Another Chance - Book One

By Zarek Dragon

 

Colt was crying as he came out from behind a tree. "I didn't get you into any trouble did I? I hate it at home. You know what it's like to just stare at a gray wall all day and be told you're worthless? I'm surprised she hasn't put bars on my windows or given me a bucket instead of letting me out to use the bathroom,"

"I can petition the court to get you out of that house if you want. Let me call Ryan," Jackson said.

An hour later, Ryan pulled up. As he got out of the car, he grabbed a box with his things in it. "Did they fire you?" Jackson asked.

"Not really, they gave me a choice. Either I drop you and Colt as clients or I was welcome to find another law firm. But here's the kicker, Heather Bolt chose that moment to call my cell phone. Seems her firm wanted to offer me a position. They had been doing research on me and wanted an interview," Ryan said.

"So, you'll be working for them?" Jackson asked with a smile.

"I start tomorrow, but I won't be an associate. They feel that the firm I just left had been dragging me along because I'm gay. I'll be a partner and make twice what I was," Ryan was all smiles as he told what had happened.

"Good! Now, what do we do about Colt?"

"First, I interview him to get as much information as I can. I may need everyone who has seen the belittling and abuse to testify. Before this is over, it might get nasty for Colt as well as us. The other partners are already aware and told me to take whatever actions I feel are warranted, but be careful."

"As long as he is safe, I'm not worried about me. Any chance on getting him out of the house before the bitch gets released?" Jackson was concerned.

"I've already spoken with Children's Protective Services. I told them about the case I was filing." Ryan looked at Colt, "If you are willing to testify that your mother abuses you, CPS will have you out of that house tonight."

"Will I be able to stay here? Can I live here with you and Uncle Jack?" Colt asked wiping away tears.

"Your mom has a restraining order against Jackson, so we can't let you stay here yet. We take this case to court and relinquish your mother's custodial rights, that will terminate the restraining order. Once that happens, Jackson and I will see about adopting you," Ryan stated.

"So, where would I go?" Colt was crying a little harder.

"My mom's still signed up with foster care, maybe she can take him in," Jim offered.

"That would be nice, but you don't have any spare bedrooms now. I have a friend, his name is Zarek Bolt," as he said it, the last name hit Ryan and he looked at Jim, "Is he any relation?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Jim responded, but his curiosity was up.

"Well, he's a writer and has written a few stories under the name Zarek Dragon. He has a spare bedroom and I think he's in the foster care system."

"I'd like to meet him some day," Jim said.

"I'm sure you will. It's almost noon, why don't I take Colt to lunch and we can chat. When we're done, we'll talk to CPS and see about him getting situated." Ryan suggested.

"Can we go to the Wyoming Ribs and Chop House? I'm really hungry. Think all my meals have been oatmeal since Easter." Colt's stomach chose that time to growl as if to emphasize how hungry he was.

"Would you be upset if I had a doctor look you over before you eat? Sounds like we may have more fuel for the fire, so to speak," Ryan inquired.

Jim looked at Ryan. "You might want to talk to Dr. Bear, too. He was here that day and said that Colt is definitely being abused," he told him.

"Thank you, for that. I assure you, Colt, the abuse will stop. If all goes well, it stops today." Ryan never looked more confident while feeling so nervous. He was sure that he would present enough evidence to prove the abuse, but he had no guarantee.

As Ryan and Colt were getting in the car, Dusty pulled in and parked beside Zac's truck. He got out and let Cheyenne out. Jim was wondering why she rode in back but then Uncle Darry got out on the passenger side. "Uncle Darry is visiting again, so we thought we'd bring him horseback riding," Dusty told Jim as he approached.

"How's your cell reception out here?" Uncle Darry asked.

"I've never had trouble with it, why?" Jim asked.

Uncle Darry was checking his phone, so Dusty responded. "He's hoping to get a call from one of his boys in Michigan, or rather a friend of this boy. He heard from his friend in Ohio that the boy's mom took his phone."

Uncle Darry looked upset. "Damn it to hell and back!" Uncle Darry yelled.

"What's wrong?" Dusty and Jim asked in unison.

"That asshole trying to get me in trouble back home called my cell at three this morning and left a voice mail. The phone call I was waiting on went straight to voice mail and I never knew he called. He tried calling four times and I didn't know so I never answered," Uncle Darry explained. "Damn it, damn it, damn it."

"Can't you call him?" Jim asked.

"I don't have his number and he didn't leave it." Uncle Darry said.

"Well Uncle, there's nothing you can do about it. Hopefully he tries calling again. Let's just enjoy our ride," Dusty suggested.

