Date: Wed, 21 May 2014 17:09:06 -0400
From: Bill Hudley <billhudley@live.com>
Subject: ICE STORM

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ICE STORM


Written By:  Bill Hudley



The boss cut us all loose today at 2:30pm.  The rain and sleet we've had
all day is projected to become a major ice storm later tonight.  I work
in the city but my heart is on the farm where I grew up.  I live 19 miles
from work and a normal commute is 25 to 35 minutes.  Today was the
exception, the traffic looked like rush hour, but then I suppose it was
rush hour with everyone closing early.

When I was about five or six miles from the farm, the rain and sleet
became so heavy I pulled over and parked at an underpass.  The wind was
strong, adding to the already  miserable conditions and some rain and
sleet even blew through the underpass.   I sat there, motor running and
thought about what I had to do when I got home, getting the livestock
into the barn would be first, then firewood for when the power goes out.
 I had heating oil in 5 gallon cans in the shed out behind the kitchen
for lamps and heat if the firewood runs out.

Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move up at the
top of the underpass.  My first thought was a large dog was waiting out
the storm.  I lowered the passenger side window to see what was there.
 Now I could see that it was a person.  I jumped out of my truck and
approached the incline up to where the person sat.  Cupping both hands to
my mouth I shouted to the person up there.

"Come down, get warm in my truck before you freeze to death!"

There was no movement.  Fearing the worst I charged up the steep incline
and saw a young man in his late teens or early twenties, I guessed.  He
couldn't speak he was so chilled.  I picked him up and managed to get him
in my truck, it was then that I saw  his skin was a blueish color, I
hurriedly turned the truck around and headed straight to the Hospital ER
as fast as I could go on the icy roads, it was only a few miles back
toward the city.  Once in the ER, nurses piled blankets on him,  and
wheeled him off for more urgent care.  I had taken possession of his
belongings before they rolled him into the ER  I looked in his wallet but
there was no driver's license, only a student ID card from the local
community college.  His name is Keaton Cannon, and he's 19.

I called the phone number on the card and woman answered.  I asked if
Keaton Cannon was her son and she said he was,  I was telling  her how I
had found him, when a man came on the line yelling, they didn't want to
hear anything about him.

"We're through with him.  We don't have a son anymore." he yelled and
slammed down the phone.

I sat and brooded about that for a bit.  My mind flashed back to my Dad,
and how afraid I was to tell him that I'm gay, fearing he would be done
with me like Keaton's father had just proclaimed about his son.  I
wondered if it was this was the reason for his banishment.  My father
never `disowned' me, but  I was keenly aware that he truly thought that
being gay was my choice.  I left home then.  I couldn't bear seeing the
 resentment he showed toward me.  I hadn't returned home before my Dad
and Mom were killed in an auto accident.  We never reconciled.

Now the bank and I own my 85 acre farm, I work in the city as an
Electrical Engineer with a large regional construction company.  I worked
hard and put myself through college while I was estranged from my Dad.
 My brother had no interest in the farm and I managed to buy him out,
I've always held this place dear to my heart, somehow I'm tied to this
patch of land, it anchors me and keeps me here, it is my roots, I've
always loved this place.  Dad bought it when I was just four years old, I
don't remember living anywhere else.

I'm 28 years old and I've never had an actual relationship, only fleeting
nights with someone I thought I needed at the time.  Over the past twelve
years I've been with five different men.  I know I'm not ugly, but no one
would call me handsome.  My eyes are a brilliant green (my best feature
I'm told),  my skin tone  is ruddy, my hair a dark red, Auburn in the
winter time and a lighter orange-red in the summer.  There are plenty of
Freckles on my body, enough for two or three people I thought.  I'm 6'2"
and weigh in at about 175 to 180, depending on the season.  Cat Head
biscuits and Sausage gravy in the winter keep me nearer the 180 mark.  My
body isn't ripped and toned like a gym rat but I'm hard and lean, my
muscles are from farm work, one man running 85 acres is almost
impossible, but doing it while holding down a full-time job keeps me
always behind in the never-ending maintenance and repairs and planting.


I seem to have a compulsive aversion to the bars and clubs that are the
center of activity for gay men in our city.  I've never felt  comfortable
being in a gay bar or dance club.  I know it's all because of my messed
up head.  I have to find a way to co-exist with who I am and the gay
lifestyle that they guys in my town seem to prefer.   In a city as big as
Louisville there must be guys like me but I have no idea where to find
them.

I was relieved when after about  three hours, a doctor came out and told
me that Mr. Cannon would be kept at least overnight, explaining that
almost all hypothermia patients are monitored for a minimum of 12 hours.
 I was not yet allowed to see him so I asked the doctor to let Mr. Cannon
know I would be back here in the morning to check on him.  I explained
that he had nowhere to go and I was going to offer him temporary shelter
in my home.

I reluctantly left him there, hoping that he would get my message that
I'll be back here in the morning.  Meanwhile I had to get home and tend
to the livestock on the farm.

After getting the cattle, chickens and my horse all fed and bedded down,
I took out yesterdays pot of soup and warmed in on the old wood stove. in
the kitchen.  I'd kept the old stove because it was what my Mom cooked on
and it fit the old farmhouse.  I only fired it up in the coldest weather
for the heat and the hot water tank.  when the power goes out it takes a
while for the crews to get out in the country repairing downed power
lines.  The stove provided heat and hot water when the power was out.

I called the hospital to ask about young Mr. Cannon but I was told that
only family could be given that information.  No explanation I could give
would suffice, I ran into the proverbial `brick wall' with every argument I
tried.  I knew with this storm my office would remain closed and I would
drive in to collect the boy.  First off, I decided that with the ice and
snow predicted for the wee hours I would put the tire chains on the
truck.  I drove it into the barn hallway and shut the doors to keep the
howling wind at bay.  I got the chains on in about a half hour.  Big Red,
my horse watched my every move with his head out his stable door.  I
talked to him just about all the time I was there, which is normal for
me.  I talk more with my horse than I do with people it seems.  Before I
left I checked to make certain his horse blanket was  securely buckled  I
told him about the boy, how I had found him and that I would be bringing
him here to the farm, while I mucked out his stall.

Just a bit after 1:00pm the boy came walking into the waiting area, I saw
him look around and knew he had no clue who had brought him here.  I
stood up and held out my hand.

"My name is John Brown, I know it sounds phony, especially from a
stranger, but it is who I am, for real!  I had to look in your wallet to
get your name for the Hospital, so I know you're Keaton Cannon."

I asked if there was anyplace he wanted to go and he kept his eyes
downcast and said that he didn't have anywhere to go.  After hearing his
father rant that he no longer had a son when I had called his home, I
knew I'd take him in until he was on his feet with a job and a place of
his own.  Looking outside, I could see that the daylight was fading and
there seemed to be no let up in the sleet, I knew I had better get
started back to the farm soon, the livestock couldn't feed themselves.

"Everyone calls me Jack.  If you've no place to go, then you come with
me.  I have to get home soon and you're welcome to ride out this storm,
warm and cozy at my place.  I have a small farm a few miles out-of-town.
 I'm not a pervert or weirdo, you'll have a room to yourself with a lock
on the door if you feel the need for it.  Is that okay with you?

"Do you meant it?  I could be a psycho serial killer!   You know nothing
about me."

"I called the number on the Student ID card in your wallet, Keaton.  I
spoke to your Mom, then your father got on the phone and I know enough to
think you could use a friend about now.  I've plenty of room and you'll
be welcome to stay there.  I live alone with a big dog, my Horse, 22 head
of Hereford Cattle and lord only knows how many chickens.  The weather is
turning for the worse, we need to get on the road.  Are you coming?"

"Y...Yes...Mr. Brown.  Thank you...they told me you brought me in here
and you likely saved my life."

"It was just pure luck that I saw you move out of the corner of my eye.
 When I got you into the truck, you were turning blue so I brought you
here to the hospital pronto.  It was the ER team that saved your life, I
just drove you here."

"I thought I was going to die in that storm.  You rescued me.  I'll
forever be in your debt."

"Let's go Keaton, and please call me Jack."

I had remembered that Keaton was wearing only a light jacket and threw a
wool army blanket in the truck when I left the house.  As we got ready to
leave I took off my jacket and put in on him and we dashed out to the
truck.  I had left it idling so it would be warm inside.  The heater in
the truck as high as it would go but Keaton was shivering in his thin
jeans and my heavy parka, he wrapped the blanket around his legs.  I was
almost sweating with the heater on high.

I had my hands full driving on the ice which had covered the road, we
crept along slowly even with the tire chains and 4-wheel drive on my
truck.  In less than thirty minutes I pulled into the car port at the
farm and hustled Keaton into the kitchen.  I opened the  wood stove in
the kitchen and saw that the breakfast embers were still glowing,  so I
tossed in some tinder and got the blaze alight, added the kindling then
the firewood.  The kitchen would be warm in a matter of a few minutes.  I
pulled the left over pot of vegetable/beef soup from the fridge and sat
it on the stove to warm.  I warmed a cup of this morning's coffee in the
microwave and gave it to him to warm up his insides too.  Keaton kept my
parka on, poor kid, he's still chilled to his bones.

After he ate some soup, I led Keaton upstairs to the spare room, my
Brother's old room actually.  I found some of his old jeans pushed way
back to the end of the closet, they almost fit Keaton, maybe one size too
large.  Anyway, they would do for around here.  I found an old sweatshirt
I've outgrown and tossed it over to him.  I showed him the bathroom and
urged him to fill the tub with hot water and stay in it until he warmed
up.  When he came downstairs after the soak bath I took time to look him
over and decided that Keaton Cannon was a quite a very nice looking young
man.  When he smiled at me my stomach did a flip-flop.

"Keaton, I have to go out and get the livestock bedded down and feed them
all, I'll be about an hour doing it all."

