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 41

"As you know, I was working on the police force back home. My last day on the force, we took down a major horse thieving ring. We have no idea how long they've been in operation, but some of the horses that we rescued were probably with them for a while. Most of the horses, we were able to find their owners. This one mare though, they have not yet found her owner. She is a palomino with a coat very much like your horse. We were guessing that she's nine or ten years old. They will be continuing the search for about another month. After that, she will be auctioned off," Jon informed them.

"Did she have a brand?" Jim inquired.

"No, but there is a tattoo inside her left ear," Jon answered.

Jim pulled out his phone and called his mom. "How much do you know about Gold's mom?" Jim queried.

"A little, why?" Heather responded.

"Didn't Dad have her branded?" Jim asked.

"No, he always loved her coat and didn't want to damage it, so instead he had a tattoo placed inside her ear. Gold has a similar tattoo. What's going on?" Heather was curious about these questions. Even more so when she heard Jim say yes on the other end and get excited.

"Do you still have the paperwork for her?" Jim was hoping.

"I do. Now will you please tell me what's going on?" Heather's curiosity was starting to turn to aggravation.

"Would you like her back?" Jim asked with a smile on his face.

"Do you know where she is?" Heather questioned.

"I think so. Jon was just telling us about a mare that fits her description. I'll tell you about the details on the way. Please find that file as you may need it to provide proof of ownership." After Jim hung up with his mom, he approached Jackson and told him what he knew.

"Are you wanting to borrow a trailer?" Jackson asked.

"And rest of the day off if I can, plus Zac and Joe," Jim almost begged.

"Zac, clock the three of you out, and help Jim hook up a trailer. You boys are going to Montana," Jackson ordered. Jim smiled and hugged him.

As the boys were getting ready to leave, Jon approached them, "Vince let me use the computer to chat with the detective handling the case. I told him that I may have found the owner and he sent me a few files to check with you." He showed Jim the picture of the mare. And Jim broke down saying that it was her. "When you get there, ask for Detective Ray E. Hooker. Show him what you have and hopefully it includes the tattooed number. Everything matches and he'll release the horse to your family."

"Maybe this is why Dad sent you here," Jim said wiping his tears.

"Could be, I'm just glad that I was a part of helping you get your horse back."

They picked up Heather on the way and started the long drive up to pick up a horse they had long thought was gone. Jim thought sure that she was dead and his parents were trying to spare him the grief. Now that she may be theirs again, his heart was racing with anticipation. The trip was little more than two hours but it seemed like an eternity.

Once they arrived in Roberts, they headed for the police station. Jim ran inside as soon as Zac turned off the engine. He asked to speak with Detective Hooker. "I'm sorry, he's not here at the moment. He went out to where we keep animals. Said something about getting the last horse. He should be back in twenty to thirty minutes if you wish to wait." Jim smiled.

As Heather walked in, Jim told her that they needed to wait. After a few minutes, a man wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a western shirt walked up to them. "Are you here about the horse?" Detective Hooker asked.

"Yes, I have everything I have on her to show ownership," Heather stated. She handed him the file and he skimmed through it.

"Yes, this is the same horse, alright. When Jon called me, I was at home. Today is my day off, but he said that you'd be up. Sorry I wasn't here when you got here."

"Today was your day off, so I think we are lucky that you came in," Heather assured him.

"Jon was so sure of you being the owner, I took the liberty of bringing the horse here. She's outside waiting. I just need for you to sign some papers claiming that we turned her over to you."

"Yes, of course," Heather agreed as she went into a room with the detective.

The gang walked outside and the mare looked at Heather. She tried coming toward her, but couldn't. Detective Hooker untied the lead from the post and the mare went right to Heather. "Seems she remembers you," the detective said smiling. "Happy to witness this reunion. Now all the horses are back where they belong."

It was late when they finally made it back to Cody. A security officer greeted them at the gate and once he saw who they were, let them pass. Zac pulled into the lot. Seeing lights on at Jackson's, Jim jumped out and lightly tapped on the door. Jackson opened it.

"Just wanted to let you know that we were back. That way, when you hear everything, you won't be surprised," Jim warned.

"Hell, I want to see this horse. You say that she's Gold's dame?" Jackson inquired as he stepped outside.

