted to visit Jim," Joe replied.

"I don't know if he really visited you, but this makes me believe," Heather stated.

"What all did you discuss?" Jim was enthralled.

"Mainly how happy he is that I joined the family, how proud he is of you. He told me about the French toast and how bloody he likes his steak," Joe answered.

"And he did like it bloody. He used to say that if he takes a bite and the momma screams, it was just right. Mom thought it was gross, but I picked that up from him," Jim was sure more than ever that his dad did visit Joe.

"It is gross. I don't want mine well done, but dripping blood is too much. Medium is good," Heather proclaimed.

Mail was being delivered as Heather and the boys were going out the door. She looked real quick before placing the mail on a table just inside the door. "Check didn't come today. Decide what you want for a replacement vehicle yet?" she asked as Joe was opening Jim's passenger door.

"I want to do some research. I had my green jeep, so now I just want to take some time and figure out what I want. I'm thinking either a truck or SUV so we can haul the horses if we need to," Joe said.

"Sounds good, just let me know when you're ready." Heather told him.

After school, Jim and Joe went to the ranch. Jim walked into the office and Zac was there. "Are you and Jackson switching places?" Jim asked after kissing his boyfriend.

"Kinda for a while. Elizabeth is here and Jackson promised that he would teach her how to ride so he asked me to sit in the office and do everything he normally does. By the way, tell Joe that Jackson wants to see him whenever it is convenient. I think he wants to ask about the jeep."

"I have to ask you something. Do you believe in ghosts?" Jim asked.

"Do you mean, do I think your dad visited Joe in a dream? I think it is possible, why?" Zac replied.

"Well, not only did he tell Joe his middle name, but we had French toast this morning. Joe fixed his like Dad always did and said the he told him how good it was that way. He also told Joe how bloody he likes his steak," Jim answered.

"That does give some credibility to it happening. Anything else?" Zac asked.

"Joe said that they chatted for a while then Dad told him that he had to come see me. I don't remember much of my dream with him, but I do recall him saying that he loved us and would watch out for his two sons. I'm a little jealous that Joe could remember his dream and spent more time, but I think I understand why," Jim said.

"I'm no psyche major or anything like that, but I do know that you have memories of him that Joe can never have. Maybe he was showing Joe how much he accepts him," Zac assured.

"Yeah, I was thinking along those lines and I am happy that Joe got to meet him, even if only in a dream, but I miss him," Jim started crying.

Zac put his arms around Jim, "I know you do, and I can understand you being jealous. Just don't let that change the relationship you have with Joe."

"I won't. If anything, I think it made our brotherly relationship stronger. I told him that both parents have adopted him so he's stuck with us," Jim smiled and Zac wiped the remaining tears away.

Jim went to find Joe. "Jackson wants to see you. I think he's upset about you burning the jeep up," Jim kidded.

"I was asleep with you and Zac when it was set on fire," Joe said defensively.

"Just kidding Bro. Jackson does want to see you, though. Zac thinks it's about the jeep, but he's not sure."

"He in the office?" Joe asked.

"No, he's giving Elizabeth another lesson," Jim answered.

Joe asked Jim to come with him in case he needed help explaining anything. Jim agreed but didn't think Joe would need any help. He has rarely seen Jackson get upset over anything.

They walked to the arena where Elizabeth was riding a brown quarter horse mare. Jackson looked over when he heard them come in. "Howdy boys. I heard that they caught the person causing you so much grief."

"Yeah, it was that woman's lawyer. Apparently her and Spermy were trying to convince me to go to Michigan," Joe stated.

"I'm glad it's over. Too bad you lost the jeep because of it. Insurance replacing it?"

"They mailed a check, should come in the mail tomorrow," Joe answered.

"Well the reason I wanted to see you, I was talking to CJ. He said that if the insurance company doesn't cover the full cost, he wants to know. He said that he would get his lawyers after them."

Joe smacked Jim when Jim started laughing. "Jim said that you were upset about the jeep getting burnt. Mom said that the insurance company didn't want to pay the full value but she threatened to take our business elsewhere and she reminded them that she works in a law firm, so they agreed it was in their best interest," Joe stated.

"Good, as for being upset, I am, but at the person who did it, not you. You couldn't help it. How are you feeling?"

"Best sleep I've ever had, Dad visited me in a dream, Jim's and my dad, not Spermy. He wanted to let me know that I am his son even though he can't officially adopt me."

"I bet you're feeling great right now, then," Jackson smiled. "Go back to what you were doing. I want to talk with Jim a little."

Joe headed out of the arena and Jim asked what was up. "I saw a look of pain when Joe mentioned his dream. Are you alright?"

"Don't get me wrong, I love having Joe as a brother but I miss my dad and feel a little jealous. Dad visited me and the only thing I remember was feeling his love and thinking he said that he would protect both of his sons. I love Joe and am happy for him, and it scares me that I feel this jealousy."

"Your feelings are normal. I'm sure that if your father visited Joe like that, he felt that Joe needed it. If you feel a need to talk, my door is always open for you boys. I feel that you are as much my sons as Colt is," Jackson hoped that he made Jim feel better.

Jim went and found Joe. "Can we talk?"

"What's up, Doc?" Joe asked and then pretended he was eating one of the carrots for the horses. Jim laughed.

"Just wanted to let you know that my feelings for you have not changed except maybe accepting you more as a brother," Jim started.

"I never thought they changed otherwise," Joe stated.

