Still Another Chance ~ Book Four of Another Chance

by Zarek Dragon

Jim, Zac, the boys and Austin had started packing up their old house the night Jackson drove away. The following morning, they continued packing before loading everything into their trucks. While they were packing, the Gavins came for a visit. Patrick was quick to introduce Scott to Austin. Ed Gavin offered, "Scott, why don't you and Patrick finish his room, and this young man, uh, did I hear Patrick call you Austin?"

Austin was quick to reply, "Yes, sir."

Ed continued, "Would you mind working with Jake in his room? Dena will assist wherever Jim and Zac need her, and I will start loading the vehicles. That is, if Jim and Zac don't mind."

Jim smiled, "Sometimes I have trouble asking for assistance, but I never turn it down when offered. If Dena would like, she can pick a room to start."

Dena offered, "I will start with the dishes in the kitchen."

While they were busy, the rest of the family started coming over. Zac worked in his and Jim's bedroom, Heather went to work helping Dena, and Nick helped carry boxes. Chris wanted to do something, but Nick suggested that it "wasn't taking it easy."

Chris said, "Come on, Dad. It's been nineteen days since I was shot. Can't I even help Jake and Austin pack?"

Nick looked at his son and gave in, "I suppose, but you can't blame me for caring."

"I know you do," Chris acknowledged, "but the doctor released me Friday, remember?"

Jim suggested, "Hey Chris, why don't you go see what's taking Joe so long? I'm really surprised he's not here and I have items ready to go into his SUV."

Joe was the last one to leave his house and he was almost to his SUV, planning to help Jim move when a brown Lincoln pulled in behind him. Miss Williams approached Joe, extending her hand and saying, "Joe, I enjoyed your graduation last week."

Joe stared thoughtfully at her and finally replied, "Miss Williams, right?"

"Yes, you remember me. I'm sorry about what happened to your birth parents but am pleased that things worked out for the best."

Joe told her, "They were just people. I understand why others keep telling me they are sorry, but I wish they wouldn't. So, what can I do for you?"

Miss Williams turned serious, "I understand that your brothers want to make the ranch a safe haven for boys."

Joe nodded his head, "Yes, but we are a year or two away from making that happen. We're waiting for Buster and I to get at least a year of schooling in before we go full swing. Plus, we need to have background checks done for every employee that the boys may encounter. Zac's dad is in charge of security and he's run the checks on every employee hired after he took over the position, so that's almost done."

Miss William's countenance fell, "Shoot, I have a candidate for the ranch, but I'd still like for you to meet him. He's thirteen and his dad threw him out of the house last night. Perhaps you could take him in?"

Joe frowned, "For being gay? Sure, I'll meet with him, but I can't make any promises without talking to Mom and Buster."

Miss Williams motioned a "come here" towards her car and a boy got out. He was so skinny that Joe thought he hadn't eaten in a week. His hair was golden blonde, and although dirty, Joe could tell it was almost the same shade as Gold's coat. As the boy approached, Joe noticed his eyes were severely swollen. Miss Williams explained that he had been crying all night. The boy's t-shirt was ripped from where the father had grabbed it, trying to take that away from him. And his jeans were one size too big. When Joe saw his bare feet, his jaw dropped. Miss Williams explained that was the way the boy came to them and they didn't have any shoes big enough. Joe wanted to cry as he saw this boy. He remembered when his father had kicked him out. Joe extended his hand and the boy flinched. "I'm sorry, I was only wanting to shake your hand," Joe apologized. "My name is Joe, what's yours?"

The boy took Joe's hand, but he stayed quiet. Miss Williams asked Joe if she could tell the boy about him. When Joe agreed, she turned to the boy and said, "Joe wasn't much older than you are when his dad kicked him out for being gay." The boy looked at Joe and Joe just nodded with a tear running down his face. The boy flung himself at Joe, wrapped his arms around him and cried. Joe started rubbing his back.

As the boy continued to cry, Joe could hear him say, "My name is Eric. My dad kicked me out of the family, so I guess I have no last name."