"When Mom and Dad told me that she disappeared during the night, I was only thirteen and swore that they knew what happened. Now, I feel bad for thinking that."

Zac had just gotten the tailgate down. Jackson watched as Jim backed the horse out of the trailer. "You have a choice, you can either put her beside Silver or Sunshine," Jackson suggested.

As they took her in, she spotted Gold. He may have been just a new-born foal when she had last seen him, but she knew that this was her foal. Silver started acting up as soon as she entered the barn. Jim had a hard time controlling her. With Zac's and Jackson's help, he did manage to get her in the stall.

When Zac and Jim got to the ranch, Jackson told them that Silver carried on all night, "That boy is ready to sire and that mare is in heat. Imagine the foal they would produce."

"I don't think Mom would mind, what do we do?" Jim asked.

"Put them in a corral and let nature take its course," Zac stated. He grabbed Silver and Jim grabbed the mare. Jackson said that he would watch them to make sure nothing went wrong and the boys got busy working.

Jeff came out wearing just boxers. "Them horses carried on all night long and now they are really getting loud."

"Jeff, this is a horse ranch, so get used to it. And you might want to get dressed before any ladies come out," Jackson chuckled at his brother.

"And if Caleb sees you like this." Ryan started.

"What makes you think that he hasn't?" Jeff said with a grin.

As Jeff went back into the house, Jackson and Ryan looked at each other and spoke at the same time, "He hasn't." They chuckled.

After Silver attempted to impregnate the mare, he calmed down drastically. Jackson took him back to his stall and then the mare. He could barely hear Jeff yell from the house, "Finally!!!" and Jackson chuckled.

When Jim was done with his work, he went to the barns. Joe was just putting Sunshine back in his stall. "Want to go riding? You can ride Aurixi," Jim asked.

"Think Mom would mind me riding her horse?"

"Seriously doubt it, besides, we just got her and it's a good way for me to evaluate her for riding."

"What about the fact that Silver just had sex with her?"

Jim laughed, "She'll be fine for riding until she starts showing, if she was impregnated, I think. Let me check with Jackson to be sure."

Jim found Jackson and asked him. "She should be good to ride up until about a month before she gives birth. Last four months though, you may not be able to put a saddle on her," Jackson informed them. "Also Joe, when you ride, have Sunshine tag along to help build his muscles."

"Thanks for the advice, Jackson. I wouldn't have known that," Joe commented.

"You could have started sooner, but while he was nursing, I figured it was best to keep him around his mother," Jackson stated.

The boys went back to the horses and Brock was staring at Aurixi. "What do you think?" Jim asked.

"She's almost as beautiful as Gold. What does Aurixi mean?" Brock asked.

"Well, my dad was into dragons as much as I, in fact he's the one who got me started. Draconian for gold is aurix and Dad threw on the 'i' to make it seem more feminine."

"Where did she come from?" Brock was almost watering at the mouth.

"She's Gold mother. Remember me telling you that she disappeared when Gold was born?"

"Yeah, but I thought that was your nice way of saying that she died," Brock admitted.

"Yeah, I thought that when my mom and dad told me," Jim confessed. "Come to find out she was stolen and we just got her back. She's my mom's horse."

"Was going to ask if she was for sale, but I couldn't do that. Not when your mom just got her back," Brock gave a smile.

"What you might like hearing is, we just put Silver to studding her. If she gives birth, the foal will be either Mom's or Zac's. Be a half-brother to Gold and possibly up for sale."

Brock's eyes went big, "Do you mean it? Please let me know if they decide, I'll pay whatever they want."

"Joe and I were just going to take the mare for a ride. Grab a horse and come along. Maybe you'll get a chance to ride her for a little."

Brock let out a, "Cool," then ran to the stable where he has been keeping the horse he got from the Rescue.

While Brock was getting his horse, Jim called his mom. "Thought you should know, Aurixi and Silver kept several people awake all night so Jackson put them in a corral by themselves."

"Are you saying that Silver studded her?" Heather asked.

"Hope that you're not upset," Jim said.

"Not at all. Sounds like maybe she was ready and Silver is a beautiful horse. Don't get your hopes up yet, though. Sometimes the first time doesn't take," Heather warned.

"Aware of that. Was going to say that we don't know if she's pregnant or not, but if she is, either you or Zac will be the owner," Jim explained, "And I have someone who would like to buy the foal when the time is right if she is."

