Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2016 11:32:19 -0500
From: Jim <zarek@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Another Chance: Chapter 90

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, but 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 90

Ever since Nick arrived at the hospital, several deputies had taken time
individually during their lunch breaks, to pop in and tell Nick they would
pray for Chris.  They talked encouragingly with him for a few minutes
before heading back to work.

Once they thought they had a moment to themselves, Nick and Heather tried
talking about their thoughts and concerns over Chris when Nick's phone
rang.  According to the caller ID, it was the Cody Police Department so
Nick answered it.  The Sergeant on the other end introduced himself and
asked, "Sheriff, how's your son?"

With tears running down his face, Nick croaked out, "Thank you for your
concerns, Sergeant.  He's been in surgery for three hours so far, that's
all I can tell you at this time."

The Sergeant assured him, "If he's anything like his father, I'm sure he'll
pull through."

Nick had a weak smile, "Yes, I have hope, but he's never had to test his
mettle, so to speak, so we'll see.  Is there anything else I can do for
you, Sergeant?"

"Sir, the reason I'm calling is," the Sergeant started, "I have a young man
here; he says that his name is Sebastian Hardin.  He walked in and said
that he shot a kid at school.  He even handed in the pistol that he
used. He said that he didn't even know the gun was loaded; he was just
trying to scare a `fag,' as he called him, named Jim Bolt.  I know that Jim
is your stepson and that your son Chris was shot, so I thought you should
know.  He's already called his dad; he did it right after he turned himself
in and he's currently writing out a confession.  He also said that he's
very sorry and hopes that Chris makes it."

"Yeah, well he owes Chris the apology, and as far as I'm concerned, `sorry'
just doesn't cut it.  I'm glad that he turned himself in," Nick retorted.
Then after taking a breath, he said, "I'm sorry Sergeant.  I shouldn't take
my anger out on you."

The Sergeant spoke calmly, "I understand Sheriff.  Your son is in surgery
and you're scared that you might lose him.  You have every right to be
angry and I get it.  To be honest, if it helped relieve some of your
stress, I would rather you yell at me than anything else that you could
have done."

Nick chuckled, "Yeah, it did a little, and thank you for being
understanding.  I am glad that Sebastian is owning up to it, but right
now..."

"If it helps any, when he came in, he was crying and kept saying how sorry
he was.  I believe that he was genuinely scared and remorseful about what
he did," the Sergeant explained.

Nick sounded serious, "I hope so, but he will have a long time to think
about his actions."  After Nick hung up, Heather asked about the
conversation.  She had a general idea from listening to Nick's side of it,
but he filled her in on the rest.  Together, they shared with the rest of
the family about Sebastian turning himself in.

At that time, Joe spoke up, "Dad, thinking about the look on Sebastian's
face when the gun went off, I believe that he didn't mean to fire it.  He
looked surprised and scared.  Yes, it was his actions that caused this, but
I honestly don't think he meant to hurt anyone, let alone Chris.  And he
did turn himself in."

"Alright Joe," Nick responded, swallowing hard.  "If Chris pulls through,
maybe the judge will show him some mercy and hopefully he'll learn his
lesson, but he still has to face the consequences for his actions."

"I can agree to that," a young man cried.  Nick turned toward the voice and
saw a boy around Chris's age.  He was wearing blue jeans, an orange hoodie
and was handcuffed.  Tears were running down his face and he was being
escorted by two police officers.  Nick had never seen this boy before but
he knew exactly who he was.

Nick looked at the officers and snarled, "What's he doing here?"

One officer spoke, "He refused to sign his statement until he found out how
your son was doing.  We didn't think it would hurt.

"Sir," Sebastian cried, "I honestly didn't mean to shoot anyone.  I am
truly sorry for hurting Chris but I can never take that back.  If I could,
I would.  I wish that I never picked up my Dad's gun.  I ejected the
magazine so I thought it was empty.  I don't care if the judge shows mercy,
I deserve whatever happens, but I sincerely hope Chris will be alright."

Nick wanted to be nice and forgiving, but at the time, he just couldn't.
He growled, "Look, you little punk, it should be you lying on that table,
not my son.  Do you have any idea what you're doing to my family just with
you being here?"

With his head down, Sebastian relented, "You're right, I didn't think about
that; I'm so sorry.  Officers, please take me back to the station and I'll
sign my statement.  I really do hope that Chris lives, and I mean that for
Chris's sake and not just because of what will happen to me."

As the officers escorted Sebastian out, Heather pulled Nick into an
embrace.  She whispered, "I know you're hurting and now may not have been
the right time for him to show up.  I'm hurting too but I could see that he
really is sorry."

"I know," Nick agreed, "but as you said, now isn't the right time.  If
Chris pulls through, I may be able to forgive him, but not right now."
Tears were flowing down Nick's cheek.  Heather continued to hold him and
caress his back.