"I'm glad, but I also wanted to share with you that I did get jealous over Dad having a conversation with you and I barely even remember my dream. I'm not blaming you and I can understand why Dad would do it, but it does hurt and I miss him so much. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Jim was almost in tears.

"I think so, and if the roles were reversed, I'd probably feel the same way. So how do we fix this?" Joe asked.

"I don't know if it can be fixed, I just have to deal with my feelings and I want you to know that if I ever start treating you differently, I want to know. You are my brother and I love you as best a brother can. I never want that to change," Jim assured Joe.

Joe was getting ready to say something but the horses started acting up. "I'm so proud of you son, and I'm sorry if I upset you by me visiting Joe," Jim heard in his head. He looked around but didn't see anyone but Joe.

"Dad? I miss you?" Jim cried. Joe looked to see to whom Jim was talking, but couldn't see anybody. When Jim started crying, Joe took him in his arms and held him. They laughed when they saw the horse that they were standing by. It was named Father's Dream.

Jim called his mom and told her that he was taking Joe out to eat when they got off work. She thanked him for letting her know. After they were done, Jim asked Joe where he wanted to eat. "I didn't bring any money," Joe stated.

"I didn't ask if you have any money, I asked where you want to eat," Jim inquired again.

"I don't know, but wouldn't Mom already have something ready to come out of the oven?" Joe responded.

"Nope, I already called her and said that I was taking you out," Jim confessed.

"You know, you don't have to do this. I understand how you were feeling and I know that you don't blame me," Joe argued.

"This has nothing to do with that. I am proud of how strong you became through everything that happened. I am proud to call you my brother and friend. I just want to treat you to a special meal, so tell me where you want to eat or I'm taking you to McDonald's and getting you a happy meal," Jim said smiling.

"Can we go to Sunset House? I want the fish and chips dinner," Joe asked.

"If that is what you want. Get some 'Monsterella' cheese sticks and Texas tooth picks for appetizers?"

"See that you've either been there or wanted to go there too," Joe smiled.

"Dusty and I stop there after we leave the dojo on Mondays, when I go. Zac's taken me there a few times, too. Think I'm having the buffalo burger," Jim said.

"Technically, I'm the older brother, my birthday comes first. But I feel like you've taken me under your wing as though you are the older one. I can never thank you enough for how you make me feel," Joe said blinking his green eyes at Jim.

"You are two days shy of being two months older than me, but I was in the family first, so I do kinda feel like the older brother. As for thanking me, you do so in many ways without having to say it. You make me laugh every day. When I hurt, if Zac isn't around, you do the brotherly thing of holding me and trying to comfort me. I should be thanking you for just being my brother," Jim stated as he pulled into the parking lot.

"I could argue about who is the lucky one, but I guess in a way, we are both lucky to have each other," Joe compromised.

"I can accept that," Jim turned off his car and hugged Joe.

As Jim and Joe walked into the restaurant, an elderly man was walking out. Jim overheard the guy make a remark about a couple of faggots. "Hey, that's my brother you're talking about," Jim shouted at him.

The man turned around, "I'm sorry, I thought you two were boyfriends. You don't look like brothers."

"He adopted me," Jim said and then added, "And we left our boyfriends at home."

The man didn't know if Jim was telling the truth or just messing with him so he decided to leave it alone and headed to his car. "I adopted you, huh?" Joe inquired.

"Since you said it first, I thought you would like that," Jim grinned.

"I ever tell you how special you make me feel?" Joe asked.

"All the time, Bro, and I hope that never changes. You are special," Jim stated.

"So are you. Not just anybody would have accepted me two days before Christmas and gone out of their way to make me fit in like you did. You are the best brother a guy could get," Joe claimed with a tear running down his face.

"That wasn't anything special, you needed a family and we were lucky to be the first ones called. Since then, you have brought so much joy into our home. Yes, Mom and I are the lucky ones," Jim shared with a smile. They sat down and ordered their food. The waitress saw that they had been crying and asked if everything was alright.

"Yes, we're fine. Just a little brotherly discussion of who is the luckiest one," Joe said smiling. "These are tears of happiness.

"I see, looks like you both seem happy enough. I wish my brothers got along so great," the waitress looked like she was ready to bawl.

"Are you alright?" Joe asked.

"You want to sit down for a second, we don't mind," Jim agreed.

"I'm fine, but thanks for caring," she said.

They ate their meal, Jim paid giving the waitress a nice tip and they left. Joe couldn't help but think about the waitress and what she said. "Jim, if I ever do anything to make you mad at me, promise that we will talk about it," Joe requested.

"Don't see that happening, but you have my promise. And I just thought of something, you don't need to decide which family you want to be in. You are stuck with us. Wonder if we'll still need to have the hearing in December," Jim cackled like a witch as he said it. That made Joe laugh.

"For the record, I planned to stick with this family. I had made that decision before this mess we just went through. That woman never came to see me and hired someone to put me through hell. No, my mind was made up before we even went to the first hearing, this just made me sure it is the right decision."

"I'm glad," Jim said pulling into the drive.

"Joe, we each received a letter delivered by a deputy shortly after I got home," Heather stated when they walked in the door.

"OH, that sounds serious, who from?" Joe asked.

"They came from Judge Dillon's office. She wants to see us first thing Monday morning," she informed him as she handed Joe his unopened letter.

"We were just talking about that on the way home," Jim announced. "And don't think you're going to court without me."

"I suspected that and already called leaving a message at the school that you both would be late. I suspect that this will be quick, so you might miss your first two classes."

"Hmmm, that would be calculus and Spanish for me," Jim said.

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