Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2017 23:51:35 -0500
From: Jim <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart chapter seven

This story is fiction.

The characters are adults in adult situations.

Warnings: The only person you can ever hope to truly know is
yourself. Trust no one; use condoms.

If you are not of legal age or in a jurisdiction in which this document is
illegal, go way.

This is my story. Please respect the copyright. If you enjoy it, let me
know.

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The ride to Uncle Joe's and Aunt Mellie's was spent in a somber mood. Paul
had definitely surrendered any levity when he watched Jeff donning his
hidden holster. He had been impressed that the bulge of the subcompact Sig
Sauer P320, 9mm version was barely noticeable. The holster would have never
worked in tight fitting jeans but, as Jeff demonstrated, it was no problem
dressed as he was. Jeff practiced several draws. Each quicker than the one
before. It would be easy for him to imagine Jeff as a cowboy
gunfighter. Several snide comments came to mind, but were summarily
dismissed. It just wasn't the right time for humor. He noticed Jeff was
continually scanning their surroundings from the moment they walked out the
door. Even now, driving on this virtually empty, farm to market, road Jeff
never let his eyes rest on any one thing too long.

Paul jumped when Jeff cleared his throat to speak. "Babe. Sorry I didn't
mean to startle you. Listen, before you came down for breakfast, Uncle
Raymond called to let me know he and some of his team arrived late last
night. They're setup in a motel in town. I asked him to come stay with us,
but he insisted he needed to be with his team. He wants to bring some of
them out later today. Uncle Joe has apparently agreed to feed us all
supper, if you're up for it? If you're willing, one of the guys is
qualified to teach the required firearms safety in order to validate your
license to carry (LTC). According you've had a license for three months,
don't ask. Uncle Raymond has some powerful contacts. Uncle Joe is willing
to provide a handgun and holster for your use until this shit gets
straightened out. All you have to do is pick one you're comfortable with
and get qualified."

"I'll be glad when we get to know each other well enough that each new
conversation doesn't spark a dozen more questions. Who exactly is this
Uncle Raymond and what exactly does "validate a license to carry" mean?"

Jeff could hear the tension in Paul's voice. He reached across the console,
took Paul's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. "Babe, I
know you are under a lot of stress. We both are. I feel like someone is
trying to take you away from me after I just found you. I know it's
impossible to really relax, but you are not alone in this. Me, Uncle Joe,
Aunt Mellie and now Uncle Raymond we are in this with you. We won't let
anything get to you two without coming through us first. I swear."

"I think you'll like Uncle Raymond. I've pretty much known him all my
life. He worked summers for Uncle Joe all through high school and
college. I can remember him coming to the ranch with Uncle Joe. He'd pick
me up and swing me around and around and laugh like crazy while i'd stagger
like a drunk when he put me down."

"They'd sometimes come over on horseback and i'd throw a fit till I got to
ride in the saddle in front of him. That was even after I had my own
horse. I remember feeling so safe as we galloped around the ranch. I
thought he was the handsomest, bravest, smartest cowboy there could ever
be. I guess you could say he was my first crush."

"During law school he interned with our family's legal staff. After he
passed the bar exam he went to work for the family. Now he's in charge of
our legal staff and our accountants. I may have told you he has oversight
concerning all financial, business and charitable transactions. It's mainly
because of him that Uncle Joe can spend so much time on the ranch. He's
also the reason I could have my own legal career. I've known about our more
extensive holdings since I was a freshman in high school. Before that, I
thought we were just ranchers.

"We Adams' have always tried to keep a low profile. Most folks around these
parts know little or nothing except that we have a good sized ranch where
we raise longhorns, angus beef cattle and quarter horses and as you well
know a small herd of bison. I had just turned fourteen when I was first
invited to attend biweekly meetings with my folks, Uncle Joe, Aunt Millie,
Uncle Raymond and a variety of our most senior staff. I learned very
quickly that my opinion held sway, especially where technology was
concerned."