Jim looked at Zac and whispered, "He was aiming the gun at me.  Chris is a
hero.  If it wasn't for him, I'd be the one lying in there."

Zac squeezed Jim's hand, "I know, but..."

Jim kissed Zac's hand, and said, "No but.  That's just a fact, I'm not
saying that I'm to blame, but I do owe Chris big time."

Zac smiled, "Knowing you, I'm glad that you understand this isn't your
fault.  As for owing Chris, you know he won't think that."

Vince and Marilyn had been sitting with them, but left so they could take
care of Zayne.  Jackson stopped at a KFC and picked up several buckets of
chicken before heading to the hospital.  He didn't know if the family would
eat any of it, but he was sure they were getting hungry.  When he walked
into the waiting room, a nurse asked if he would like a table to set the
chicken on.

Zac fixed a plate for Jake with a leg and some coleslaw.  Patrick asked if
he could have a breast and Jackson picked one out for him.  The rest of the
family did eat a little, but the chicken didn't disappear very quickly.

Dusty and Cheyenne stopped in for a few minutes.  They talked with Nick and
Heather and then told Jim to keep them posted.  Matt and Gina stopped in to
offer their support.  Brock, Tina and the younger Brock stopped in as well.
Nick was surprised with everyone who came in.  He knew that Chris made lots
of friends since he started working at the ranch, but so many people
wanting to wish him the best was almost overwhelming.  Several people that
he had never met before came to see how Chris was doing.

It had been slightly more than four hours since Chris went into surgery
when a doctor approached the family.  Jim thought that the doctor wasn't
looking too happy and hoped that wasn't a sign.  "Sheriff, the slug that I
removed from your son appears to have been a hollow-point, so there was
extensive damage.  Fortunately, nothing vital was hit, but it was a lot of
work repairing the damage that was done.  He lost a lot of blood and did
lose a part of his spleen and he's not totally out of the woods yet, so to
speak, but we are hopeful.  Only time will tell."

Nick sobbed, "Thank you, Doctor.  May my wife and I go see him?"

"He's in Recovery right now and will be moved to ICU.  Once he's in ICU,
you can visit, but I request that other than the two of you, please
restrict the visitors to one person at a time and no one under sixteen at
this time.  Once he wakes up, we'll have a nurse come get you."

Patrick looked at Jim a little confused and asked, "What did the doctor
just say about Uncle Chris, did he say that he'll be okay?"

Jim hugged Patrick tightly and replied, "Not exactly.  He said that they
are hopeful but nothing definite at this time."

Patrick hugged Jim, "I know what my birthday wish will be, but I really
don't want to have the party without Uncle Chris."

Jim patted his back lightly, "I know Bud, I feel the same way."  Jim pulled
Patrick onto his lap and hugged him tightly.

Principal Duncan walked into the waiting room and asked about Chris.  Nick
informed him, "He's out of surgery and they're hopeful.  Right now he's in
the recovery room and they said a nurse would let me know when he wakes
up."

Principal Duncan said, "I'm sure this is the least of your concerns right
now, but the teachers and I talked.  They feel it wouldn't be fair to
Chris, failing him for missing his final exams next week.  Once he is able,
he can come to school and take the exams as if he would next week.  To be
fair to the teachers, and since I will be there anyway, I will administer
the exams."

Nick gave a weak smile, "You're right, I'm not worried about that now, but
I really do appreciate it, so I'm sure Chris will too."

"It's the least we can do.  Chris should have been safe on school grounds;
I feel like we let him down," Duncan stated.

"In a way you did, but Chris was outside," Nick acknowledged.  "Still, he
should have been safe, but I can understand how much harder it made your
job of keeping him safe."

Principal Duncan suggested, "I'm thinking of making it school policy that
students need to remain in the building during lunch.  I realize that it's
too late for this incident but it would help prevent any future ones."

Nick shook his head, "Part of me agrees with you, but the students need to
be able to go outside and be active if they wish.  Even if you did enact
it, someone planning something like this would just wait until after
school.  I appreciate the gesture, but I don't think that's the answer.
Perhaps more police in the vicinity during lunch, possibly even having
officers on school grounds.  It's still not a perfect solution, but..."

Duncan looked thoughtful and concurred, "I don't know if that'll help, but
I can ask the Police Department, it couldn't hurt.  I just know that I need
to consult with the school board and take appropriate action to prevent
this from ever happening again."

Nick gave Duncan a smile, "I already have some deputies who stopped in and
said they would be happy to be on school grounds during the lunch periods.
I told them that I would talk to you and the Police Department before I
could authorize it."

Duncan agreed, "Yes, as long as the Police don't feel the Deputies are
stepping on their toes, I have no problem with it."

