Disclaimer: This story is fictional. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. Parts of the character are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door.
I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. This story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. Some people have compared my writing style to that of Mr. Todd's and for that, I am flattered. While Another Chance does pay tribute to "Riding Lessons", it is a story of its own and has its own plot and agenda. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don't hesitate to email me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com . Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.
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Another Chance
Chapter 60
As the foal started to emerge, everyone was holding their breath and were very quiet. "It can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to two hours for this birth to occur. Usually, though, once the foal begins to emerge, it's quick," the vet advised.
"Anything that we can do to help?" Matt asked.
"No, we've done everything that we can. The rest is in Aurixi and God's hands."
Jim watched as the foal continued coming out. Someone had announced to the wedding guests that had arrived about the foal's birth and the wedding being delayed. Mr. Radcliffe and Brock made their way to the barn to watch the foaling. Mr. Radcliffe stood beside Brock, ready to hold him if anything went wrong.
It took about twenty minutes before the foal fully emerged. When it did, it struggled up onto its legs and blinked a couple of times. Jim sighed when he saw that the foal was breathing on its own. "Congratulations, you have a healthy colt," the vet said after a quick assessment of the foal's condition. "Give him a few weeks before you sell him or anything, but I suspect that he will be just fine."
Jim placed his arms around Zac and started crying out of relief. He didn't even realize that he was holding that much pain worrying about the foal, but it felt good being relieved.
"Glad, I'm not dressed for our wedding yet. You got my shoulder all wet. Kinda fitting, seeing how you did that the day we met," Zac teased.
Jim laughed, "Yeah, it is, isn't it."
"C'mon Mr. Bolt, we have a wedding to prepare for, and I have a special surprise for you."
"Before you two go, I'd like to give you a check for the foal," Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"Dad, would it upset you if I gave the foal away?" Brock asked.
"As much as you wanted Gold, and then talked about wanting this foal, you want me to pay them so you can give the foal away?" Mr. Radcliffe questioned.
"I hope it doesn't upset you, but yes. I want to give the foal to Jake. I have so much already, and I do want a horse of that lineage, but I think this foal should go to Jake."
"Then we can't accept your money," Jim stated.
"Please, I want this to be my gift to him," Brock begged.
"On two conditions, first, whenever Gold or Aurixi have another offspring, you promise to accept that foal from us as a gift," Zac stated.
"I can do that," Brock smiled. "What's the second condition?"
"That you promise to never kiss my soon-to-be husband like you did in this barn that day," Zac teased.
"But he was so cute that day," Brock teased back. "Actually, he still is so cute, but I have Jared now, so I can promise that."
As Brock and his dad walked back toward the lake, Jim could overhear Mr. Radcliffe tell his son how proud he is of him. Jim and Zac made their way to Jackson's living room where most of the wedding party were already dressed and waiting to hear about the foal.
"Well, Brock won't be getting Platinum," Jim stated looking down.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Dusty said, putting his arms around Jim.
"He won't be getting Platinum because he gave the foal to Jake," Zac added, laughing. "The foal is a healthy colt and he thought that Jake should have him."
"The foal is OK and he's mine?" Jake asked.
"Yes, you won't be able to ride him for a few years, but he is your colt," Jim said kneeling down to look Jake in the eye.
"So I have two horseys?" Jake asked.
"No, you have one, Platinum. Gold is my horse, but I don't mind sharing him with you until you can ride your own," Jim grinned. "And speaking of Gold, I didn't see him in the barn."
"That's because he is waiting by the lake for you. Instead of walking down the aisle, you will ride Gold and Zac will ride Silver," Joe stated.
Jim and Zac took showers and got dressed for their wedding. Despite being almost two hours late starting the wedding, they still posed for the photographs prior to the wedding so that everyone looked fresh. Nick felt weird standing with Jim and Heather, but Jim insisted that he WILL be his stepfather, and he was sure that his dad would approve. Nick almost wanted to cry with Jim telling him this.