"Well, I may own Aurixi, but you are the horseman in the family now. She gives birth, you and Zac will own the foal. I have no problem if you sell it when it's old enough," Heather stated.

Jim was putting his phone away when Brock got back to them. He told Brock what his mom said and Brock started whispering, "Please be pregnant, oh please, oh please."

As they were brushing the horses, Zac came out. "Have room for one more on this ride?" he asked.

"I always have room for you," Jim said with a smile.

"We may have to test that sometime. Get a dozen dildos and." Zac started.

"Please, I might get sick," Joe teased.

As they rode, Jim had Joe and Brock ride in front. He and Zac rode behind to watch how the mare did. Jim also told Zac that he informed his mom about the breeding and what she said. "Hey Brock, if she has a foal, it may not be one from Gold." Zac was interrupted.

"We already had this discussion and he started praying that she is," Jim chuckled.

"Can you imagine the coat? Might be almost platinum in color," Zac stated.

"And that sounds like a good name for him or her," Brock shouted back.

As they were reaching a field, Joe looked at Brock, "You want to switch horses so you can get a feel for the girl?" Brock smiled and started dismounting.

The mare had no problem letting Brock mount her. Joe climbed onto Brock's horse. As they started back towards the barns, Brock looked back at Jim, "Have you ridden this horse?"

"Many times before she disappeared, why?" Jim responded.

"I can't believe how smooth this ride is. A merry-go-round horse isn't this smooth. If Gold rides like this." Brock just smiled.

"Not sure I would compare them to a merry-go-round, but yeah, they are very smooth rides. Even at galloping speed, Gold is easy"

Later that day, Jim was talking to Jon and thanked him again for helping to recover Aurixi. Brock walked up to him. "How long until she gives birth?" he inquired.

"Ummmm, I'm thinking that with Gold, she gave birth shortly after three hundred days, but in general, it ranges from three hundred to three seventy," Jim told him.

"On the rare occasion, they can come before three hundred, but then the foal rarely makes it. A few will have fully developed and do, but most have not developed their lungs and die. I've seen it one time and that was once more than I wished," Jackson informed them. "On the average, its three hundred forty days."

"Almost a year, that's a long time. Glad I didn't wait to come out that long," Brock stated. Jim and Jackson laughed.

"You think about it, you weren't that much shorter. Nine months is approximately two hundred seventy days," Jim calculated.

"I guess another month really isn't that much longer. That is, if she gives birth at three hundred days. From what Jackson said though, I don't want to rush her."

Sitting at the dinner table, Colt looked at Jackson, "Will Silver be as noisy tonight or did studding him put a stop to that?"

"He should be fine for a few days anyway. If it worked, he'll be fine until the next mare is in season," Jackson said, "But as I told Jeff, this is a horse ranch so you'll need to get used to it."

"I know, it's just that this was my first time hearing it. I didn't mind it so much, I thought something was happening to the horses or something. It scared me," Colt admitted.

"I knew what was happening. For me, it was just loud and I had trouble sleeping," Jeff complained.

"I don't want to see you leave but if the noise gets to be too much for you, I'll understand if you decide to move, Jeff."

"While I still think I should be giving you something for staying here, I'd be a fool to move. Either I get used to the noise or I figure a way to muffle it," Jeff stated. "Fortunately, it's not an every night occurrence."

"Nor does it normally happen this late in the year. Their normal 'season' is from May to September this far north," Jackson let them know.

"Yes, I will have peace and quiet for a few months," Jeff said with a laugh.

Tuesday, the big headline on every paper was, "Wyoming Approves Same-Sex Marriage" and Jim was excited. When Jackson called the house, Jim answered and started telling him.

"That's the reason that I am calling. Ryan and I would like to have a simple ceremony. We've invited Jacob and his family and we would love for your mom and you boys to attend. I'm calling Zac's family next to invite Marilyn and them."

"When will it be?" Jim asked.

"We want to do it Saturday at one if everyone can make it then," Jackson stated.

"Oh, sorry. I'll be working at that time. Not sure if my boss will let me off to attend," Jim joked.

"I hear that you have a mean boss, too. Perhaps I can bribe him," Jackson kidded along.

"Yeah, you could offer him all your money," Jim smiled. "But you'll have to bribe him for Joe and Zac, too."

