Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2016 17:51:20 -0500
From: Pete Bruno <farmboy7456@gmail.com>
Subject: Deer Crossing Farm Chapter 7

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A Single Soul
Book 3

Deer Crossing Farm
Chapter 7
Sorry is the Hardest Word

			   Monday, May 24, 2010

"Jimmy, I just don't know what your problem is," George said while Jim
stared straight ahead, his jaw tight with frustration.

They were flying back to Delaware after visiting Bonnie; the plane was
being held in Delaware for a couple of weeks.  Declan and Dave were on
vacation in England and would be arriving back in the States in time for
little Kelly's birthday.  It had all worked out well.  Matt and Jim needed
to make a few trips to North Carolina to check on the Potter's Wheel and
using the plane would save them much needed time.

Matt had returned from California with the triplets, along with Ollie their
nanny.  The newcomers had been settled at the farm for over a week and
things were finally settling down.  MJ and Jimmer, just like all kids at
their age, were interested in their new siblings for a few days and then
moved on to the next new thing.  Ryan, having lost his Uncle Clinton, had
transferred his morning attention to the babies and Ollie-who, thank God,
was unflappable. Caring for triplets with a super hyper four-year-old
chatterbox as his shadow Matt thought he was so great he thought he should
give him a raise.

Al, on the other hand, fussed like a mother hen for the first three days
but soon became distracted by his own work-running the house and planning a
big party for Kelly's birthday.

It was going to be quite the event and with all Jim's family coming to meet
Jude and there was much to do.  Adding to the circus, was the arrival of
the Billy and Tim from Philly, home for the summer and in two short weeks
Derrick and Wolf would have moved in.  The good news was that Travis,
Billy, and Tim would be settling next door with Frank as there was plenty
of room in the old farm house, except for the kitchen which was, at the
moment, gutted in preparation for its extension and the addition of a
family room, which Matt thought a waste since they ate with them almost
every night.

All this was just fine with Al- and with Travis and Wolf for that matter as
the same construction company that built the guest cottages was engaged to
do the work, so the willing bottom, who was the site manager, would be
around for at least another four months which gave them access to the hot
electrician.  Even with all that was going, on George finally convinced
them to finally visit Bonnie.

"Dad, I don't have a problem," Jim replied tersely as the plane
climbed. Matt knew why Jim was upset-and agreed with him one hundred
percent.

"Don't try and bullshit me son, I can tell just by your body language,"
George added, not letting the subject drop. "I thought you mother was very
nice to both of you."

That, Matt was sure, was the worst thing George could have said. "Yeah Dad,
she was freaking lovely," Jim answered sarcastically while Matt prayed
silently that George would just let it drop, of course that was not going
to happen.

"What more do you want?  She said that she was sorry that you guys were
hurt by her actions," George said, defending his ex-wife.  Matt glanced
over and saw the veins throbbing in Jim's neck.  The big man was really
angry and just didn't respond to his father's statement.

Of course George just couldn't leave it.  "So that wasn't enough for you?"
he pushed, and again Jim remained silent.  Of course now it was Matt's turn
and he turned to him. "What do you think Matty, were you satisfied with her
apology?"

"It wasn't a fucking apology Dad!" Jim exploded, shocking his father before
Matt could answer.  "She said 'I'm sorry YOU were offended', not that 'I'm
sorry I offended you'; there's a big difference.  All she did was try to
lay the blame on us-sorry you were offended.  How about 'I'm sorry for all
the nasty terrible things I said to, and about you'?  That's not an
apology," he answered, trying to force himself to be calm, the
disappointment was clearly visible on his face.

"You're just being a bit over-sensitive, Son; she's doing the best she can
right now," George continued, thinking now that he'd better smooth things
over.

"Fine, Dad-I'm not going to argue with you.  I'm doing this for you-and you
only," he said emphasizing the point, "I'll-no we- will do our best to make
nice.  But mark my word, I don't trust her right now," Jim replied but
stopped when he saw the look on Matt's face.  The three men remained quiet
for the remainder of the flight; it was clear that George was upset by what
Jim had said but there was little Matt could do to change it.  The good
news was that Bonnie would not be attending the birthday party.  Thankfully
her sister was coming to stay for a few weeks to help her get settled into
her new apartment.  When his father got up to use the bathroom Jim looked
at Matt, distressed.