They also took a picture of Jim, Joe and Chris. While they were taking pictures, Jim swore that the recordings of George Strait singing sounded so real. "Whoever owns those CDs got good ones," Jim chimed.
"I know, sounds almost as if Mr. Strait came here to actually sing to our guests," Zac stated.
The music had stopped and the boys made it to the lake. The preacher was standing in a gazebo of sorts. It had six posts going up, all painted white. The roof was made of white roses with the tips dyed either green or blue. The aisle was a carpet made of white roses with green and blue petals mixed in. As people walked towards their seats, the "carpet" changed slightly, moving as they were trampled or brushed by shoes.
Someone started playing the piano and Jake walked down the aisle carrying the pillow and rings. Once Jake got to the front of the aisle, Chris walked down the aisle. Nick followed him and Dusty followed Nick. Matt followed Dusty. While Matt walked down the aisle, Jim mounted Gold. Gold walked the aisle slowly, as if he HAD been practicing to make this day special. Jim asked if Joe had been instructing him on how to walk the aisle and Gold nodded his head.
Once, he was at the front of the aisle, Dusty took Gold's reins and Jim dismounted. Dusty attached Gold's reins to the back of a white wagon with a "Just Married" sign on the back. A man wearing a white tuxedo with a western yoke was at the front of the wagon.
Zac started down the aisle upon Silver. He took his time, just like Gold had done. As Zac reached the front, Matt followed suit of what Dusty had done. Jim swore that everyone had been able to practice except for him, Zac and Jake. Jim took Zac's hand and then he heard George Strait singing "I Cross My Heart." Jim looked over and saw that it was George singing and not a recording. Zac smiled, "Now you know why it sounded so much like him and not a CD. He called me last week to find out when our wedding would be."
Jim gave Zac a kiss and pronounced his undying love. "Hey, I haven't announced you married yet, you're supposed to wait to do that," the preacher said.
Jim and Zac stood at the altar holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. The preacher gave a short sermon about marriage and how when two people love each other enough to want to spend their lives together, then marriage was the right thing to do. He also commented about the wedding ring being a symbol of their love, a perfect circle having no end. After he was finished he looked at Jim. "Please take this ring and place it on Zac's finger and say your vows."
"Zac, I knew from that first time when you let me soak your shoulder, crying over what I thought I had lost that I loved you. Each day, you have made me fall more and more in love with you. Nothing can really express my love for you as well as I Cross My Heart. Today, after the foal was born, you let me soak your shoulder, but this time, not out of grief, but from relief. I know that you will be with me in bad times and in good times, I know that I can lean on you when I need you the most. I want to be there for you just as much."
"Now Zac, if you will place this ring on Jim's finger and repeat your vows," the preacher suggested.
"I knew from the moment that we first met that there was something special about you. I didn't mind you soaking my shoulder, and we kind of have it as a running joke. I remember when you were thrown from Gold and he came and got me how I felt, worried that I may have lost you. I know that I love you with all my heart, all my soul and all my being. You are my reason for waking up every morning. You are the reason that I want to be the best person that I can be. You are my everything and to borrow from I Cross My Heart, I promise to make all your dreams come true."
"You already have," Jim whispered.
"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mr. Bolt. NOW, you may kiss," the preacher stated.
After Jim and Zac kissed, they headed for the wagon to take them up to the barn for the reception. Jim watched Mr. Radcliffe walk up to George Strait. "Mr. Strait, I don't know what you are charging these boys for your singing, but I would like to cover it," Mr. Radcliffe declared.
"Oh no, this was my gift to them, but I can appreciate the offer," George Strait stated.
"In that case..." Mr. Radcliffe started, but Jim couldn't hear him continue as the wagon moved out of earshot.
Jim looked at Zac, "So how did you get George to come sing?"
"I'd tell you that I had to spend every cent I earned, but that would be a lie. For you, I would if I needed to, but George Strait called me and offered to come sing as a present to us. I'm guessing that when he sang at the rodeo, he really liked you and how much you love your dad," Zac replied.