"I don't think that'll be an issue, he's only mean like that to you," Jackson was pouring it on thick.

"Let me ask Mom and see if she can make it," Jim said putting the phone down. Finding his mom in the kitchen, he told her that Jackson was on the phone. Then he explained why he called. Picking the phone up, Jim told Jackson that his mom said she wouldn't miss it for the world.

"Great, see you at the ranch tomorrow and we'll talk to that mean boss of yours," Jackson chuckled. He had thoughts going through his head that would possibly crack Jim up.

Jim hung up the phone and Heather said that supper would be ready in five minutes. Jim went to get Joe from his room and told him about the phone call as they walked downstairs.

As they were eating, the doorbell rang. Joe went to answer it and it was Buster. He looked like he was crying. "What's wrong?" Joe's heart was breaking at seeing his love looking like this.

"I came over to tell you that my dad found a job," Buster started.

"But isn't that good news, unless?" Joe started thinking. "Where are you having to move to? And when?"

"Don't know when but we're moving to Thermopolis," Buster stated as he put his arms around Joe.

"Thermopolis isn't that far away, we can still see each other, right?" Joe was starting to have tears run down his face.

"It is eighty-four miles one way, give or take. We only have my mom's car, so I don't know if I can drive here very often, but I want to do whatever it takes. I love you," Buster started crying again.

"I have my SUV. I'm sure Mom will let me drive down once in a while, maybe not every week, but we can make it work," Joe's heart was aching at the thought of losing Buster.

"Mom said that if your mom doesn't have a problem with it, she'd bring me here on Fridays and I could stay as long as you want as long as someone took me home Sunday for school. But she said that couldn't be every week."

"Joe works at the ranch or I'd say he could stay there on the weekends. We'll work this out somehow. And Joe, the weeks that Buster isn't here, I have no problem if you go down to see him, but you have to work it out with your schedule at the ranch," Heather had moved and was hugging both boys.

"And we can text or email. There's Skype. I'll do whatever to make this work," Joe promised.

"I feel better, but wish we didn't have to move," Buster said.

"What'll your dad be doing? And what about your mom's job?" Joe asked.

"He'll be working in oilfield support making twice what Mom was, so she'll be quitting her job and will look for one down there."

"Shame that he couldn't find a job in Cody. Guess not many people want to hire him since he was in prison," Heather stated.

"But it's not like he's a bad person," Buster exclaimed.

"No, he's not a bad person, he just got into a bad situation. I feel for him and if there's anything I could do, I would," Heather said sympathetically.

"Too bad Dad can't use him at the ranch, but doing security, they have to be strict. If he hired your dad, he could open Jackson up to law suits for not hiring ex-cons," Zac stated.

"Dad's starting his job tomorrow and is renting a room until he finds us a house. I know he needs to work, but part of me hopes he gets fired so I can stay here. I feel selfish for thinking that," Buster muttered.

"But it's totally understandable. No one likes being taken from their friends, I should know. For some people it works out great, I mean look at me," Jim debated.

Heather started thinking back to the day they moved to Cody. Jim was so solemn and depressed. She was so worried about him. Now he is back to his old self, well as much as he can be. He doesn't know that she hears him some nights still crying for Shadow and his dad. Colby and Kunoichi are great and he loves them, but his love for Shadow is still very strong. She smiles thinking how Jim will be when Zac and he adopt children.

Buster said that he had to get home, but he wanted to tell Joe right away. Heather kinda scooted everyone back to the dining room so they could finish their meal. No one was really hungry anymore and Joe was the first asking to be excused.

After school, Joe didn't feel like working but he rode with Jim and didn't want to ask to go home. "Are you alright, Bro?" Jim started. "I know that you're bummed about Buster, but he's not moving yet and you can visit him. He'll be what, an hour and a half away?"

"Something like that. I just wish he didn't have to move at all. Very few long distance relationships work out," Joe moped.

"I know Bro, but if you are meant to be, you'll be one of the few. I don't know if it's God, fate, karma or destiny, but you'll see. Either you and Buster will beat the odds or you'll meet someone better."

"They don't get better than Buster, at least for me," Joe pouted.

"Better watch sticking that lip out if Zac's around," Jim warned. That brought a small smile to Joe as he thought about that day.