Joe gently pushed him back so Eric could look at his face as he said, "Then if Miss Williams doesn't have a problem with it, I'll share my last name with you. It's Bolt-Archer." Eric gave up a willing smile.

Miss Williams chuckled, "On paper, we can't do that, at least not yet. Between you, I have no issue with it, at least until school starts." Then she looked at Joe and said, "You're hooked." Joe smiled.

As Miss Williams headed back to her car, she overheard Joe, "I was going to help my brother move, but before we go, would you like to take a shower? I can see if I can find a change of clothes for you, and get you something to eat."

The boy just nodded his head. Joe put his arm around Eric and led him in the house and up to Jim's old room. "The shower is through that door. I'll see if we have anything that will fit you. Maybe the clothes my brother gave me when I came here, but they might be too big as I was fifteen at the time."

Eric looked like he was ready to cry again and he asked, "Can you tell me what happened?"

Joe said, "Not really much to tell. My sperm donor, or Spermy, as I started calling him, found a secret stash I had. It was evident that I was gay so he kicked me out of the house after beating me. That was just two days before Christmas. I came here and the boy who became my brother ran out to buy me presents. He and Mom made sure I had a great Christmas. That brother is the one I'll be helping move."

"To a ranch?" Eric asked. "Is that where I'll eventually go?"

"Yes, he will be moving to a ranch, and as for you," Joe gave him a smile, "the ranch won't start taking in boys needing a place for maybe another year or two. You've already attached yourself to my heart and I'm hoping to keep you with me."

Eric's eyes went big, "You mean it? I would like that!"

Joe gave Eric a big grin, "Yeah, Bub, I mean it. I need to talk with my mom and boyfriend, but I know they both will love you."

"Then will you be my new dad?" Eric looked almost begging.

Joe gave him a hug, "Buster and I aren't getting married for another year, and we didn't plan to adopt for maybe a year after that, but then you came along. I would consider it an honor to be your new dad."

"Thank you, Dad," Eric whispered and Joe broke down.

"Now I think I have an idea of how Mom felt the first time I called her Mom," Joe cried. "I love you, Eric."

As Eric headed to the bathroom, Joe pulled out his phone, "Call Buster." Once Buster answered, Joe asked him to come over and asked if he had anything that would fit a thirteen-year-old boy.

Chris walked into the house as Joe finished talking to Buster, "Hey Joe, Jim's wondering what's taking so long."

Joe smiled, "I'm a dad. Here's my key, take my SUV and I'll be over in a bit. I'll explain then." Chris was bewildered by what Joe said but he grabbed the key and headed out the door.

Buster was over before Eric got out of the shower, and Joe started telling him about the boy. Buster listened and when Joe was done, Buster was in tears. He said, "Babe, we never set anything in stone. I would love to meet him, but I know that if you love him already, I will."

Eric came out of the shower with the towel around his waist; finding Joe and Buster talking, he felt a little embarrassed. Joe said, "Eric, this is my boyfriend. Buster couldn't wait to meet you, so he rushed over, stopping only long enough to get you something to wear."

"Hi Buster," Eric whispered, feeling more comfortable.

"Listen, the lady at the store said that these should fit you, and I wasn't sure on the shoe size, so I picked up different sizes. They said I can return any that don't fit."

Eric whispered, "Thank you."

Buster handed Eric the clothes and Eric gave him a hug. When Buster put his arms around Eric, he said, "You don't need to tell us what happened, but if you want to talk about it, we are here. It's up to you whether you talk to Joe, me, both of us or neither of us. Regardless, know that you are loved."

"Thank you, Daddy," Eric whispered without even thinking of it. Buster started to cry. Eric went to get dressed and then found Joe and Buster in the kitchen. Joe placed a cheeseburger in front of the boy and as he started to eat, he opened up. "Last night, my…" he hesitated and looked at Joe. "My sperm donor caught me and another boy naked in my room. We hadn't even done anything yet, but we were planning to, you know, experiment. That man grabbed me, but not before I grabbed a t-shirt and pair of jeans. He threw me out of the house, still naked. And he tried taking the shirt until it ripped."