"Do you think I'm being unreasonable?" he asked.  Matt leaned over and
kissed his lover.

"No, baby, I think you are dead on.  But let's let this drop for now, at
least until Dad is done with his treatments," Matt said, giving the big man
another quick kiss.  They were still holding hands when George returned and
when he sat Matt jumped right in with questions about his cancer treatment,
hoping to put the Bonnie issue to rest for the remainder of the flight.

__________

"Shit, Ollie, I admit that the All Blacks are a good side, but I'm sick of
fuckin' hearing how wonderful everything in New Zealand is.  It must be a
shit hole or you wouldn't be here changing diapers," Brent said as he
helped Ollie feed the babies their bottles.

"Look bro, I'm jest stecking ep for my country," replied the Kiwi, his
accent lilting and broadening as it did when he became heated with Brent or
Barry, "and I see you thet you bloody Aussies are all to queck to claim our
film ectors, horses, and sportspeople as your own.  And I'm seck and tired
of youse making jokes about sheep.  There are more sheep in Australia then
in New Ze'lund-sexty million more."

"Oh so that's why you lobbed over the Tasman.  And I thought it was because
of the dole."

"Thet's a low blow, bro- a tepical Aussie underarm delivery."

"Now don't get me started on that?" Brent began just as little Frankie
started to cry.  Barry came into the room and interrupted them before they
could come to blows.

"Hey you two, knock it off-you're upsetting the babies," Barry said,
picking up the crying little girl and soothing her and saying to Brett,
"And I just opened the gate for Danny."

The two boys from down under had been dancing around each other since
Oliver had arrived; the guys thought it was a love dance-a Pasodoble maybe-
however in recent days it was more like a dance between the Jets and the
Sharks.  There was a pool running among the adults: whoever picked the date
closest to when the two would finally either fuck or beat the shit out of
each other won the money.  Barry took over Brett's position, giving Rocco
his bottle, "You know you shouldn't let him get to you," he said to the
nanny.

"I know he's jest winding me up," Ollie said with a sideways grin, "I think
he likes it when I fight beck," he continued, but was interrupted by the
arrival of Matt and Jim.

"Hey guys, what's up," Jim said giving his partner and then the babies
kisses; life had sure become hectic with the arrival of the trips-but he
decided that hectic was fine.  His main concern was his father and his
cancer-but he would have to wait a few weeks for the answer to that
question.

"How was the visit?" Barry asked as he put Rocco over his shoulder to burp
him.

"My father was happy, that's all that matters," Jim answered coolly.

"I don't understand; was she still giving you shit?"  Barry asked.

"No, she was sickening sweet," Jim said bitterly, "and I don't trust her;
she didn't apologize.  All she said was, 'I'm sorry you were offended'.  If
that's her idea of an apology she can fucking keep it," he said with
bitterness.

"Well, maybe we should give her one more chance, Gunner," Matt offered
trying to calm his lover.  "We can go back in a couple of weeks and see if
she's a little more sincere."

"I'll give it a shot, but I'm not holding my breath," he said, kissing Matt
on the head before heading to the kitchen

"Was she really that bad?" Barry asked once the big man was out of the
room.

"Affirmative, and between you and me, I don't expect her to be much better
the next time.  But this is more about George than her," Matt concluded.

__________

"Dads," Jimmer asked in between mouthfuls of lasagne, "can Dakota and Bobby
come home with us on the last day of school to swim?  We get out at noon,
and the water is real warm since the solar panels are working, and then you
can take us to our game after dinner," he pleaded.

"Well guys, we'll have to talk about this-things are going to be hectic
around here getting ready for the party and all of the guests," Jim said
getting two disappointed looks from the boys.