Jim pulled into the ranch and Joe went to see Sunshine. Jim heard him singing the song but Joe wasn't very cheerful as he sang. He went to the office to find Jackson.

"Glad you're here, let's go talk to that mean boss of yours," Jackson said as Jim walked in. Zac was sitting at the desk and gave Jackson a funny look. Jim wasn't sure what he had planned.

Jackson got up and stood beside Jim. He acted like he was walking. Jim started shaking his head and Jackson told him to come on, they had to go talk to his mean boss. Jim acted like he was walking a little but just cracked up. Jackson acted like he knocked on a door then moved to the other side of the imaginary door. "Come in," he said and moved back beside Jim.

"Mr. Sprayberry, I'm getting married on Saturday." Jackson started then hurried back to facing Jim. "It's Jackson, I don't like that mister stuff."

Moving back beside Jim, Jackson continued, "Oh, sorry. Jackson, I'm getting married on Saturday and invited Jim to the wedding. Can he have it off?" Zac was about to lose it and Jim wasn't too far himself. Jackson moved back over to be his alternate self. "I don't know, is he capable of having the horses taken care of before the wedding?"

Standing beside Jim again, Jackson replied, "He always has had them taken care of by that time." Acting as his alter ego, Jackson looked at Jim. Then he spoke to the empty place he had just left, "Am I invited to the wedding?"

"I hope so, you're the groom," Jackson declared standing beside Jim again. "In that case, I guess he can have off to attend the wedding," Jackson replied. "See, he's not so mean," Jackson kidded.

"No, but he may be a bit nutty. Too bad Joe wasn't in here to see it. He's depressed right now," Jim informed him.

"OH! What's he depressed about?" Jackson asked. Jim and Zac filled him in on what was going on. Jackson picked up the phone and called the slaughter house. "Mike are you still looking for a truck driver? Good, I might have one for you. He did time in prison, but I can vouch that he's a good man who just happened to get a raw deal. Ok, let me call him and see if he's interested." Jim and Zac started smiling.

Jackson hung up the phone and called Mr. Jones, "Llewellyn, how are you liking your new job?"

"Call me Lee, if you want. As for my new job, it's hard work, but if it takes care of my family, I can do it," Mr. Jones responded.

"What would you say if you didn't have to move from Cody?" Jackson asked.

"I believe that I checked with everybody, and no one wants to hire me because I did time," Mr. Jones replied.

"Do you know how to drive a truck, not a semi, but about the size of a moving truck?" Jackson inquired.

"I actually have a CDL for driving a truck. It's class B, so I can drive anything except a semi. What are you getting at?" Mr. Jones' interest was more than piqued.

"Not sure what you make there, but the slaughter house needs a driver. It pays twenty dollars an hour to start. You'll work eight hours a day five days a week and be home every night with your family. Interested?"

"I would be, pays about the same and I wouldn't have to disrupt my family's lives. Thing is, I was already told they wouldn't hire me," Mr. Jones quietly spoke.

"Go again and ask to speak with Mike. He's the owner. Tell him that Jackson sent you. I vouched that you were worth being given a chance."

"I get this job, I know you'll make a lot of people happy," Mr. Jones was fighting tears. He couldn't believe someone outside his family would care that much.

"I know, I really did this for Buster and Joe, but I do believe in you or I wouldn't have done it.

That night, Joe was picking at his food again. Heather tried to cheer him up. Jim and Zac told him that they had a surprise for him but couldn't tell him yet. None of it mattered. Joe looked out the window and saw Buster's mom's car. He hesitated to open the door thinking this was it, Mr. Jones found a home and Buster was moving this weekend.

He did open the door though because his Buster was on the other side. "Thank you so very much!" Buster exclaimed.

"For what?" Joe was puzzled.

"Talking to Jackson. He got my dad a job here in Cody. We're not moving!" Buster was excited. "Dad came home a few minutes ago. He quit his job down there and talked to the owner of the slaughter house. Jackson put in a good word for him."

"I didn't talk to Jackson," Joe started, then he looked at Zac and Jim grinning like the cats who ate the canary. "Is this the surprise?" They both nodded and Joe started bawling as the relief washed over him. Joe hugged them both and Buster followed suit.

"Really, we didn't do anything. Jim just told Jackson how depressed you were and we explained why. Jackson did the rest," Zac explained.