Buster cried, "Eric, you are safe now. If you want to call me Daddy, I have no problem with it. I would be happy to have you as a son."

"I'm glad, Daddy," Eric said. "Dad said that you are his boyfriend and plan to marry him, so I was hoping that would make you my daddy."

Wiping his eyes, Buster chimed, "Yes, yes it does, or close enough. I already love you like you are my son. And I know my parents will want to spoil you."

Joe gave them a smile and suggested, "I promised Jim to help him move. Eric, after we are done, what do you think about the idea of going shopping, getting you some clothes and whatever?"

Eric had the biggest smile, "I would like that, Dad. Will Daddy be joining us?"

"You better believe I am," Buster declared.

Joe walked in the door and Jim asked, "What took you so long, Bro? Chris said that you would explain when you got here. He was mumbling something about you being a dad."

Joe looked at Jim and then Heather, "Do you remember Miss Williams? She stopped by the house as I was leaving, and Mom, can we talk privately?"

Buster and Eric came in at that time and Heather just whispered, "Of course, you don't even have to ask. This young man is free to use Jim's old room until you're ready to move to the ranch, yourself."

Joe gave Heather a hug, "Thanks, Mom. His story isn't much different than mine." Then he held his arm out in an inviting manner towards Eric. Eric didn't hesitate to move in and hug Joe. "Eric, this is my mom, the lady who showed me so much love ever since I met her. And this guy is my brother that I told you about."

Jim held out his hand and said, "I'm guessing that you can call me Uncle Jim."

Instead of shaking Jim's hand, Eric gave him a hug and said, "Thank you for being there for Dad."

Heather's heart broke when she saw Eric hugging Jim. She offered, "I just took fresh cookies up to Jim's boys. Why don't I get you a glass of milk and take you up to meet them?"

Eric whispered, "OK, Grandma."

Heather started for the kitchen but stopped when she felt a smaller hand grab hers. She smiled down at Eric and he returned the smile. She whispered, "I love you, Honey," causing Eric to smile even bigger. Once they had his milk, she led him up to Patrick's room.

Patrick was a little surprised when his grandma came in with another boy. He stood up and walked over to them, "Hi, my name is Patrick."

Heather spoke, "This is Eric. He will be living with your Uncle Joe, hopefully for a very long time."

Patrick thought very quickly, "Does that make him like my cousin?"

Heather smiled, "Yes, maybe not legally right now, but knowing your Uncle Joe, if Eric would like to, he will adopt him and make it legal."

Eric whispered, "I would like that."

Patrick offered, "We're taking a break right now, would you like a cookie? Grandma made them and they are really good."

"Yes please, and thank you," Eric replied as he grabbed a cookie.

Patrick said, "This is Scott, he's my boyfriend. Once we are done with our milk and cookies, we need to finish up my room. If you would like to help, maybe we can talk and be friends as well as cousins."

Eric looked thoughtfully at Patrick, "I could use a friend right now."

Patrick put the plate down and wrapped his arms around Eric. He whispered, "We all need friends. With this family, you will find everyone is willing to be your friend. I came here after my parents were killed."

Eric was surprised. He sobbed, "That would suck, but at least you didn't feel unloved, did you?"

Patrick shook his head. Figuring Eric may have felt it, but couldn't see him, he said, "No, I knew that my parents loved me. Even in death, they send me little reminders of their love."

Eric cried, "My parents kicked me out."

Patrick couldn't believe what he just heard; he started rubbing Eric's back. "I don't know what to say, but at least you will be loved here. I know that for a fact."

"Yes," Eric agreed. "I'm already learning that from Dad, Daddy, Grandma, your dad and now you."

