Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 23:04:37 -0400
From: Jim <zarek@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Another Chance: Chapter 78 (Revised)

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 78

Tuesday the twenty-second day of September, Patrick was nervous.  He woke
up, got ready for school and then asked Jim and Zac to come into his room.
"What should I take with me to Scott's tonight?"

Jim gave Patrick a hug, and asked, "Do you have clothes for tomorrow? You
don't want to wear the same thing as today."

Patrick grabbed a shirt and pair of jeans out of the closet, then he
grabbed socks and briefs out of his dresser.  He looked at Jim, "What
else?"

"What do you plan to sleep in.  You have school tomorrow, so promise me you
will go to sleep at your normal time," Zac insisted.

"Maybe earlier since I promised to get up early with Scott to help him take
care of the horses," Patrick agreed.  Then he started thinking.

Jim suggested, to help Patrick out, "What do you sleep in when you share
your bed with Jake?"

Patrick started stuttering, "Ummm, ummm, ummm, what do I sleep in?"

Zac started to laugh, "Are you that nervous that you can't think of
pajamas?"

"That's what they're called," Patrick sheepishly replied.  He grabbed a
clean pair of red pajamas out of his drawer.  Jim and Zac couldn't help but
laugh.

Zac inquired, "Do you have the present that you bought for him?"

"I think I put it in my bag already," Patrick answered.

Zac gave Patrick a knowing smile and asked, "Then what's that?"  He pointed
to a package nicely wrapped in gold paper with a silver ribbon.

"Oops, thanks Papa," Patrick started turning red.

Jim teased, "So, did you remember where you put your head?"

Not realizing what Jim asked, Patrick looked scared, "No, do you know where
it is?"

Zac and Jim laughed, "Bud, it's attached, right between your shoulders."

Patrick gave them both a serious look, "I'm glad you think this is funny.
I'm so nervous."

Jim gave Patrick a hug, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have poked fun at you.
Take three deep breaths and relax.  You're just having a sleepover with a
friend, no pressure, right?"

"A friend that I've wanted to kiss ever since I met him.  What if we do
kiss and he doesn't like it?" Patrick started to cry.  "What if he tries
sticking his tongue in my mouth like you and Papa?"

"Then you remain friends who don't kiss," Zac answered.  "Just be yourself
and remember what we told you.  Don't let Scott or anyone talk you into
doing something you are not ready for, and don't push Scott into it,
either."

Patrick looked down, "I know, all I want to do is kiss him, but I'm scared
that it might ruin our friendship if I do.  I don't know if I want his
tongue going in my mouth, though."

Jim smiled, "Save the tongue for your first girlfriend or boyfriend.  If
you and Scott decide to kiss, just make it a tender loving kiss like this."
Jim gave Zac a kiss to demonstrate.  It was quick and gentle.

"Wow," Zac stated, "your kisses like that still send sparks through my
body."

"That looked sweet," Patrick admitted, "Can you kiss me like that just once
so I can see what it feels like?"

"Nope, I only kiss my husband like that," Jim stated, "besides, I have to
get to school and so do you."

After Zac dropped Jake off, he talked with Patrick, "Did you really want
Jim to kiss you to show you what it's like or were you just trying to kiss
him because you still have a crush on him?"

Patrick looked down with a slight smile on his face, then he took a quick
glance over to Zac.  He admitted, "Maybe a little of both."

"You know for either of us to kiss you like that would be inappropriate,"
Zac declared.  "Trust me, if you and Scott are meant to kiss, just let
nature take its course and don't try.  Dad is the only one I've ever kissed
in that manner and he loves my kisses because I have never forced them."
Zac pulled up in front of the school.

"Thanks, Papa," Patrick said as he opened the truck door.  "I'll see you
tomorrow."

Zac reminded Patrick, "Remember, I have class tonight.  If you need
anything, call Dad first, but don't be afraid to call me if you have to.
You are more important than anything or anyone except Dad and Jake.  With
them, you are equally as important."

Patrick gave Zac a kiss on the cheek, then responded, "I know, and I love
you, Papa."