"He didn't say no, guys," Matt threw in, "just give us a day to talk about
it," he said giving the boys hope-he knew they would end up saying yes, but
he didn't want to undercut Jim in front of the boys.

"Thanks, Dad," MJ said, "we'll stay out of the way.  Promise."

"Things are looking good, guys," Al put in as he started to clear empty
plates in readiness for the salad.  Since he had started working for the
guys he had them eating Italian style, with the salad coming last.  "And I
have a bedroom chart all drawn up-Brett is going to be bunking with me for
the weekend," he said with a wink.

With the worst of the day behind them, the three lovers retired to the
bedroom for a much-needed romp in the sack.  Jim held Barry's legs up as
Matt had his face buried in the hunk's ass- he was attempting to push as
much spit inside as he could.  Barry, meanwhile, was sucking Jim's cock,
swallowing the copious quantities of pre-cum that his lover was producing,
when they heard a soft knock on the door.  The guys broke apart and dived
under the sheet-their erections causing it to tent-before calling out come
in as they pushed down on their poles attempting to hide the evidence.  The
door opened to reveal Travis, looking sheepish, "What's up buddy," Matt
asked.

"Just was feeling a little horny and wondered if you guys were interested
in playing," he said while looking at the three hunks trying to hide their
hard-ons.

"Well we were just going to sleep, but maybe we could be persuaded," Jim
said, raising a laugh from his lovers as they lifted the sheet to reveal
three hard cocks.  Travis dropped his shorts and jumped into the bed
landing on his knees and quickly devouring Jim's rampant cock.  Meanwhile
from behind, Barry attacked his beautiful bubble butt, which was hairless
except for a thick line from the base of his spine down through his crack.
Matt completed the chain by putting a lip lock on Barry's ass.

The sexual safari continued for an hour after they tied Travis down and
kissed, licked, and sucked every inch of his body.  All he could do was
suck the cock of the man closet to his mouth at any given time.  It ended
with the three lovers shoot large loads of cum over his face and gaping
mouth while he begged to be allowed to cum.  The three studs moved down
together and gave him a tongue bath until he shot his own load with they
all gladly devoured.



                                                                                        Friday,
June 5, 2010



"Hey Uncle Matt!" cried Jude, giving him a big hug as he and Grace came
into the foyer and handed him the car keys. "And thanks for letting me use
the car; it sure is one sweet ride."

"I'm glad you like it," Matt said, handing him back the keys, "because it's
yours now, and before you argue, your Uncle and I want you to have it; it's
just sitting in the garage rusting away."

Jude started to object when Grace put her arm on his, "Just say thank you,"
she said, smiling at him lovingly.  It was obvious to Matt that over the
last few weeks' things had really progressed between the two.  Jude had
been spending a lot of time at Brandon's house.  The kids loved him and he
had really clicked with Shane and the friendship pleased the boy's parents.
Matt also learned that Grace had made a few trips to spend the weekend at
Brandon's to be with Jude.

"Thank you sir-I mean Uncle Matt.  I really?" he paused for a moment and
looked over to the new woman in his life, "?but I'm not sure what I would
do with it while I'm deployed."

"Not a problem, Dog Face, you'll just leave it here.  Now double time: go
stow your gear.  We need to run up to New Castle to register it in your
name and hopefully we'll be done in time to pick up our friends at the
airport."

Matt decided on the spot to ask Grace to tag along-she would prove to be a
helpful ally.  The kid was floating on air-evidence of his new found
love-and didn't even question how they would register the car in his name
in a state that was not his legal address.

Driving north, the conversation was light and breezy.  Jude was telling
Matt about his visits to Brandon's and how much he enjoyed being part of
the family.

"Yes," Grace added, "it appears that his cousin Siobh?n has quite the crush
on him," she teased.  Jude went red and Matt laughed.  While the mood was
light he decided to explain what he and Jim had done and he hoped the young
Marine would not be too upset.