"I actually overheard George telling Mr. Radcliffe that he did it as a present. I just wanted to see what you would say," Jim confessed.
"So you were testing me?" Zac asked, looking a little upset.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to seem that way, what I meant was, I was curious as to what you did for him to sing for free," Jim explained. "From what you said, you don't feel like you did anything except tell him that we were getting married." Zac's facial expression eased up a bit.
"That is about all I did, and I'm glad that you weren't testing me. I trust you with my whole heart and I hope that you trust me as well. We are married now and should be able to trust each other without needing to test one another," Zac stated.
"Well, the only test I want will need conducted while a little boy is sleeping," Jim said with a wink.
"OH, I think I might enjoy that test," Zac grinned.
"I love that little boy, but I so much enjoy when it gets to be just the two of us at night," Jim confessed.
"I know the feeling. I wouldn't want to share you with anyone but him unless we agree to adopt another boy as well," Zac stated.
"I wouldn't mind adopting another boy eventually, but can we wait until we have both finished all of our schooling like we originally planned?" Jim asked.
"Don't get me wrong, I love Jake just as much as you, but if it wouldn't have been him, I would have been all for waiting as we planned," Zac started. "I am so happy that we have him, though. Schooling will be tough for us, but we can make it work and our moms and family are there to help us."
"Be honest, do you regret that we met him and he became a part of our lives?" Jim asked.
"My only regret is that he spent five years without a family. I wish that we would have met him sooner," Zac replied.
"And that's just another reason why I love you Zac Bolt," Jim stated as he kissed his husband again.
As they reached the barn for the reception, Jim noticed all the vehicles in the parking lot that were down by the lake. Their ride was slow enough that their guests had time to beat them. As they started exiting the wagon, the vet came running from the horse barn. "You might want to come in here, quick," the vet urged.
"Is something wrong with Platinum?" Jim asked, a little worried.
"No, the colt is doing fine. Just come here because I don't believe what is happening myself, let alone expect you to believe it," the vet stated.
They followed the vet into the barn to Aurixi's stall. Jim couldn't believe his eyes when he saw another set of legs coming out of her. "Is she having another foal?" Jim asked.
"Never once did I detect a second foal in her, but yes, she appears to be having another foal. It's not unheard of for a mare to give birth to twins, but not very common, either," the vet explained.
Some of the wedding guests, including Brock and his dad, made their way into the barn after seeing Jim and Zac come in. "Hey Brock, did you wish for this?" Jim teased.
"Are you serious? I would have never even thought it," Brock chimed.
"Just like with the colt, you'll need to keep this foal with Aurixi for a few weeks at least," the vet advised.
"But once the foal is able to be on his or her own, he or she will be yours, Brock," Jim stated and Zac agreed.
"See, you were generous and kind and I believe God rewarded you for it," Mr. Radcliffe stated.
"Can I name this foal Plutonium?" Brock asked.
"Your foal, you can name him or her whatever you want," Jim replied.
Everyone watched as the second foal emerged. This foal didn't appear as healthy as Platinum, but the vet assured them that was normal with multiple horse births. Once the foal was born, it stumbled for a bit but finally stood on its wobbly legs. Where Platinum was a whitish yellow, this foal looked more the color of Aurixi and Gold. It looked right at Brock and bowed its head as if knowing already that Brock was its owner. The vet gave an examination and stated that the second colt should be just fine given time.
"Dad, I know that we have our own barns, but would you have a problem if I kept the colt here? He needs to be with his mother for a while anyway, and with me working at the rescue..." Brock started.
"Sounds logical to me, and he's your horse, so that's your decision," Mr. Radcliffe remarked, cutting his son off.
"I think a miracle like this on our wedding day is a good sign," Jim declared.
"I do too, are you ready to get showered as we make our way in to the reception?" Zac asked.
"You know, given that she was carrying two foals, I'm surprised that Aurixi waited this long to give birth," Jim stated as he exited the horse barn.
"And where did she have the second foal? She didn't look big enough," Zac questioned.