Jim showed them around the stables and let them choose their horses. As they were saddling their horses, a man walked up to them. He looked to be seventeen, eighteen, maybe nineteen tops. Jim thought he looked very familiar. "Excuse me, I'm looking for the owner, Jackson Sprayberry," the older teen said.

"Are you related to him? You could almost be his…" Jim started.

"Brother? Yea, I get that a lot. My name is…" the older teen was interrupted this time.

"Jeff! How have you been? Does Jackson know you're here yet?" Zac seemed enthusiastic. "Jim, this is Jeff Sprayberry, Jackson's brother."

"Now you know why I get that a lot," Jeff said smiling. "This place has changed some since I was last here."

"Yeah, but that was last summer. Someone burnt down the office accusing Jackson of being a gay lover, so he built his house here when he rebuilt." Zac explained.

"Well, I hope he's a gay lover. Kind of hard to be gay and not be," Jeff kidded. "I just graduated from high school, so travelling wasn't really an option during the school year. I'll be going to Northwest College in Cody, though. I start in the fall. I'm hoping that Jackson will let me stay with him until I can find a place."

"Nope, not happening," Jeff jumped when he heard that familiar voice behind him. "I have enough room that you can live here, you don't need to find a place," Jackson chuckled at his brother's reaction.

"How much do you want for board?" Jeff asked.

"Only thing extra you're gonna cost me is electricity and food. I'm not worried about it," Jackson said. Jeff hugged his brother.

"Now all I need is to find a job," Jeff said with a grin.

"What do you know about working on a ranch?" Zac asked with a straight look on his face.

"Are you serious? Dude, who was it that worked with you last summer? And you already know that Jackson and I worked at the Rescue back home," Jeff kept going until Zac busted out laughing.

"I think you have a job," Jackson stated. "Since Josh went to the Rescue part, Zac is my second in charge here. I have no problem with him hiring anyone."

"At least I know we won't have to train him," Zac said. "Start tomorrow?"

"Yeah, that'll give me the rest of the day to visit with my brother. So where is that eye candy of yours?" Jeff asked looking around and then at Jackson.

"He's with a client. He should be back in a couple hours," Jackson replied.

"Cool, means we have time to catch up. Don't get me wrong, I like Ryan, but he's a bit distracting, if you know what I mean," Jeff explained.

"Am I going to need a fire hose for whenever he's around?" Jackson chuckled.

"No, he's very handsome, but he's too old for me. There any young men that come to the ranch, maybe seventeen to nineteen years old?" Jeff asked. Jackson laughed.

Jim finished the trail with Dusty and his guest and they headed back to the stables. As they groomed the horses, Dusty asked Jim about their martial art class. "Have my gear in the trunk. You ready for the test?"

"Sure am, I can't believe I could be getting my black belt today," Dusty said. "Dad said that he's going to try to be there to watch. How about you?"

"I think so. Hard to believe that I've only been back doing martial arts nine months and I'm testing to get my blue belt," Jim stated.

"Yeah, but I've watched you. You were obviously taught well in your classes in Montana and you've put a lot of effort into learning here," Dusty said encouragingly.

"Ryan's back. I wonder how things went." Jim said.

"Jackson in the office?" Ryan yelled.

"Nope, he's in the house with his brother," Zac responded.

"Jeff's here? Hope he's planning to stay the summer," Ryan said with a smile.

"Actually longer," Zac said with a grin.

"I bet that made Jackson happy. He loves having his brother around. And Jeff's a cool dude, so I don't mind either. By the way Jim, I snapped a picture of Zarek on my phone," Ryan said as he pulled his phone out.

"Then I take it Colt is staying with him?" Zac asked.

"The judge granted him temporary custody until the hearing, which is a week from today." Ryan was flipping to the picture of Zarek as he talked. He held the phone up so he was looking at the picture of Zarek and Jim's face at the same time. "I can definitely see a resemblance."

Jim looked at the photo. "He looks like my dad did when he married my mom. How old is he?"

"I believe he turned nineteen last April," Ryan responded.

"Hmmm, Mom and Dad got married twenty-two years ago. Do me a favor and send that photo to my phone. I want to ask my mom if she knows him," Jim stated.

"He'd like to meet you and your mom, too."

Ryan went in the house. Zac got Joe and they headed home while Jim headed for the dojo. Dusty headed to drop Cheyenne and Uncle Darry off, then met Jim at the dojo.

Zarek was talking to Colt, "I have one rule, if you obey that rule, we'll get along fine."

"What is it?" Colt asked a little nervous.