For Patrick, school seemed to last forever.  He was glad when the last bell
rang.  As they left the classroom, Scott told Toby, "We're having a
birthday party at my house, then Patrick's spending the night.  With you
being grounded, I can't invite you to spend the night, but maybe your dad
would let you come to the party.  It'll just be my mom and dad, Patrick and
myself."

Toby looked sad as he answered, "I'll be grounded until the end of the
month so I don't know.  And I don't have a present."

Scott tried to convince him, "You don't need a present, I would have asked
you sooner if I was worried about a present.  I wasn't even going to ask
since you're grounded, but then I thought maybe your dad will cut you some
slack just this once."

The boys didn't realize it, but they were by the open window of Richard
Maelstrom's car as they talked.  Richard looked over at them and inquired,
"Cut him some slack about what?"

Scott explained, "I just last minute asked him to come to my house for my
birthday party, but he said he was still grounded."

Richard looked at his son, "You've been really good with your punishment.
I don't think you'll try acting like you were committing suicide again, do
you?"

"You knew I was only acting?" Toby said and then looked at Patrick.

"Yes, the doctors told me there was no way you would have succeeded,"
Richard answered.  "What if your grounding is over as of right now so you
can go to the party?"

Toby looked elated, "Are you serious?  You really mean it?  I love you,
Dad."

"I'm serious," Richard responded.  "Besides, I want us to spend time
together because we want to, not because I am forcing you."

Toby commented, "We're only half done cleaning the basement.  I want to go
to Scott's party, so can we finish it tomorrow and then my grounding be
over, just a reprieve for today?  I'd hate to leave it half done but I
don't want anyone knowing that I freely helped finish it either."

Richard laughed at that.  "OK, you can go to the party and I'll pick you up
at seven.  We'll finish the basement and then your grounding will be over."

Toby had a twinkle in his eye that Richard was happy to notice.  "Thanks,
Dad."

"I love you, son," Richard stated before driving off.

Patrick said, "Your dad seems a different man than when I first met him."

Toby grinned, "Yeah, he's the dad that I've always wanted, and I know he's
being genuine.  He really does love me."

Scott gave a quick nod, "I can tell."  They walked over to where Mr. Gavin
was parked.  Scott told his dad, "Dad, I hope you don't mind but I invited
Toby for the party.  His dad said that he can be off his grounding for the
party and he'll pick him up at seven."

"As long as his dad allowed it, I don't mind.  Hop in and let's go party,
birthday boy," Ed Gavin answered.

When they got to Scott's house, Dena asked Scott, "Why don't you take the
boys to your room and do homework?  I'll call you in a few when dinner is
ready."

Scott led Patrick and Toby to his room.  He showed Patrick where to put his
stuff and then started changing clothes in front of them.  Toby was
surprised and said, "Dude, we're right here."  Patrick looked like a deer
in headlights.  He really liked the look of Scott's body and without
thinking, licked his lips.  Scott gave him a smile.

"So, we change clothes in gym together.  You've seen me in the shower
there, so what's wrong with my stripping to my briefs and putting shorts
on?" Scott debated.

After realizing what had happened, Patrick jumped to defend Scott, "He has
a point, I think we were just caught off guard."

"I suppose, but please warn us next time," Toby requested.

Scott snickered, "I can do that, but it wouldn't have been as much fun."

It was five thirty when Dena called the boys downstairs.  "Boy, I hope you
like smoked sausage and meatballs, it's one of Scott's favorite meals.
After we eat, we'll have cake and ice cream."  The boys wolfed down their
meal despite Dena telling them to slow down and enjoy it.  "Your food isn't
going to run away and besides, we're not getting the cake and ice cream
until everyone is done.  And it's not healthy to eat that fast."

Patrick apologized, "Sorry Mrs. Gavin, this is good and I never had smoked
sausage and meatballs cooked together before."

"As fast as you inhaled it, how could you tell?" she asked.

Patrick wasn't sure how to answer it, he just agreed, "I guess it would be
more enjoyable if I take time to savor every bite."