"Mr. Brown,  uh...I mean Jack,  let me help, please. I used to work on my
granddad's farm every summer, I can help feed and pen them up, if you
have another Jacket I can wear.""

"Thanks Keaton, maybe tomorrow, but not tonight.  You shouldn't be out
there just yet.  I'll put some blankets on the couch and maybe you and
find something to watch on the TV if the satellite isn't blocked by this
storm.  I won't be too long, the cattle are in the shed by now, I'll just
throw down some hay and give the water, I'll be done in about 20 minutes,
you get yourself warm, okay."

"Yes Sir...but...I...I want to help you any way I can."

I got him bundled up and settled on the sofa, he looked up to me and
smiled, I could see he was still cold so I got  my Mom's electric blanket
from the hall linen closet,  plugged in and put it on him under the other
blankets.  I went out and across the barn lot and found the cows already
in the sheds on both sides of the barn. It took me a few minutes to break
ice coating the sliding door track and wrestle them closed in the sleet
and howling wind, next I went up the ladder to the loft and  began
breaking open bales of hay and tossing it into the loft chutes that led
to the racks below.  In minutes the cattle were contentedly chewing away
and water in their trough.

I checked Big Red's feet, cleaned them out a bit, put his favorite sweet
feed in his feed box, then rechecked his heavy horse blanket and fetched
him a bucket of fresh water I'd brought up from the house.  I ran my
fingers through his mane, warding off future tangles, rubbed his ears and
tickled his nose.  Big Red and my dog Bear are the only living things
that I truly love, a sad state for a 28 year old man.

On the way back to the house I ran over to the Hen House and fed the
chickens.  I turned the chick brooder on, the heat from the bulbs would
help as long as the power stays on.  By the time I was back in the
kitchen, Keaton's cheeks had a robust glow and he seemed happy and full
of life,  he's like 180° from the poor guy I took to the hospital.  He
shed the layers of blankets, stood and tugged up the jeans up that were
too loose on his tiny waist. I studied him closely for the first time.

Keaton stood about 5'8" or so, he's very thin or lean, his eyes are
startlingly blue, his hair a dark blonde, I imagine it will have lighter
streaks in the summer sun.  His facial features were the almost the
classic surfer boy look with his shock of unruly hair.  I imagined his
legs tanned in the sun and densely covered in hair so blonde it looked
white against his tanned skin.   I felt a stir in my crotch looking at
him.  I shook my head to rouse myself and break from this reverie.  The
last thing I need is to fall for a college kid, little did I know then
just how hard that fall would be.

I made us cornmeal Hoecakes and we finished up the pot of vegetable soup
for our supper.  Keaton ate nearly three bowls of soup, a stack of
Hoecakes and two glasses of milk.  When I finished, Keaton jumped up and
took the dishes to the sink, rinsed them out and put them in the
dishwasher.

"Jack...what do you like for breakfast?  I can cook fairly well and I
need to do something for you.  You've given me so much.  There just isn't
anyway to repay you for all you've done."
"I'm certain I won't be going to work in the morning...there's bacon,
eggs, frozen biscuits, ham and sausage.  I?m not a picky, I'll eat whatever
you fix Keaton, and be thankful I didn't have to cook it"

I didn't even bother to turn on the TV, with this weather I knew the
satellite signal would be disrupted.  I fetched us two mugs of hot, black
coffee, turned on the radio for the news, started a fire in the
fireplace, told Keaton to wrap up in on the couch and I settled into my
easy chair.  We both were asleep in minutes I woke sometime after 4:00 in
the morning to a chilled room, I saw that the fireplace held only dying
embers and the wood stove was already cold.  I quickly tossed tinder and
kindling onto the embers and the tinder flared up and the kindling caught
fire, I added pieces of firewood and went to start a fresh pot of coffee.


After the fireplace caught I took a piece of burning wood and put in into
the Warm Morning stove, tossed in tinder and kindling and the room was
warm and toasty in about 15 minutes.  I looked at the piled up blankets
on the couch and at first I thought Keaton wasn't there, but finally I
saw his nose peeking out, the only part of him not covered by the
blankets.  After stoking firewood in the kitchen stove, I headed up to my
room, stopping  at the hall closet to get another blanket to put over
Keaton.
I went to the east facing a window and could see the sky brightening on
the horizon and knew daylight would soon begin creeping its way slowly
toward us, a sheen of ice coated everything in sight and the sleet was
still coming down.  If this holds true to form, we'll have a few inches
of snow on top of the ice by tomorrow night.  I turned and went back to
the kitchen, picked up a pad and pen and took stock of the food
provisions, making notes of what's needed on a pad.  All my lumbering
about the kitchen, opening and closing cabinets, woke Keaton and he
roused from his blanket nest and stretched himself awake.

When Keaton stood and raised his arms stretching and yawning, the tee
shirt rode up exposing his hard, flat stomach while the too large jeans
slipped down to cover only half of his round little butt.  I went bone
hard in seconds!  The lower abdomen of a fit and trim young man, from the
navel to his pubes, is a very special erogenous zone for me.  Keaton's
right hand grabbed at the jeans to keep them from going to the floor.  I
saw the terror on Keaton's face, fearing he'd be naked in front of me, he
blushed crimson.

"Sorry about those jeans, Keaton. I need to go into town for provisions,
there'll be snow behind all this ice.  You want to come with me and we'll
get you some jeans that fit."

My hard cock still throbbed, I Kept myself behind the furniture to keep
it hidden from him.   While he was folding up his blankets, I slipped by
him and up to my room without him seeing my bulging crotch; not that I
expected him to look there.

The hardest part of the trip back into town was getting from the house to
the main road.  My 'driveway' is nearly a mile long from the highway to
the house.  Even with 4-wheel drive it  wasn't an easy drive by any
means, but it was much better than in a car.  We carefully made our way
into town in about 45 minutes, the Farmer's Co-Op was our first stop, for
feed for the chickens, salt blocks for the cattle, more sweet feed for
Red, and then on to WallyWorld for extra batteries, milk, and various
groceries on my list.  I sent Keaton to the Men's Department to find some
jeans. I joined him while he was looking at the hoodies.  I looked at the
jeans he was wearing and felt myself hardening again. This kid has the
body that low rider jeans were made for.  Smiling at him, I told him that
the ones he had own aren't for farm work but he should keep them and that
he'll need to pick out some khakis and regular work jeans, and flannel
shirts also.  No one within 50 feet of him would be working once they see
his body in these low riders! JEEZUS!  I'm still hard just looking at
him!

I led him over to the heavy coats and told him to pick out what he wanted
and to get a fleece hoodie too. Staying fully clothed and in light
jackets in the house helped to reduced the amount of wood and fuel oil we
would use when it gets bitter cold out there.  Back at home, we took the
things for the house in from the truck, and then drove into the barn lot
with the feed and salt blocks.  Once everything was stowed away and the
animals fed and watered, we went the chicken coop and collected the eggs,
then fed and watered them too.  Back in the warmth of the kitchen we
finished the pot of vegetable soup for lunch.  Again Keaton had the
dishes rinsed and in the dishwasher before I finished my cup of coffee.
 I  excused myself and went up to my room, telling Keaton I had some
paperwork to do.  I closed the door, stripped my jeans and boots off, sat
at the computer and pulled up my favorite porn videos.  I had my release
in less than five minutes.


The storm lasted for three days, with the sleet stopping after about 36
hours, then it snowed for another 24 hours.  After the snow, the temp
plunged into the low teens... and stayed there.  Some time during the
fourth day of the snow and ice, I realized that I?m  really enjoying having
Keaton here these past few days.


There was no sign of the weather warming up and I knew I had to get in to
work in the morning.   Auto accidents were happening at a fearsome rate,
the only saving grace being that there was not much speed involved, and
no serious injuries to date.  That night after dinner, we were sitting
near the fire and I told Keaton that I would be driving in to work
tomorrow.

"Keaton, it's too cold for you to look for a job just yet,  there's just
no place to go to get warm.  You wanna just stay here?  I'm enjoy your
being here, us doing the chores together...I never knew what I was
missing...before."

I saw Keaton lower his head and a blush crept up his neck and he nodded
his head yes.  When he looked up I saw tear stains on his cheeks.

"Hey Bud...did I say something wrong?  What's is it?"

"It's... it's... just that... Jack, you've been so good to me, you've
never asked me for anything.  Not even why my father has disowned me.
 Your generosity to a complete stranger overwhelms me at times.  I'll
clean up the place some and have you a good supper when you get in
tomorrow tonight.  It's a good feeling to know that there is something I
can do for you.  I'll take care of Big Red and Bear and the cows and
chickens, and muck out what needs it.  I'll be thrilled to have something
to do for a change."

By the week end, the temp had risen enough to start the ice to melting; I
kept the livestock in the barn until all the ice and snow had melted off
the barn roof, melting ice sliding off a barn roof kills animals every
year.  They cows started their trek around the farm, eating grass from
the few bare patches where the snow and ice had melted away.  As always,
they moved around the fields, following the sweetest grasses and always
ended their day grazing the way back to the barn.  Keaton and I  settled
into a routine; me going into the city to work and Keaton doing house
chores and tending to the livestock and chickens with Bear's expert
assistance.

For me, coming home to someone, was the best feeling ever.  I was truly
amazed what a difference having someone else in the house makes, I really
like having Keaton here.  At the barn I noticed that only one half of the
sliding double doors for the sheds on each side of the barn  was opened.
 That was the way I normally kept them once cold weather sets in.  Out
back Keaton had broken the ice on the pond for the cows to drink.

Saturday morning a bit after 8:00am I answered my ringing phone, it was
Keaton's mother calling.  She had saved my cell number when I called from
the hospital.  I assured her that Keaton was fine and called him to the
phone.  I went back to my room, wanting to give them some privacy.  After
their talk Keaton told me that she had to wait for his father to leave
the house long enough for her to call and ask about him.  He said that
she was sending me some money to give you for taking me in and taking
such good care of me.