"You treat me and my property the way you want me to treat you. Want me to help you put your clothes away?" Zarek offered.

"So basically, your rule is the golden rule. I can handle that. As for my clothes, I don't have that much, two shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans and some socks and underwear," Colt said looking down a little embarrassed.

"That's it? You need more than that," Zarek said.

"I had more but this was all we could find," Colt said as he put his arms around Zarek and sobbed. Zarek wasn't sure what to do so he put his arms around Colt and patted his back.

"I think we're going shopping tomorrow after our meeting with Ryan's paralegal. We'll get you a suit and shirt for court, plus whatever other clothes you want," Zarek offered.

"You serious? But what happens if they send me back to live with her?" Colt started shaking just from the thought of it.

"Ryan's really good, so I doubt you'll be going back. If however, that slim chance does happen, I'll hang on to everything for you until you're ready for it."

"Why are you doing this? You don't even know me and I already feel more love from you than my own family," Colt said as he wiped his eyes.

"The easy answer is, I treat everyone as a friend until they give me a reason not to. But a more thorough answer is I see a young man who is full of hurt and pain. You are in need of knowing that someone will love you and respect you even though you may think that you haven't earned it from them yet," Zarek said smiling. Colt continued to cling on to him and enjoy the hug being returned.

Jim got home from martial art practice. He pulled out his phone and opened the picture that Ryan sent him. "Mom, do you know who this is?" Jim said handing his phone to her.

She looked at the picture and smiled, "That's Zac." As she handed the phone back, Jim noticed that the picture had changed to one of Zac. He was glad that it wasn't the one he snapped of Zac in the shower. He flipped back to the picture of Zarek and made sure he didn't accidentally flip it again.

"Sorry, I meant this guy," Jim said handing his phone over again.

"Where'd you get this picture of your dad and why haven't I seen it before?" Heather asked.

"Ryan took the picture today. That's not Dad," Jim stated. "His name is Zarek, Zarek Bolt."

"Ryan scheduled a meeting for me with him. I was wondering if he was any relation. Now I know there has to be. I'll be meeting with him and Colt for lunch tomorrow," Heather said.

Heather met with Zarek and Colt at Wyoming Ribs and Chop House. "Nice to meet you, Colt. Ryan said that you really enjoyed it here yesterday. Order whatever you want."

"Thank you, Ma'am," Colt said politely.

"Please, you can call me Heather. You needn't be so formal," Heather told him. Then she looked at Zarek and her heart ached a little for her husband. "Forgive me, but you look just like my late husband. His name was Jon Bolt," Heather explained.

"That's interesting. My grandparents were Jon and Brenda Bolt. Are they any relation?" Zarek asked.

"Jon's dad was named Jason, but I recall my husband saying that he was named after his dad's only brother. I believe that would have been your grandparents," Heather explained.

"Well, that confirms it. My dad was named Jason after his only uncle. Did you know that my grandfather and Great Uncle Jason had married a set of twins? After they married, my grandfather moved to Cheyenne, so we kind of lost touch with the rest of the family," Zarek explained.

"That explains why you look so much like Jon," Heather said with a tear in her eye. "So, how did you meet Ryan?"

"I started a computer network business. While I was setting the server up at the firm he was at, most of the lawyers were jerks but Ryan was an intern and we talked. He took me to lunch and we became instant friends. He's even had me at the house to meet his partner."

"Jackson is a great man," Heather said, then she focused her attention on Colt during the rest of the meeting. "We'll need to meet every day so I can help you prepare for court. We can meet here or if you prefer someplace else?"

"Here is good," Colt said with a smile.

"Just make sure you order whatever you want. Don't even worry about the price. Ryan presented what evidence he had to the other partners and they said to make sure you were well taken care of and spare no expense to make sure you were safe," Heather stated. Looking at the boy, she thought, "How could anyone be so cruel to such a sweet looking young man."

As the week went, Colt was happier than he had been in a long time. Heather had been spending time with him preparing him for what questions he might be asked by his mother's lawyers. She told him that no matter what they asked, be honest, keep your answers short, and don't get upset.

Monday morning, Ryan and Colt sat at one table. Mrs. Browning and her lawyer sat at the other. Jackson and the rest of Ryan's witnesses sat in the gallery. Ryan called Colt to the stand. As he walked up, Mrs. Browning stood up. "You better not fucking lie about me you worthless piece of shit," she yelled.

The judge rapped his gavel several times. "Ma'am, I will not allow such outbursts in my courtroom and please watch the language."