"I owe him a hug," Joe and Buster said at the same time. They smiled at each other.

"Do you need to head home or would you like to stay for dinner," Heather asked.

"Mom and Dad said that I could stay for an hour or two if you don't mind," Buster responded.

"Joe just picked at his plate, he didn't take a bite," Heather teased.

"He can fix his own plate. I'm hungry now," Joe replied. Heather smiled.

Joe couldn't believe how good his bed felt when he crawled in. He went right to sleep feeling more relaxed than ever. Everything seemed to be going his way. What he didn't understand though, Jim was lying beside him when he woke up. He looked at the clock and it was one in the morning and he saw Jim's blue eyes staring right into his. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"We thought that it was time to really be doing something brotherly with you," Jim said, kissing Joe tenderly on the lips.

"We?" Joe was surprised, but then he noticed someone was sucking his cock. "No, I'm saving myself for Buster!" Joe exclaimed.

"But I'm right here," Joe heard Buster say behind him. "I came back and Jim suggested that we do something special for you." Joe felt something pushing into his ass.

"No, please, I want my first time to be special just Buster and me," Joe was almost crying. It seemed as though no one was listening and Jim pressed his lips to Joe's. Joe wasn't surprised when Jim's tongue invaded his mouth. Buster was kissing the back of his neck saying that this was special. Joe tried to fight it, but he felt Zac working his cock too well and a load was eminent. Buster was fucking him at full throttle yet surprisingly it didn't hurt. He pulled his head back from Jim's kiss hitting Buster in the face and yelled, "Leave me alone!" just as he started shooting a load.

"Joe! Joe! Are you alright?" Joe heard Jim calling from the other side of his door. It was then that he realized that he was having a dream.

"Ummmm, can you bring me some clean sheets?" Joe asked as he realized that shooting his load wasn't just a dream. Jim brought the sheets in and when he saw the wet sheets he asked Joe what had happened. "Would you ever force yourself on me?"

"What? No way, Bro. I know that you want your first time to be with Buster and I care too much about you to do that," Jim was in shock that Joe even asked.

"That's what I thought, but that dream was so real. You were kissing me, Zac was sucking me and Buster was fucking me. I didn't like it, but I think it's because I had no say in it," Joe was crying.

"I don't know what brought this dream on, Bud, but know that none of us would ever do that to you. I admit that I have had thoughts wondering what it would be like, but I would never jeopardize our friendship or what I have with Zac. I know Zac feels the same way, and I trust Buster loves you too much to force sex on you. He'll wait until both of you are ready, I'm sure." Jim had his arm around Joe and Heather came to the door.

"Everything OK?" she asked.

"He just had a nightmare," Jim responded.

"Want to talk about it?" she inquired.

"No offense Mom, but I'd be too embarrassed to talk about it with you," Joe responded sheepishly.

She saw the pile of sheets on the floor and deduced, "Oh, one of those dreams. I'm going back to bed. Put your sheets in the hamper and I'll wash them before I head for work."

Joe kind of grinned. Then looking at the clock, it was five minutes until one, not even the time in his dream. "Buster didn't come back here, did he?"

"No, I'm sure he's home asleep. And Zac is asleep across the street. I assure you that your dream will never manifest into reality, Bro. Let me help you get your sheets on or would you like to sleep in my bed tonight?"

"Can we just sleep in your bed? Even though you were a part of my dream, I feel safe when you're really with me," Joe admitted.

"I told you, I will never let anyone hurt you. Aside from me hugging you, that is," Jim smiled.

"Yeah, I think you cracked all my ribs, and bruised the ones that wouldn't crack. Even punctured both my lungs from hugging me so tight that day," Joe quipped. Jim loved the smile that started growing on Joe's face.

"Yeah, it's a shame that I love you to death," Jim remarked.

Joe gave Jim a quick peck on the cheek. "Let's throw these sheets in the hamper and then let's get some sleep. I want to go to the ranch after school tomorrow," Joe said.

Saturday morning, all three boys took care of the horses. They were done by ten as usual when Matt and Gina showed up. Part of Jim wanted to pawn them off on someone else since they usually don't get done until one, but he really liked chatting with them and the money was good. "Hope you don't mind, but can we do a short trail today?" Matt asked.

"I was hoping we wouldn't do the usual trail, what's up?" Jim inquired.