"Jude, your Uncle Jim and I took a few liberties and I hope you won't be
too upset with us," he started and then glanced quickly to see if there was
any reaction.  Surprisingly his face remained impassive so Matt continued.
"Having been deployed a few times ourselves, we know what you'll be facing
and what you will need.  So we've opened a bank account for you here in
Delaware-you can sign the cards later-and we've had a few pieces of mail
come to our address so you can use it as residency and register your car
here; and the insurance will be a third of what you would pay in Virginia."

"Thank you, sir.  It seems great minds think alike.  I was going to ask you
and Uncle Jim if I could establish residency at the farm-being deployed was
one reason," the young man in love said, smiling at Grace who was seated in
the back.  "I'll have to make a trip up to get a Delaware driver's license
ASAP."

"No rush," Matt said with a smile, "you have ninety days to do that, but
we'd love to have you whenever you can get away."

"I'm sure I can find a reason to visit," he said with a wry smile.



                                                                                    Saturday,
June 6, 2010



"Are you going to ask Seamus and Jake or not?" Jimmer whispered to MJ.  The
boys had pulled the sheet up over their faces to muffle their voices, their
morning erections poking each other in the thigh.

Brandon and family had arrived on the previous afternoon.  Seamus and Jake
had been assigned to the boy's room which had two queen beds, one of which
was never used.

The two friends-well, brothers-were still attempting to learn more about
masturbation techniques since their talk with their dads.  The two
practiced regularly with no more result than the same dry orgasms-they felt
great but they wanted more-they wanted to learn how to shoot spunk!  So
they had decided the previous night that Seamus and his boyfriend would be
the perfect pair to ask-they were still teenagers and having them share
their room was the perfect opportunity, especially as they felt very
comfortable with Seamus since they had spent the summer together.

"What are you two whispering about?" Seamus asked from across the open
space between the beds.

"Nothing-well?" MJ started nervously after pulling the sheet down so he
could look at Seamus who was laying on his side facing them with Jake right
behind looking over his shoulder, "we were wondering if you guys would show
us how to jerk-off," he managed to get out before falling silent from
embarrassment.

Jimmer continued for him, "We've heard all kinds of stuff about it from
older guys-even our dads explained a bunch of stuff, but they wouldn't show
how to do it-and since we haven't shot any spunk yet we're not sure if
we're doing it right."  He got this out in one rushed sentence.

Seamus looked at his buddy, "So, whataya think, should we help them out?"
Jake looked at him, considering, and then at the boys and shrugged.

"I guess," then pointing at the guys said, "but you can't tell anybody
about this-I don't want your dads getting pissed at us.  Come jump in with
us," Jake said pulling back the sheet and exposing his and Seamus's rock
hard teenage cocks.

The boys flew from the bed, their own hard boy cocks bobbing up and down as
the crossed the few feet that separated them from the clumsy pre-pubescent
attempts at masturbating to the real thing with the big guys.

"Okay guys, show us what ya got," Seamus said with a smile.  The two boys
grabbed their hard little cocks and started to awkwardly pull on them with
the enthusiasm that only almost twelve-year olds could have.

"Whoa!" Jake said. "Watch us, and then try it yourself," he said.  The boys
were wide-eyed as both the older boys spat into their hands and started to
coat their cocks and then, in perfect synchronization, began to stroke from
the head down and then back up to where they pulled back their skin and
worked on the shiny red heads.  Both guys were leaking pre-cum, the
excitement of showing off for the boys had the honey dripping like crazy.
Seamus wanted nothing more than to lean over and lick his lover's head and
taste his nectar, but he thought it might be too much for the boys.

"Hey, are you peeing?" MJ asked.

"No man, that's called pre-cum.  It kind of makes your dick slippery.  When
you start cumming it will happen for you too," Jake explained.  The two
teenagers continued to stroke while their hairless balls jumped with the
action.  MJ and Jimmer never took their eyes of the demonstration, while
mimicking their instructors' moves.  The older boys began to pant-and then
Seamus hissed, "I'm going to nut," and proceeded to shoot ropes of cum all
over his tight six-pack abs and up to his chest.  With a grunt Jake matched
his lover's load, but managed to shoot over his head.