As we sat eating our Sunday supper, Keaton told me that he'd be going in
with me  tomorrow to look for a job.  I  knew his wardrobe was severely
limited and I took him into town, Wallyworld was the only thing open
after six on Sunday evening.  He settled on more khakis, a blue button
down oxford cloth shirt and a neat looking faux leather Bomber Jacket.
 We were on our way out when I remembered shoes so we turned and picked
up a pair of  work shoes, socks and underwear and a Sunday Paper for the
"Help Wanted' ads.  I told Keaton that he had to have a cell phone for
these places he where he applies for work to contact him.  We swung by
the electronics department as we were leaving and picked up a cell phone
with prepaid minutes and no contract.  It was nothing fancy, it didn't
even have a camera, just a basic cell phone and he it set up and working
in less than half an hour.

In the truck on our way home I saw Keaton writing something down.  He
looked over and saw my puzzled look I suppose.

"I'm keeping track of everything you spend on me Jack.  I'll pay you
back, I promise."

"That's not necessary Keaton, I like you being around.  I don't want or
expect you to pay me."

"Jack!  I have to repay you, I can't stay here if you don't let me repay
your kindness.  I need to be on equal footing with you.  I don't want
anything to come between us as friends, owing a friend money can kill a
friendship, and I will always want to be your friend.   I gotta pay it
all back Jack."

"Okay, I think I understand you, why you feel that need.  I do appreciate
you wanting to do that.  It tells a lot about your character and proves I
was right to offer you shelter here in my home, it only makes me like you
more.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot, use this address for your applications
if you want." I said.

"Another thing Jack, when do you want me out of here?  I know I have to
get a place, I can't expect you to keep providing for me."

Suddenly I felt horrible, like I might even throw up.  I've never thought
a minute about him leaving.  I don't want him to leave.  But I know he
will, he's a lot like me in many respects.  I can't convince him to stay,
 why would he?  I'm 9 years older than him, and a frustrated gay farmer
who has to work in town to keep the farm going, not a very bright
prospect for a 19 year old.  But despite all the negatives, the fact is,
I'm already crazy for him.  He's a good young man, a hard worker and he's
been a great companion for me these past weeks.  I don't want him to
leave.  Since that morning that he yawned and his jeans slipped down,
he's been my masturbation fantasy.  I knew that it wouldn't take much
more for this old farm boy to fall in love.  I so wanted to tell him that
I never want him to leave.

"Only when you're ready Keaton,  I know you want to get your own place
and provide for yourself.  I understand all that, but I know when the
time comes, I'll be very, very sad to see you leave.  We're good
together.  I want you to know that you can always come here, you're welcome
here always, anytime night or day."

Later he came into the TV room and shyly asked it he could put my cell
number into his phone.  I took his phone and entered my cell and office
numbers for him, and he loaded his new number into my phone.

For supper, he fixed steaks from the freezer that he had put out to thaw
when we left that morning.  We had pan fried steak, a baked potato,
biscuits and coffee for dinner.  After getting the kitchen squared away,
Keaton spread out the ?Help Wanted' section of the paper on the kitchen
table, marking the ads he liked and writing down the qualifications
required.  After he finished with the paper he asked if he could use my
computer to research these places he'd found.  I asked if they had
company names in the paper but he said no, he was going to look them up
with the white pages phone number reverse search.  Just enter the phone
number and the program provides the name of the person/business that has
that number.

Before bed, Keaton was showing me the Corporate bios he had pulled off
the internet showing the company structure, mission statements and the
Better Business Bureau ratings for each.  I was pleased to see that he
was so well prepared.  I got the feeling that he would be employed fairly
soon.  It happened on the third day he was actively looking for work.  I
got a call from him at work, so excited that he had found a job and would
start in the morning.

Keaton's job was with a Construction Specialties company that sells and
installs several different products.  He would work in the warehouse
office, maintaining the inventory records for parts used by installation
crews installing the products.  Few people know that a 6 foot chain link
fence Corner post has over 60 separate parts required to hold the fence
and barbed wire.  He was proud of himself, I could hear the satisfaction
in his voice.  I knew then that he would do well and that I might as well
resign myself to the fact that Keaton will be gone soon.  That made me
very sad.

Again I wondered about him. I've never seen one single thing that would
make me think that Keaton could be gay outside of that phone call with
his father.  That made me think that he could be gay, but I really didn't
know and nothing he said or did made me think so.   What I do know is
that I would keep him here with me if I could.  After work we were on our
way to the farm, Keaton was terribly excited and I decided we'd clean up
and go have us a fancy restaurant celebration meal.   I saw a Kohl's
store and pulled into the parking lot.  You need more clothes for work
Keaton, do you have to wear a uniform or just casual clothes?

"It's all casual, but I just need a couple of things until I get my first
check."  Keaton said.

"You know that they'll hold back your first check, it'll be nearly a
month before you see a paycheck, but don't worry, you know I won't let
you wear the same clothes for a month!  Relax and quit worrying about
what I do for you.  I like doing it.  Just like I like you staying here
with me.  I'll really miss you once you leave Keaton."

We left with five work outfits, more underwear and socks (no, I did not
get to see how the knit boxers fit him.)   At the farm we dropped our
bags in the house and headed out to the barn to feed and water.  The
weather was up into the mid 40's today with the same predicted for
tomorrow, so I planned to let Big Red out into the paddock for some fresh
grazing in the morning.

Back in the house I sent Keaton up with his clothes and told him he had
an hour to shower and dress, meanwhile, I went to my room to do the same
for or celebration meal.   We were headed out to a local SteakHouse and
an 8 ounce Filet Mignon with a Baked Potato, grilled sweet onions with
red, green and yellow peppers in butter sauce with mini loaves of brown
bread with honey butter.   Keaton ate like he'd never have another meal,
when he lay down his knife and fork he had a contented smile on his face.
"Thank you Jack, that was the best meal I've ever had.  You've spoiled me
since we met.  I want us to always be friends Jack.  I'll never forget
you and what you've done for me."

We were both quiet on the way back to the farm, both very full and
contented with our celebration dinner.  In the kitchen we removed our
coats and hung them in the mud room.  I poked around in the stove to get
the embers glowing and put more wood in.

We watched TV for a while then Keaton got up saying he wanted to get his
clothes ready for tomorrow, his first day at work.  He was excited, more
so that I have seen from him in the  month he's been here.  I got up too,
planning to go to my room and get on the internet for a bit, while I was
shutting the house down, Keaton started up to his room.  Halfway up the
stairs he turned and ran down them, rushed over to me and grabbed me in a
big hug.  I was startled at first, the knowing I might not get another
chance, I hugged him tightly to me.  A tremor ran through me then, When
he laid his head on my chest and thanked me for being his friend, I bent
over and kissed the top of his head and hugged him tighter to me.

"Thank you Keaton!  I never knew I was missing so much in my life until
you came into it.  You've changed me and for the better, I'll always be
grateful for this time we've spent together.  You're a special young man
and you will do well.  Please remember that you can always call on me,
I'll always be here for you."

He hugged me tightly and stepped away, he opened his mouth to say
something but stopped.  He leaned over and kissed my neck, turned and ran
up to his room.  I went to the kitchen to get a paper towel to mop up my
tears.  Our days together are numbered now, he'll be gone soon.  What
will become of me then?

When I came downstairs Monday morning Keaton was sitting at the table
drinking coffee.   He's been ready for his first day at work for about an
hour already.  I filled my insulated cup and we both grabbed our coats
and hit the road.  When I pulled up in front of Keaton's new office, he
looked over to me and gave me a nervous smile.

"Wish me luck Jack."

"Good luck Keaton, just relax Bud, you'll do fine.  I should be here
about 5:00 to pick you up.  Go get'em tiger.  Show em what they've been
missing.  Call if you need anything.  Later Bud.


He waved when he got to the door, I waved back and drove off.  I can't
remember a day when I felt so down.  Everyone at work asked if I was
okay, I wanted to say ?hell no I'm not okay,'  but then I'd have to
explain...wasn't any of their business anyway.  Like always, Old Jack
will keep all his feeling bottled up inside, never letting anyone get
close.  Except Keaton got close...he got close without even knowing it.


Damn I am one messed up, up tight, queer son of a bitch.  I Can't even
tell  the guy I'm crazy for him, in love, not even in lust.  Sure I'd
make love with him in a heartbeat if that was what he wanted.  But living
with him for the past six weeks or so has shown me the man he's gonna be,
the man he already is growing into.  Fuck!  What am I gonna do when he
moves out?

Not long after lunch the boss called me into his office.  Oh
Fuck...what's been screwed up this time.  Going to his office usually
means he's sending me out somewhere to undo what someone else has fucked
up.  Sure enough, I have to go to St. Louis for a repair job at a beer
brewery there.  Damn I hated to go off and leave Keaton alone.  He'll be
fine, he's got his driver's license and can drive my truck while I'm
away, he'll take care of the animals too.  Usually I looked forward to
these trips, away from home; it was when I usually went out looking for
sex...but this time, the guy I wanted would be in my house and waiting
for me to come back so he could move out and get away from me.  Fuck,
fuck, fuck!  I just can't win in this love stuff.

Driving home that afternoon I told Keaton that I'd be going away on
Wednesday and would have to let him know after I got to the St. Louis
jobsite how long I'd be away.

"I'll miss you Jack but I'll take care of things here.  Red, the cattle,
the chickens and of course Bear."
"I hate to put all that on you Keaton, I usually hire a guy at the Co-Op
to come and feed the livestock.  I don't want to go.  I know our time
together is getting short and I want to spend every day and night with
you I can before you move on."

