Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2016 07:16:49 -0400
From: Jim <zarek@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Another Chance: Chapter 67

Disclaimer: This story is fictional.  Some of the things that happened or
will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life.  Parts of
the character are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and
any similarities are just coincidental.  This is gay romance between
teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their
true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading.
Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned.
Continual reading could cause a knock at your door.

I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting
more.  This story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on
Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd.  Some people have compared my
writing style to that of Mr. Todd's and for that, I am flattered.  While
Another Chance does pay tribute to "Riding Lessons", it is a story of its
own and has its own plot and agenda.  If you have any suggestions or
concerns, don't hesitate to email me at zarek@roadrunner.com
<mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com> .  Thoughts and suggestion are always
welcomed and may or may not be implemented.  Concerns will be considered
and addressed as much as possible.

AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help
cover their expenses.  While the site is currently free, only donations
from loyal fans can help keep it that way.  Any amount will help.



Another Chance

Chapter 67

Jackson took Austin to see the horse before officially giving him
ownership.  Jim, Zac and Jake tagged along to see the horse, as well.  As
they approached the horse, Austin was slightly disappointed at seeing the
horse has a white blaze, but considering he was free, he decided that he
was close enough.

"He's beautiful," Austin stated.

Jim pointed out, "He's not pure black like you wanted."

"That's fine, he's close enough," Austin averred.  "And the blaze makes him
more unique.  You may find several pure black Mustangs and have trouble
telling them apart, but can you tell me there is another mustang with an
identical blaze."

"There is one more thing about this horse, and it's the main reason that I
didn't want to keep him for myself," Jackson admitted.

Austin looked worried, "Wh-, what's that?"

Jackson smiled, "He's a gelding."

Austin looked thoughtful for a moment and Jim whispered in his ear, "He was
castrated, which means he'll be calmer for you and easier to ride."

Austin motioned for Jim to lower his head and then whispered in his ear,
"Castrated, as in had his...?"  Jim didn't let Austin finish but Austin's
hands went to cover his junk and Jim just nodded and laughed.  "Poor guy,"
Austin added.

Jake looked at Zac, "Why doesn't Uncle Jackson want a gelding?"

"Because he raises horses and geldings can't be used for breeding," Zac
explained.

Being a five year old, Jake popped out with, "What's breeding?"

Jim fielded this question, "It's when you put a male and female horse
together to create baby horses."

"So did Uncle Matt breed Aunt Gina?" was his next question.

Zac started to laugh.  Jackson smiled, "He sure did."

Austin and Jake played while Jim checked on the horses.  After he was done,
he started getting the horses ready for their ride.  Zac came out of the
office, "Hey hon, what are you doing at noon tomorrow?"

Jim smiled, "Judge Buchanan and Jacob's parents are coming here to spend
time with Jake, why?"

"Crap!" Zac stated.  "We have two families wanting to take riding lessons.
I figure Joe can take one, but I need someone else for the other."

"What about Caleb?" Jim questioned.

Zac's face shined like a light had just came on, "I had forgotten about
him.  Since he's been busy with Jeff, I hardly see him anymore."

Jim kissed Zac and suggested, "Give him a call and if he can't do it, I do
have an idea."

A few minutes later, Zac poked his head out of the office, "Caleb said that
he needs the money, so he'll be here."  Jim gave the OK signal and smiled.

Jim found Jake and Austin playing, "I have the mustang and Gold saddled.
Jake, do you want to ride with Austin or your pony?"

Jake watched as Austin pointed at himself, "I can ride with Austin."
Austin started jumping up and down like he had just won the best prize
ever, causing Jim to chuckle.  It really did Jim good seeing how the boys
got along so well.

Jim helped Jake onto the horse and then held him while Austin climbed on.
Austin had to use a step to get on.  "Should we add a rope ladder to your
saddle?" Jim jested.

Austin stuck his tongue out at Jim.  Then he replied, "No, you watch, by
next summer when I come down to stay with you, I'll be tall enough to not
need it."