"I don't know. I had a friend in Montana who had a dog, also named Shadow, and she never once looked pregnant. She always looked skinny, but she gave birth to five puppies and they never knew she was pregnant until the puppies started coming out," Jim offered as an idea.
"But puppies are smaller than foals," Zac commented as the first bit of bird seed started showering him.
"True, I'm just saying that sometimes it's hard to tell, and she had five puppies. How does a skinny dog hide five puppies in her belly?" Jim debated.
They ran into the barn where the reception would be held. Jim felt bird seed go down the back of his shirt. If it hadn't been for his belt, he was sure it would have gone into his boxers. George Straight greeted them but let it be known that he couldn't stay. He did wish them the best for their lives.
As Jim looked at the barn, he was amazed with how the place didn't really have the appearance of a barn. Jackson left the white finished walls from Matt's wedding. From the four corners and middle of all four walls came ropes meeting in the middle suspending a white-painted wagon wheel. The ropes were covered with white roses. >From the wagon wheel hung two balloons, one was green and the other was blue. Someone had taken time to draw Jim's and Zac's faces on the balloons. They were amazed at how the artwork seemed almost photographic.
Along the north wall, tables were set up for wedding gifts. Jim couldn't believe that there were so many that he couldn't even see the tables. The East wall had a table in the center holding a wedding cake. Someone had found two grooms dressed as cowboys for the wedding topper. On either side of the bottom cake tier were plastic horses. One silver and one gold. There were tables on each side of this table, both holding punch.
The south wall had a table set up for Jim, Zac, Dusty, Matt, Cheyenne and Gina. Though the girls were not a part of the wedding party, Jackson thought they would want to be with their significant other. To the left of the main table was a table set up for Joe, Chris, Jake, Nick, and Heather. To the left, a table for Marilyn, Vince, Jackson, Ryan and Colt. Jim and Zac had told Jackson to include his family as a part of theirs as he is family.
The entrance was on the west wall and just inside the entrance was a DJ. As Jim and Zac entered, he announced their arrival and they went back to playing music. There was a small area in front of him for dancing, but most of the remainder of floor space was littered with tables where guest could sit and eat.
Jackson took the mike from the DJ, "First, I want to thank everyone for coming. Jim and Zac are like sons to me, almost as much as Colt is. It was my pleasure to work with their moms on planning this wedding and reception. I hope that everyone likes steak because I traded a cow to the slaughter house for the same weight in T-bones so we have lots of them. As you can see, we have carts coming in, the first is well-done. The second is medium and the third is rare. The cow coming in is for Jim because I hear that's how he likes his steak." Jim laughed at that. "We also have salad and baked potatoes to go with the steaks. Feel free to eat until you only have room for cake, but make sure that everyone gets something. Again, thank you for coming, we will have prizes a bit later." With that, Jackson handed the mike back to the DJ.
Everyone took time to sit and eat, but some also danced or mingled. Everybody came up to Jim and Zac to congratulate them and wish them the best. At one point, the DJ called for every married couple to get on the dance floor. Then they sat down as the DJ called out how many years they had been married. The winning couple were Jason and Charlotte Bolt. Jim congratulated his aunt and uncle on their longevity of marriage.
The DJ played more songs and then announced that it was time for the garters. Zac sat in a chair while Jim lifted with his jean leg. "I'm sure glad that you suggested putting the garter around our boots," Jim commented as he still had a little struggle getting to the garter. He did pull the garter off and had the single females group up. Jim turned around so he couldn't see them and flung the garter. As it flew, the garter hit the tip of Heather's fingers and Cheyenne caught it. Jim ribbed Dusty.
Jim sat in the chair and Zac had the same issues getting to his garter. All the single males got together for Zac to flip it. Jim stood up and watched as Zac flipped the garter. Jim watched as the garter went straight to Dusty, but Dusty quickly snuck it into Jake's hand. Jake's face lit up when he saw it in his hand. He ran up to Jim and Zac. "I caught it!" he said excitedly. "Here's your thing back."