"Jack!  I'll just be in town, you can stop anytime after work, I'll come
and see you on weekends when I get wheels.  We're best friends now.  I
need you more than ever now that I know you."

"You sure know the right things to say to an old guy, it's just that your
being here has shown me that I lived a very lonely life before that Ice
Storm brought you to me.  It's you I'll be missing Keaton.  But we'll get
along I guess, hell...we have too."

"Once I get my debts paid, there's gonna be something I want to talk to
you about Jack.  But I gotta be through with owing you first...Don't say
it...I know you don't want me to repay you,  but I gotta, Jack.  I gotta
be able to stand equal with you and look you in the eye when we have that
talk."

I looked over at him and saw the determination in his face.  What ever it
is he has to talk about, I can see it's really important to him.  Damn
his hide,  why can't he be a little shit like the other kids his age,
then again, he wouldn't be the Keaton I fell for if he was like the others
his age.  He's only 19 but already more of a man than lots of guys my age
or older.

Wednesday, Keaton drove us to work in my truck and let me off at my job
then drove on to his office.  I took a cab to the Airport about 10:30 and
flew out just a bit after noon to St. Louis.  After looking over the job
at hand I figured it would be Saturday before I could fly home.  I got my
butt in gear and dived into the work at hand and never once thought about
going out to one of the bars.


I called Keaton after dinner and we talked for twenty minutes or more,
mostly him telling me all the stuff he did today that we would have done
together when I was there.  But it was us talking, that made me feel
better, just hearing his voice.  When we finally hung up I went to take a
leak and looked in the mirror.

I said to my reflection...'you're one fucked up mess John Brown, falling
for a kid nine years younger than you, setting yourself up for a whole
lot of heartache...coming at you real soon now.  It serves your stupid
ass right, falling for a kid!  STUPID!'  I sat down on the toilet and
cried,  sometime later I woke in bed, didn't remember getting there at
all.

I dreamed of the Ice Storm, finding Keaton half frozen except in my dream
he became my partner and lover, we slept together, made love and worked
keeping the farm going.  Everything I've always wanted.  I didn't know it
then, but that dream would be the one thing that kept me sane in the
coming months.


Three weeks after I came back from St. Louis Keaton told me he and a guy
where he worked were going to share an apartment.  The place was close to
their office and he could save more money for his goal.  His friend was
saving money to get married and they got along well.  I felt like someone
had sucker punched me in the gut,  I thought  I would puke right there in
the truck.  Keaton even asked if I was okay, he said I looked really
pale.


There was nothing for me to do but accept the truth.  Keaton was moving
out, leaving me back where I was before the Ice Storm brought him into my
life.  All too quickly the day came, we loaded his things in bags and
boxes, and tied a tarp over them in the bed of the truck.  When he rang
the doorbell at his new place a good-looking guy about his age opened the
door and broke into a huge smile.  My heart sank.  I was certain that the
roommate was interested in Keaton for a lot more than half the rent.
 Keaton introduced me as his friend and I shook the roommates hand,
passed off the boxes and bags and turned the truck around and went back
home.  I called into my boss and told him I had to take a couple of days
off.  Personal problems.


That first day he was gone I was drunk before dark and when I woke from
my stupor at nearly 10pm I remembered I hadn't fed the stock or Red.  I
bundled myself up and headed out for the barn, cussing myself for being
such a fool.  To forget to feed the animals was unforgivable...these
animals depend on me...it was past time for me to leave my private pity
party and pull my weight around here.

When I finally got to sleep that night I had the Ice Storm dream again,
we were happy, living together, loving together, just to guys in love,
making our way through life together.  I know that has to be a dream, my
life just doesn't happen that way.  The dream would come back ever 10
days or so.  Just when I thought I was getting back to being Jack Brown,
the loner, the dream would come again.  I wanted the dream every night.
 I was happy in the dream, Keaton was there and he loved me, like I love
him.


Now since he's moved to town, Keaton calls about once a week, usually on
Sunday night.  Once about two months after he had moved into town, he
asked to come for the weekend and I was as happy as a little kid having
him back home.  When Keaton stepped out of the truck Bear hit him hard,
jumping up and licking him all over.  They would wind up with Keaton on
the grass with Bear in his lap.  Bear missed him as much as I did it
seems.  He cooked all our meals like before and we watched TV, me in my
chair and him on the sofa.  We talked a good bit, him telling me about
his job, it felt good having him back even if it was just a weekend.  He
wanted to be here and that made me feel warm all over and even a bit
hopeful that one day he come back home to us.  I asked him if he wanted
me to take him back on Sunday night or wait and drop him off at work
Monday morning.


"Monday morning Jack.  That'll give me one more night here at home with
you and Bear.


My spirit soared when he said that, this is home for him.


"You've made me a happy man this weekend Keaton.  Like old times.  Bear
and I have missed our friend."


He gave me a look that I didn't recognize, like he wanted to ask
something or tell me something.  I couldn't figure it out.  Just when I
was about to ask what he was thinking, Bear crawled up on the sofa with
him for his body massage and ear rub.  I let it go.  If it was important,
he will tell me.  I don't want to do or say anything that would make him
stay away.

I'm not sure which of us enjoyed the weekend more.  I felt a little
better about his not being here everyday, I wanted him back home but I'd
settle for whatever he was willing to give me.  I can be happy if I know
he's coming back for another visit in a few weeks.  Now that he thinks of
this place with Bear and me as his home now, I figure I?m ahead of the game
right now; that's good enough for me...for now.   We talked every week at
least once, sometimes more.  One night about six months after he had
moved out, we were talking on the phone and he startled me by asking what
I did for sexual release.


"I've always wondered what you do Jack.  I guess you masturbate but don't
you ever go out for real sex?"


I stuttered and stammered a bit then making a joke of it said...


"Why are you wondering what I do for sex Keaton?"


""Uh...I don't mean to pry Jack...it just that you've never mentioned
sex.  With most guys, that's all the think of or talk about.  I just
wondered."


"Come to think of it Keaton, you've never mentioned it either.  What do
you do for sex?"


"I just masturbate, I have my little fantasies like everyone I suppose,
dating takes too much time and cash, and you're lucky if you might get a
hand job from a girl.  I'd just as soon stay in my room and dream about
the sex with the perfect person.  I get off good that way."  Keaton
answered.


"Sometimes I do like you just said and sometimes I watch porn on the
computer.  I'd rather get off and move on than to invest all the time and
money it takes to get laid.  I'm a bit particular about who I'll partner
up with for such an intimate act."


"Me too Jack, it needs to be someone special and someone I really care
about."


"Exactly!  Now, can we talk about something else.  It's a bit weird
talking about sex with you.  I'm so much older than you it just doesn't
seem right to me."  I said.


"You're not ?so much older that me' Jack.  Nine years between us is just
about perfect for me."


"Yeah it's okay for being friends I guess,  but that's about it I
suppose."


"No way Jack...Lots of folks are 10 or more years older than their
partner, I don't see how it's a big deal to tell the truth." Keaton
mumbled.


"People closer in age have more in common usually, and that makes getting
along a lot easier.  Plus lots of folks stare at couples with many years
difference in their ages."


"Well it's getting late Jack.  I should get to bed.  It's good talking to
you, sometimes I miss you so much it hurts, my chest gets tight and I
have trouble breathing.  I'll let you go now, talk to you soon...I miss
you Jack."


Aww fuck!  just when I'm getting used to him not being here he drops that
bomb on me.  He misses me!  BFD!  What's he think I've done every minute
of every night that I sit here alone, watching the phone, trying to make
him call me.  How I sit here and fight the urge to drive to his place and
get down on my knees and tell him how much I love him and want him home
with me.  I'd do it too if I weren't afraid of it chasing him away.   I'm
too scared to tell him just because he could end up hating the fag that
took him in.  Nothing for me to do but sit here and hope he wants to come
home this coming weekend.


I woke up this morning and realized suddenly it was the last week of
April.  I had to start tilling the fields  so that I could sow the wheat
and corn fields, make a garden patch and clean out the fence rows.  I
started out close to the main highway where the wheat would be sown.
 This time every year I take a week's vacation from work and get the
fields ready to plant.

When I got to the field I saw that a dead tree had fallen during the Ice
Storm and I hooked a chain around it and pulled it out of the way.  I
hooked the chain around the root stump and accelerated slowly, when the
chain went taut, the tractor started digging trenches with its rear
wheels.  I cranked up the RPM with a foot on the break to make it
smoother than jerking then my foot slipped off the brake when I turned to
look back at the stump.  The tractor surged forward, the chain snapped
tightly and  the front of the tractor reared up like a horse and fell
backwards throwing me to the ground behind and the tractor and it fell on
top of me.


Immediately I knew I was in big trouble, I was hurt bad, mostly at my
chest,  I was having trouble breathing and my right arm was twisted and
under my back.  I could see fuel leaking but it was diesel and I wasn't
fearful of it catching fire.  It took me a few moments to get my head
thinking clearly, but finally I remembered my cell phone and called my
neighbor just down the road, no answer.  It was getting harder to
breathe; I called my boss.


"Harry...help me...I'm hurt...bad...at farm just off highway hurry...call
911... I need an EMT  quick!"


I guess I blacked out, I woke in the hospital ICU.  The first person they
let in to see me was Harry my boss.  He told me what had happened and I
began to remember ...he also told me that I had four ribs broken, a
collapsed lung, a broken collarbone, a compound fracture of my right arm,
 a dislocated shoulder and I'm probably concussed too.  If I hadn't had
the cell phone with me I'd be dead by now.  It would have been several
days before anyone missed me and I would have bled to death in that field
in an hour or less.