"Thank you."

Toby had just finished his ice cream when Richard showed up to get him.  He
asked, "Do you mind if I use a napkin and take my cake home?"

Dena offered, "Would your dad like a piece of cake, too?  I have containers
that I can put both pieces in and I get the containers with the lunch meat
I buy so I don't need them back."

"Sure, I think he would like that," Toby replied.

After they were done, Scott and Patrick went up to Scott's room.  Scott
closed the door and looked leeringly at Patrick.  Patrick felt a little
nervous, even more when Scott said, "I saw you licking your lips earlier.
Are you gay?"

Patrick stammered at first, "I, ummm, I don't ummm, I don't know.  I like
you a lot and asked my dad, actually both of them, if that made me gay.
They said that I might be going through a phase, that according to some
guy, everyone goes through it.  I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship,
but I've wanted to kiss you ever since we first met."

"I told my parents that I thought you were attractive and they said the
same thing about the `it might be a phase,'" Scott admitted.  "They said
that the only way you could spend the night was if I promised not to do
anything with you except maybe kiss, and then only if you wanted to.  They
said that if I forced you to do anything, I would be wrong."

"You talked to straight parents about being gay?" Patrick was surprised.

Scott explained, "Well, when I hugged you at the ranch, they sat me down
and talked to me.  They told me that they would love me no matter what, but
they wanted me to be honest with them and if I discover I am gay, they
don't want me to feel like I need to hide it from them."

Patrick acknowledged, "That's cool of them, but I think I have it easier.
My parents, being gay, it was easy to talk with them.  I think my daddy
would have disowned me if he were still alive."

Scott just nodded his head, "I can imagine, I thought mine would have.  Now
about that kiss, how do we go about it?  I've never kissed anyone except
for on the cheek."

Patrick explained, "Dad and Papa kiss using tongue, no offense, but I'm not
sure I want to kiss anyone like that. And Dad told me that I should save
that for when I have a boyfriend or girlfriend.  He said that if we kiss,
we should just use lips."  Patrick gently pressed his lips to Scott's and
they kissed.  Scott instinctively wrapped his arms around Patrick and
started sucking on Patrick's lower lip.  Patrick liked the feeling and
wrapped his arms around Scott.  He sucked on Scott's upper lip.

Without realizing it, Patrick started moving his tongue into Scott's mouth.
Scott was a little surprised, but he started sucking Patrick's tongue in.
That caused Patrick to realize what he did and he pulled away.  "I'm so
sorry," he apologized.

Scott gave Patrick a grin and said, "Don't be, I actually liked it.  It
felt natural, didn't it?"

Patrick nodded, "So natural that I didn't realize I was doing it.  Maybe
someone's tongue isn't as gross as I thought." The boys went back to
kissing and Scott tested Patrick, he slowly slipped his tongue into
Patrick's mouth and licked the roof of it.  Patrick started giggling, but
he thought it wasn't gross at all like he expected.  He also decided that
while he may tell his parents about kissing, he wasn't ready to admit to
them that they did use tongue.  Some things should be kept personal.

The boys had fun during the sleepover.  They kissed a few times and played
games.  Other things came to mind, but because Scott promised his parents,
they didn't do anything other than kissing.  As they lay in bed, Scott
whispered to Patrick, "I hope we both decide we are gay, I really, really
liked that kiss."

"I don't think we decide that," Patrick corrected, "but I hope we discover
that we both are gay, too.  I really like you and hope this isn't just a
phase.  I'm not ready for a boyfriend yet, but when I am, I'm hoping you
are him."

"I feel the same way.  Maybe when we are fifteen or sixteen, we can start
dating, but until then, maybe we can just be friends, possibly experiment,"
Scott suggested.

"We can take things slow and neither of us pressure the other and see what
happens.  I think I love you, Scott," Patrick said before kissing his bed
mate tenderly on the lips.

"Good night, my handsome prince," Scott giggled.