"Cool!" both boys exclaimed at the sight, and then Jimmer began to shake
and reached his own dry orgasm, with MJ reaching his climax shortly after.

But what really surprised the boys was when both Jake and Seamus began to
scoop up their loads and lick it from their fingers.  They noticed their
young cousin's faces and laughed, "You'll learn to eat the evidence boys,
it saves the sheets," he said in between licks.

"Yeah, you guys did great-and don't worry, you'll be pumping out loads in
no time.  I started right around my twelfth birthday," Seamus said,
offering a fist to MJ for a bump.

"I beat you dude," Jake said smugly, "I was eleven and a half," he bragged
and fist bumped Jimmer.

Both boys beamed-they were past eleven and a half and their twelfth
birthdays were just weeks away.

__________

Jim's siblings and their families all arrived around 1100.  Jim got
everyone settled into their rooms and asked that they all gather in the
family room at 1145 so they could meet Jude before the other guests
arrived.

While everyone was catching up, Matt noticed that Jim looked nervous and,
catching his eye, he nodded towards the kitchen.  He went and Jim followed.

"What's up buddy, you seem a bit on edge?" Matt asked quietly.

"It's nothing, but Marty was being a bit of an ass earlier when we told
everybody about Jude-I'm just worried that he's going to say something
stupid," Jim said, clearly annoyed with his brother.  While Jim was closer
with Brandon and Michael-Martin had been especially close to Junior.  Then
they heard George calling from the back door and he came in with his newly
found grandson and he was clearly excited about introducing him to the
family.

Everyone was gathered around and George began.  "Jude, these are your
uncles, and aunts. You already know Brandon and this is your Aunt
Roseanne."  Jude reached out to shake her hand but she pulled him in for a
hug and a kiss.  Michael also gave him a one-armed bro hug, as Jude
repeated, "It's nice to meet you," to his Uncle Mike."  Jim was watching
Martin who was showing his displeasure at the young man being embraced as a
member of his family.

"And this is your Uncle Martin." Jude extended his hand, which Martin took
and before the young man could say anything he heard, "You can leave off
the 'Uncle'; Martin will be fine."  Jude looked stricken, and Jim was red
with anger, but before he could say anything his father spoke up.

"Martin-if you're going to act like an ass you can leave now," George said
moving next to Jude and placing his arm around his shoulder.  "This is your
brother's son, and you will treat him as such," George commanded in a voice
that meant he was not going to accept anything less.  There was murmuring
and sympathetic glances in Jude's direction, while the young man, to his
credit seemed unbothered by his uncle's rude behavior; if he was he did a
great job of not showing it, on the outside at least.

"For Christ's sake Marty, do you always have to be such a jerk-off?"
Brandon said.

"Have any of you given any thought about how this will effect mother?"
Martin asked, turning around and looking at the others.

"Oh great, just what we need, mamma's boy 2.0," Brandon said bitingly.

"That's enough, Brandon," George snapped, and then he turned to Martin and
said, "I have already spoken with her doctors who said they would tell me
when the time was right to let her know.  Until then I'm sure I can count
on you to keep this to yourself."

Martin didn't respond; it seemed he was ready to say something but stopped,
then turned abruptly and left the room.

It was then that a pretty blond woman crossed the room and embraced Jude,
"I'm your Aunt Anne," she said, "and I'm sorry for how my husband treated
you-he was very close to your father and hasn't gotten over his death."
Then she added, realizing how shaky her apology sounded she added, "And of
course that is no excuse for his being rude."

"Thank you, ma'am, I didn't react much better when I first met Uncle Jim
and Uncle Brandon," he replied generously flashing both men a big smile.
He hoped the smile looked sincere; he was beginning to regret his decision
to accept Jim's invitation into the family.  Then he thought of Grace and
any regret evaporated, so he added, "I think we should just move on and
celebrate my little cousin's birthday.