Jake came in to get another cookie when he saw Patrick hugging some strange boy. He looked confused. Patrick eased his grip on Eric and turned towards Jake, "Little Bro, this is our new cousin, Eric. Uncle Joe will be adopting him."

Jake gave Eric a quick hug and said, "Hi, Eric. It's nice to meet you. Would you like to meet our cousin Austin? He's actually Daddy's, Uncle Joe's and Uncle Chris's cousin, but Daddy says that he's ours too."

Eric was a little surprised, "I guess so."

Jake ran out of the room and came back with Austin. After Jake introduced him, Austin shook his hand. He said, "It's nice to meet you, and I hope we can have some fun together while I'm here for the summer?"

Eric didn't know what Austin had in mind and he was afraid to ask. He felt more at ease when Austin said, "Grab one more cookie Jake, and then let's finish your room. Maybe we'll be able to go riding once we get everything put away at the ranch."

Jake grinned, "Yeah, come on Eric, you can help us. You'll love Gold. He's Daddy's horse."

Eric looked perplexed, both boys had asked him to help, but he can't help both at the same time. Patrick watched for a few seconds before saying, "Go help my brother. We can chat another time, but we're already friends."

Before Eric went to help Jake, he said, "Thank you Patrick, for understanding as well as being a friend. I'm going to enjoy having you as a cousin. And it was nice meeting you, Scott."

With all of the help, the move didn't take long at all. Once everything was done, Patrick asked if they could go riding. Jim asked who all was going and he said, "Scott, Jake, Austin, me and Eric, if he would like to go."

Eric looked at Joe and Joe said, "If you would like to go riding, you can. We can go shopping after you've had some fun."

Eric smiled, "Thanks Dad. I want to go, but I've never been on a horse before."

Jim encouraged him, "You seem like a bright boy, and your dad is one of the best trainers we have, so I bet you'll learn how to ride very quickly. For now, I know the perfect horse for you to ride, if he'll let you."

Jim and Joe walked out to the barn with Eric holding both of their hands. Jake, Austin, Patrick and Scott accompanied them. When they got to the barn, Jim went right to Gold's stall. He asked, "Gold, this is Joe's new son." Eric gave Gold a big grin hearing Jim say that. Jim continued, "He's never been on a horse before, can you take care of him?"

Gold reached down and put his head on Eric's shoulder. At first, Eric didn't know what to expect and got nervous, then he questioned, "Is this his way of hugging me?"

Joe laughed, "Yeah, it is. He's also saying that you can ride him."

Jake inquired, "Can I ride Gold with Eric?"

Jim shook his head and said, "Sorry, Buddy, but since Eric hasn't ridden a horse before, I'd rather you not ride with him until he feels comfortable on a horse. Eric will be worried enough about staying on." Then, turning towards his new nephew, "Eric, all you will need to do is stay on. Gold will take care of the rest."

"Yeah," Patrick interjected, "Gold is the best horse. You can ride with me, Jake."

Jim and Joe helped the boys get the tack on their horses and Jim helped Eric mount Gold. Zac came out with a saddle bag. He explained, "This pouch has sandwiches and chips for you boys, and the other has bottles of water. I'm sure Eric would like to see the lake, and maybe go swimming."

"I don't have a swimsuit with me," Eric expressed.

Jake remarked, "That's OK, we are all boys. We can go skinny-dipping."

Eric questioned, "Seriously? And no one minds?"

Zac replied, "You're on private property, so unless you do, no one minds, but if you do mind, we do have suits in the cabin at the lake."

As the boys went riding towards the lake, Jim told Joe, "He seems like a sweet boy. You will be good for him, and I can imagine what he will do for you. Jake and Patrick have really helped me."

Joe smiled, "I hope so. I think I might feel like you did when you first met Jake. I already love that boy."

"And he loves you," Zac declared.

Patrick led the boys to the lake and then put his horse in the corral. He helped Eric get down from Gold and then grabbed the saddlebag. He asked, "Do we want to swim or eat first?"

Austin suggested, "I vote we swim and then eat as we are drying off."