It had been another hour before a nurse came over to Nick, "Sheriff, your
son just opened his eyes and he asked for you."

Nick grabbed Heather's hand and led her to the room.  He started to cry as
he walked towards Chris's room and Heather was shedding tears as well.
With a raspy voice, Chris asked, "Dad, Mom, what's wrong?"

Nick smiled, "Nothing now, we were afraid that we had lost you.  These are
happy tears.  Do you remember anything of what happened?"

Chris nodded his head, "A boy had a gun; Joe said his name was Sebastian.
He had it aimed at Jim, so I reacted.  As I was pushing Jim out of the way,
I heard the gun fire.  Then I felt a burning sensation in my side.  How bad
am I?"

"You lost a lot of blood and part of your spleen.  The doctor said that the
damage was extensive but nothing vital was hit.  I wish that you hadn't
been shot, but we have no way of knowing for sure where Jim would have been
had you not pushed him. You may have saved his life and I'm so proud of
you.  Then Jim took off his shirt and applied pressure while Joe called for
help.  They said that if Jim hadn't acted like he did, you would have bled
out," Nick spoke with pride in his voice.

With a tear running down his cheek, Chris smiled and said, "Cool.  Losing
him would have hurt worse than the gunshot.  I may have saved his life but
he saved mine."

Heather brushed Chris's hair with her hand, "Jim felt responsible at first,
but Joe was able to convince him that it was Sebastian's fault, not his."

Chris coughed a little and grabbed his side.  Nick told him to sip some
water.  After taking a few sips, Chris's throat felt better but he grunted,
"I'm glad that Joe was able to, Jim didn't do anything to cause it."

Nick kissed Chris's forehead and said, "We're going to leave you to rest.
We'll check in on you, tomorrow."

Chris asked, "Before you go, what about Sebastian?  Have the police
arrested him yet?  And I'll be missing the finals so I'm guessing I'll have
to repeat this school year.  On the bright side, I'll actually graduate
with kids my age."

Nick could hear a little sadness in Chris's voice.  He was pleased to
inform his son, "Sebastian turned himself in.  He claimed that he didn't
know the gun was loaded, but he wants to take full responsibility.  And as
for school, Principal Duncan said that you can take your exams after you
get out of the hospital.  The teachers understand why you won't be in
classes and are willing to work with you."

Chris gave a weak smile, "That's good.  Can you send Jim back?  I'd like to
see everyone else, too, but not today."

Nick grinned, "I'm sure they'll understand."

After Nick told everyone that Chris needed rest and would appreciate it if
they came back another time, he sent Jim back to see him.  As soon as he
walked into the room, Chris asked, "What's this that I hear about you
blaming yourself for me getting shot?  You didn't pull the trigger, and you
didn't force me to push you out of the way."

Jim smiled, almost laughing, "OK, Joe.  That's almost the same thing he
told me, and you're both right.  Thank you, I know where that gun was
aimed.  You saved my life and I can never repay you."

"You already did," Chris argued.  "I remember seeing you take off your
shirt without any hesitation and applying pressure to the wound.  And then
you and Joe kept talking to me, keeping me somewhat alert until the EMTs
arrived.  Dad said the doctor told him that you saved my life."

Jim cried, "I love you, Chris.  You are my brother."

Chris grabbed Jim's hand and stated, "I know you do.  You've treated me
like a brother ever since we met; you've helped me in so many ways.  I love
you, too."

Jim chuckled, "You like that band, too?"  Chris gave him a dumbfounded look
so he explained, "There used to be a rock band called U2, so when I told
Zac I loved him and he returned the comment, I teased him about saying he
loved the band.  It took him a long time before he said `too' again when he
said that he loved me."

Chris started to laugh.  Placing his hand over his incision, he groaned, "I
can see you doing that.  I may try it on Chelsie."

They talked for a while until Chris started to yawn, Jim took that as a
sign to head home and let him sleep.  He found Zac almost alone in the
waiting room; Jake was asleep on his lap and Patrick was leaning against
him, fast asleep.  Jim had to snap a picture before suggesting, "I guess we
need to get the boys home."

Zac nodded his head, "Yeah, but other than a piece of chicken, they haven't
really eaten anything yet and it's late.  Should we stop at McDonald's for
supper?"

Jim agreed, "Yeah, I think they would like that."

Friday at school was just graduation practice for the seniors and then
their SWO or Student Work Opportunity.  Joe whispered to Jim, "By the time
we graduate, we should be able to do this in our sleep."

Jim chuckled, "Yeah, and just think, next week will be nothing but
practice.  We won't even get out early for SWO."