"You think just because you're a judge that you are better than me? I'll have you know that I am just as good as you are. That is my son. He may be a good for nothing fucking piece of trash, but he is my son, not yours. And if you think for one second that you can take him away from me, you better fucking think twice," Mrs. Browning was yelling while the judge kept rapping his gavel waiting for her to stop talking.

"Ma'am, based on what I saw here, I could easily make my decision without any witnesses. Either sit down and shut up or I will find you in contempt. One more outburst and you will be sitting in a cell while these proceedings continue."

"Fuck you!" Mrs. Browning yelled.

"Ma'am, I find you in contempt of court. Bailiff, escort the la…," the judge started to call her a lady but thought better of it. "Ummm, Mrs. Browning to a cell. One thousand dollar fine to get out or seven days," the judge ordered.

Mrs. Browning yelled and screamed as the bailiffs cuffed her, then escorted her out of the courtroom. "Your honor, what you just saw was minute compared to what Young Master Colton Browning has been put through. I have several witnesses including Dr. Bear who are here to testify on his behalf," Ryan stated.

The judge looked at the lawyer now sitting alone where Mrs. Browning was. "In the interest of time, do you have any evidence to refute the scene that we just saw?"

"No your honor. I think Mrs. Browning just threw everything we had out the window," the lawyer stated.

"And who is the current guardian of this young man?" the judge asked.

Zarek stood up, "That would be me, your honor."

"Are you prepared to continue taking care of this young man, long term?"

"Yes sir, I am; however, if you would rescind the restraining order that Mrs. Browning has against Jackson Sprayberry, he and his partner, would love to take him into their home," Zarek stated. "If they could, they'd be willing to adopt him."

"Well, I'd have to see the restraining order before I could say I would rescind it completely." Jackson stood up holding the restraining order in his hand. The judge asked the bailiff to bring it up. After scanning the restraining order, the judge said, "Mr. Sprayberry, I won't rescind this, you are to stay fifty yards from Mrs. Browning's family." Jackson and Colt both looked down. "That being said, I don't believe that pertains to Master Colton Browning as she is no way a mother to him. I am rescinding her and her husband's parental rights."

"What does that mean?" Colt asked.

"Colton, that means as of right now, you are a ward of the state. I grant physical custody to Mr. Sprayberry and if he wishes to pursue adoption, he may," the judge explained.

"Your honor, isn't that a bit drastic?" Mrs. Browning's lawyer asked.

"Drastic? That woman needs serious help. This young man will be an adult before I'd ever consider letting her have custody."

Colt ran over and hugged Jackson. "Does that mean I can come live with you?"

"It sure does. We'll go out and celebrate, then you and Zarek can gather your things and come to the ranch. Where would you like to go?" Jackson said smiling.

"Anywhere but where we've been eating. I think I'm getting steaked out." Colt stated. Everyone laughed.

"I'm in the mood for Chinese," Zarek suggested.

"Chinese sounds good," Colt agreed.

"Chinese it is, then," Jackson said.

Zarek hugged Colt, "I'll miss having you around, but you are welcome to visit whenever you want. And once I bring my horse from Cheyenne, I know where I want to stable him."

"I'll make sure to take special care of him for you," Colt said with a huge grin.

"I'm sure you will," Zarek said giving Colt another hug.

After everyone had finished eating, Zarek took Colt to gather his things. "Just thought I'd say, you were a pleasure to have as a guest. You're welcome to visit any time," Zarek said giving Colt a hug.

"I enjoyed staying here, too. Having an actual bed and not feeling like I was worthless felt good. Heck, washing dishes without having you stand over me to make sure I did them right was different."

Zarek laughed, "I hate doing dishes. When you offered, I wasn't about to say no. And, you did a good job, too. Of course, I do have a dish washer so you didn't have to do them by hand, but I think you did a better job." Colt smiled at the compliment.

The two chatted the whole time as they loaded Zarek's Mustang with Colt's new clothes and other things that Zarek had bought for him. "I can't believe how much you spent on me. You sure I can take all of this?"

"Between my computer business and writing, this was nothing. And I bought it for you, it's yours so why wouldn't you be allowed to take it?" Zarek asked.

"I'm just not used to someone treating me so nice," Colt said with a tear in his eye.

When they got to the ranch, Jackson and Ryan helped unload the car. When they were done, Zarek was about to get in his car to head home. He was kind of sad losing his houseguest but he knew that was part of the foster care system. Colt wasn't the first boy to whom he had to say goodbye, nor will he be the last. "You have to leave right away?" Jackson asked.

"I don't have to, what do you have in mind?" Zarek asked.