"I had already learned the drawbacks to being "one of the rich kids". I
never flaunted my family's wealth. I never ran with the "rich kids", or
went out of my way to dress fancy. My school uniform was always boots and
wranglers. The most expensive piece of clothing I wore most everyday, until
I was in law school, was a pair of running shoes. I only had a few good
friends growing up and I don't remember if they had money or not. It just
wasn't important to me or my family. It was the quality of friendship that
we shared. I don't envy those wealthy individuals who have their private
lives blasted all over the media. Most of the people who work for us simply
know they work for an organization that may or may not be headed by someone
named Adams."

"As to your License to Carry, the state requires an approved application, a
background check and a minimum of four hours of qualified instruction in
order to obtain you LTC. You know Texas is an open carry state. Well, to
each his own. I think it would say we were looking for trouble, if we wore
a belt or shoulder holster. This way..." Patting the hidden pistol, he
continued, "We're ready for trouble if it comes our way."

Pulling into his Uncle's drive, Jeff put the Tahoe in park. Turning to Paul
he again took his hand and asked, "Have you thought about how you're going
to tell Maria about the house? I want to be there for both of you, but I'll
understand if it's something you want to do alone."

Paul breathed a heavy sigh and looked down at their clasped hands. For a
moment he thought about how much comfort he got just from Jeff's touch. It
really was like being home... like family. "I thought about what this might
mean to her. I mean sure she's young and in the full context of her life I
doubt she will remember much about a "house" burning down when she was
five. I think it will be less traumatic and less devastating if she is
surrounded by those who love her and those whom she loves. We should have
Joe and Mellie with us when we tell her. Just remind me to start off by
telling her that Pup is having a good time at your house." Paul looked up
to meet Jeff's gaze and smiled softly as he watched tears gently roll down
his Partner's cheeks.

Jeff tried to hide a sniffle as he wiped away his tears. "Well, let's get
inside and gather our Princess, have our little talk and be on our way to
lunch. We still have some shopping to do after our business lunch."

Somehow the two had reclaimed some levity, "What do you mean our business
lunch? I didn't see your name on my shingle Mr. Attorney at Law."

"It may be your personal qualifications that got you the interview, but you
know what they say `behind every great vet there is an even greater
lawyer'. I'm sure your family will play a big role in sealing the deal."

This time Jeff led Paul into his Uncle's house without knocking. It never
occurred to either man to do otherwise. When Jeff called out, "Anybody
home"? He was immediately answered by a squeal of delight and the sound of
hurried footsteps an instant before he was struck by hurricane Maria. She
struck in his gulf region with a force of a category 2... as in `oh my 2
aching balls'. He could feel himself turning green as a storm surge of
nausea swept through him. A painful reminder of what had, only this
morning, been a new and pleasurable experience. Jeff valiantly faked a
smile.  Like most fathers do when accidentally struck in that most
sensitive of regions. He bent down and took her into his arms and picked
her up. What he really wanted to do was; cup his balls, fall to the floor
and roll around until the righteous tears and nausea passed.

Paul's sympathetic grimace let Jeff know that hurricane Maria's landfall
had not gone unnoticed. Paul stepped up and rubbed his back in
commiseration. "You'll learn. It's covered in fatherhood self defense 101",
Paul offered in a compassionate tone.

Maria, busily greeted Mr. Jeff with an enthusiastic hug and a sloppy kiss
on the cheek. She immediately began regaling him with all her shopping
adventures from the day before as if he were her long lost best friend and
not a stranger she had met just days ago. Paul, with his hand still
caressing Jeff's back, stood close to his two favorite people. He was
impressed not only with his daughter's complete acceptance of this man in
their lives, but with Jeff's obviously complete and unabashed affection for
his Princess. He had not missed the fact that his Princess had greeted Jeff
first. It seemed almost an afterthought that she finally stretched, still
in Jeff's arms, to give Paul his usual greeting of a warm hug and a sloppy
kiss on the cheek.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Mellie were surprised when Jeff suggested they all
adjourn to the den since they had something important to discuss. Of course
the adults knew it was about the fire, but Paul had indicated he was going
to wait until after lunch to tell Maria.

They settled in with Jeff still holding Maria and Paul snugged in close by
his side. Joe and Mellie sat on a loveseat across from the sofa. Paul took
Maria's hand and smiled as Jeff covered theirs with his. "Honey, we left
Pup at Jeff's house. We'll be staying there tonight, okay?"