The next morning, Patrick helped Scott with his chores and they had lots of
time to shower before getting ready for school.  Even still, Scott
suggested that they shower together and Patrick felt nervous but agreed.
Scott kissed him as the water cascaded over their naked bodies.  Patrick
noticed a strange feeling in his loins and his penis getting stiff and
growing.  He hoped that Scott didn't notice it, but then he could feel
Scott's growing as well.  He wanted to check them out, but Scott made a
promise to his parents and they kept it.

Zac warned Jake and his teacher that he had classes and then they would
pick up Patrick first so they could talk to him and might be running a few
minutes late.  The teacher said that wouldn't be a problem as long as it
wasn't too late.  When Jim and Zac picked Patrick up after school, he had
the biggest smile on his face.  Jim smirked, "You kissed Scott, didn't
you?"

Patrick was in a teasing mood, "I know you're my parents, but some things
are personal.  I did get an A on my geography test."

"Congratulations on the A, but you're not getting off that easy," Jim
stated, "That smile isn't from an A.  I'm guessing that you enjoyed kissing
Scott."

"All eight times," Patrick squealed.  "It just seemed so natural like we
belonged together.  And kissing him in the shower was really fun."

"Wait, you showered together?" Jim asked, sounding a little concerned.

Patrick explained, "All we did was shower, kiss and wash each other's
backs.  Scott promised his parents that we wouldn't do anything except
kiss, and we kept that promise.  I did notice something down below while we
were kissing in the shower."

Jim chuckled, "You mean your penis getting hard?"

"And growing," Patrick added.  "I could feel Scott's growing too since it
was pressed against my leg."

"That's perfectly normal," Zac stated.  "So, did you use your tongue?"

Patrick didn't answer right away, instead, he started to blush.  "I thought
we told you to save the tongue for your boyfriend or girlfriend," Jim acted
like he was mad.

"I'm, I'm, I'm sorry, Dad," Patrick sputtered, "It just seemed to slip in
without even thinking about it. I didn't mean to do it."  Patrick looked
scared.

Jim gave a chuckle, "Relax, if it just came natural, then there's nothing
wrong with it.  And if Scott liked it enough that you kissed eight times,
I'd definitely say there was nothing wrong with it."

"Phew," Patrick said as he wiped his brow.  "I hope that this isn't a
phase, so does Scott.  We hope to be boyfriends when we are old enough to
date.  Can Scott spend the night with us some time?"

Jim agrees, "Hearing you now, I have a feeling, it's not a phase.  We'll
get together and talk with his parents, but I think it would be fair since
you spent the night there."

Over the next few weeks, Patrick and Scott became closer friends.  Jim and
Zac arranged for Scott to spend Halloween night with them. They would take
the boys out trick or treating and then go to Colt's birthday
party/Halloween party and Scott could sleep over.  Mr. Gavin agreed to take
care of the horses the morning after for Scott.

It was the middle of October when Jackson approached Jim and Zac.  "I'm
buying a couple of Appaloosa colts from a ranch in Rapid City, South
Dakota.  I can't go pick them up myself as Ryan is still in Washington and
I have a parent teacher conference with one of Colt's teachers, tomorrow
evening.  I know that you have Patrick and Jake, but can you go pick up the
yearlings for me?"

Zac looked at Jim before agreeing, "We'll have to make arrangements with
one of our families, but I'm sure they won't mind."

Joe offered, "If Mom won't watch them, I will."

"Then it's settled," Jackson said, "You'll leave here tomorrow as soon as
Jim arrives and the ranch owner is named Tony."

That night Jim and Zac took the boys to visit Heather and Nick.  Knowing
why they were there, Joe took the boys upstairs so Jim and Zac could talk
to Nick and Heather.  "Mom, I hate that we're springing this on you last
minute, but we only found out today ourselves.  This weekend, Jackson needs
us to drive to South Dakota.  We leave tomorrow before the boys get out of
school, so is there any way you can watch them for the weekend?"

"They might be spoiled when you get back," Heather joked.  "I would love to
watch them; it'll give me a chance to learn more about Patrick before
Christmas."