"Speaking of which," Jim responded, "you know that Zac and I are
considering getting a second son.  When I graduate, we will be looking for
another place so Nick can move his house and sell it.  Should we look for a
four bedroom house so you can have your own room or a three bedroom and you
share Jake's room?"

"I wouldn't have a problem with sharing rooms with Jake, but if I can have
my own room, I would like that," Austin replied.

Jim explained to Austin, "We're hoping that we can put a down payment on
ranch land and maybe build a house, but it depends on what's out there."

Austin smiled, "That would be cool, you like designing houses and that's
where you have fun playing the Sims games.  I can see you taking one of
your designs and having it made into a house."

Jim laughed, "I can't say that I haven't thought about it.  My biggest
problem would be in deciding which one because I like them all."

Austin was encouraging, "If you do decide to build, you should really have
them build one of your houses. All of them are good and I know you'd be
happier in one of them than an already built home or one that someone else
designs."

Jim was really feeling good, Austin was playing the right cards to build
Jim's ego.  "At the risk of sounding conceited, I have to agree with you.
When I graduate, part of me wants to take architecture, but I decided that
I want to take computers and animal husbandry, mainly focusing on horses."

Austin gave Jim a funny look, "You want to marry a horse?"

Jim chuckled, "No, I am happy with the husband that I have.  Animal
husbandry is dealing with the care of animals.  While I have learned a lot
about horses, I know that there is so much more I can learn.  Dad never
went to college, he was taught by his dad and he was just starting to teach
me when..."  Jim couldn't finish his sentence.

Austin looked up at Jim, "I understand what you're saying.  He would be
proud of you, especially for taking steps to follow in his footstep even
though he can't be here to teach you.  I was so young when we moved to
Japan, I never really got to know Uncle Jon, but he loved you very much, I
know that much from hearing Mom and Aunt Heather talking."

"I know," Jim smiled at Austin, "I've always known, and he lives in my
heart and memories even though they are hard to hug.  Dad does visit me in
my dreams, as you already know, and he's always telling me how proud he is.
Talking about him makes me happy and sad at the same time."

Jake had to ask, "How can you be both at the same time?"

Austin was first to respond, "He's happy talking about what a great guy
Uncle Jon was but he misses him."

Jim nodded his head, "You hit that nail right on the head."  They finished
their ride, still talking about Jon Bolt and reminiscing about what he was
like.  By the time they finished riding, Jake wished that he could have met
him.  Rest of the day was a blur in comparison.

Jim and Jake were at the ranch early.  Austin offered to help Jim get his
work done so he could freshen up before the judge and the Bates arrived.
Jake was playing out in the yard.  Jim told him to stay clean for when his
grandparents arrived, but being a young boy, Jake managed to get dirty.

Jim was washing Jake as best as he could when Judge Buchanan walked into
the office.  Jim began to apologize for Jake not being properly cleaned.
"He's a young boy, I bet he was having fun," Judge Buchanan stated.  "I bet
when you were his age, you got even dirtier."

Jim chuckled, "And how, I remember getting scolded for getting my church
clothes dirty.  It was one of the few times I got in trouble."

Judge Buchanan smiled, "See, I tell you what, take him into the bathroom to
change his clothes and then we'll take him outside to meet Jacob's
parents."

Jim looked down, "I didn't think to bring him a change of clothes."

"Then," Judge Buchanan said, "I hope these fit."  He handed Jake a gift
bag.  Jake pulled out a purple t-shirt and a pair of Levi jeans.

Jim started to ask Jake what he's supposed to say but before he got the
first syllable out, he heard Jake, "Thank you, Grandpa Joshua." Then Jake
gave him a hug.

Jim took Jake back into the bathroom and washed him thoroughly. Then Jake
put the new jeans and shirt on. The jeans were a little big and Jim had to
roll them up as well as put Jake's belt to use.  The shirt was a little
big, too.  Jim giggled with Jake, "Well you have room to grow.  And before
I forget to mention it, I am proud of you for saying thank you without
needing to be told."

Jake smiled, "Aunt Sallie told us that we should always say thank you when
someone gives us something.  Grandma Marilyn and Grandma Heather agreed
when I told them after they said they were proud, too."