"Well, you know Jackson and Ryan are getting married. They didn't invite many people, just those to whom he's close. I feel honored that he invited Gina and me," Matt explained.

"Cool, that's why I wanted to do a short trail as well, but didn't know if I should mention it," Jim smiled.

"I can understand. If I didn't believe that you were invited, I wouldn't have. No way Jackson would invite me and not you," Matt grinned.

Jim took Matt to the barn and where the new horses were stabled. Matt was admiring the horses, one was a stallion and the other a mare. He looked for their names but the space was blank. "Jackson is waiting to see if you want to keep their original names or register them with different names. He says that they will be your horses, so if you want to name them." Jim explained upon seeing Matt look at the empty placard.

"Seriously, what are their original names?" Matt was excited.

"The stallion is named Fareyr after the god of weddings and the mare is named Kearis after the goddess of beauty," Jim informed him.

"I think those names are fitting. I want to marry Gina more and more every day and as far as I'm concerned, she is the most beautiful lady I have ever seen," Matt blushed a little as he spoke.

"You're gonna make me cry," Gina cautioned. "Can you see why I think he's the best boyfriend? He's always saying things like this, even when it's just the two of us."

"If you don't mind my saying so, I see you two are very much in love but I don't understand why you want to get married as soon as you graduate," Jim remarked.

"We talked about waiting, we really did. See, we both received scholarships to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. I have a full scholarship to play on their football team, the Wyoming Cowboys. Gina is so smart that they gave her a full scholastic scholarship. We both agree that if we lived in the dorms, we would be distracted from our school work wondering what the other was doing. And before you ask, yes we thought about living together."

"Matt's grandfather died two years ago and left Matt a trust fund. He gets more a month than what both horses cost Jackson and when he turns twenty-one, the balance will be placed in his bank account. But there are a few things that can change that. His grandfather put in a stipulation that Matt cannot have premarital sex or share a home with an unwed female not related," Gina added.

"But I would have given all that money up for Gina. And she already signed a contract that should we ever divorce, she will not claim anything except what she contributes to our family so I know she's not after me for it. Now what Gina didn't mention is, the trust fund goes into my bank account on my twenty-first birthday or wedding day, whichever comes first."

"So you're not marrying to get the trust fund, you're marrying so you don't lose it," Jim clarified.

"Essentially, but like I said, I'd give it up in a heartbeat if I had to choose," Matt explained.

"I see the love between the two of you and I can believe that. You may come off strong and I know that my mom isn't fond of you, but you are alright in my book," Jim told him.

"I know, but lot of that is just having fun. Zac and I have called each other Homo and Straight boy ever since he told me he was gay. I'm glad that you don't mind it, either. Only Zac, Gina and I know unless he told you, but I've been putting money from my allowance into a special fund for him to be able to go to college, too. He's my best friend and I would do anything for him."

"Zac told me that his college was being paid for, but I didn't know how. Part of me suspected that Jackson was doing it. I'm really glad to know that you care so much about him."

"Yeah, I was his best friend, but now he kids me saying that I'm only second best," Matt said with a smile. "Won't mention your name, but someone took that best position away from me. But I'm glad that the two of you found each other."

"Thanks, that means a lot. Oh wow, look at the time. We've been chatting so long, we don't have time to go riding," Jim apologized.

"It's cool, I think this chat was worth forgoing the ride," Matt reasoned.

"Perhaps we can come tomorrow after church?" Gina questioned.

"We close at noon, but I'll stick around if you want," Jim offered.

Matt appreciated the offer but said that they would just come Tuesday after school. Jim said that he would be here for them. Matt shook Jim's hand slipping him his tip. Jim tried to refuse it saying that they didn't go riding but Matt insisted. "This talk felt really good. Gina may disagree, but for me, this chat was better than riding. You've been more of a friend to me than most of the kids at school. Next to Gina, Zac is my best friend, but you are a close second."

Matt and Gina left and Jim headed for the office. "So, what did Matt think of the horses?" Jackson asked.

"Didn't get a chance to ride because we were talking, but he really likes them. He also said that their names are fitting," Jim said.

"You boys want to shower, you're free to use one in the house. Have just more than an hour before the wedding, so want to call it a day?" Jackson offered.

The boys grabbed their change of clothes and headed for the shower. When they were alone, Zac looked at Jim. "You were wanting to say something but didn't want to in front of Jackson. I can tell," he stated.