"Jack...I?ve called Keaton...he's going to take care of the farm, feeding
the stock and Bear too.  I took your keys from your bag of belongings
here and Keaton had his roommate drive him out to the farm.  I told him
it would be okay to uses your truck to get back and forth to his job and
the farm.  He's here in the waiting area, but he's really shook up about
your accident.  I told him to wait until he's calmed down a bit before
seeing you.  Uh...Jack...ah...listen...Keaton's a good young man...don't
push him away...he really cares about your ornery old sorry ass for some
reason."


Harry was holding my hand all the while he talked.  I knew Keaton wasn't
the only one who cared about me, Harry and I have worked together for
nearly 8 years now.  I know I can count on him...he saved my life this
time...I could tell that he knows how I feel about Keaton...he was
letting me know it's okay with him.  I silently mouthed "thank you" to
him and squeezed the hand that was holding mine.  The ICU nurse signaled
him it was time to leave and I drifted off back into la-la land, I
dreamed the Ice Storm dream again, the one where Keaton and I are
partners and lovers.  I never want that dream to end.


Each time I would wake the nurse would check my vitals, call in the
doctor and then stick a needle into the IV and I was off to la-la land
again.


I learned later that when Harry first told Keaton the extent of my
injuries and that I was in critical condition that Keaton broke down.
 Harry managed to get him outside and into his truck to keep from
disturbing the entire ICU.  Harry said the kid was bawling like a baby,
that it was all his fault, he should have been there helping you ...that
he wished he'd never left the farm, that everything he had ever wanted
was all right there on those 85 acres.  He told Harry that I saved his
life that day I carried him to my truck and then to this same hospital,
how I waited for him, then came back the next day and when he told me he
had nowhere to go, I just took him home with me.


He told Harry that there were things he had to tell me, before it was too
late.  He told Harry he had to go in alone the next time they let
visitors in.  Harry told the ICU nurses that Keaton was Jack's younger
brother, half-brother, and his only living kin  so that they would let
him in to see me.


For once I woke early and before the 15 minute visitation time was to
start, I saw Keaton coming through the glass doors.  He really looked
bad, I guesses he hadn't been asleep much, his eyes were rimmed in red,
he was getting too thin, too.  He came up to my bed, head down I could
barely hear him say hello.


"Jack I've only got a few minutes and I have to tell you something before
it's too late.  I know you're in a bad way.  First, my father disowned me
because I'm gay, he found my porno mags and flipped out.  So now you know
I'm gay...a fag...a queer...you'll probably hate me but I have to tell
you how much you've meant to me.  You took me in when my family threw me
out.  You've never asked one question about it.  The time with you was
the best I've ever known, I should have never left you and the farm, I
was so happy there with you.  It's my fault you're hurt...this wouldn't
have happened if there had been two of us in that field.  I'm so sorry I
wasn't there.


Jack...the real thing I need to say is that I love you Jack.  I mean I?m in
love with you. You're the best man I've ever known, if things were
perfect, you and I would be together, partners and lovers.  Remember I'm
a pervert and that's why I say these things, I just want you to know how
I feel about you.  I don't expect any sort of response, I just needed to
tell you that I love you.  That's what I was gonna talk to you about when I
got you repaid.  To let you know that it was my choice, not out of pity,
not because you?ve been so good to me.  Just because I really do love you
and would want you to be my life partner it things were different.
 There.  Now you know.


"Keaton it's not your fault.  Now listen carefully to me...come
closer....Keaton, I love you, you're my friend but that isn't the way I
want to love you.  Keaton, I'm gay too!  A pervert like you said.  I want
you to be with me, to live together, work the farm together, to sleep in
the same be and make love together, that's the way I want to love you.
 You're my guy Keaton, the one, the one guy for me."


He collapsed in sobs onto the side of my bed.  I placed my hand on his
head and tried to console him, to make him know it's all right.  When he
looked up to me with tears flooding his cheeks he just said "really?  you
mean it?"


"Yes I've never meant anything more than I mean this Keaton Cannon.  I
LOVE YOU!  We'll be together, I want you to come home, Bo and I miss you
terribly.  Look at me Keaton...will you come back home where you belong.
  You can drive my Dad's old pickup truck and go where ever you want but
just come home to me and our bed at night.  Please say you will."

"But...but...J...Jack....I...uh...YES! YES I'll be there when you get out
of here, oh migosh...I can't believe this...you're like me...you're
gay...really!  Oh wow!"


Keaton held my hand to his cheek and smiled at me through the tears
running down his cheeks.


"You're all I've ever wanted Jack, you're perfect for me.  It's hard to
believe that you want me like I want you.  I can hardly wait to get you
back home and well again, we're gonna have us some fun Jack."


My cock was stirring, not getting erect but plumping up a bit; finally
telling him how I feel about him got me going.  It twitched a bit more
and Keaton's eyes got big.  He looked up to me with a questioning look
then back to the tent rising under my sheet. He wasn't sure what was
happening but he looked back to my swelling cock.


"See what you do to me Keaton?  Laying here my body all broken and having
you by my side gets me hard.  You bet we're gonna have us some fun.
 Quick kiss me before they make you leave."


He stood up, still holding my hand, glanced to the nurse's station,  bent
down kissed me on the lips, our mouths open but no tongues this time.  He
smiled the biggest smile I'd ever seen from him.


"You concentrate on getting your body healed up Jack, I've got so much
love for you stored up we may not get out of bed for a month.  I gotta
go, here comes Nurse Ratchett!  I Love you, John Brown."


It took a little over a month before the doctors released me to go home
to recuperate.

Because of the rough road from the highway to the house, I went home in
an ambulance, laying down.  There would have been to much bouncing about
if I had been in a sitting position.  Keaton and Bear were standing at
the front door when  the attendants wheeled the gurney to the door.  Once
I was inside, Keaton had a place made up for me on the sofa.  This old
house never looked so good, I came close to never being here again.  Even
worse, I came close to never knowing the love that Keaton and I will
share.  After the EMT's left, Keaton was on his knees beside the couch and
holding on to me, hugging me gently, kissing me face, my eyes, my lips.

when he raised up to look at me I said...


"Keaton, sometimes I feel like it was me that was rescued that day at the
underpass.  Having you there, us working the farm together, living here
in the house together;  has been the happiest time of my adult life.
 You've made me realize what my life can be. You don't have to say
anything, I just want you to know how much your being here has meant to
me."


Keaton kneeled there, still holding my hand he bent over and kissed my
lips again gently, his lips pressed harder against me, his tongue moved
across my bottom lip.  I opened my mouth to him and a deep shudder ran
through my entire body when his tongue probed my mouth,   Sometime, a
lifetime or so later it seemed, Keaton pulled away and lay his head
against my chest.  He sighed and said in a quiet voice...


"I've wanted to do that since the night you brought me home.  I want you
Jack, you're just right for me, I think you're just perfect.  I really
want to be your partner, you and me together, and I desperately want us
to make love, when you are well enough.   Watching you hide your
erections behind the furniture and running up to your room to relieve
yourself has made me crazy.  I want to be the one that satisfies your
needs.  I love you Jack Brown and I know you love me."


I was so stunned from his kiss, I couldn't speak.  I just pulled him to
me and hugged him as tightly as I could manage.  I was almost in tears,
I've never really believed that I would ever find a soulmate, and for it
to be Keaton makes it all the more fantastic and wonderful.  Finally,
someone who loves me, someone that I'll give my life to, my own man to
love and be loved by.


I was restless, I tried to get up but Keaton had to help me stand.  I was
so tired of being an invalid.  It was expected at the hospital, but here
in my home...in front of Keaton...no!  I never want him to think of me
that way.  I made my way into the kitchen and stood looking out at the
farm.


"It's time to plant that garden and look at me.  I'll hire a couple of hands
soon.


Keaton came to stand beside me.


"Once the garden is tilled I can do the planting after work, you just draw
up a plan where you want each vegetable to go and I'll plant it for us."


I felt Keaton's arms go around my waist and hug me to him, I couldn't
stop the tears welling up in my eyes. Then, I lost what little composure
I had and the tears streamed down my cheeks.  I hung my head, ashamed to
let him see me cry.  Keaton turned me around to face him, my head still
hung down, I couldn't look him in the eyes just yet.  When he hugged me
to him and kissed my neck, just below my ear my whole body shivered and
shook with my sobs.  I wrapped my arms around him and cried like a baby.



Once the sobbing had stopped, Keaton lifted my chin and stared into my
eyes for what seemed an eternity but was really only a few moments.  He
laid his head on my chest, holding me close.


"Please let me love you Jack, we need each other."


"You're sure Keaton?"


"I'm sure that Jack Brown is the best human I've ever met.  I'm sure that
these few months with him have given me hope and a reason to live, when
it seemed I'd lost everything.   I'm sure that Jack Brown loves me, I'm
sure he would sacrifice himself to help me.  I'm sure that I've fallen so
very much in love with him, just being near him lifts me up, he makes me
feel like I can do anything in  the world.  I'm sure too, that I need him
much more than he needs me.  Please Jack, let me love you."


I couldn't speak, an unbearable ache lodged in my throat preventing me
from making a sound.  With my body trembling, I hugged him to me, we
stood there silent until I could finally speak again.


"Yes, we'll love each other Keaton."


Time passed by so slowly, but eventually, I was getting stronger, it
takes me almost five minutes to walk to the barn that's only 50 yards away.
 I wait until Keaton leaves for work then I go to the barn and spend an
hour or two brushing and grooming Big Red, I put him out in the near
paddock and watch him buck and kick and run about like a colt for a
while.  Then when he settles down to graze I head back to the house.


I spoke to my Doctor and go the okay to have sexual intercourse IF I
would be cautious and take it slow and easy.  I grinned when he said
that; slow and easy sex with Keaton would be heaven on earth to me.


When Keaton got home from work, I had a pot of soup on the stove.  He
commented that he smelled the soup before he got to the door.  Going to
put away his jacket he stopped as he passed the couch, noticing that all
the bedding was put away and the house wasn't like a sick room anymore.  He
looked back over his shoulder to me and raised an eyebrow.