Jim gave Heather a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, so much.  Joe said that
he would pick the boys up from school so you won't need to leave work
early.  He even agreed to watch them until you get home."

"So, you knew I would say yes, did you?" Heather chuckled.

Zac responded, "Not a hundred percent.  We were fairly certain, but didn't
know if you and Nick had plans.  Joe said that if you couldn't, he would."

Jim looked at Zac, "Next comes the hard part, telling Patrick and Jake,
especially Patrick."

They called the boys downstairs.  As the boys sat at the table, Zac told
them, "Boys, Dad and I need to go to South Dakota over the weekend.  We'll
be leaving before you get out of school, so Grandma has agreed to watch
you.  Uncle Joe will be picking you up after school."

Jake looked at Zac and said, "Alrighty."  Patrick was a different story.

"You're going to leave me on the weekend just like Daddy and Mom?" Patrick
began to sob.

"We have no choice, Bud, it's our job," Jim explained.  "And we'll be back
on Sunday."

"That was what Mom said, too," Patrick cried.

"I'll pick up a cell phone tomorrow and give it to Uncle Joe to give you.
I'll program Dad's and my phone number in so you can talk to one of us the
whole time we are driving.  And we'll call you Saturday and Sunday.  It
won't be a very fancy phone, but you'll be able to talk to us with it."

"I guess," Patrick said, but it was obvious that he wasn't happy.

Since Jim would be heading out of town with Zac, he rode to school with
Joe.  They were both going to the ranch for SWO and Jim wouldn't need to
leave a vehicle at the ranch.  When Zac dropped Patrick off at school,
Patrick just got out of the truck without saying a word.  "Hey Bud, don't
be like that.  I love you and I'll see you just as soon as Dad and I get
back."

Patrick turned back to Zac.  He thought about what had happened when his
parents left and how he said that he hated them.  He didn't want to make
that same mistake just in case.  "I'm sorry, Papa.  I love you, but if you
don't come back, I'll never speak to you again."  He chuckled at that last
part.

"I promise, I will be back and so will Dad," Zac assured.

Patrick asked, "What if a drunk driver hits you?"

"I know Bud, that's what's scaring you, but remember Dad's dad visiting
you?  He's visited Dad many times and he told Dad that we will live a long
time.  Dad doesn't remember how long he said, but I know we will be back
because of that.  As soon as Uncle Joe gives you that cell phone, call
Dad's number.  I should be driving at that time."

"Thanks Papa, but I'll still worry until you get home," Patrick admitted,
feeling a little better.

Zac just whispered as Patrick headed for the door, "I know you will, Bud.
I know you will."

Before heading to the ranch, Zac went to pick up a simple cell phone for
Patrick.  When he got to the ranch, Jackson was in the office.  He
apologized, "Sorry I'm late but I needed to pick up a cell phone for
Patrick.  I think he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown with Jim and I
leaving for the weekend."

"Oh my soul, I didn't even think about that.  I'm sorry, would you like for
me to send someone else?"  Jackson offered.  "I can reschedule this
conference tonight and go with one of you."

"It's bound to happen eventually and we've already made arrangements," Zac
said, "I wish Patrick never had to face this fear, but I think he'll be
better off once he does.  I feel like a bad parent making Patrick go
through this, but Jim and I can't live as prisoners to his fears, either."

Jackson just nodded his head, "You're right, you can't.  At least you're
trying to minimize the amount of fear he has to face and once he gets past
this, I think y'all will be happier.  As for being late, with the amount of
hours that you will be working this weekend, you could have come in later
if you wanted.  You are on salary, as long as the ranch is covered and you
put in the hours as we agreed, I'm not worried."

Zac looked a little downtrodden, "Thanks, Jackson.  I'm going to get my
truck ready to go, then I'm going to take Silver for a ride."  Jackson gave
Zac a smile as he went out the door.

Jim and Joe arrived at a quarter after one and Zac gave Joe the phone he
bought for Patrick.  "Remind Patrick that he can call us right away if he
wants," Zac instructed.

Joe nodded, "I will.  In fact, I'll set it on my passenger seat right now
to make sure it's there for him."