Jim was a little choked up, "Aunt Sallie was right to teach you that, but
still you are the one who did it and I am so proud of you."

"I love you too, Daddy," Jake said, giving Jim a hug.

They went back out and the judge looked at Jake, "It's a little big on
you."

Jim grinned, "It just means that he has room for growth."

Judge Buchanan held his hands out to pick Jake up.  Jake looked at Jim and
saw his daddy smile and nod his head.  Jake walked over to his grandpa and
Joshua picked him up.  "Before we go outside, I thought you would like to
know, Judge Prescott has officially retired.  I will be in town for a few
weeks while we find someone to fill his position.  And I hear that Judge
Sprayberry may be moving to the Federal Courts."

Jackson smiled at the mention of his husband's name, "Yes, he has a second
interview in Washington and this one will not be a short one."

"So you know Judge Sprayberry well?" Judge Buchanan was a bit surprised.

Everyone chuckled, then Jackson explained, "I know him intimately, he's my
husband.  I'm Jackson Sprayberry."

Judge Buchanan joined the chuckling.  "I should hope you know him well,
then.  What do you think his chances are of getting the position?"

"Well, when he was first approached, he was one of nine candidates,"
Jackson replied.  "That interview was just a few hours long.  This
interview, they are down to three prospects and he was told to clear his
schedule indefinitely.  They are going to thoroughly interview all three
and were told they will be in Washington for a minimum of a week, but they
are unsure of how long all of the interviews will be.  Even when they are
done, they won't have a decision right away."

"And from what I hear, this may not be his last interview," Judge Buchanan
added.  "Once he becomes a Federal Judge, he has the position as long as he
wants it, unless he commits a felony, so they want to be sure he's the
right person before having the President appoint him.  Being a Federal
Judge is a lot like being a Justice of the Supreme Court."

Zac looked at Judge Buchanan, "So, if you're going to be in town for a few
weeks, do you have some place to stay, Judge?"

"Please, call me Joshua, and yes, thank you for asking," Buchanan replied,
"I still own my estate next door to the Bates family."

"So Jacob was your neighbor?" Jim was a little surprised.

"He was," Buchanan smiled.

Judge Buchanan finally carried Jake out to Jacob's parents.  "We thought
you were hogging him and never gonna come out, Joshua," Mr. Bates averred.
Jim was surprised to see a limo sitting in the parking lot.

Mrs. Bates declared, "Look at him, he looks just like Jacob did at that
age.  I wish that we were able to take care of him, but we aged twenty
years waiting for you to come out."

"We weren't in there THAT long, Martha," Judge Buchanan chuckled.  "Being a
normal five year old, Jake got a little dirty and needed to clean up."

"Can I hold him?" Martha asked.

Jim looked at Jake, "Jake, this is your birth daddy's parents. This is the
fourth set of grandparents that we told you about.  Can Grandma Martha hold
you?"

Jake held his arms out and Martha Bates took him from Judge Buchanan.  "I'm
so glad that we finally get to meet you.  I am happy that you have such
good dads."

Jake smiled, "I am happy with Daddy and Papa, but I am glad to meet you,
too.  Can I call you Grandma Martha?"

Martha Bates started tearing up, "I would like that a lot, and this
handsome gentleman is your Grandpa Norman."

"Wait, what?" Jim started, "Your name is Norman Bates?"

Norman had a disgruntled look on his face, "Yes, the movie came out in July
and I was born in September and my parents thought it would be cute to
curse me with this name.  I told Martha that we were never ever naming a
child after me, but he still got teased.  Imagine growing up with the last
name of Bates in a well-to-do neighborhood where butlers call you Master.
For young Jake's sake, I won't repeat some of the comments."

Jim smiled, thinking of young Jacob going to a party and being introduced
as Master Bates.  "I appreciate that, and I can imagine the comments.  So,
what do you do, anyway?"

Norman Bates was in a teasing mood, "I run a motel with my mother."  Jim
looked like he was about to lose it, causing Norman to chuckle.
"Seriously, I am a CPA and during tax season, Martha is lucky if she gets
to see me.  We wish we could have taken Jake in, but at our age, I couldn't
do that to Martha."