"Dr. Mattson gave me the okay to resume light physical activity today."


Keaton turned and dropped his jacket in a chair and took my hand.


"In that case Mr. Brown, you come with me.  I?ve just the right ?light physical
activity? in mind that is long, long overdue.  Come Jack, lets make love."


Once upstairs in our room, Keaton began undressing me. When he pulled
away my tee shirt he lay his face against my chest.


"Ilove all that chest hair Jack.  Makes me know I?m with a man, I never have
wanted to be with boys, it's always been a man that interested me."

We lay on our side, naked, holding ourselves together for the first time.
 Keaton's kisses seemed to devour me, he couldn't get enough.  His roaming
hands finally made their way to my groin and he took my drooling cock in
his hand.  His eyes got big and he moved to look down at my cock.


"Oh my...looks like Jack's been keeping a BIG secret.  Oh baby, I love your
big fat cock."


Before I could reply he slipped down and looked up to me as he took all
of me into his mouth and throat.  I thought I was going top blow my load
then.  I think he sensed my state and he backed off.


"I love you, Keaton.  That afternoon at the Emergency Room...when you
came walking up to me when they released you.  I fell for you right then.
 Since that time you've pitched in and done everything you could think of
to help out around here.  You've impressed me in everything you do.  I'll
be yours for as long as you want me."


Keaton leaned back and looked at me.


"I'll settle for about 50 years to start with, with an option for more
when the first 50 runs out. I want you Jack, now kiss me.  Show me how
you love me."


Everything I thought I knew about being in love flew out the window with
the kiss that followed.  The love and passion that claimed my body was
the most exhilarating feeling of my life.


When Keaton's hand clasped my throbbing cock again, something in him
snapped.  He was wild, his lips and tongue covering every inch of  my
body he could reach.  He licked and kissed his way down my torso.  He
spread my legs and put his face and tongue to work at my groin, where my
legs met my pelvic region.  I heard his taking in deep breaths and
moaning as he let the breath escape   The memory of the moment when our
bare flesh first touched will go with me to my grave.  I never knew that
love could make such a difference in the most mundane everyday events.  I
almost blew my load just holding him against me.  Keaton knelt and helped
me step out of the wad of pants and shorts around my ankles, my shoes and
socks were off next and still on his knees, Keaton wrapped his arms
around my butt and lay his beautiful face against my abdomen,  My
hardening cock rose up under his chin.  He looked up to my eyes and took
my cock in his hand, slowly moving it back and forth.  Seeing the clear
pearl at my slit, his tongue darted out and licked it clean, making me
moan out loud.  He looked up to me again, opened his mouth and took all
of my hard cock into his mouth and throat.  The sight of him looking at
me with his mouth stuffed with my cock came close to sending me over the
edge.  I pulled back, my cock slipping from his mouth with a loud slurp.
 I pulled him to his feet and we lay on the bed.


With him on his back, I lay on my side, my leg pulled up across his legs
with my knee nestled up against his testicles.  My hand roamed his chest,
tweaking at the little brown nubs of his nipples.  I leaned close and let
my tongue trace down his treasure trail of fine, almost invisible hair.
 His body wasn't ripped from gym workouts but toned,  smooth and muscled
from honest hard work.  He had worked on his Grandfather's farm every
summer from the time he was nine years old.  I raised up and looked at
him lying there.  Keaton is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.

I fought the tears brimming again, ?get a grip Jack stop sobbing like a
little girl? I thought to myself.


My hand moved downward just below his navel and bumped into the head of
his throbbing, leaking penis.  Our time of foreplay was gone.  I took his
cock and sucked him deep into my throat in one gulp.  No gagging, no
trying to go deeper.  I had all of him inside me in one swift plunge.
 This is my Keaton, my man, my love.  He let out a moan from deep inside
himself when I ground my face hard against his pelvic bone, my throat
muscles rhythmically working up and down his shaft.  My free hand circled
his testicles up high, near the base of his cock and pulled down hard
stretching the cords inside.  Keaton roared loudly.


"YES!  OHMIGOD YES!  Harder JACK!  Stretch my nut sac, pull harder,
ohmigod JACK!  OH JACK!.  YES!  YES!"


I felt that old familiar tickle in my own testlicles, I knew my
ejaculation was just moments away. I crouched on my knees beside him and
gobbled up his delicious cock, it filled my mouth.  Keaton thrashed about
the bed furiously, he was as close as me, we were going to reach our
orgasm together.


"OH FUCK YEAH!  JACK!  JACK!  SUCK ME. TAKE ME,  LOVE ME, JACK!


One moment I'm sucking him and the next his semen is dripping from my
chin,  I can't swallow it fast enough.  As he winds down from his orgasm
I begin licking up the spilled semen on his legs and crotch.  Exhausted
we lay there gasping for breath, in a few moments, Keaton tugged me up
and we embraced and kissed briefly.  We were still gasping for air.  I
rolled to my back and Keaton moved and lay his head on my chest with an
arm across my body, a leg across mine,  I pulled the sheet and blanket up
and covered us as we began to drift off to sleep.  I heard him whisper...


"I Iove you Jack, always and forever.  I'm you are mine...at last."


I don't know how long we slept, I dreamed that Keaton was making love to
me, his hands caressing my body, his lips kissing everywhere he hands had
touched.  The wetness of his mouth on my cock woke me, this isn't a
dream.  Seeing Keaton's beautiful face distorted with my hard cock
filling his mouth again triggered my release and my orgasm filled him to
overflowing.  My mind and body were both wracked with unbelievable
pleasure as Keaton suckled my cock until I was completely emptyied.
 Sliding back up to me he kissed me so tenderly I felt the tears welling
up yet again.  I now knew for certain that against all odds, somehow,
someway this fantastic young man wants me.  I would never have to sleep
alone again.


I slept until six the next morning, I woke to the smell of coffee brewing
and I went looking for Keaton.  He was bent over with his head in the
fridge getting the makings of our breakfast.  When he stood and saw me
standing there in just my boxer shorts he gave me the brightest smile
I've ever seen.  I opened my arms He sat the food on the counter and
stepped into my embrace.  After a tight hug he looked up and said "good
morning lover,"  Causing my body to tremble as I saw the love in his
eyes.  Quickly he raised  on tiptoes and claimed my lips with his.  A
long, sensuous, cock hardening kiss that made me want to take him back to
our bed.  He pulled away smiling, then leaned back in for a quick little
peck on my lips.  Looking to my eyes again he said.


"Last night was the best night of my life Jack.  You make me whole.  I
fear I need you like I need air to breathe, I want you to take me back to
bed but I know we have things to do.  The cattle,  Red, the Chicks all
need our attention.  Get your shower while I fix our breakfast."


When I reached for him again he ducked under my arms and came up behind
me.  He quickly kissed me just below my ear and sent me off to shower.
 Once I was finished and dressed he came and told me to watch the ham and
omelets while he showered and dressed.  Breakfast took longer than usual,
 we each sat at stared lovingly at the other for long intervals, our feet
and legs touching beneath the table.  At last when we finished and
cleaned up the dishes we got out the heavy coats to go to the barn.


Outside, about halfway to the barn I stopped, threw back the hood on my
coat, spread my arms wide and yelled out to the top of my lungs.


"I'M IN LOVE WITH KEATON CANNON, I?M IN LOVE!"


At first he was surprised then he laughed happily and did his own shout
to the world.


"I'M IN LOVE WITH JACK BROWN AND HE LOVES ME!?


The steamvapor streaming from his mouth into the frigid air as he
shouted, somehow made his statement louder and more profound to me.  My
heart swelled with my love for him.


Bear was running and jumping up to us, sharing in our joy.  We managed to
get to the barn and this time I followed him up into the loft.  He turned
as I was stepping off the top step and leaped into my arms, his legs
locking around my waist as I held him to me and surrendered to his
kisses.  Never breaking our lips from the other we fell into the hay
stack still locked together.  For just a few moments after ending our
kiss, we lay there holding each other, no words were spoken, but volumes
were understood as we looked into each others soul.  I was a bit
dumbstruck, as I understood how wonderfully lucky we were.  In time we
rose and took care of our charges below,  sending the hay down the
chutes,  then clamoring down the steps to feed and water Red.  Outside
again, Keaton took off at a run to the chicken coops as I watched and
marveled at my fantastic luck, and a happiness I never knew could exist.


From that day on, quitting time at work brought a new joy to my life.  I
drove to pick Keaton up at his job and we rushed back to the farm.  We
soon established a new routine, as soon as we were in the house we kissed
and hugged for quite a while before we headed out to the livestock.  This
day, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of Pot Roast cooking in the
crock pot with potatoes, carrots, onions and a delicious gravy.  Back
from the barn we headed for the shower and took our time there,
comfortable now with each other's bodies, so much so that often we had
our first orgasm of the day there in the shower.


The fifth night we slept together Keaton surprised me as we lay in bed.
 He rose and straddled my hips and leaned over to kiss me then said.


"Tonight I want you inside me, you're going to fuck me Jack."


"I've never done that Keaton, but I'll do whatever you ask. Just tell me
what you want."


He jumped off the bed and reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled
out a tube, I later learned was an anal lubricant.  Following his
instructions I lubed up my hand and his anus and began to stretch him out
to accommodate me.  The moment my fingers entered his body I was hooked.
 The heat inside him felt so good and I could plainly see that Keaton
enjoyed what I was doing.  As I lubricated him I watched his face, he
clearly like my fingers up inside him.  His hard cock leaked a steady
stream of clear nectar; with my free hand I pulled his cock away from his
body, looking up his eyes were closed as I probed inside him with three
fingers now.  I really had no idea how this could possibly give him
pleasure, but he liked what I was doing so I got creative and began to
turn my hands and stroke different places inside him.  One of my fingers
stroked against a hard rounded place and Keaton screamed out


"OHMIGOD...YES JACK YES...do that again."  Keaton was panting his butt
wiggling like mad on four fingers and part of my hand.  I pulled his cock
up and plunged it deeply into my throat bringing another roar out of
Keaton.