"Joe," Jackson requested, "when you come in tomorrow, take care of the
horses and get home to help distract Patrick from missing these two,
please.  I'll even pay you and Chris until four."

Joe smirked, "Works for me, but I'll see if he and Jake want to come out
and go riding."

"Riding?  I guess Matt will have to miss us this weekend," Jim stated.

Zac shook his head, "He's not riding tomorrow.  He finished signing the
contracts to buy the veterinary service so this weekend he'll be getting
everything set up to put Dr. Mann on as salaried, among other things
involved with buying a business."  Jim and Zac got in the truck and headed
out.

When it was time to pick up the boys, Jake was excited to see his Uncle
Joe, but when they arrived at the middle school, a snail passed Patrick
walking out, the boy moved so slow and had his head hanging down.  When he
opened the door, Joe looked at him, "Hey Champ, it's not going to be that
bad.  You'll get to hang with me for a couple of days, and then your dad
and papa will be back before you know it."

"Yeah, but it's not just that," Patrick started crying.  "Scott said that
he no longer wants to be my friend."

"What?" Joe was astounded, "Why?"

"Got you," Patrick said with a little smile.  "Really, Scott gave me a kiss
and said he can't wait to see me in school on Monday."

"For that, I'm going to wait to give you the phone your papa bought for
you," Joe teased.

"No, please, Uncle Joe," Patrick begged.  "I need to talk to them.  I have
a weird feeling in my belly."

"Gas?" Joe snickered as he handed the phone over.

Patrick called Jim's cell.  He heard, "There's my handsome son. What took
so long, I was expecting you to call two minutes ago."

Patrick was frantic, "Ask Papa to pull over for a few minutes, please.  I
have this weird feeling in my stomach and I've only felt it one time
before."

Zac pulled over and a car passed them with a highway patrol car in pursuit.
Jim estimated that they were doing in excess of a hundred miles an hour.
"Wow, how did you know?" Jim asked.

Patrick cried, "I didn't, but the only other time I felt that weird feeling
was maybe minutes before that drunk killed Mom and Daddy.  It's gone now."

"I'm not sure what would have happened if they hit the horse trailer at
that speed.  You may have saved our lives," Jim nearly shouted.  Patrick
continued talking with Jim until it was Jim's turn to drive, and Patrick's
phone needed charged.  Heather let the boy talk to Zac on the home phone.

When Jim and Zac arrived at their motel, Zac told Patrick, "We need to
check in but Dad will call you and talk some with you.  Don't talk too
long, we have to get up early tomorrow and it's almost your bedtime."  Jim
talked with Patrick until one in the morning, Zac was there beside him.

In the morning, the boys got dressed and headed for the ranch where Jackson
bought the colts.  A black Lexus sedan pulled into the ranch as Jim and Zac
were talking to Tony, the ranch owner.  Two boys got out of the car and
walked over.  One boy looked over to the other and said, "Are those REAL
cowboys?"

Hearing him, Jim laughed, turned to the boy and said in a bad southern
drawl, "Yup, partner, we're real cowboys!  Hi, my name is Jim and this is
Zac."  Both boys shook Jim's hand.

At that time, Tony turned to the boys and said, "You know guys, Jim and Zac
are married."  Zac was a little surprised with Tony saying that until Tony
turned and introduced the boys.  He told Zac and Jim that Trevor and Roger
were boyfriends and that he thought it would be nice if they got to see
what might be in their future.

"Guys, you should know that Roger and Trevor were adopted just a couple
days ago...  Well, Trevor a couple weeks ago, and Roger just this past
week.  They lived in the same orphanage just outside of town.  They were
roomies and Cupid got `em both with a cuppla arrows." Tony
explained. Trevor seemed to blush.

"I was actually adopted, that is, when my mom got married, the man she
married adopted me even though I was already seventeen," Zac stated.  "And
then, Jim and I adopted a little five-year-old right after we came home
from our honeymoon."  When Zac said that, he knew Jim would pull out his
phone and started showing pictures while talking about their adopted son.
And he hadn't even mentioned Patrick yet.