When they took a recess from practice, several students asked Jim and Joe
about Chris.  Jim thanked everyone for their concern and told them Chris
was doing well, considering.  Upon hearing those questioning Jim about,
Principal Duncan decided to make an announcement, "Yesterday, a former
student came onto the school grounds with a gun.  While he claims that he
didn't mean to shoot anyone, but he did, and Chris Archer is in the
hospital.  Fortunately, the shooter turned himself in, but I want everyone
to be aware, we are taking action to prevent this from happening again.  As
for Chris Archer, he came through the surgery and the doctors are hopeful
that he will make a complete recovery.  As I understand it, Chris is still
in ICU and the hospital will allow only one visitor at a time.  If a group
of you decide to go visit him, please designate one person to represent
you.  After all, we don't want to wear Chris out too much.  That is all."

Once Jim and Joe arrived at the ranch, Jackson greeted them.  He told Jim,
Zac and Joe, "If you boys would rather be at the hospital, I'll
understand."

Jim was the first to speak up, "If we went, they wouldn't allow all of us
visit at the same time, and I'm sure Chris could use the rest.  Besides,
who knows how many kids from school will try visiting him."  Joe and Zac
agreed.

Jim and Zac picked up the boys and Patrick didn't look happy.  Zac asked,
"What's wrong, Bud?"

Patrick replied, "I was just thinking more about Uncle Chris.  I'm glad
that he's awake but he still won't be able to attend the party."

Jim had a tear run down his cheek, "I know how you feel, I've been thinking
about it ever since we talked at the hospital.  If the party was just for
me, I would have asked to cancel it or postpone it, but the party is more
for you.  And with it less than twenty-four hours away, neither would be
easy."

Patrick wiped his eyes with the palms of his hands.  He asked, "Then can we
have a second party after Uncle Chris is able to come?"

Jim smiled, "You better believe we can.  And I'm sure that Uncle Chris will
be happy to know it was your idea."

Patrick wept, "I wish that I could go see him."

Zac drove to the hospital instead of going back to the ranch.  Patrick
started crying more and a nurse walked over, "Are you alright?  Is there
something I can help you with?"

Jim spoke softly, "My brother was shot yesterday and he's in ICU.  Patrick
is my son, and before you say anything, Zac has the papers to prove we did
adopt him, so Chris is his uncle and he would really like to see him, but
he's not sixteen."

The nurse looked at Patrick and handed him a tissue.  She asked him,
"When's your birthday?"

Between his tears he said, "Tomorrow but I'll only be..."

The nurse cut him off, "Sixteen?  You'll be sixteen years old tomorrow?  I
think we can bend the rules this one time and let you in one day early."
Then the nurse gave Patrick a wink, causing him to smile.  She turned to
Jim, "And Chris is doing better so I don't think anyone will mind if you go
back with him.  The doctor is talking about a moving Chris to a regular
room maybe as soon as tomorrow.  If he does, you won't have any issues with
visiting."

Jim and Patrick made their way to Chris's room.  Chris's face lit up when
he saw Patrick.  Chris announced, "Your dad told me how worried you were.
It made me feel good.  I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend your party
tomorrow."

Patrick got a sheepish grin on his face, "If you didn't want to come, you
could have just said so.  You didn't have to get shot to get out of it."

Chris started to laugh, he still cringed a little but not as badly as he
did yesterday, "You definitely belong with this one.  I wish that I could
attend."

Jim gently clasped his hands on Patrick's shoulders, "This one wanted to
postpone the party for you but I when I told him that it was a bit late for
that, he suggested a second party."

Chris smiled, "You don't have to have a second party.  I'll be there in
spirit, just sneak me a piece of cake.  Dad and Mom can take my present to
the party."

Patrick gave Chris a hug as best he could.  "I will miss you at the party,
but I'm glad you're going to be alright."

Chris had a tear run down his face.  He placed his arms around Patrick and
said, "I'm glad too.  I can't wait to see the man you are becoming.  I may
not be your dad or papa, but I am so proud of you."

Patrick gave Chris a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "I'm proud to have
you as an uncle too, Uncle Chris.  Dad keeps calling you a hero for risking
your life to save his.  Thank you."

Seeing the two interact, Jim couldn't help but sob.  He didn't understand
how he was so lucky to have either one of them in his life, let alone both.
He let Patrick take his time visiting with Chris but eventually said that
they needed to head out so Zac could come back.

As Zac entered Chris's room, Jake snuggled against Jim. He whispered, "I
wish I could see Uncle Chris, too, but Papa says that I'm too young."

Jim looked sad, "That's true, Buddy, but they may move Uncle Chris to a
regular room tomorrow.  If they do, you'll be able to see him."

Jake squealed, "FOR REALS!"

Jim held his ears but smiled at Jake's reaction.  Grinning, he replied,
"For reals, Buddy."  Then he gave the boy a hug.

Zac looked at Chris and said, "I can never thank you enough for saving
Jim's life.  You know what he means to me.  I feel bad that you got shot,
but I am happy that Jim didn't."