"Well you were talking about your horse in Cheyenne. What's keeping you from bringing him to Cody?" Jackson queried.

"Just not found someone that I trust to transport him, I guess," Zarek stated.

"I've already talked with Zac, Jim and their moms. What if you used my SUV and a trailer for you to go get him? Only thing you would need to pay for is the gas," Jackson offered.

"Can I go, Dad?" Colt asked. Jackson began tearing up at Colt calling him Dad.

He hugged Colt, "I'll miss you while you're gone, Son." Colt reached up a little and kissed Jackson on the cheek.

"So, when can we leave?" Zarek asked.

"Tomorrow, one way is about six to seven hours, and I figure you'll want to spend some time with your family," Jackson suggested.

"I'm sure Jim will enjoy meeting them, too. Just think, my dad is his dad's cousin and they've never met."

"Well, Heather and Marilyn said that if you wanted to spend a couple days, they wouldn't be upset. I'll expect you back on Friday?" Jackson questioned.

"That'll be great. We can either leave right after breakfast or lunch tomorrow," Zarek said.

"Can we leave after lunch so I can spend some time with my new dads before we go?" Colt asked.

"Well, you'll have to spend time with Jackson tomorrow, I'll be at work shortly after breakfast," Ryan announced.

As usual, Zac was at Jim's house when Jackson called to let them know that the trip was on. "Well Joe, you may want to drive my car to the ranch tomorrow. Zac and I will be heading to Cheyenne after lunch," Jim stated.

"I wish I could go, too," Joe said looking down.

"I know you do, Bro. I promise, before summer is out, we'll take a trip, just the two of us," Jim said, looking at his mom for approval. Heather smiled and nodded her head. "I'm hoping that once they know we exist, maybe we can visit and get to know them. If you want, that's where we can go or we can go wherever you want provided Mom approves of our destination."

"Just the two of us? No Zac?" Joe questioned. "I wouldn't have a problem if he joined us."

"That's up to you, Bro. You want me to go, I'll go, but don't feel like you have to let me. Jim and I can spend time away from each other if you want to be just the two of you," Zac explained.

"You treat me like a brother as much as Jim does. I know there are times when the two of you want to be just the two of you, and I respect that. I'd enjoy you joining us," Joe responded. Zac started to tear up a little.

In the morning, the boys quickly tended to the horses, then prepared the SUV and trailer for the trip. Jackson called them in for lunch. "You excited for the trip, Colt?" Zac asked.

"Kinda, but I'll be glad to get back and really start my life with my new dads, too," Colt responded.

"As soon as Zarek gets here, we'll load his stuff into the SUV and be on our way," Zac stated.

The boys finished eating and Colt cleared the table. Zarek pulled up and parked his car beside Zac's truck. He popped the trunk and transferred his bag to the SUV. Everyone started getting in. "Colt, are you forgetting something?" Jackson asked.

"Have my luggage, so I don't think so," Colt said.

"Never mind, then," Jackson said as he turned away. A single tear started running down his cheek.

The SUV started pulling out and Colt asked Zac to stop. He got out and ran up hugging Jackson. "I'm sorry, I forgot to give you a hug. I'll miss you while I'm away."

Jackson smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way. I was hoping you'd give me a hug before you left," he said, hugging Colt back and kissing his forehead.

After Colt was back in the SUV and buckled in, Zac put the vehicle in gear and headed out. Zac drove straight through, stopping only when they needed fuel. When they reached Cheyenne, it was after Zarek's family would have eaten supper, so they looked for a place to eat before continuing to the house. Zarek elbowed Colt real quick and pointed out a Wyoming's Rib and Chop House. Colt chuckled and shook his head. Zac pulled into Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant.

"Jackson told me that I can use a credit card for this meal, so what do you think?" Zac asked.

"This place looks good to me," Colt said.

"That's good enough for me. This is one of the best out of many good places to eat in town," Zarek stated.

"When we're done, you can drive to the house. I hope you know where your family lives better than I would," Zac said laughing.

Zarek smiled, "I would hope so, unless you've been stalking my family." Everyone laughed as they went in and sat down. The waitress came over.

"Been a while, Zarek. Who are your friends?" she asked.

"Hello Tonya. The handsome one is my second cousin. The other two, we just picked up along the road," Zarek said smiling.

"Umm, I think I was the driver. If anyone was picked up…" Zac said holding up the keys.

Zarek introduced everyone to Tonya then told them that she was his high school sweetheart. "Yeah, and I'll never forget prom. Zarek came in with, what was his name?"

"His name was and is Tucker, Noah Tucker. And man is he handsome," Zarek clarified.