"I'm glad that you didn't, I just love this little guy," Jim cooed.

Joshua looked at Jim and Zac, "And he loves you, we can tell.  We are going
to eat lunch, if you haven't eaten yet, please join us.  We're hoping that
in the least you allow Jake to join us, but we would like to get to know
the whole family, not just Jake."

"And while we assure you, you have nothing to worry about, we love Jake and
would like to be a part of his life, but he is your son.  We know that if
you join us, you will feel more at ease and not worry until he returns.
Joshua and I would love to treat the three of you to a nice lunch," Norman
urged.

"How can we say no to that?" Zac insisted.

Jim looked a little embarrassed for not expecting to go out, "Do you mind
if my cousin joins us?  I can pay for his, but he was helping me out and I
wouldn't feel right leaving him here."

Joshua looked at Jim and kinda waved him off, "Nonsense, he's part of your
family and we are treating your family so we will cover him as well."

Jim looked around for Austin and when he didn't see him outside with them,
he went back into the office where Austin was talking with Jackson.  "Hey,
why didn't you come outside with us?"

Jim thought Austin looked a little sad, "Because they are here for Jake. I
feel like an outsider."

Jim gave Austin a hug, "You are his cousin and they want to meet his
family.  That includes you.  I'm sorry we made you feel left out.  C'mon,
they are taking us to lunch and I asked if you could join.  Joshua said
that you are family, so of course."

Austin perked up as he hugged Jim, "Thank you, you don't think I was being
silly for not feeling I belonged?"

"If you felt that way, it was our fault.  I should have made sure you knew
that and went out with us," Jim apologized again.

Austin looked up to Jim's face and smiled.  "I should have said something
to you, I know you wouldn't purposely leave me out of anything."

As they went outside, Judge Buchanan approached them.  "You must be Austin.
Ever since Jim went inside to get you, Jake has been talking non-stop about
you.  To hear Jake tell it, you are the karate master of all time."

Judge Buchanan made Austin feel included and that brought a big smile to
Austin's face, "It's actually a mixture of martial arts, and I'm not a
master, I've only been studying for just over three years.  For my age
bracket, I like to think I'm above average, but I don't really know."

Looking at the sincerity in Austin's face, Judge Buchanan said, "Jake tells
me that you were in Japan until a few months ago?  How were you compared to
the boys there?"

Austin couldn't believe this man he didn't even know seemed to genuinely
want to include him.  Sure, it was because he is Jake's cousin, but still,
he was being included even though he was no relation to Jake's birth
grandparents.  And he seemed interested.  "We moved back about two months
ago, I was keeping up with them, but I think I had to work harder at it."

Judge Buchanan responded to Austin, "Having to work harder only proves that
you are dedicated and willing to work for what you want.  Don't let anyone
ever tell you it means you are inferior.  If Jim had a twin and the twin
was given a hundred dollars while Jim worked to achieve a hundred dollars,
what would you say about the two boys?"

"I don't know, maybe that Jim would be wiser with his since he earned
money," Austin guessed.

"And why wouldn't that be true with skill?" Joshua questioned.  "You work
hard for your belt and someone else seems to naturally get theirs, does
that makes yours any more or less valuable?"

"I see your point.  To me, it would be worth more because I worked for it,
but they are really the same, like both hundred dollars are worth the same
amount," Austin beamed, "so I shouldn't feel bad about having to work
harder, either."

Joshua shook Austin's hand, "You remember that about everything in life and
you will go far.  Don't get cocky, but never let anyone tell you that you
are inferior about anything.  Sure, you may be able to beat me in martial
arts, but I bet I can drive better than you, at least for now."

"I can't drive," Austin stated.  "I'm only nine."

"And does that make you inferior to me?" Joshua asked.

Austin nodded, "Maybe in that area for now, but I get what you're saying.
I have areas in my life where things may come natural, but I shouldn't get
conceited and think I'm better than some just because they have to work at
it."

Joshua explained, "The golden rule actually applies to all aspects of our
lives.  We should treat everyone as we would want them to treat us.  You
say that you had to work harder than others for your skill, would you want
them to make fun of you for it?"