Eric commented, "That sounds good to me." Scott didn't argue and started getting undressed.

Eric watched as the other boys took off their clothes. Patrick thought Eric looked nervous, so he asked, "Does this make you feel uncomfortable? We can wear swimsuits if it does."

Eric shook his head, "No, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have cousins who have fun together. I'll race you." And with that, Eric started undressing.

The boys played in the water for about half an hour before sitting in the sun on the beach. Patrick grabbed the snacks that Zac gave them and started passing them around. They sat and talked, letting Eric get to know them while they got to know Eric. Finally, Eric asked, "Is Dad always as nice as he seems? I love him a lot as a dad and feel like he loves me, but does he ever get mean? I mean, everything seems too good to be true."

Patrick spoke first, "I have never seen him be anyway but loving. The meanest I had ever seen him was when I needed to call my dad and he wouldn't let me have my phone right away, but he was just playing with me. When I told him it was urgent, he let me have my phone."

"Um huh," Jake said, nodding his head. "Uncle Joe never gets mad."

Eric smiled, "Cool, I mean, he seems like he will be a great father, but having just met him… I'm glad that Miss Williams brought me to him."

Austin stated, "I think we all are, too. You seem like a great guy and I'll be happy having you as another cousin."

After they were done with their snacks, they put their trash back in the saddlebag, got dressed and headed back towards the stables. Eric hadn't felt so happy in ages. Jim and Joe helped them take care of the horses and Joe asked Eric if he had fun. Eric was excited, "Oh my gosh, yes. I'd never swam naked before."

Joe smiled, "There are lots of things you may end up doing that you've never done. So far, you've ridden your first horse and swam naked."

Eric looked up lovingly at Joe, "Will you teach me how to really ride, Dad? Riding Gold was like riding a pony at the fair. No offense, Gold."

Joe gave Eric's shoulder a light squeeze. "He knows you didn't mean anything by it, but yeah, Gold is the easiest horse to ride, if he'll let you ride him. So far he'll only let Uncle Jim and you boys ride him, and then if it's an emergency, he might let Uncle Zac or me. If you want to learn, how to ride, I'd be happy to teach you. But today, we need to get you more to wear than what you have on."

Patrick asked, "Then, can Eric spend the night?"

Joe shook his head slowly, "I appreciate you asking, making Eric know he's more than welcome to the family, but he just joined the family and I would like to spend the night getting to know him better. I promise, if Eric wants to spend the night with you another night, I will allow it."

Jim gave Eric a hug and said, "Enjoy my old room. If it means it's no longer reserved for me to visit, I'm glad I'm giving it up for you. You make sure your dad brings you here when he comes to work."

Eric returned the hug and replied, "I will, Uncle Jim. I love you." Jim hugged the boy a little tighter.

Patrick requested, "Before you go, can I get a picture of you with Eric, Uncle Joe?"

Joe looked at Eric and replied, "On one condition, you have to send that picture to me. And when we get home, I'll set Eric up on Skype so you boys can chat. And before you ask, I like Trevor and Roger so yes, you can give them his account name. I believe Eric will like them, too."

"Thanks, Uncle Joe," Patrick responded as he took their picture.

Jim put his hand out, "Patrick, give me your phone so I can take a picture of you, Jake, and Eric. Then we can add Scott and Austin."

After Jim had taken the picture with all five of the boys, Joe stated, "We need to set up a time for this photo shoot, but for now, Eric needs more clothes." And with that, he, Buster and Eric got into his SUV, Jim overheard Joe tell Eric, "I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself."

Joe stopped at Jake's Trading Post first so Eric would have clothes to wear at the ranch. From there, he took him to Walmart for other clothes that Eric might like. While they were shopping, Eric confessed his uneasy feelings at the lake. Joe offered, "You said that you and a friend were about to experiment last night, so I imagine, you're not sure of yourself, and these boys are new to you. What you are feeling is perfectly natural. If you discover that you are straight or gay, all that matters is that you are happy. I love you unconditionally."