Chris whispered, "And I'll do it again if I ever have to.  Jim's my
brother, so no one owes me anything."

"I hear you," Zac replied, "but I would rather neither of you get shot.
You are my brother."

Chris grinned, "Technically, I'm your stepbrother-in-law, but I know what
you mean, and it does make me feel good that you just say `brother.'"

Zac nodded, "That's the way I see it.  You and Joe are as much my brothers
as you are Jim's."

Chris had a tear run down his face.  He said, "You've always treated us
like we are your brothers.  I don't know about Joe, but I suspect you did
him ever since you met him, and I know you did me.  I wish that I could go
in on the ranch with you guys, but I don't have that kind of money."

Zac gave Chris a smile, "Even if you don't put a penny in towards buying
the ranch, you will always be a part of it.  If you want to help with the
decision making, I have no problem with including you."

"Thanks," Chris responded, "It's not the same, but I'll take what I can
get."

Zac assured Chris, "We have time before we make the purchase.  Jim, Joe,
Jackson and I will discuss it and see what we can do.  I never want you to
feel like we're leaving you out, purposely."

Chris replied, "I know you wouldn't.  I know that originally it was just
going to be you and Jim but Joe offered to help with the ranch and help buy
it.  I just don't have money like everyone else does."

Zac said, "Chris, we were fortunate to be given the money, but this was a
dream for Jim and I since before we were given the money to buy a ranch.
We originally were planning to get a loan until Joe received his money and
planned to pay for Jim's schooling."

Chris smiled, "He offered to pay for mine, too."

Zac continued, "I know what the ranch makes.  If you were to get a loan to
cover a fifth, you could easily pay it back in a few years.  Once you're
out of the hospital, we'll have a meeting with everyone to discuss it."

Chris looked thoughtful, "Will I be able to get a loan?  I don't turn
eighteen for another year and six months."

Zac looked as serious as a heart attack, "You want to be a part of the
ranch, we will work something out.  We may not be able to put your name on
the deed until you are eighteen, but we will figure it out."

Chris grinned, "I appreciate that.  I know that Jim and Joe will agree and
I don't see Jackson having a problem with it."

Zac relaxed a bit and told Chris, "I'm sure that Jackson won't have a
problem either."

Chris looked peaceful, almost angelic as he nestled into his pillows.  Zac
felt like Chris was getting tired but didn't want to kick him out.  Zac
told Chris that he was heading out but they would come back after the
party.

Saturday morning, Jake woke Patrick up by pushing his eyelids up.  He
asked, "Are you awake?"

Patrick grumbled, "I am now.  You hurt my eyes doing that."

Jake pouted, "I'm sorry, but I saw them do it on cartoons to see if the
other one was awake.  I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday."

Patrick couldn't stay upset with Jake for too long and he responded, "Give
me a kiss on my cheek, and promise never to do that again and I'll forgive
you."

Jake grinned, kissed Patrick on the cheek and agreed, "I promise.  Daddy
and Papa should be up here soon.  They made breakfast for you and Scott."

Scott rolled and looked at Jake.  He said, "Today's not MY birthday."  Then
he gave Patrick a kiss and whispered, "Happy birthday, Babe."

Jim and Zac came in carrying two trays with food.  Zac place his tray over
Patrick's lap and Jim gave Scott his.  As they gave them their trays, they
said in unison, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"  Jake was eyeballing the bacon on the
trays.  Jim told Scott, "We thought you would like to eat breakfast with
the birthday boy.  We have plenty of bacon downstairs, so if you want more,
come down before Jake eats it all."  Jake headed downstairs.

Scott joked, "Too late."

After they ate breakfast, Patrick and Scott showered together and then went
downstairs.  Zac, Jim and Jake were waiting on them.  They loaded into the
truck and headed for the ranch.  Once there, Jim suggested, "Today is your
birthday so if you want to go riding instead of helping me, you can."

Patrick looked surprised, "Can we help you and THEN go riding?"

"Yeah Bud," Jim said, grinning.  "If you want to help, you're always
welcome to."

Patrick had gotten so used to helping with the horses that he and Jim were
done very early thanks to Scott helping.  Jim helped them saddle Patrick's
Dream and Bootsie.  He looked at Scott and asked, "Do you like Bootsie?"

"He's a nice horse, but I prefer mustangs, myself," Scott replied.

Jim looked thoughtful, "I was thinking about reserving him for you once we
own the ranch, since you're always riding him when you're with us, but if
you prefer mustangs, maybe we can look at a few.  With summer vacation
starting in a few weeks, I suspect that you'll be spending a lot of time
with us."

Scott grinned, "As much as Mom and Dad will let me.  They said that
Patrick's allowed to spend time at our house too, but figure it'll be
easier for me to spend time here."