Austin looked shocked, "They did, how did you know?"

Joshua was taken back a little, "I was just using that as a hypothetical
question.  They seriously made fun of you?"

Austin looked down and nodded his head, "And I didn't like it."

Joshua put his arm around Austin, "They were wrong for doing it, but at
least you know how it feels, so hopefully you never make fun of anyone
else."

"I got my revenge, though," Austin smiled.

Joshua looked sternly at Austin, "What did you do?"

Austin grinned, "I worked even harder and got my belts faster than them.  I
was ready to test for my black belt before moving back to the States, they
were still wearing blue."

Joshua chuckled, "That's the best kind of revenge to get.  Nothing illegal
and only damage done was to their pride."

Austin smiled, "When I told Daddy about them teasing me, and wanting
revenge, he suggested it.  He said I wouldn't get into trouble this way."

"It sounds to me like your dad is a smart man and was looking out for you,"
Joshua declared.

Everyone got in the limo and they headed for the restaurant.  Jake spotted
a McDonald's and asked if they were going there to eat.  "I take it, you
like McDonald's," Joshua chuckled.  "I promise, where we are going is far
better."

The Limo pulled into the parking lot of a fancy looking restaurant.  Name
on the building said "La Queue du Homard."  Jim was guessing that "queue"
meant line, but he wasn't sure what "homard" meant.

"Actually, queue can mean line but it also means tail.  Homard means
lobster." Joshua explained.  "The tail of the lobster would be the English
translation."

Jim was a little worried about finding something Jake might like, but then,
other than liver, Jake's liked almost everything.  When they were seated,
the hostess gave everyone a menu, including Jake.  Jake was seated between
Zac and Jim.  "Look Papa and Daddy, I have pictures in my book," he said
referring to his "kid-friendly" menu.  Jim and Zac looked and sure enough,
no words, just pictures of foods kids might like.  Jake pointed at a
picture of a cheeseburger and French fries.  "Can I get that?"

Norman responded, "Anything you want, don't worry about the price."

Jim looked at the prices and couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the
cheeseburger was the cheapest thing on the menu and it was twenty dollars.
He thought, this food better be served on silver and gold platters at these
prices.  Joshua interrupted Jim's thought, "Jim, do you like lobster tail?"

Jim was a little surprised by the question, "Wh... what?"

"I asked," Joshua replied, "Do you like lobster tail? This place has some
of the best lobster tail you will ever find."

Jim chuckled, "With that being the name of the place, it better.  Yes, I do
like lobster tail, but for fifty dollars?"

Joshua grinned, "Norman said to not worry about the price.  This is one of
his clients, so he gets a massive discount, and between us, even full
price, this is a drop in the bucket."

Zac chuckled, "They must have been planning on you coming, Jim. They have
steak tartare on the menu."

Norman looked at Jim, "If you like raw beef, you should have their version
of surf and turf.  It's beef, even steak tartare as an option, and two
smaller lobster tails compared to the big lobster tail."  Norman ordered
hor d'oeuvres and got a sampler platter.  Jake made a face when he saw the
snails on the platter.  Jim and Austin grabbed a frog leg.  Zac decided to
try a snail.  Jake couldn't get past the snails being on the plate and
opted not to try anything.  Jim tried giving him a cheese stick with bacon
wrapped around it, but it was beside the snails so Jake wasn't budging.

"You haven't even tried it, how do you know if you would like it?" Jim
questioned, but he wasn't wanting to try the cheese sticks either, let
alone the snails.  He wasn't about to say that he didn't like them, but he
thought back to when he tried oysters and got sick because they were
snotty, so he was very reluctant to try them.

"Eric told me that if you eat snails, they crawl around in your belly for
days," Jake explained.

Zac was a little agitated, not at Jake, but at Eric.  This boy picked on
younger kids and lied to them.  "Eric lied to you.  See, the snails aren't
even alive anymore so how can they crawl?  See, Papa is eating them, but
you don't have to, if you are adamant against eating them."

Jake replied, "Thank you Papa. I would rather not."