___________



Things calmed down quite a bit after the shaky start of the morning.  Jude
smiled and moved through the crowd with Grace on his arm.  At one point
Jewell Conway pulled Matt and Jim aside to say that she saw nothing but
love and happiness around the two.  She and Fred were spending most of
their time at the party visiting with Clinton, their nephew and Matt's
half-brother.  Their son Drew and his wife Nadine had also come for the
party, it would be the last time they were all together before Drew
deployed.

And of the kids: Travis, Billy, and Wolf kept all the under eighteen crowd
busy playing silly games and swimming, thus allowing their parents to enjoy
the day.

It was soon time for cake; a small one was placed in front of the birthday
boy with two candles upon it.  There were the traditional cheers when he
blew them out- with less than hygienic results- and then all laughed when
he plunged an exploratory hand right in the middle of the creamy
confection.

Matt and Jim happened to be at the bar when they noticed Martin approach
Jude; Matt placed his hand on his lover's arm to prevent him from
interfering.  They watched as the pair walked off the patio into the lawn
and appeared to be having a quiet conversation.

"He better not start any shit with the kid," Jim warned.

"Looks like they're having a nice talk-just chill out Gunner, it may work
out," Matt counseled.  No sooner had he said this than the two headed back
to the join the others.

Shortly afterward Jim managed to speak to Jude alone and asked him if his
brother had apologized.  Jude's answer was a simple and charitable: "He
just asked for time to get used to the idea that I was his nephew."

It was near 1800, and the guests who were not staying overnight began to
leave for home and the caterers were busy cleaning up.  The crowd had
thinned to mostly those staying and Matt and Jim noticed Jude and Grace had
come to the center of the patio and were trying to get everyone's
attention.

Standing straight and smiling-albeit nervously holding Grace's hand, Jude
started, "Well most of you know I will be deployed to Afghanistan on 15th
of August-and, well, Mr. & Mrs. Leonard, I'm sorry I didn't to get to ask
you first-but I've asked Grace to marry me and she has said yes."  He held
up her left hand revealing a sparkling diamond ring.  There were gasps of
surprise and some applause before Danny called out from the side of pool
where he was standing with Brett and Billy and a group of boys who had been
playing water polo.

"Are you crazy-you just met this guy?"  Then stalking across the deck to
get closer, he got right in Jude's face and hissed, "Did you get her
pregnant?"

"You are way out of line, man," Jude said with his eyes blazing.  Suddenly
there was a loud crack as Grace slapped her brother across the face.  Danny
just stood his ground glaring at the couple.  Jude also stood ramrod
straight not one bit intimidated by the guy who outweighed him by some
fifty pounds or more.

By this time Ron and Jackie had joined the group, "Danny, I think you need
to keep your thoughts to yourself," Ron he hissed through clenched teeth
then, turning to his daughter, he asked, "Are you sure about this Grace?"

With tears in her eyes she said, "Yes, Daddy, I knew the first time I met
him I wanted to marry him," and then looking at her mother, "I know it
seems a bit impulsive."

"Just a bit," Jackie replied with a smile, although a tight one.

"Think about it, Mom.  You know how many bridesmaid's dresses I have in my
closet and how many of those couples are still together?" she challenged,
"And most of them dated for years.  I know this is right, and this is the
man I love," she said firmly.

"Well, I guess you have a date in mind," Ron said looking at the love sick
couple.

"Yes, sir," Jude responded.  "July, 24th, that is if it's okay with you,
sir," Jude answered earnestly.

"Yes, it's okay with me-I've never been able to keep my daughter from
getting what she wants," he said, pulling him into a hug.  "Welcome to the
family," His crying wife pushed him aside and enveloping her future
son-in-law in crushing hug.

Next up was Mark, he gave Jude a one armed hug, "Welcome to the family,
bro, better you than me," he joked, and then, across the expanse of the
back lawn, they saw Al almost dragging Danny across the yard, talking a
mile a minute.  "And don't worry about my brother the Neanderthal-Uncle
Buck will straighten him out."

The young couple was mobbed by well-wishers, all offering congratulations
and 'oohing and aahing' over the ring.  Not more than ten minutes had
passed before Al appeared with a much subdued Danny wearing a contrite, but
still defiant, look on his face, both carrying trays with plastic champagne
glasses filled with the bubbly potable.