The boys were sitting atop of their mounts and Jim told them to have fun
before he went into the office.  Zac looked thoughtful so Jim asked,
"What's on your mind?"

Zac replied, "I'm just thinking about Chris and what we talked about
yesterday.  I told him that once he's out of the hospital, Jackson, Joe,
you and I need to have a meeting with him."

Jackson and Joe walked in at that moment.  Jackson asked, "And what will we
be meeting about?"

Zac looked surprised.  He wasn't planning to discuss this until Chris was
out of the hospital, but here it was.  He answered, "Chris wants to be a
part of our ranch, and he doesn't mean just help us.  He wants to
contribute money to help purchase it and he would like to be a part owner
with us."

Joe asked, "So like, we all own a fifth?"

Zac said, "Yeah, that's what he wants.  But he won't be eighteen until
November of next year."

Jackson was shaking his head.  He insisted, "That just won't work for me."

Zac was surprised to hear Jackson say that.  He queried, "What do you mean?
I know that you like Chris, so what's wrong?"

"Wrong?" Jackson smirked, "I want you and Jim to own half the ranch, not
two-fifths.  I want you to have total control of what happens.  No, I
devise that the two of you own half.  Joe and Chris can own a fifth each
and I'll retain ten percent.  Furthermore, if a decision needs to be made
and I'm not around to vote, however Jim and Zac vote will be my vote as
well.  Does that work for everyone?"

Zac chuckled, "Yeah, I think everyone will be happy with that, but who gets
Chris's share until we can put his name on the deed?

Matt walked in on them.  Jim didn't even realize that ten o'clock crept up
on them.  Matt said, "I'll cover Chris's share and then he can pay me back
as he can.  You can put my name on the deed until his can replace it."

Jim gasped, "Crap, I don't have the horses ready for you to go riding.  I'm
sorry."

Zac chuckled, "Thanks Matt.  I'm sure that Chris will appreciate hearing
that."

"Yeah well," Matt began, "Tell Chris that I don't care how long it takes
for him to repay me.  I've heard most of the discussion and I want him to
know that he's the owner of his share."  Then turning to Jim, "As for you,
I think you should quit preparing our horses in advance.  Gina and I should
be helping to groom them before we ride as well as after."

Jim nodded his head, "That works for me.  It'll make my job easier."

Matt looked around, "So where is the birthday boy?  I wanted to give him
his spankings."

Jim laughed, "He's riding with his boyfriend.  They've been gone for a
couple of hours.  That reminds me, do you remember how upset Jake got last
year at my impromptu party?"

Matt's face lit up, "Yeah, He really didn't like the idea of spanking.
That was just over a year ago.  When was your birthday, three days ago, if
I remember correctly?"

Jim nodded, "You remember correctly, and Jake doesn't mind birthday
spankings now.  He knows they are just for fun and we don't spank for them
to hurt.  Watch this."  Jim walked to the door and looked at Jake playing
with cars in the sandbox Jackson had made.  "Jake, Matt wants to know if
you'll help him give Daddy some birthday spankings."

Jake got up and ran towards the door.  He looked at Matt and said, "OK."

Matt chuckled, "Do you want to hold him and me spank him, or do you want to
spank?"

"I'll spank," Jake said with an evil grin.

Matt laughed, "OK, I'll hold him over my lap, you spank him eighteen times
and we'll count."  Jim willingly laid across Matt's lap and Jake started
spanking him.  When Matt said eighteen, Jake stopped so Matt said, "Now
give him one to grow on."

Jake walked in front of Jim, placed both hands on his face and kissed him.
He said, "Daddy, that's one to grow on."

As Jim was getting up, Matt gave him a pinch to grow an inch.  Jim rubbed
where Matt pinched and looked at Jake.  He told his son, "I liked your one
to grow on.  When Patrick gets back, you should give his birthday
spankings."  Jake just grinned.

Jim, Matt and Gina stood up to prep their horse and Patrick came running
in.  Seeing Matt he said, "Oh good.  I was afraid that we missed being able
to ride with you."

Matt winked at Jake and told Patrick, "Today is your birthday.  If you want
to ride with me, you have to lay across my lap for birthday spankings."

Patrick was a little reluctant, but he laid across Matt's lap and asked,
"You're not going to make them hurt I hope."

Matt said, "That's up to my assistant.  I'm just going to hold you on my
lap."  Patrick looked pleadingly at Gina and was caught by surprise when
Jake gave him a swat.  Everyone counted to twelve for Jake and then told
him it was time for one to grow on. When Jake kissed Patrick, Patrick gave
him a hug.

Patrick said, "I like this new tradition.  Are we going to keep doing
that?"

Zac nodded, "I'm all for it."