Eric had tears running down his face, "Thanks, Dad."

Buster was walking behind them. He was choked up, but added, "We both want you happy, regardless."

When they got home, Heather and Chris offered to help Joe and Eric take everything up to Eric's room. Buster headed home. Nick was on the phone talking to Gerry Ryder about moving his house and putting a pool in its place.

At the ranch, after supper, Patrick got on his phone and sent Trevor a text…

I got a new cousin today. His name is Eric and he'll be Uncle Joe's son once the adoption gets approved. Here is a picture of him with Uncle Joe. Notice the color of his hair. When he hugged Gold, I almost couldn't see his head because his hair is the same color as Gold's.

Patrick waited a few minutes to see if Trevor replied. He was just putting his phone down when he heard the notification noise that he had a Skype message. He started his laptop to use the Skype on it. Patrick saw Trevor's face and said, "Hey, Roger there, too?"

Patrick could hear Roger in the background as Trevor joked, "Yeah, he's taking a dump right now."

"I am not" Roger declared as Trevor started to crack up. Trevor went to kiss Roger but Roger turned his head. Patrick started laughing.

Trevor confessed, "He wasn't but I couldn't resist. So, what can you tell me about your new cousin?"

Patrick shook his head, "Not much really, except he told me that his parents kicked him out of the house. He seems really happy with Uncle Joe."

Roger looked a little sad, "His parents kicked him out? How could they do that? I'm glad that your Uncle Joe took him in, but still…"

Patrick said, "Yeah, he didn't go into detail as to why, and I didn't feel I should ask."

"How old is he?" Trevor asked.

Patrick got a grin on his face before saying, "Oh, he's old, like thirteen or fourteen."

"HEY!" Trevor and Roger both exclaimed. "We're fourteen."

Joe woke up and was fixing breakfast when he heard Eric coming down the stairs. Joe called out, "Hey Bub, how did you sleep?"

Eric explained, "Best sleep I've ever had until a yellow dog jumped on the bed. But then he laid so we could cuddle and I was fine."

Joe chuckled, "I guess I lost another one."

Eric gave him a puzzled looked and said "Huh?" Joe explained how Jim had two dogs and Colby started sleeping with him, but when Jim moved, Colby went with him. He said that Jim's other dog gave birth to puppies, so he got this one and named it after the father. Eric inquired, "So how did you lose this one?"

Joe smiled, "Because he wants to sleep with my son. But that's OK." Eric grinned.

Joe fixed him a plate of scrambled eggs and hash browns and a glass of juice. He placed them on the table and grabbed some for himself. He couldn't help but watch as Eric ate, taking a bite and chewing it properly. He thought, at least his parents taught him something right. Between bites, Eric looked over at him and asked, "Dad, why do you call me Bub?"

Joe said, "You've met Uncle Jim's two boys. We call Jake Buddy, and Patrick Bud. They are terms of endearment, so I thought you should have one as well, thus Bub. But if you would rather I didn't."

Eric shook his head quickly, "Oh no, I like it, even more now that I know the reason. I was just curious."

Joe chuckled, "I'm glad because you're my Bub." Eric smiled.

They finished eating and Joe put the dishes in the dishwasher, then someone knocked on the door. Eric answered it and it was Miss Williams. She smiled at Eric and said, "Don't you look handsome this morning."

Eric didn't think anyone would mind so he invited her in. He called out, "Dad, it's Miss Williams."

Joe came to the living room and greeted her. She apologized for coming so early, "I hope I didn't wake you, but I'm here about Eric, which you probably guessed. Hearing Eric call you Dad, I'm guessing things went great."

"Oh yes, they sure did," Joe replied. Eric put his arm around Joe and nodded his head in agreement.

"I'm so glad. I do have three options for you, but I think I can drop the third. It was for me to take Eric with me." Miss Williams went on to explain, "The other two options would be for you to be his foster dad until either someone decided to adopt him or he turns eighteen. Or the second option would be for you to adopt him. His parents already signed over custody to the State, so they can't do what your parents tried."