Mr. King was just standing there letting the boys talk.  Tony then turned
and asked if they wanted to invite Jim and Zac to ride with them.  "That
would be cool!" Roger exclaimed.

Jim looked at Zac and asked, "What do you think, Babe?"

Zac smiled and said, "We've been cooped up in that truck for seven hours
yesterday, and we're gonna be cooped up another seven tomorrow, so yeah, a
bit of outdoors sounds good to me!"

Jim laughed and again in his bad southern drawl said, "Looks like we got
ourselves a posse!"

Tony had a few of his ranch hands get five horses ready while he introduced
Mr. King to the guys.  "I won't be joining the ride," Mr. King informed
Tony, then he turned to Zac and Jim, "I understand you'll be in town
tonight and leaving tomorrow?"

Zac looked in his direction, shook his hand and said, "Yes, tomorrow we'll
head back to get these two beautiful yearling Appaloosa colts back to the
ranch."

"Well, if you two don't have any other plans, please join us for dinner
tonight." Mr. King offered.

Jim replied, "We don't want to be a bother, Sir."

"Nonsense! My husband and Roger's parents would love to get to know you."

Zac looked a little surprised, "Your Husband?"

Mr. King laughed and said, "You two think you cornered the market on two
guys getting married?"

"Definitely not, our boss is gay," Zac responded, "and his husband is a
judge."

Jim looked at Zac and you could see the love in his eyes.  He then turned
back to Mr. King and said, "We would be honored to join you, thank you for
the offer."

Tony's guys had four horses ready in just a few minutes.  While they were
talking, Jim kept staring at the guys preparing the horses.  He had kind of
a weird look in his eye.  Zac noticed and he said, "He isn't used to not
saddling his own horse, I guess he wants to make sure they do it right.
Besides, I'm sure that, like any good rider, he'll check the horse's
bindings before riding.  It's important, especially if someone else saddles
the horse."

Roger asked, "Why aren't you guys riding the horses you're buying?"

"Well, Roger, those colts are just yearlings; they're really less than a
year old and far too young to ride.  If you ride a horse too soon, you can
hurt it.  Remember like any `child' it's still developing.  Usually, we
don't ride a horse until it's about three."

"That makes sense, I'm sorry if I'm asking stupid questions.  This is the
closest I've ever been to a horse," Roger said, blushing.

Jim spoke up at this point saying, "You know, Roger, in my opinion, there
are no stupid questions.  Asking what might seem to be a simple question to
us may be something that helps build a foundation in your knowledge of a
particular subject."

Zac turned to Jim and smiled, then gave him a kiss, "How did I get so lucky
as to marry such a smart AND cute guy?"

About this time, Tony's men finished saddling up the four horses. Jim and
Zac showed the boys how to check the saddles before they checked their own.
Once they had all mounted, Tony came by with a shotgun and handed it to
Zac.  Zac nodded before placing it in the rifle scabbard of his
saddle...just in case.

They'd been riding for a few minutes when Trevor asked, "Why do we always
take a gun when we ride?"

"Trevor, my horse, Gold, and I are like one when I'm riding him, but, there
was a day when I wasn't paying attention and we came across a snake that
spooked Gold and I was hurt pretty bad.  It was entirely my fault because I
wasn't paying attention.  I had a gun and had I been paying attention I
could have shot the snake before it had a chance to spook Gold."

"Oh, okay, thanks! So, you two are married?  You don't look old enough."

"Well, I just turned 17 a little more than a month before we married, Zac
turned 18 a couple months after. I had to get permission from my Mom before
I could, but that wasn't a problem.  We only had to wait until it was legal
in Wyoming to do it.  Zac and I are soul mates; we'd be together...married
or not.  I'm sure of that." Jim answered.

"Well, I think it's legal here and when Roger and I are older I hope he'll
agree to marry me too.  I feel in my heart that we're soul mates too."
Trevor glanced over at Roger who had a huge grin on his face.

"You know we are, Babe." Roger replied.