"No dude, that's your garter now. You won it," Jim told him. Then he walked up to Dusty, "I saw what you did, thank you."
"I know that I'm going to marry her, but the look on Jake's face when he saw it in his hand. It was worth it," Dusty stated.
"And that's one of many reasons why you are my best friend after Zac," Jim grinned.
"Yeah well, we do like helping each other, don't we?" Dusty said.
"But I feel like you do more for me than I do for you," Jim complained.
"Are you kidding? If it wasn't for you and our friendship, I might be dead right now. I can never repay you for that. When everyone else gave up on me, you helped me pull through. Dude, I don't want to compare who does what, I am just thankful that I have a friend like you," Dusty shot back.
"In a way, you have saved my life as well, but I agree, I don't really want to compare and am thankful for you," Jim declared as he hugged Dusty. "After you and Cheyenne marry and have children, if you ever need a babysitter, you know that you can call on me, right?"
"And now it is time to cut the cake," the DJ stated. Dusty didn't get a chance to answer before Zac grabbed Jim and took him to the cake but Jim did see him smile and nod his head.
Marilyn had baked the cake and she made the bottom tier half chocolate and half white. The middle tier and top tiers were spice cake since she knew that was Jim's and Zac's favorite flavor.
Jim and Zac each cut a piece off the bottom tier of the cake and took it in their hand. At the count of three they smashed the cake into each other's faces. After it was done, they wiped their faces and snorted cake out of their nostrils. Jim had chocolate cake all over his face and shirt while Zac had white cake.
While they went to clean and change, the ranch hand in charge of the food started cutting the bottom two tiers, saving the top to be frozen for the anniversary. Jim and Zac were in Jackson's house washing their faces and putting on clean shirts. "Man, you got cake deep in my nose," Zac chuckled.
"Yea, so did you, but I hope you go deeper tonight on the train," Jim commented with an evil gleam in his eye.
"Well, THAT is not going to be in your nose, and you have to go deep when it's your turn, as well," Zac laughed. Jim held his nose, thinking how painful THAT going into his nostril would be. Seeing Jim hold his nose and the face he made, Zac laughed even harder.
They put on identical shirts to the ones they had just taken off and went back to the reception. Someone commented about how they got their shirts so clean and Jim said that Gold used magic and cleaned them. Jake came running up to Jim and Jake with a piece of cake on a plate. "I want a piece of cake shoved in my face, too," he averred.
"How about we do it right before you change shirts and we leave?" Jim asked.
"OK, but that looked fun," Jake smiled.
"It was, but you might like eating your cake even more," Zac suggested.
Jake went to his seat and ate his cake. The DJ called out, "And now, it is time for the new couple to dance to the song that they picked out. Those that know them can probably guess the song."
Jim and Zac went to the dance floor as a recording of George Strait started playing. Nick looked at Heather with stars in his eyes, "Would it be corny if I said that I cross my heart and promise to give all that I've got to give to make all your dreams come true?"
"Maybe a little, but all my dreams have come true. I get to see my son happily married, I have the cutest grandson and I have the most handsome guy being corny with me," she responded.
"Most handsome guy after Jon, right?" Nick asked.
"I didn't say that. Jon will always be my first husband and I will always have a place for him in my heart. Yes, if you asked me, I do think he is the most handsome guy ever, but you are just as handsome to me. If I had met you the same time that I met him, I don't know who I would have chosen," Heather stated.
"Heather Bolt, I think you are lying, but I don't care, I love your answer. You know how to make a guy feel good," Nick smiled.
"Well Jon isn't around anymore and I will always miss him, but you have removed that pain," Heather acknowledged.
"Would you like to dance with a corny guy," Nick asked.
"I would love to," Heather replied.
Heather and Nick joined Jim and Zac on the dance floor, soon followed by Marilyn and Vince. It didn't take long for everyone else to join them. The DJ called for the moms to dance with their sons next and then the dads. Nick, again, was reluctant but Jim insisted.