While Jim, Patrick, Jake, Scott, Matt and Gina went riding, Zac and Jackson
decorated the barn.  People started showing up just after noon.  It didn't
take long to groom the horses after the ride and for them to join the
party.  Everyone wished Jim a belated birthday but made out like this was
an important day for Patrick.  Patrick looked at the cake and exclaimed,
"Dad, those look like Gold and Patrick's Dream, or their heads, anyway.
Whoever decorated it did an awesome job."

Jim told Patrick, "Two years ago, Jackson took a picture of Gold and the
decorator made the center of the cake look just like him.  I would wager
that he went to the same decorator for this cake."

Jackson said, "I won't take that bet.  I know it was the same decorator.  I
take it that you like it?"  Patrick grinned and nodded his head.  As the
party was winding down, Patrick was getting ready to open presents.  Vince
looked at him and said that his present was outside.  Everyone went to see
what it was.  Vince said, "You know your Mustang?"

Patrick answered, "You mean Patrick's Dream?"

Vince shook his head, "Not that mustang, the Mustang that was left to you."

Patrick looked embarrassed, "Oh, that one, yeah.  You had to replace the
engine and transmission."

Vince nodded, "Well, I said that those were not Christmas presents, but I
worked hard getting the car done for your birthday.  That is my present to
you."  Vince revealed the ruby red '65 Mustang.  "You can't drive it on the
streets yet, but there is a field where you can practice.  Your dads and I
have agreed that we will teach you how to drive, but you are not allowed to
start the car without one of us until you are allowed to drive on public
streets."

Patrick blinked his eyes a few times.  He remembered how the car looked
when he first showed it to Zac.  He couldn't believe how beautiful the car
looked now.  "Am I dreaming?"

Zac put his hand on Patrick's shoulder, "No Bud, you're not dreaming.
Grandpa Vince worked hard to get everything done so you could have it
today.  After the party, if you want to drive it to the field where you can
practice you can, but Dad or Grandpa need to ride with you, and then I will
follow to bring you back."

Patrick just cooed, "Cool..."

Jim looked down, "That present will make everything else look less
attractive."

"No way Dad," Patrick assured.  "Yeah, that was an awesome present, but
it's one I can't really use yet.  Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate
all that Grandpa did, but I'll appreciate it more when I can really drive
it."

Patrick opened a few other presents.  Chris gave him a Blu-ray player while
Joe gave him some movies on Blu-ray.  Saving their present for last,
Patrick finally got to Jim and Zac's present and he noticed Jim was playing
with his phone.  He figured that Jim was just taking pictures, but Jim was
actually texting, "Get ready."

Patrick opened the box and saw a Samsung Galaxy GS7 Edge.  He looked at the
phone and with just a quick glance, he noticed that Skype was open to video
chat.  "Dad, is that you?"

While staring at Jim, he hears a voice, "Nope, it's not him, but he did
start the video chat with us right before wrapping it up.  It was dark in
that box."

Patrick looked at the phone, "Trevor and Roger, I was hoping to hear from
you two."

Jim spoke up, "Papa and I believe you've proven how responsible you are.
All that we ask is that you continue showing that same responsibility.  The
same rules that go for your laptop apply to the phone."

Patrick looked happy, "Thanks Papa and Dad.  I promise not to let you
down."  Then he looked at the phone, "Want to see everyone that showed up?"

Trevor answered, "Sure, that would be cool."

Patrick started scanning the room with his new phone until he heard Roger,
"Slow down, you're making me dizzy."  Patrick chuckled but slowed down.

After he was done showing them, he turned the phone back so they could see
him and Scott moved in close to say hi.  Trevor asked, "Did you get my
present yet?"

Patrick answered, "Not yet, but we left before the mail arrived today."

Roger said, "Well, I hope you like it."

While Patrick continued chatting with Trevor and Roger, Jackson stood on
the platform.  He pulled an envelope out of his pocket and said, "Jim and
Zac.  Bobby and Nick King heard about your future endeavors and wanted to
give you some seed money.  In this envelope is a check for ten thousand
dollars to go towards the ranch."

Heather spoke up at this time, "We were keeping it as a surprise for you
boys, but Nate King and I have started the Another Chance Foundation.  We
have been receiving donations ever since Christmas.  It's up to the two of
you whether you add this to the foundation, or if you have something you
would like to use it for.  Once you take ownership of the ranch, the two of
you and I will be trustees of the foundation to decide where its funds go."

Jim and Zac were stunned.  They didn't know what to say about this news.
Joe finally asked, "Off hand, do you have any idea how much is in the
foundation right now?"

Heather nodded, "I know exactly how much is in it.  I'm the one who's been
making the deposits.  Again, once ownership of the ranch takes place, I
will sit down with all of the owners and we will discuss the amount, and
what plans you have."

The party wrapped up and Patrick said, "I'll talk to you in a bit.  We're
getting ready to see Uncle Chris."