"Man, this area is pretty nice.  Almost as nice as back home." Zac stated.

Jim added, "Yeah, and it even has a pond like Jackson's ranch.  Anyone up
for a swim?"

"Yeah, that sounds great! Roger, what do you think?" Trevor inquired.

"I'd like to, it's kinda hot, but, we're here with two others...  And I
don't have anything to swim in."

"We can just skinny-dip...  That is if Jim and Zac don't mind."

Jim looked over at Zac who nodded before saying, "We've skinny-dipped with
our one son many times...  As we told him, as long as it's just guys, who
cares.  We're up for it!"

That's all it took and they dismounted, tied the horses to a tree, then had
a race to see who could get naked first.  Roger was checking out the older
guys, as was Trevor.

They swam for about 30 minutes before Jim mentioned that he was getting a
bit hungry so everyone got out of the water and sat down by a tree.  Trevor
mentioned that it was the same tree where he and his dad had a talk.  Zac
walked over to his saddle bag and got out a bag that Tony had given him.
It had sandwiches, chips, and a couple of bottles of water.  They stayed
naked under the tree as they ate.  Trevor commented, "Um, I hope you guys
don't get the wrong impression, but I couldn't help notice that both of you
have really nice bodies."

Zac laughed before he said, "You know, Trevor, we're gay, it's absolutely
normal to check out another guy. I heard from Jim's brother Joe that he'd
read in a story on Nifty where a writer...I think his name was True Fan or
something like that said in one of his stories, `It shouldn't matter where
you get your appetite as long as you only eat at home.' That means it's
okay to look, but Roger should be the only one for you. Lots of gay guys
hop from bed to bed, having sex with just about anyone, but when you're
truly in love, that guy should be all you ever need."

Roger was laughing at that quote then said, "That quote was pretty
cool. The restaurant we're going to for dinner is called, Chez
Henri. Henri, the owner, is my dad. I was thinking of what you said and
well, how about this one, `I may own the restaurant, but, I still like to
look at the menu!'"

Everyone laughed at that one, but, Roger's reminder of dinner plans
reminded Trevor that it was probably time to start heading back. The boys
cleaned up their mess and put it back into the bag to take back to the
ranch.  They got dressed, and with the help of Jim and Zac, mounted up and
started on the way back.  During the ride they chatted some more.  Trevor
and Roger told Jim and Zac of their time in the orphanage, about finding
out that they liked each other. They mentioned how Alex had treated them
and how eventually, he came out to everyone.

Trevor showed them some pictures on his phone, especially the one of Nigel
wearing his underoos, and he even showed them a picture of him in flower
pajamas. They had a good time.

About three in the afternoon, they arrived back at Tony's ranch. Mr. King
had returned and was talking with Tony when the boys rode up.

After they dismounted, Trevor was about to walk away when Jim called him
back.  "Trevor. If you're going to ride, you need to remember that after
you ride it's your responsibility to groom the horse. I know Tony has
people to do that, but it shows respect for the horse if you do it
yourself. Think of it like telling the horse `Thank you'. Come over and
I'll show you how."

After finishing their "chores", they joined Mr. King and Tony. "How was
your ride, guys?" Mr. King asked.

"We had lots of fun, we even went skinny-dipping in the lake!" In his
enthusiasm, Roger let slip.

Mr. King looked over at the Zac and Jim, all skeptical before Trevor
explained it was his idea, not theirs. This seemed to appease him. They
chatted for a bit before Mr. King said they needed to get going so they
could shower and change for dinner. Mr. King gave directions to the
restaurant to Jim and Zac before saying goodbye.

Back in Wyoming, Joe and Chris got home from the ranch and Joe asked
Patrick if he wanted to go back to go riding.  "No, I've not talked to Dad
or Papa yet this morning.  I'm worried."

With concern in his voice, Joe asked, "Are you having that same feeling as
when you called them?"

"No," Patrick admitted, "but I'm still worried.  It's nine and they haven't
called yet."



"This is the beginning of a crossover with Priorities written by The True
Fan

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/priorities/priorities-II-9"



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