"Look, you may not be my biological dad, and you can never replace him, nor do you try. You are going to marry my mom, making you my stepdad and I have a lot of respect for you," Jim stated as they danced together.
"You take after your mom," Nick laughed.
"Well, you know how much I love my dad. Do I love you as much, I honestly can't say but have my doubts, but I do believe that you are the next best thing to him," Jim admitted.
"I don't ask you to compare what you feel for him to what you feel for me. We both agree that I can never replace your dad. You've always treated me with respect and I like to think that you're allowing me into your life to fill the void left by his death. You're already being what I ask and for a stepson, I couldn't ask for anyone better," Nick stated.
"You do help ease the pain," Jim stated with a tear.
"Yep, you are just like your mother," Nick grinned.
As the reception continued for a couple more hours, guests slowly trickled out. When the only ones there were the wedding party and family, Jim sat down feeling exhausted. Heather sat beside him, "I saw you and Nick talking while the two of you danced."
"Yeah and he said that I take after you. We mainly talked about him and Dad and I told him that he helps ease the pain of Dad being gone," Jim told her.
"I wish that your dad could have been here, he would be so proud of you. I am glad that we have Nick, though," Heather sighed.
"Part of me wants to call Nick Dad because I have a lot of respect for him and he will be marrying you, but Dad will always be Dad," Jim stated, not knowing that Nick had stepped behind him.
"I totally understand that," Nick stated causing Jim to jump. "As we both agreed, I am not replacing your dad so you continue calling him Dad. Nick works for me and you may make me feel bad if you ever call me Dad."
"I love you so much, Nick" Jim stated.
"I know you do by the way you've always treated me and Chris."
"What about me?" Joe asked.
"Yes, I know that you love Chris and me," Nick answered.
"No, I mean, my father was just a sperm donor and I have no feelings for him. I didn't get to know Jon, but I do feel like his spirit has taken me in, and I feel like you are the closest thing to a Dad that I have ever really had," Joe explained.
"Wow, I don't really know what to say. If you want to call Jon Dad and me Nick, I have no problem with it, but if you decide to call me Dad, I happily accept you as my son. It's up to you but you have time to decide. And if you want to try out both, I'm cool with that," Nick responded.
"Well, you'll always be Dad to me," Chris smiled. "And since I never got to know Mom, I hope that she understands when I call Heather Mom."
"I think she will," Nick stated, hugging his son.
Jackson looked at the boys, "The wagon is ready to take you and your horses to the train station. If you don't leave in a few minutes, you either need to use a motor vehicle or miss the train."
Jim, Zac and Jake said their goodbyes. "Just so you know, Nick and I have talked more about you moving into his place when he and Chris move into our house. We have decided that it is the most logical decision. And we will put your gifts in his spare bedroom," Heather told them as she gave the last hug.
As the boys rode off into the sunset, Nick, Heather, Joe and Chris loaded the gifts into their vehicles. Nick noticed a tear roll down Heather's cheek. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing, it's just I am so happy but also realize, the little boy that I carried in me and taught how to walk just got married," Heather explained.
"You still have me," Joe stated.
"I know, but someday, you'll get married as well. With you, I will still have mixed emotions and it will be just as hard, slightly different since I didn't give birth to you but just as hard," Heather stated.
"I can understand that and I thank you for giving me just as much love as you give Jim. I would have understood if you didn't but you always have. You are my mom and I love you more every day, if that is possible," Joe said, about ready to choke up.
"I may not have given birth to you, but you are my son and I don't show favorites. And Chris, that goes for you as well," Heather stated.
"I know, Mom" Chris stated.
"You are an amazing lady and I love you," Nick stated.
With Jim, Zac and Jake away, their absence was definitely noticed, especially Jake's. Everyone still made an effort and kept reminding themselves that they would return, but there was a definite void noticed almost immediately.
"So Chris, when you move in, are you taking Jim's room?" Joe asked as they were sitting at the dinner table.
"No, I want the room that was built for me. That will always be Jim and Zac's room unless Mom and Dad have a baby. Then the new baby should go in there so the he or she is closer to Mom and Dad."