"So, you're bisexual?" Jim asked. "I was until I met Zac. Now, as far as I am concerned, I'm all his."

"Yeah, I'm bisexual. I was dating Tonya and Tucker at the same time, but I made sure both knew right away and that it would only be the two of them until Tonya dumped me at the prom," Zarek said smiling at Tonya.

"I was hurt that you chose to go to the prom with Noah instead of me." Tonya said defensively.

"I tried to get you to join us," Zarek stated.

"Ummm, dude, I'm only fifteen and even I know that a lady doesn't want to share her prom date, especially with a guy," Colt explained.

"I thought it would have been fun," Zarek shrugged his shoulders as he spoke.

"Dude, when you have such a pretty lady as your girlfriend, you treat her special. If I had a girlfriend as pretty as Tonya, I would try to make her feel like a princess," Colt blushed as he talked.

"How sweet, call me when you turn eighteen," Tonya said kissing Colt's forehead. Colt blushed even more.

After supper, Zarek drove to his family's farm. He parked the SUV and everyone got out. Zarek walked in the door. "Mom, Dad!" he shouted.

"We're in the kitchen doing dishes," his mom responded.

Before Zarek walked into the kitchen, he told Jim to wait a minute then follow. Jim waited and then went into the kitchen. Zarek's mom dropped the plate she was drying when she saw Jim. "Did you have a son that we didn't know about?" she asked. "He looks just like you."

"This is Jim Bolt. His dad's name was Jon and he grew up in Montana until last year," Zarek explained.

"Who was your grandpa?" Jason Bolt asked.

"His name was Grandpa Jason," Jim replied.

"So what happened to the ranch in Montana?" Jason asked.

Jim looked down. Zac could see the pain he was feeling and started rubbing his shoulders. Jim began to speak in a rough voice as he tried not to cry, "Dad was killed by a drunk driver last year. Mom tried to keep the ranch as long as she could, but when Dad died, so did the business. With the taxes and I guess Dad got a loan for something, Mom had to sell it off piece by piece to keep the bank from taking it."

"I didn't know Jim before he met me, but I was told that he was severely depressed with everything he lost," Zac started.

"I still have bouts with it, especially when I go to talk about it like now, but for the most part, I have the most amazing life. I have this really great boyfriend, a super mom and the best boss a boy could ask for," Jim gave a slight smile.

"Wish we never lost contact. I would have offered to either help your mom or bought the whole thing off of her. What's done is done, though," Jason stated. Then looking at Colt, "And are you related to us, too?"

"I was Zarek's foster son for a few days, does that count?" Colt asked.

Jason Bolt smiled, "Close enough. Guess I would have been your foster grandpa during that time." Looking at Zarek, he asked, "So, what happened there?"

"He's now living on a ranch in Cody. It'll be the same ranch that Midnight will be staying at, and…" Zarek started.

"Have you boys eaten? I can heat something up for you," Zarek's mom offered.

"Thanks for the offer, but we ate. Met Zarek's old girlfriend while we were there," Colt said.

"Tonya? You know, she's still single," Zarek's mom hinted.

"And she broke up with me, Mom. I didn't break up with her," Zarek explained.

"Well, why don't I show you boys to your rooms? We have two spare rooms so I hope two of you don't mind sharing." Jason said.

"That's fine. Zac and I share a room all the time," Jim stated.

In the morning, Zarek introduced the boys to his horse. He was a black quarter horse stallion. As Zarek started to approach, he reared up and ran over to him. "Good to see you, too," Zarek said petting his horse. "Don't worry, you're going with me this time."

The horse stretched his head past Zarek's shoulder and pulled him closer as if in a hug. The horse looked at Jim, then back at Zarek. He walked over to Jim and sniffed him, then went back to Zarek. "I guess he sees the family resemblance," Zac commented.

"I wonder if Gold would see it enough to let Zarek ride him," Jim thought out loud.

"Well, Midnight sees the resemblance but as you can tell, knows who his owner is. Difference is, I know Midnight would let you ride as long as I'm around when you mount," Zarek stated.

"He sure is beautiful," Colt said.

"You wanna ride him? We have enough horses that I can ride another one," Zarek offered, looking at Colt.

"Are you serious?" Colt inquired.

They prepped the horses to go riding. Zarek helped Colt mount Midnight, then got on another black quarter horse. Jim found a palomino that he wanted to ride and Zac mounted a brown quarter horse. Zarek explained that their property was more like a farm than a ranch. It was a mere fifty acres, so they would have to ride down the road to find some trails. He took point followed by Colt. Zac took the rear. Zarek led them until they got to a field.