"Oh Jack...now babe, now...put your fat cock inside me babe, please Jack,
fuck me now, fuck me hard babe.  Do me...show me how much you love me.
 Kiss me Jack.  OH jeezus you feel so good!!


Keaton squirted a huge glob of lube into his hand and grabbed my bobbing
cock, slicking me up good.  He told me to knee walk up between his legs
which were spread wide apart, I held his ankles in my hands.  Keaton
positioned my cock at his anus and told me to push in steadily, he pushed
down and suddenly my corona was inside him.  I gasped out loud, I wasn't
prepared for the feelings assailing the head of my cock.  He put his
hands against my thighs to keep me still while  he got accustomed to  my
cock inside him.  We kissed long and deeply, our tongues stroking every
part of our mouths and teeth.  Somewhere in mid-kiss, Keaton began
pulling on the backs of my legs, pulling me deeper inside him.  I held my
breath fearing that breathing would ruin this exquisite moment.  His heat
intensified as my cock traveled deeper into him.  When I had all of my
cock deep inside him he sighed loudly.


"Oh Jack!  You fill me up babe, so good, you feel so good inside me."


We kissed again and Keaton arched his pelvis and ground hard against my
cock deep in his guts, automatically I pushed back against him and at
that moment I knew that this was the best feeling I have ever
experienced.  I pulled back and slid in faster, when Keaton moaned as my
cock plunged deep, I found my rhythm and began to fuck my Keaton, my
love.  I a very few strokes all our tender loving kisses and gentle
foreplay was gone.  We transformed from sweet and tender lovers to two
men in rut.  I plunged in and out of him as fast as my hips could move,
Keaton pushed up and slammed his pelvis against my cock as I hit the
deepest penetration.


Sweat poured off my body as I kept plunging deep, we both grunted each
time we ground together.  I saw Keaton's eyes roll back and he became a
wild man, his hips took over and he fucked my cock inside him.  I didn't
realize it was happening but one minute I was pounding my cock into him
and the next I was on my back with Keaton straddling my hips.  I looked
at his handsome face and he was off in another world.  His hips never
missed a beat.  When I saw him grab his cock and start jerking it I knew
it couldn't be much longer, I had felt the first twinges deep in my
testicles as my semen started its journey.


"Cum Jack, cum now, we're gonna blow baby, fuck me hard Jack, fuck me
baby. fuck me, fuck me, OH MY GOD...yesss!"


I felt the semen rising in me and begin its headlong rush to spray the
walls of Keaton's rectum.  He shouted that it was time, "Jack..you're
making me cum, JACK...CUM WITH ME...AAARRRGGGHHH!  OHMIGOD...JACK, JACK,
JACK...aaaggghhh. Oh baby...JACK. Jack...Jack...my Jack, mine...kiss
me...oh Jack...oh man!"


Keaton pulled my face to his with his hands and stuck his tongue down
into my throat, it couldn't last we had to have air. When we broke the
kiss he clutched me to him.


"Never leave me...you're mine...never leave you...my Jack, my
love....mine."


Tears were streaming down my cheeks again,  This had been the most
profound moment of my life.  Nothing could have prepared me for the
emotions that filled my mind and body.  I had just found out what it
feels like to be loved, I couldn't get our bodies close enough together.
 I wanted to crawl inside him, to love him like he had loved me.  There
were no doubts now, there was no pity in that act.  Keaton had shown me
what love between two men can be.  Ecstasy is the only word that even
comes close to to what I felt.


Still gasping for air, we laid back, me on my back cradling Keaton's
beautiful face on my shoulder with his body glued tightly to my side. One
of his hands cradled my softening cock.  His lips made soft little kisses
on my neck while he whispered his love for me in my ear.  By the time our
breathing was back to its normal rate we were soundly sleeping.  I
dreamed we could  fly!  Keaton and Me, flying through the air with  arms
outstretched, floating, diving then soaring up to meet and kiss high in
the air.


I woke a good bit fore Keaton, we had shifted a bit in our sleep and I
lay there still holding him but now I could see his handsome face as he
slept on my chest.  Looking down at him sleeping contentedly, I said a
silent prayer that he would always be in my life and in my heart.  In a
few moments Keaton stirred and began to waken.  Slowly he opened his eyes
and seeing me looking at him a big smile brightened his face.


"Mmm...morning lover.  You were a tiger last night babe.  I've never felt
so loved, ever.  You're the best babe."


He leaned over and lightly pecked my lips, and hugged me again.


"Gotta pee babe,  let's get up and I'll fix you your favorite breakfast
with all the trimmings, I'm starving!  I could eat a horse this morning."
 His hand moved down and circled my soft cock.  "Or maybe I'll just get
my protein here."


My cock started plumping up.  "Not yet, Babe, we have to eat and do our
chores."


We rose from bed and as I passed the mirror in my room I saw the huge
smile on my face.  I can't ever remember a happiness like I feel this
moment.


Keaton had done his business and brushed his teeth when he came out of
the bath.


"Your turn babe."

When I  entered the kitchen Keaton stopped what he was doing and came to
me and put his arms around my neck and laid one on me.   Before he was
through I was sitting on the edge of the table, to keep from falling, and
we were still bathing each others tonsils.  I spread my legs and pulled
Keaton up against me, his hardening cock  began pressing against me.  I
lowered my hands and pulled his hips hard against me.  He gave me a
devilish look and ground his cock against me.


"You feel that Jack?  Tonight's your turn, my hard cock is gonna fuck you
tonight.  I gave myself to you last night, you give yourself to me
tonight.  I can hardly believe we're standing here like this.  My heart
is so full, you I ache all over. I love you more than I ever imagined
possible."


I ran the tip of my tongue up his neck and nibbled his ear lobe before
putting my tongue in his ear.  Goose-flesh ran over his body, his
breathing quickened and he molded himself tighter against me.  His body
began to writhe and undulate rubbing against me.  Finally he gained
control and stepped back, his eyes wide and a look of surprise on his
face.


"Whoa!  I gotta cook Jack...down boy...down." He said laughing.  "We
gotta get some food in us so we can do all this again tonight.  Whisking
a bowl of eggs for scrambling he leaned over and nipped at my earlobe and
tongued my ear.  When reached for him he skittered away out of reach.


"Food first lover. Then we'll see."


I looked over at him thinking, yeah, I could just about eat him up.  No
one has ever affected me like Keaton has.  In many ways it's like I only
started living nine weeks ago when I carried his near frozen body to my
truck.  It has to be fate, me pulling over at the same place he sought
shelter, me catching the slightest movement as he crouched trying to keep
warm.  He would have died there that night if I hadn't been there, I know
that he wouldn't have lasted more than a couple of hours in his
condition.  It's ironic the way things turn out sometimes, my saving
Keaton turned into him saving me.  For the first time in many years life
was good for me.  I?ve never been this happy in all my life...and this is
only the beginning of us together.


It was getting on up into the morning and I was glad for a Saturday with
Keaton.  Looking over at him standing at the stove in his form fitting
knit boxers and tee made my cock stir in my shorts.   Keaton was taking
the biscuits from the oven and I got the plates, cutlery and coffee cups
to the table, a couple of paper towels as our napkins, then stood and
watched his backside as he finished cooking.  Desire for him rose up
again, thinking back to last night my cock strained against my shorts, I
walked up behind him as he was stirring the eggs in the skillet, letting
my hard cock rub against his butt.  Chuckling under his breath he pushed
back against me, then leaned his body back to my chest and stomach.  He
turned his head as far as he could and I bent to kiss his lips.  He sat
the skillet of eggs aside and turned, put his arms around my neck and we
kissed like it would be our last.  When we broke the kiss, he looked up
and I let my forehead rest against his.


"I'm so happy Keaton.  I realize now that at last I'm whole.  You fill
the void, that empty space that I feared would never be filled.  I'll
always love you and I'll never let you go,"


He moved and looked up to me.  "We gotta eat if we wanna get back to bed
and play, Jack.  I'm just as happy and blown away by ?us' as you are.  I've
dreamed of us being like this back when I first came here.  We are so
perfect together, in and out of bed."


We filled our plates from the stove and moved to the table.  We sat side
by side at the table, our bodies touching from our hips to our calves and
we ate.  We both went back for seconds and finally with the dishes loaded
into the dishwasher we got dressed to go to the barn.  Even passion has
to take a back seat to life on a farm.  Things have to be done,
regardless of the weather, or the sexual needs of two horny men, even if
our cocks made us think the time could be better spent in bed.


With the warmer weather, Big Red has been spending his days in the
paddock but I've kept his horse blanket buckled on him outside.   When he
hears the barn lot gate open he heads to the paddock gate and waits
patiently until I've made sure his stall floor is clean and fresh straw
strewn about for him.  Most horses sleep standing up but old Red is a
lazy bugger and loves to stretch out on his side.


Keaton opened the doors and let had the cows out of their sheds to spend
their day grazing, then he moved on to the chicken coop while I had Red
in the barn hall cross ties brushing him down with the Curry Comb.  Big
Red kept nuzzling at my shirt, knowing that I'd have a sugar cube or two
to give him when I was finished.  I gave him his sugar fix and rubbed his
ears then tickled his nose a bit, a little parting ritual I always do
with him.  I led him out to the paddock and when I unsnapped the lead the
took off running and bucking, throwing his heels high and neighing his
thanks for letting him run.