Jim looked at him, "I don't blame you, I don't know if I would like them
either, and I'd rather not find out today.  Maybe someday we'll both get
the gumption to try them."

Jim chuckled as Jake had to ask, "What's gumption and where do we get it?"

Zac just loved how inquisitive a five year old can be and how much Jake
seemed eager to learn.  "Gumption is another name for courage, or being
brave enough to try something."

When the waitress came, Jake ordered his cheeseburger and French fries.
The waitress asked if he wanted any bacon, pickles or mushrooms on his
sandwich.  Surprisingly, Jake maintained himself and simply told her he
would like all three.  Jim and Zac whispered in his ear, complimenting him
and telling him how proud they were of how he was behaving.

When the food arrived, everyone seemed happy with their meal.  Jake looked
at Jim's plate and giggled.  "Daddy, I think your food is still mooing."

Jim smiled, "Did Papa tell you to say that?"

Jake looked at Zac real quick and then back to Jim, "Uh huh, but he said
you would think it was funny."

Jim gave Jake a quick hug, "He only said that because it's true, especially
coming from you."

"Can I taste your mooing cow?" Jake giggled.

Jim took a piece with his fork and placed it on Jake's plate.  Jake, then
used his fork and ate the piece.  The boy looked at Zac, "Papa, Daddy's
mooing cow taste good."

"Better than bacon?" Zac teased.

Jake shook his head, "No way, José."

Joshua looked at Jim, "I love watching the interaction of you three, and
since you've agreed to let us be a part of Jake's life, I am happier than
ever with the decision I made to let him be adopted.  I have to admit, that
until I found out he was adopted by people who love him, I regretted
sending him away.  You have erased that regret."

Jim smiled but had a tear running down his cheek.  "My only regret is that
he spent so long in that group home.  When I met Zac, I felt whole but
wanted to eventually adopt a son for us to rear.  When Jake came into our
lives, I discovered that a piece had been missing and Jake made us whole.
Zac is my one true love, but Jake instantly became a part of our lives.
Many people have voiced their concerns, feeling that Jake belonged with Zac
and me since before we got married.  Those same people have written letters
of support when they heard that Tina was trying to take Jake away.  When
things looked their bleakest, you appeared like a super hero and saved the
day.  I'm glad that you want to be a part of his life and am happy that Zac
and I agreed that you should be."

Norman spoke up, "That was one of the nicest speeches I have ever heard.  I
wish that I could clone your heart and give it to everyone.  I can rest
assured that Jake will grow up to be a fine young man with the two of you
as his example.  Martha and I live in Cody, so anytime you want to visit,
you may, or we may call to see if we can come see Jake."

"I do have a question," Zac interjected.  "Jim and I are considering
adopting another boy so Jake has someone closer to his age play with.  Of
course, Jake will be starting in kindergarten when school starts back up
and hopefully he'll make some friends, but we think he would like having a
brother to play with."

"And if you do adopt another boy, he will be treated like he is Jake's
brother and our grandson as well," Norman declared.

Joshua said that he concurred.  "The only difference will be, Jake will be
my sole beneficiary.  If he decides to share with his brother that will be
his choice.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to treat either one different."

"That's satisfactory with me, and eases any worries that I had.  I'm glad
that we all want the same thing concerning Jake and his siblings," Zac
declared.

Everyone finished their meal and they took the boys back to the ranch.
"I'd like to spend more time with Jake, but this weather is getting bad.
We need to head home and take cover.  We recommend that you do that as
well," Joshua suggested.  And with that, the limo left the boys at Another
Chance.

The boys went into the office and found Jackson on the phone.  As he hung
up, he looked at the boys.  "I think you should head home, I was just on
the phone with Sheriff Archer and he's advising that we close the ranch to
riding for the rest of the day."

"Yeah, it's looking bad out there," Jim declared as he watched his truck
move several inches in the parking lot.  "Ummm, guys, does Wyoming ever get
tornadoes?"

Zac took Jim in his arms, "Very rarely.  We did have one on May 25,
2013. It didn't have much force and Cody has never had any casualties."