It was clear Maria was about to respond enthusiastically, when a look of
confusion came across her pretty face. "Why?"

"Well last night Jeff and I had dinner at the diner and when we came back
home the house was on fire. Jeff saved Pup and I saved some of your things
before the fire got too bad. By the time the firemen and the fire trucks
from town got there it was too late. So we will be staying with Mr. Jeff
for a while."

Everyone was on edge, waiting for Maria's response. Looking up at Jeff, her
eyes clouded with tears as she offered her heartfelt thanks, "Mr. Jeff,
thank you for saving Pup. I don't want him to burn up like daddy sometimes
burns dinner." The faces of her family were struggling trying to hold back
the tears and the laughter. "Daddy can sleepover with you, but where will I
sleep?"

"Princess, you can have your own room and we can paint the walls any color
you like and we can get a bed with a canopy just like in a fairy tale, if
that's what you want. We have to go shopping again to get you lots of new
clothes for you and your daddy." Jeff could see the spark of excitement in
Maria's eyes as she thought about her fantasy bedroom and new shopping
adventures.

"Ok, but can you come with us shopping, Aunt Mellie. You make shopping
fun. Daddy just wants to buy stuff and leave." Maria glanced pleadingly
between Paul and Mellie.

"Paul dear, why don't you let me take Maria into Abilene tomorrow to shop
for clothes, while you get some last minute Christmas shopping done on your
own." A subtle hint that she figured most all of Maria's Christmas presents
were lost in the fire.

Paul and Jeff gaped at each other as they silently communed on how really
unprepared for Christmas they were. Jeff recovered first. Staring at the
larger than life Christmas tree, he wished he could telekinetically
transport it to his own living room. He suddenly realized he could do the
next best thing. Gently shifting the Princess into Paul's lap he explained,
"I have to make a couple of urgent phone calls."

Slipping into the hallway he called Rosarita. Learning that she had no
plans for the day, he breathed a sigh of relief. Explaining that the house
had to be decorated for Christmas within the next few hours, he gave her
carte blanche. Jeff told her where the ornaments and decorations were
stored and directed her to use the household credit card to buy anything
she felt they needed, no questions asked. He further told her to hire
whatever help she needed for the job. If she got into a bind she was not to
wait until the last minute to call Jeff's Uncle Raymond for help. Making
sure she got the number correctly, Jeff hung up and made a quick call to
Raymond so he was on standby to offer assistance.

Joining the others he was just in time to hear Aunt Mellie state in no
uncertain terms, "...And we'll hear no more about it." Jeff had heard that
tone of voice more than a few times growing up. It usually meant that he
was treading on thin ice and if he knew what was good for him he had better
pay attention. Aunt Mellie was usually easy to get along with, but cross
her at your own peril. Once she made up her mind on a course of action,
there was little chance she would reconsider.

Jeff was torn, he wanted to immediately side with his partner, no matter
what. That was where his loyalties and his heart lay. At the same time, his
Aunt had to be the sweetest person he knew, aside from Paul. So he resumed
his seat next to Paul and took his hand in what he hoped was a supportive
gesture. Paul gave him a weak smile in gratitude. Apparently Jeff's
presence quelled whatever discussion had been going on. He decided it was a
convenient time to leave for their luncheon appointment.

Aunt Mellie fetched a medium sized leather suitcase in which she had packed
"a few" clothes Maria had here in her dresser and closet. Mellie said it
was enough to see her through four or five days without doing laundry. She
reminded Paul and Jeff she and Joe would be over early in the morning to
take Maria shopping in Abilene. Whereupon Joe said, "There's five more
acres in the lower forty I got to plow." Jeff laughed, Joe looked serious
at Mellie and Mellie looked at as if to say, "We're gonna talk about this."

As they were walking out Joe pressed an envelope into Paul's hand, "Son,
this may be the first, but it won't be the last time friends reach out to
help you. Let us help you and Maria in this time of tragedy. Don't let
pride be a stumbling block for expressions of love and friendship. Y'all
are good people, let good people help you."