"We're not planning for another child but if it happens, we hope that he takes after any of you boys," Nick and Heather said together.
"Wow, did you practice that?" Joe asked.
"Not really, but we have discussed it. What about you, Joe? Jim's room is a little bigger than yours," Heather questioned.
"I have to agree with Chris. Unless you and Nick have a baby, I think that room will always be Jim and Zac's room. I know when he moves out that he'll be just behind us, but what if they move after Jim graduates?" Joe responded.
"I love how close you boys are to think that way. From what I've seen, most siblings fight over the bigger bedroom," Nick chuckled.
"We're more than just siblings, we're friends, possibly even more so since we aren't blood siblings," Chris stated.
"And if you would have seen how Jim took each of us in as if he were our protector and best friend, you'd understand," Joe added. "And he thinks that he is the lucky one."
"We are the lucky ones because we have you three boys as sons," Nick stated.
Joe turned on the television to see what was on and regular programming was interrupted. "Mom, is that Jim and Zac's train?" Joe asked.
"It could be, but so many passenger trains look the same that I can't say for sure," Heather stated.
"This train had left Wyoming this afternoon and was heading for Nashville, Tennessee. We're not sure at this time what caused the train to explode just outside Colby, Kansas. An investigation is being conducted, but authorities suspect that this is the work of terrorists. All passengers and crew died in this massive explosion. I repeat, there were no survivors," the newscaster stated. Heather went white and sat down.
"Jim's not dead, I just know it. I'm going to call his cell," Joe stated.
As Joe hit the last number, the home phone rang. Jim's phone sent Joe right to voicemail. Everyone was reluctant to answer until the phone chirped, "Phone call from Jim Bolt."
Heather sighed and answered quickly. "Jim, are you alright? We heard on the news..." she started.
"That was supposed to be our train, but we got on the wrong one. They stopped this train in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and they have stopped running trains until the authorities deem it safe. The railroad is putting us up for the night but Zac's looking into renting a truck and horse trailer so we can get to Second Chance. After seeing the news, I knew I had to call and tell you," Jim was almost in tears as he talked.
Marilyn and Vince came in, Vince was carrying Zayne. "Mom's on the phone with Jim right now," Joe told them as they entered. "Apparently, they got on the wrong train."
"That's a mistake that I'm glad happened," Marilyn declared, holding her chest.
"Jim, I'm going to put you on speaker," Heather stated. "Marilyn and Vince are here now."
"When I heard about our train and how close we were, I almost crapped myself. We put the horses into a livestock car and then got on the train. I'm just glad that we loaded the horses onto the wrong one."
"Hi Grandma and Uncle Joe," they heard Jake yell.
"Tell Jake that we said hi back," Heather requested.
"He can hear you, I have you on speaker as well," Jim informed her.
"I got a Dodge Ram for a good price. The railroad reimbursed all of our full tickets and there was enough to cover the rental but nobody around here rents out horse trailers. I had to buy one," Marilyn heard Zac say as he came in the door. Hearing his voice really put her at ease.
"Zac, I am so happy to hear you," Marilyn averred.
"I'm glad that you can hear me. Did you hear about the train we were supposed to be on?" Zac asked.
"That's one of the reasons why I called them, sweetheart. And I saw that if I didn't call them, Joe was calling me," Jim acknowledged. They could hear a smacking noise over the phone.
"Daddy's kissing Daddy," Jake announced.
"You don't have to tell them everything," Zac stated. Then Jake started giggling as they were tickling him.
"Make sure everyone else knows that we are safe, especially Jackson, Dusty and Matt," Jim requested.
"We will, be careful," Heather told them.
"And don't do anything I wouldn't do?" Joe laughed.
"Well tonight, we are sharing our `honeymoon suite' with a five year old," Jim responded. "We'll call you when we get to Second Chance."
As soon as Jim hung up, Heather got on the phone and called Jackson. Joe called Dusty and Matt.
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