"Mind if I see what this horse can do?" Jim queried.

"Have fun," Zarek stated. Jim challenged all of them to a race and Zarek was the only one who backed out. Midnight proved himself even with Colt on him instead of Zarek. Jim was impressed and wanted to race Gold against him. When they got back to Zarek, Midnight held his head high as if he knew he was the winner.

After making a day of it, the boys rode back to the Bolt Farm. They brushed the horses and put them away. Mrs. Bolt was setting the table as they walked in. "Supper will be in fifteen minutes. I suggest you boys go shower and change. You're not sitting at my table smelling like horses."

"Yes, Mom," Zarek responded. Then he went to kiss her cheek.

She started smacking him away. "Go shower first, you're not going to rub that smell on me."

Zarek laughed and led the boys upstairs. Zarek explained, "Mom loves horses but she's not crazy about their scent. She keeps her riding clothes separate from her other clothes and won't even wash them together."

As they sat at the table, Jason Bolt looked at his wife and Zarek. "I've checked into the Montana ranch while y'all were out. Apparently, Jim's mom sold to one person so the ranch is still intact as one piece of property."

"You thinking about seeing if he'd be willing to sell, Dad?" Zarek asked.

"Thinking about? No. I already called him. He's having no luck and is eager to sell. That property is worth five to six million easy and he offered to sell it to me for only five hundred thousand."

"You'd be a fool to pass that up," Mrs. Bolt said.

"Glad you feel that way. I know we should have talked about it, but I wired him the money already. We take possession just after the Fourth of July." Mrs. Bolt kissed her husband's cheek to show him that she approved.

"What about this place?" Zarek asked.

"If you want it, it's yours. Otherwise, I do have a guy who has been trying to talk me into selling. He offered me the same amount as what I paid for the ranch in Montana."

"Appreciate the offer, Dad, but my life is in Cody right now. Besides, this means that you're just switching properties. Sweet that you'll get paid the same amount."

"Well, your life may be in Cody, but you'll need to visit Montana from time to time. We'll actually be closer to Cody than we are right now."

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll make plans to do that."

"And Jim, I would love for you and your mom to visit whenever you want. I would love to get to know the two of you, you are family after all."

"I'd love to visit the ranch. I have so many happy memories there and a few sad ones," Jim stated. "I also have an adopted brother; if you don't mind, I think he'd love to see where Mom and I used to live."

"We'd love a chance to meet him, too. Give us a few weeks after we move in, then you can come visit any time you like," Mrs. Bolt offered. Jason nodded his head in approval.

During the remainder of their stay, everyone helped Jason and Mrs. Bolt box up items that they weren't using. The house definitely looked as though they were ready to move when Zarek started getting Midnight into the horse trailer. This trailer had two stalls so while Midnight was in the one, the tack was placed in the other. The ride home seemed longer than they remembered as everyone was worn out from their trip.

"I think I'm gonna need a vacation when we get back," Jim quipped. Everyone laughed.

"So did everyone enjoy their stay?" Zarek inquired.

"I like your parents. If Dad and Dad let me, I'd love to go visit when they're in Montana." Colt suggested.

"We'll see what we can do."

"I'm glad to meet them, too. Hard to believe that you're my second cousin. And I'm really glad that the family ranch will belong to the family again. Do me a favor and don't tell my mom. I want to take her there and surprise her," Jim requested.

"What are you going to do, take her for a drive and just go up there?" Zarek asked with a smile.

"Something like that." Jim grinned.

It was late when Zac pulled into the ranch. Jackson and Ryan came out to greet them and Colt ran over to hug Jackson, then Ryan. "Thanks for letting me go, but I'm so happy to be home," Colt said with teary eyes.

"No problem, figured we'll have a long life ahead of us where we can spend time. This was time for you to spend with Zarek. We know you two got close and we don't want to do anything to ruin that friendship. It is just a friendship, right?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah, Dad, he's a guy," Colt said without thinking. "I mean, I know you and Dad are both guys, and I'm happy as long as you are, but I think I'm straight."

"Think?" Ryan asked.

"Well, I've not found any guys attractive, but I have found some girls to be attractive. And when I met Zarek's old girlfriend, I really thought she was attractive," Colt explained.

"Well, doesn't matter to us if you're gay or straight, what matters is that you find someone who makes you happy," Jackson stated.

Zac and Zarek were coming out of the barn and Colt walked over. "Zarek, when you go to Montana, if my two dads will let me go again, could they come?" Colt asked.

"If they want to come, I wouldn't have a problem with it."