I switched off the lights and closed the big door and headed back to the
house,  I saw that Keaton had finished with the chickens and was back
inside.  He had our provisions list and the empty kerosene containers and
we headed out.  Saturday morning meant a trip into town for provisions
for the livestock and food for us.  We got everything on our list and I
drove straight to the barn lot to unload the feed.  I stopped and put the
Poultry Feed in the chicken coop.  Keaton ran ahead to the house saying
he had to ?go' in a hurry.  I laughed and told him to go, ?I'll finish up?.


Back at the house I started laughing again.  It wasn't his need to use
the bathroom for what I thought...starting in the kitchen he left a trail
of his clothes he was shedding as he made his way up to our bed, leaving
a trail for me to follow.  First were his shoes a few feet apart, next
were the socks, then his flannel shirt on the banister newel post, his
belt was about halfway up the steps, his jeans on the upstairs newel
post, his knit boxers at the bedroom door and inside on the bed, sitting
propped up by pillows, sat the now naked man of my dreams.


The look on his face made me know he means business, his intentions were
to initiate me into the joys(?) of anal sex as a bottom, last night I was
the top, today would be my first time to even try bottom.  I was a bit
apprehensive, feeling certain that there would be a good bit of pain.
 Then I remembered how much Keaton had enjoyed last night and I knew he
only wants me to feel like I made him feel last night.  I opened my phone
and snapped a picture of him sitting naked on my...uh...our bed.  Putting
the phone down I started unbuttoning my shirt.  Keaton leaped from the
bed.


"No...Wait...let me undress my prize.  He kissed me while his fingers
undid the buttons on my shirt.  Quickly he moved to the top button on my
worn and faded jeans.  Once the button was undone a light tug popped the
fly buttons open and he reached his hand inside my tightie whities and
pulled out his prize.  I jumped a bit as his cold hand wrapped around my
warm and rapidly thickening cock.  He was greeted by a steady flow of the
clear pre cum.  Stroking my cock he looked up to me.


"You have the most beautiful cock I've ever seen Jack, so long and fat,
 with a perfect helmet;  just right for filling my mouth and throat and
other places as well."


With that said he took my cock into his mouth to the hilt, my knees
buckled and I fell onto the bed.  He rose and tugged my jeans and
underwear off my butt and legs in one smooth motion.  He stretched out
atop me  and we kissed and held each other for a few moments.  Keaton
pulled me up and into the bathroom and instructed me on cleaning myself
out and went back to the bedroom.  When I was sure that I was ready, I
went to him.  Keaton has stripped the bedding back and had extra pillows
there to put under my butt while he made love to me.  Once I was on the
bed Keaton took charge and I gladly did his bidding.  From the time I saw
him sitting on the bed his cock had been standing tall, leaking and
dripping his clear sweet nectar in anticipation of what was to come.


We lay together, kissing and fondling each other until he couldn't hold
off any longer.  With the Ultra Glide lube he worked a finger inside me.
 I was surprised, I was expecting the same sort of pain as when the
doctor gave me a prostate exam, but the entry was smooth and pain free.
 All the while as his fingers loosened me up, the other hand was tweaking
and pinching my nipples making me moan and cry out.


I was amazed to find myself pushing down and squirming around as Keaton's
three fingers moved in and out of my anus, it was already feeling good
with two fingers, and I began to babble a bit with four fingers and part
of his hand moved in and out of me.  When he finally stroked across my
prostate I nearly came off the bed.  In just a matter of minutes I was
telling Keaton to do it, I wanted him in me.  He applied more Ultra Glide
to my butt and his cock.  I spread my legs as wide as I could and watched
as my beautiful Keaton places the tip of his throbbing cock at my
entrance.  He leaned down to kiss me and he told me he would stop as soon
as the head of his cock was in me to let me get accustomed to having him
in me.  He took both hands and held my face while he kissed me, I guided
his cock and in mid kiss his cock head popped in me.


My eyes went wide and a silent scream filled my brain.  I managed to
stifle my voice and just groaned loudly.  He was right though, in just a
few moments the shock of the initial pain was replaced by a feeling of
fullness.  Keaton began a gently rocking motion that soon had him inching
his way inside me.  Then as he was kissing me again, I pulled on his
legs, I was ready for more of his cock in me.  His rocking motion
developed into the rhythm of fucking and the fullness I felt was amazing.
 I already knew I liked having him inside me,  I wanted all of him.  When
I asked for more he rocked a bit deeper, it wasn't enough.  I locked my
ankles behind him and on the next downthrust I pulled him all the way
inside me.


"OHMIGOD!  JEEZUS I'M SO FULL.  Oh Babe, do it..do me now...you feel so
good...fuck me Keaton, please, more, faster, do it. aawwwggghhh!
 Yes...oh baby...oh...oh...unnngh.  Harder, faster...ohmigod...I never
knew...KEATON...I LOVE YOU!  LOVE YOU...Awww FUCK IT, YES...unnnghh"


Keaton settled into his rhythm stroking deep, up fast plunge deep.  This
was feeling to good to be true, I couldn't imagine anything feeling any
better.  Then when I met his deep stroke by pushing up hard and grinding
my butt on his hard cock I found nirvana.  I bucked and twisted against
his throbbing cock fuckinf his cock with my butt churning and thrusting
against his hardness,  I watched as Keatons face twisted and  grimaced as
he worked hard to please me, to please us.   Jeez...every touch, every
thrust he made pleased me.  I was completely awed and amazed that anal
intercourse could be so erotic, sensual, sexual or pleasant...no pleasant
is too weak an adjective, it's more like stupendous or fantastic.  The
descriptive words are irrelevant, his cock touched off feelings and
emotions I've never before experienced.  I love getting fucked by Keaton!


He slowed a bit, catching his breath; I imagined he needed a short rest
before he brought us both to our orgasm.  I fear that he's made me a cock
slut.  I can't imagine ever not wanting this.  Taking advantage of his
slower movements I began rotating my hips as he ground hard into me.
 Ohmigod!  How good he makes me feel, I never want to stop, just let me
cum and let him keep plowing my butt until we cum again and again.


"Oh Keaton, Oh baby...make me cum baby...make me cum with your hard
cock...AWWW SHIT...That's it Babe, fuck it hard...awww
man...Oh...Oh...yeah, it's starting Keaton...it's starting...OH MY GOD!!!
 NOW!! NOW!  OH KEATON,  KEATON...I'M GONNA
SHOOT...NOW...YES...UUUNNNNGGGHHH!!  KEATON,  OOOHHH YESSS...AAWWRRGGHH!
 KEATON...LOVE YOU..LOVE YOU..OOH...OH KEATon...SO GOOD...OH,     oh, oh,
all mine...your mine...love you...mmm."


We lay lifeless, Keaton on my chest, his cock still deep inside me and
still hard as before.  With every little movement I made, I felt his hard
cock move inside me.  I never knew this pleasure so complete existed.  I
only hoped that we would do this again...soon!  We slept.


All too soon the weekend was gone and we were on our way to work on a
cold Monday morning.  I stopped at his office and he reached over and
squeezed my hand...


"Love you babe."  He said as he left the truck and went into his office.
 I drove on to my job almost giddy with happiness, these two months win
Keaton have been the happiest times of my life.


We settled into our new life as lovers, partners and of course part time
farmers.  As summer started turning to fall, Keaton told me he wanted to
start back to college to get his Computer Science degree.  He told me he?d
take night and weekend classes and with the credit he already had, it
shouldn't take more than two years to finish.  I was quiet for a few
moments then I spoke up.


"That's wonderful that you want to get your degree babe. but let's talk about
it first, okay??


"What?...you think I shouldn't??


"No, no...I?m all for it...look Keaton...you agree that we're a couple,
committed to each other and we share in everything, right??


"Yes, always?  He said.


"Then if you truly mean it, you'll need to quit your job and go to school
full time to finish in a year or so.  We have the money...yours and mine.
 It's ours Keaton, we share, remember.  You go and get that degree and we'll
be home together at night."


He started to protest..."but Jack..."


"We share Keaton, we're a team, you and I.  You help me, I help you.  That's
it, you'll take our money and get that degree.  There'll be no arguments,
you're not a single guy anymore.  What we do, we do together."


He couldn't come up with anything that sounded even halfway like a good
rebuttal, finally he smiled a sheepish grin and hugged me.


"How did I ever get so lucky for you to find me that day of the storm?
You're right there's only ?ours? now, Jack."


Keaton enrolled at Jefferson Community & Technical College, (Jeff Co
Tech) in their Computer and Information Technology program.  He's projected
to get his degree in three semesters.  I couldn't be prouder of Keaton if
he were my own son.  He's working hard and maintaining a 3.90 GPA.  He's at
the head of his class and should be able to write his own ticked at
graduation.


After our little talk about there no longer being his and mine, only
ours, I visited with a lawyer and made Keaton my legal heir to everything
I own.  I waited a while before I told him about it, I wanted to tell him
on our first anniversary.  We decide that the beginning of us was that
day in the ICU when we told each other we were in love.  So May 15 became
the day we celebrate our anniversary.


Keaton graduated on time and at the head of his class.  He had two offers
from local companies.  He settled on a company specializing in Automotive
IT applications.  His starting salary was more than I made after 5 years
with my Engineering company.

Since I had the truck, Keaton bought a Volt gas/hybrid for his 40 mile
round trip commute and our leisure driving.


I'm completely healed from the tractor accident, we're working on the house,
repairs, clean up, paint, Keaton gave me a widescreen flat panel LCD for
my birthday last week.  I gave him a 3 year old Pleasure Mare to ride
when Big Red and I go out for a ride on the farm just because I wanted
him to have her.  Big Red seems happy to have her in the next stall, we're
planning on them breeding when she comes in season later this summer.
 All in all, I don't know of a thing that would make either of us any
happier.  We're happy with our jobs, we're happy with the farm and our
responsibilities there, but the real joy is being crazy, madly in love
with a person who is crazy, madly in love with me.  It's doesn't get better
than this.


The End