Trevor started, "Wish him a..."

Patrick cut him off, "I'm planning to Skype you there, so you can tell him
yourself, OK?"

Trevor and Roger agreed, "Yeah, that would be awesome."

When they got to the hospital, Jim asked if he could go see Chris.  The
nurse at the desk said, "I'm sorry, he's no longer with us."

Jim looked horrified until another nurse came over.  Jim recognized her and
she explained, "She's new here.  What she meant was, Chris moved to A wing,
room 91, I believe."  Then she looked at Patrick and said, "Happy Birthday
Patrick.  Did you enjoy your visit yesterday?"

Patrick felt elated that she remembered him, "I sure did.  Thank you very
much."

Then she asked, "How old are you really?"

Patrick giggled and said, "I turned twelve today."

She informed him, "Well, now that Chris is in a regular room, you will have
no problem seeing your uncle.  Even the little one will be able to go in."

Patrick asked, "Am I allowed to sneak birthday cake into him?"

The nurse giggled this time, "You don't have to sneak it in.  He is on a
regular diet."

Jim asked, "Would you like a piece?  My birthday was three days ago so the
cake was for Patrick and me."

She winked at Patrick, "I would love to have some of Patrick's birthday
cake."

After Zac gave her a piece, they made their way to see Chris.  They found
his room, but he wasn't in the bed.  Hearing the toilet flush, they waited.
Chris came out and climbed into bed, claiming, "I'm glad I'm out of ICU.
They forced me to use a bed pan."

Scott and Patrick said, "Ewww!"

Jim declared, "It's good to see you're able to get up."

Patrick stated, "Uncle Chris, we brought what was left of the birthday
cake.  The nurse that let me see you yesterday said that we didn't need to
sneak it."

"I like her, if it's who I think it is," Chris replied.  "Was it Darla
Hampton?  I didn't get to see her until after you left and she asked about
my visit with my nephew.  And as soon as I saw her, I recognized her.
She's Chelsie's mom."

Zac blurted out, "Wait, your girlfriend's mom was your nurse?"

Chris chuckled, "Yeah, I'm glad that she likes me."

Jake stood just high enough that his eyes were above the bed.  In a soft
voice, he said, "Uncle Chris, I missed you.  I wanted to come see you but
they said I was too young."

A tear rolled down Chris's face as he requested, "Will one of you put Jake
on the bed so I can hug him?"

Jim picked him up and placed him on the bed.  Jake went to Chris and gave
him a hug and kiss, then nestled next to him.  Zac captured the moment on
his phone.  He looked at Chris and said, "We kinda had that meeting I said
I wanted to have after you get out of here.  I was surprised but Jackson
wouldn't go for it as we thought."

Chris sighed, "At least you tried."

"Jim and Joe were all for it, but Jackson said no," Zac explained, and then
he told Chris what Jackson and Matt proposed.  He explained how Matt said
that he didn't want Chris to need a bank loan and could just pay him.
Chris smacked him for making him think he was being left out by Jackson.

Chris said, "I was trying to figure out why Jackson wouldn't like the
idea. I knew that he liked me, so it just didn't make sense, but I do like
his suggestion.  I agree, you two should own half."

Patrick showed Chris his new phone and opened the Skype app.  He sent a
video chat request to Trevor and Trevor answered right away.  Roger came
into view beside Trevor and they said in unison, "Hey Chris.  You're
looking good for someone who was shot.  The way Patrick explained it, you
are a hero."

Chris argued, "I was just protecting my brother."

Trevor stated, "I learned in school that a true hero is one willing to risk
their life to protect another, unlike the so-called sports heroes."

Roger agreed, "Yeah, whose life are they saving and how are they risking
their lives?  Those in the military, police, and firefighters are heroes.
Those who push their brother out of the way of a gun are heroes."

Chris chuckled and noticed that his wound barely hurt this time.  He
averred, "As I said, I'm not really a hero, I was just being a brother.  I
like you Roger and am glad that Patrick has you as a friend.  I wish you
and Trevor a long and happy life together."

Trevor said, "Thanks, Chris.  Dad and Daddy said to wish you a speedy
recovery.  Roger and I already planned to, so that's from all four of us."

After spending time with Chris, making him feel good, they finally went
home.  Zac grabbed the mail and sorted through it.  Suddenly he announced,
"Patrick, you have a thick envelope from Trevor and Roger."

Patrick opened the papers and scanned through them.  Scott tried scanning
with him.  He inquired, "Dad, Papa, what do these papers mean?"

Zac took the papers and read through them.  After he finished, he stated,
"You have twelve hundred shares of stock in Coca-Cola.  In essence, every
time someone drinks a Coke, they are putting money in your pocket."

Patrick went into the kitchen and came back with five cans of Coke.  He
handed one to everyone.




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