"What's in Montana?" Jackson asked.

"Zarek's dad bought the ranch my family used to own," Jim stated. "Please don't tell my mom, though, I want to take her up there and surprise her."

"You have my word," Jackson stated. Everyone looked at Ryan.

"I'm a lawyer, I know how to keep secrets," Ryan said with a grin.

Jackson offered everyone a cup a coffee before they left, but everyone was eager to get home. Jackson and Ryan walked Colt into the house and was asking him about the trip while everyone else got in their vehicles to head home.

When they got there, Jim and Zac walked straight to Jim's room. They put their bags down and flopped on the bed. Heather came up to check on them and they were sound asleep. As careful as she could, she pulled their boots off and kissed them both on the forehead. She closed the door and went back downstairs.

In the morning, Jim and Zac walked downstairs. "Whoever took our boots off, we appreciate it. We were really tired after the trip. Zarek's family is very nice and invited us to visit whenever we want."

"Well, they are family, so maybe you can visit them a few times before school starts back."

"They want to meet the two of you, also," Jim stated looking at his mom and Joe.

"Then, it's settled, Mom's going on our trip, too," Joe said.

"I take it that you decided that's where we're going?" Jim questioned.

"Without a doubt," Joe said with a smile.

"Do you have vacation time coming up, Mom? I'm thinking maybe we can go during the last week of July." Jim suggested.

"Yes, I can plan to take that week off," Heather told her sons.

Zac was just sitting down at the breakfast table when there was a knock at the door. Jim started to stand, but Heather motioned for him to stay seated. She opened the door to see a new face. "Hi, I'm Samantha Williams and I was just assigned to Joe's case while his regular case worker is on maternity leave. I hope I didn't wake you this early, but I have something very important I must discuss," the lady started.

"Would you like to come in? As for waking us, we were just sitting down to breakfast, we have plenty if you're hungry. Or, perhaps a cup of coffee?" Heather offered.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'm afraid you're not going to like me with what I have to say."

"Oh?" Heather was a bit surprised. Joe came over to the door.

"Mrs. Walker has filed for divorce from her husband. She's moving back to Harbor Springs, Michigan to live with her mother and wants to take Joe with her."

"Can she do that? I don't want to go!" Joe raised his voice.

"It's only been six months and she is complying with the courts as to the only way she can stop the adoption. I'm sorry, but from what I understand, she has every right," Mrs. Williams stated.

"Why does she want me now when she didn't want me six months ago? She never acted like a mother before, is she doing this because I am happy for once?" Joe's agitation was very obvious.

"I have no idea, I just know that she stopped by the office right as we got there this morning," Mrs. Williams responded.

"Does she expect me to just hand Joe over like that? Can I take this to court?" Heather appeared as agitated as Joe.

"Yes, actually we told her that she would need to file with the courts to regain custody. I'll let you know when the date is as soon as we know. From the looks of things, we believe it'll be early August."

"If she wins, I don't want to go with her. Can I file for emancipation?" Joe asked.

"You can apply and hope the courts go in your favor, but there's no guarantee that they will. Hope you're not mad at me, I will do everything that I can to help you. I'm sure you've already been told, Joe's well-being and happiness are our main concern. We will fight for what we believe is best for you. The court will listen to you and take what you have to say to heart. Unless you get Judge Dillon, I'm sure everything will work out. Dillon always seems to go with the birth mother, regardless."

"Sounds like he needs to be voted out, if you ask me," Jim stated, now standing beside Joe.

"Yes, those of us at the CPS have thought that she needed to be voted out for some time." Mrs. Williams said. Jim felt sheepish having referred to the judge as a "he". "And we all agree that Joe is where he should be, so we'll do what we can to assist.

"Thank you for the heads up, Mrs. Williams. I assure you that while we are agitated, it's not at you," Heather said smiling.

"If you know a good lawyer, which I'm sure you do since you're a paralegal, I recommend using him or her. And while the state can't assist with the cost, all of us in the office have agreed to help with what we can to cover it if need be."

"I'm sure that won't be necessary. I'm sure that Ryan will do it and not charge," Heather stated, "But thank you for the offer. It means a lot."

"Like I said, we all believe that Joe is where he should be. And we will be in court to testify to that." With that, Mrs. Williams got into her vehicle and headed back to the office. Heather got on the phone and Jackson answered, she asked for Ryan and explained the situation. Zac and Jim finished breakfast and headed to the ranch. Joe wanted to go but Heather insisted that he stay home. She thought he should be there to talk with Ryan. Joe wasn't happy, but did agree that giving every detail would be important.

 

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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