"Yeah, Matt was telling me why he's marrying Gina after they graduate. Still not sure I totally agree but I do understand his reasoning. We talked a lot about his trust fund and I know," Jim said smiling.

"I'm glad that you didn't say anything in front of Jackson. I don't think Matt would mind Jackson knowing, but that's his place to say something, not ours. Until you came along, Matt was my best friend. We are like brothers. When his grandfather passed away, I was the one who consoled him. Not sure how much he told you, but his grandfather was worth over a hundred million when he died. Matt's dad got a hundred thousand and the rest goes to him."

"Thought you said that you didn't know how much his family is worth?" Jim questioned.

"Not a total lie, Matt's dad has money besides what was left to him. I don't know how much but he's worth money. Not worth as much as his father, but he didn't need the money left to him, either," Zac explained.

"And Matt says that he would give it all away to be with Gina," Jim chimed.

"He would. Do Matt a favor and keep this between us. He doesn't want just anyone knowing. He considers you a close friend if he told you. Matt's family lives in a house similar to ours and they live a typical lifestyle so as to not call any attention."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't break Matt's trust like that. He told me that I'm a close second best friend and how much you mean to him. After I figured you and him out that first day, I've grown to like Matt. Dusty will always be my best friend after you, but Matt's up there."

"Matt and I have talked about it, but once you came into my life, he actually doubled what he was putting in my college fund. He said that it was for you to be able to go also. I know that Joe said that he would pay for your college, and I've told Matt. He said that he's still going to put funds in for you and if Joe does pay, we can use the funds for a down payment on a house. Matt thinks a lot of you."

"Wow, I liked Matt before I knew that. He didn't tell me about it. Can I at last tell Mom and Joe that part?" Jim was wiping a tear from his eye and Zac put his arms around him.

"Matt thinks the world of you and he highly respects you. Hope you don't mind but we talked about you on many occasions. He told me that he'd take second place to you any day."

"I believe that, too. I believe that other than when he's just having fun, Matt is very genuine. Strange how some people are changed by money, but I think Matt and his family have it together. He really cares more about his friends than anything, doesn't he?"

"You see the real Matt," Zac said smiling.

The wedding was set in the barn. When it began, Jackson wore a white tux. Ryan was dressed in black. Some may think that this shows their status, but truth of the matter is, they chose for Ryan to be in black only because he's the older one. What they do in the bedroom is their business.

Jackson paid to fly his mom back. She loved her visit before and meeting Jacob. She told Jackson that she was thinking of selling her home and moving to Wyoming. Jackson told her that they'd discuss it and he would help with whatever she decided. CJ, Danny, Dusty and Zak flew in to attend the wedding as well. Actually, Danny was Ryan's best man and CJ was Jackson's but Dusty and Zak would be sitting with Jim and video recording it.

At the altar, both men were taken away by how the other looked. The preacher started the service asking if anyone didn't approve this wedding. No one said anything. The preacher said that they wished to read their own vows and Ryan started.

"Ever since the day we met, Zak had been trying to get us together. At first, I was resistant because I wanted to focus on my studies, but finally I gave in. My only regret is that I resisted in the first place. Since that day, you have made me happy, getting my law degree was less stressful and I have felt like every piece of the puzzle of my life was complete. Now we have a son and are finally able to marry. I love you Jackson Sprayberry and plan to spend the rest of my life giving you the same love as you have always been giving me."

Jackson smiled and started his vows, "When Zak told me that you and I were perfect together, I didn't doubt it for one second. You pushed me away many times saying that you wanted to finish school before you thought about dating. I guess I was too stupid to give up, or maybe I was too smart because you finally agreed to go on a date just to shut me up."

Jackson laughed and continued. "That was actually my first date ever and I was so nervous. You are so attractive in many ways. I have never seen anyone that I find more handsome, you graduated top of your class and you have the most dashing personality. I love you Ryan Grayson in so many ways. And I plan to continue loving you until the day I die."

After the preacher announced them as a married couple, they climbed into a wagon pulled by Clydesdale horses and rode to the lake. A gazebo-style tent was set up over the table with the wedding cake. Tables were placed about with the wedding party closest to the tent. Jim, Zac and Joe were set at a table closest to the wedding party.

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 .