"Before anyone complains about the plastic, remember the pool," he
announced as the moved through the group offering the drink for a toast.

When he appeared in front of the father of the bride and his longtime
friend narrowed his eyes, "You knew about this didn't you," he asked.

Al's face remained blank as he said, "Maybe, maybe not-but even if I did,
you know I would never betray a confidence," he said, a smirk betraying
him, "and don't worry Ronny, this kid is a real gem, you couldn't ask for a
better son-in-law."

"Well, you always were good at getting a read on people," Ron replied,
taking the proffered champagne, "I just don't know how we'll pull off a
wedding in a few weeks."

"I wouldn't worry about that, I think they have everything worked out," Al
said before moving on and leaving Ron standing alone, now even more
convinced that Uncle Buck was complicit in the plans.  Then his thoughts
turned dark: they would be married just weeks before the Marine was
deployed in a war zone.  As he contemplated all that could go wrong, he
felt the presence of someone standing beside him.  He turned to find it was
Jewell Conway.  She looked deeply into his eyes and smiled and Ron, if he
had been asked couldn't explain it, but it seemed that his worries
evaporated.

"Don't be worrying about your children," she said as she laid a hand gently
on his arm.  "All will be fine.  I see nothing but love and bright light
around them," she said cryptically before moving away leaving Ron
mystified.

When Matt joined him a few moments later he asked about the mysterious
women.

"I'll have to tell you whole story some time," Matt said, smiling because
he understood very well how one could be thrown by a conversation with her,
"but what I can tell you is in my experience she is usually correct."

The crowd continued to thin, many departing for their rooms.  Jim and his
partners were saying farewell to Ron and Jackie, and of course Jude and
Grace were there when Jim took her hand and lifted it to get a better look
at the ring.

"That's some rock you picked out Dog Face," Jim said to his nephew, "you
have excellent taste."

"Well actually sir, the stone came from Uncle Buck's mother-she had left it
for Grace and he thought it would make a nice ring-I just had it set," Jude
admitted.  All eyes turned to Buck, who now knew he was caught and could no
longer put them off with cagy answers when asked if he knew in advance.

He just lifted his head high and looking directly at Ron said, "So sue me;
I knew."  This raised a laugh from the assembled group.

__________



It was just before 2300 when Jude returned from taking Grace home.  He
parked his new car -well, new to him- in the driveway and was intending to
say goodnight to his uncles before going across the back fields to the
rancher and hitting the rack.  Just as he rounded the corner by the pool,
he ran into a slightly intoxicated Danny.  The two stared at each other,
Jude refusing to give ground until his future brother-in-law spoke.

Poking his finger into Jude's shoulder he said, "Don't think I'm not going
to keep an eye on you, pretty boy-and don't be running off to rat me out to
Uncle Buck or you'll have to deal with me," he said, poking again for
emphasis.  The smell of stale beer hitting Jude's nose making the
altercation even more unpleasant; the Marine MP just laughed in the huge
Rugby player's face as he grabbed the offending hand and twisting the
bullies arm behind his back so quickly causing Danny's eyes to flash in
anger.

"Dude," Jude said in a horse whisper, "I have survived Parris Island Boot
Camp, and five years in the Marines as an MP.  I have arrested men bigger,
stronger, and a whole lot tougher than you'll ever hope to be, so if you
think I'm worried about you-think again!"  He let the words sink in for a
moment.  "I would strongly suggest you back off and knock off the jock-boy
bullshit.  Your sister and I are in love and are getting married, so deal
with it," Jude said confidently before releasing the hand before pushing
passed a somewhat stunned Danny and on through the gate.

Danny stood for a time to allow the adrenalin to pass before he made his
way to the car.  Just then he ran into Jim who just smiled and said, "I
think, to borrow a term from you young guys, you just got your ass
schooled," before he laughed as he walked away.



To be continued?.

http://youtu.be/XpqqjU7u5Yc

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