Hearing those words Paul got choked up. Rather than engage in another
potentially embarrassing discussion Paul simply accepted the envelope that
obviously contained a small stack of cash. Joe pulled him into a warm bear
hug and patted him on the back. Stepping back he added, "Don't forget
supper's here tonight. Y'all come back anytime but I figure to serve at
seven so don't be late."

Mellie and Joe stood in the doorway, arm in arm, watching as they drove
away.

"What was that about the `plowing the lower forty' ?"

"I think that may be a line from an old song. It means Uncle Joe has
something more important to do. It usually pisses Aunt Mellie off no
end. Just as it did today."

Paul nodded, "Did you get to make you urgent phone calls?"

"Yeah, operation decor de holidays is well underway and should be completed
prior to our arrival."

Paul admittedly was curious as to how much was in the envelope. Untucking
the flap, he was surprised to see the stack was made up of one hundred
dollar bills. "$5,000.00 in cash! Jeff, I can't accept this! This is
probably worth more than all the furniture and clothes in the
house. Besides, it was their house... I guess... uh, your house. It was
because of me that the house burned down. I should be giving y'all money."

Paul went to lay the envelope in Jeff's lap, Jeff defensively jerked his
right hand down to protect his battered balls. Focused more on driving, he
actually smacked his own balls while trying to protect them. Despite the
pain, Jeff's only outward reaction was a silent grimace. Paul smirked as he
forgot about the money and asked, "Do you still ache?"

Jeff gave Paul his best, "Eat shit and die, motherfucker!" look.

That only made Paul laugh out loud.

Jeff then began to stare straight ahead with his lower lip sticking out.

"Please don't pout. It's not very becoming of my big, strong, handsome
cowboy."

From the backseat, "Mr. Jeff, why are you pouting? Daddy says pouting
doesn't help nothing." Accusingly she grilled Paul, "Daddy what did you do
to Mr. Jeff? At school Tommy stole Lisa's cookie at snack time. She
pouted." Daddy you was right, pouting didn't help anything. I made him give
it back."

Paul gently corrected, "You mean, `Doesn't help anything' honey. `Doesn't
help nothing' is a double negative. It isn't proper English. Otherwise you
are right, pouting doesn't help anything. Also you should say, `Daddy, you
were right, not `Daddy you was right. But, actually I was teasing Jeff. He
wasn't really pouting. He just looked like he was." This last was said with
a really broad grin.

The pout was washed off Jeff's face by a smile. He handed the envelope back
to Paul saying, "Here, might as well use it, they'll never take it back."

Christmas became the dominant topic as a little girl was reassured by two
loving adults that indeed Santa would know where to find Daddy, Maria and
Pup.

The Lake house came into view just as they came around the last rise. Jeff
decided it was by no means imposing, but it was a handsome home. To the
right of the deck, which extended into water, was a large speedboat covered
with a tarp resting on a floating dock. It was pretty obvious why they
referred to it as `the Lake house'.

By the time he had parked in the drive two handsome men and a little boy,
about Maria's age, were waiting for them. They entered at the side of the
house, through the kitchen door. Warm welcomes and introductions all round
left the group in the great room surrounded by enticing aromas coming from
the kitchen area.

Maria got everyone settled in the living room area and brought out fresh
made lemonade for everyone. She promised the children lunch would be ready
in twenty minutes, but assured the adults it would be fine if it was
delayed.

T.R. Led the four men into a spacious, smartly decorated office. Jeff
admired a wall hanging; a collage of Bob Segar album covers. The two
admitted to a mutually enthusiastic appreciation of the man from Detroit's
music.

David picked up four individual folders from the desk. "We weren't sure how
you two are used to handling these matters so we made an extra copy for you
Paul. Handing two folders to Paul, he continued. If you would be more
comfortable in the living room Jeff, we would certainly understand."

Handing one of his folders to Jeff, Paul stated flatly, "He'll stay here
with me and look over this extra copy. We're in this together."

Jeff's smile lit up the room. Everyone seemed to relax and the next half
hour was spent reviewing and making minor chances to the contract. Jeff
commented when he saw a change that could benefit Paul, otherwise he kept
quiet.