"According to this website, the worst tornado Cody has ever had was on June
26, 1964, and it was only an f2 tornado.  As Zac said, there were no lives
lost or even any injuries.  Cody is very low risk for tornadoes.  In the
last sixty-five years we've only had eight tornadoes." Jackson added.  "Why
do you ask?"

Jim looked scared, "Because I watched the wind move my truck like it was a
matchbox."

"Daddy, I'm scared," Jake began to cry, clinging to Zac, but looking at
Jim.

Austin looked worried as well, he moved closer to Jim, "I'm scared, too."

Jackson looked serious, "Jim, why don't you take the boys into the house
and down to the basement.  Get Colt while you're at it."

"What about you and Zac?" Jim questioned.  Deep concern was in his voice.

Jackson offered a ray of hope, "If the weather gets any worse, we'll need
to turn the horses loose so they don't end up trapped in the barn.  I don't
think it'll came to that, but I want you and the boys safe.  If the weather
gets that bad, Zac and I will come down after releasing the horses."

Jim didn't budge, "Can Zac stay with the boys?  I want to be there to turn
Gold free?"

"You know," Zac debated, "if Colt can stay with the boys in the basement,
the three of us can release the horses faster than just two of us.  There's
no way I can feel safe knowing Jim is up here and I'm sure Jim wouldn't be
comfortable until he knows Gold is safe and I am in the basement."

"I want to stay with you and Papa," Jake cried to Jim.

Jim took Jake in his arms and carried him into the house.  "Why don't you
and Austin go play a game with Colt in the basement?  Daddy and Papa will
be down when we know the horses are safe."

"Promise?" Jake questioned.

Jim kissed Jake's forehead, "How can I stay away from that adorable face
for too long?"

Colt led the boys to the basement and set up a game of Twister to play with
them.  "I found this in Dad's old games, and it can get to be fun.  The
more people who play, the more fun it can be."

Austin looked depressed and worried, "Thanks, but I'm not interested."

"You want to spin and tell us what we need?" Colt asked.

Austin was too worried and with Jim talking about tornadoes, Twister was
the last thing he wanted to play.  "Do you have any other games?"

Colt picked up the Sorry! Box, "Jim and Zac must have left this game when
they watched the house for us.  It's still wrapped in plastic."

Jim started heading for the barn.  The wind was strong enough to move his
truck a few inches at a time, so he had a little difficulty getting there.
Once he made it to the barn, Jim went to Gold's stable.  "Hey boy, weird
weather we're having.  Jackson is worried about the horses in the barns.
He says that you'll have a better chance of survival if you are not stuck
inside a building that may be destroyed.  Do me a favor and keep the horses
together and keep them safe.  Then when the weather gets back to normal,
bring them back."  Gold nodded his head and pulled Jim in for a hug.  "I
love you, too."

Jackson and Zac made it to the barn and started releasing the horses.  Gold
did his best to keep the horses together, some tried to stray but Gold
dominated.  "Did you ask Gold to do that?" Jackson asked.

Jim explained, "I figured that would help keep you from losing any.  And
Gold promised to keep them safe."

Jackson thought for a minute, "Well, either we won't lose any or we lose
them all.  I'm sure Gold will do his best.  We need to get back to the
house and down into the basement."

Zac offered a little hope, "At least the wind will push us towards the
house instead of away."

As they exited the barn, Jim looked and spotted a funnel cloud forming and
heading right for them.  "Jackson, we need to run."  They took off as fast
as their legs and the wind would let them.  Zac was about to close the door
but Jackson advised him to keep it open.

They could hear the horse barn crumble as they started down towards the
basement.  Colt looked at Jim, "I hope you don't mind but we opened the
Sorry! Game."

Jake looked over, "Papa, Daddy, I was worried about you and we heard a loud
noise."

Zac responded, "We're safe, and as far as the game goes, that's fine.  It
gives you boys something to do while we're down here."

Jim pulled out his cell phone and called Heather, "Mom, there's a tornado.
It already took out the horse barn but we're down in Jackson's basement.
Hello, Mom are you there?"  Jim looked and he lost his signal.  He didn't
know how much his mom had heard and now he worried that she would worried.

The lights flickered and went out.




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