Once the revised contract was printed out, T.R. encouraged Paul to have his
attorney look it over before he sign it. Paul, with a grin said, "I sure
will." He then handed the final contract to Jeff asking, "What do think?"

Jeff, with a studious expression, barely glimpsed at the document before
immediately handing it back to Paul, saying, "My considered opinion is,
sign it."

David and T.R. stared questioningly at each other, then the light came
on. They burst out laughing as they realized, Jeff was indeed an
attorney. Maria was called in to notarize all copies. She explained that
she'd got her commission originally while working at a used car lot and
just kept in current because she liked the idea and occasionally it came in
handy for friends and family.

Lunch was Pollo Asado, a Tex-mex salad and macaroni and cheese (from
scratch). The more senior Maria explained that with mac and cheese on the
menu she was pretty sure the kids wouldn't walk away hungry. She began
asking about Maria's likes and dislikes concerning food. Casually she asked
the men about allergies and if there were foods they hated. She admitted
that she liked strawberries but didn't care for any other berry with
seeds. She insisted everyone should have a hot breakfast, even if it was
oatmeal with fruit. Slowly Jeff began to realize they were being
interviewed and indoctrinated regarding life at the lake house. He would
have thought it was funny except he still feared Paul just might actually
take them up on their generous offer.

After a hearty meal, everyone helped clear the table. The children helped
Maria clean up the kitchen while the four men moved to the living area.

Once there, David began with, "Paul, everyone at work heard about the
fire. Immediately Juanita went about collecting money." Handing Paul an
envelope containing a small stack of cash. "We rounded out what they
collected. There's $700.00 in there, along with a note everyone signed. She
also wants your clothing sizes so she can get some things together for you
all. Better get Jeff's sizes too. They didn't know about you two, but
they'll be fine with it. They just want to help."

Paul grinned at the thought of Jeff wearing some strangers cast off
clothing. Then remembered that through the years he had purchased a goodly
share of his wardrobe from thrift stores. He and Sandy had bought baby
items as well as clothing from yard sales. Wearing used clothing didn't say
a damn thing about one's value as a human being.

David continued, "But first let's show you where you'll be sleeping. All
the bedrooms have ensuites with queen sized beds so they're pretty much the
same. A little different decor, maybe a different view. You'll see."

Paul watched Jeff's face as David explained about the rooms. He could see
the tension, even if it wasn't obvious to anyone else. "Uh... David, T.R.,
we appreciate the offer but I've decided we're moving in with Jeff. He has
a house on the ranch I was living on and he has kindly ask me, uh, us to
live with him."

T.R. Looked confused, "David told me last night that you two were life
partners, just like he and I. Now, you tell us you're just now moving in
with him. I don't get it."

"I was practicing law in Chicago. I came home for the holidays, met Paul
and we fell in love. We were on our first date when someone set fire to his
house. His car was parked in the drive so we think someone may have been
trying to kill him. It's possible that the three of us could have died in
that fire."

"Now, he has agreed to move in with me and I hope this is the beginning of
a lifetime together. So we, I think I speak for Paul here." Looking to Paul
for approval, he got the nod, and continued, "We are very grateful for your
generous offer to share your home. It's obvious that when you learned about
me, you didn't hesitate to expand that offer without ever having met
me. You two were willing to invite a stranger into your home based on the
kind of man you knew Paul to be. To me, that speaks volumes about the man I
love. It also shows how kind and decent you folks are. I know you three
already think of each other as friends. I think we can all become the best
of friends and I look forward to getting to know you. As a potential friend
I would like to invite you two to a party my Aunt Mellie and Uncle Joe
Adams give each year on the Friday before Christmas." Without looking
behind him and in the same conversational tone, "That invitation includes
you and D.J., Maria."

Undaunted, Maria replied immediately, "Thank you. We'll all be there. I
hear it's great food and great fun."

The four men burst out laughing. A little later Jeff and Paul expressed
their thanks for the great food and good company. Despite being encouraged,
even pleaded with to stay (D.J.) they loaded up and headed to Walmart.


Author's Note:
Please let me know what you think.
Sojourn1950@yahoo.com