Joe looked at Miss Williams and stated, "There is no way I want to just foster Eric. As far as I am concerned, he is my son, please start the adoption process."

Eric gave Joe a hug and said, "Thanks, Dad."

Miss Williams smiled, "Then Judge Buchanan is expecting you sometime today. We normally don't like swift adoptions, but we know your family, and we believe Eric became a part of it yesterday. And officially, Eric will share your last name even on paper." She handed Joe the documents that he needed.

When Miss Williams left, Joe suggested that Eric get dressed. He went to get ready himself. As they were going out the door, Heather was coming down the stairs. She asked, "Heading to the ranch?"

Eric had a big smile, "No, Miss Williams stopped by, and we're on our way so Dad can adopt me."

"Already? That was fast," Heather seemed surprised.

Joe smiled, "It is, but I guess we have a good reputation with Children's Protective Services. I just know I have a wonderful son of my own."

Heather smiled, "Yes you do, and I am happy to have such a sweet loving grandson."

As they walked to the SUV, Joe asked, "Should we pick up Buster along the way?"

Eric gave Joe a "duh" face, stating "That's a silly question, Dad. Daddy should be with us."

Joe grinned, "Yeah, I agree, so let's go by there and it'll give you a chance to meet his parents, too."

As they knocked on the door, Buster opened it. He was still wearing his pajamas. "What brings you by here so early?"

Eric blurted out, "Daddy, get dressed, Dad's taking me to court so he can adopt me!"

Buster grinned and asked, "Seriously? Oh wow, that's awesome! Would you like to visit with Mom and Dad while I change?"

Buster led them to the kitchen and said, "Mom, I um, I got Joe, um, well we now have a son; he's thirteen years old. Would you like to meet him?"

Mrs. Jones said, "If I didn't know better, I would have thought you were trying to say Joe was pregnant, but then, that was probably the effect you were going for. Bring that child in here."

Joe and Eric walked into the kitchen and Mrs. Jones took one look at Eric. She said, "Hi, I'm your Grandma Ashley. How old are you?"

Eric replied, "I'm thirteen, but I'll be fourteen in July."

Ashley was intrigued, she had to ask, "July what?" She looked at Joe, who shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands.

Eric answered, "The twenty-seventh, I'll be fourteen on the twenty-seventh of July."

Buster looked at his mom and said, "Joe is on his way to officially adopt Eric as our son, so I'm going to get dressed to go with them."

"Take your time, Buster. I want to get to know my new grandson so I can figure out what to buy him for his birthday."

Eric chuckled, "I like you, but you don't look old enough to be a grandma. But then, neither does Grandma Heather."

Ashley gave Eric a hug, "I love you more and more. Of course, when our sons adopt, you get to be young grandmas. Would you like a glass of milk and cookies while you wait for Buster?"

Eric said, "You mean Daddy, and no thank you, Dad fixed me a nice breakfast."

Ashley smiled, "I stand corrected. Would you like some cookies to take with you?"

Eric looked up at Joe who just did a quick nod, then he looked at Ashley and said, "Yes, thank you. Daddy said that you would try spoiling me."

Ashley placed several cookies in a baggie and handed them to Eric. She agreed, "I will try, but you seem like you would be hard to spoil. You are a good young man."

Eric grinned and gave Ashley a hug, "I love you, Grandma Ashley."

She returned the hug and replied, "As I do you."

Llewellyn walked into the kitchen, "Cornelius, er… I mean Buster tells me that I have a new grandson in here, but I only see Joe and some handsome young man hugging my wife."

Eric looked nervous, "Are you talking about me? I'm just talking to Grandma."

Llewellyn gave a hearty laugh, "Oh, then you must be Eric, my new grandson. I'm ecstatic to meet you; I'm your Grandpa Lee."

Eric relaxed, realizing that Grandpa Lee was only playing with him. He responded by saying, "Yup, I'm Eric."

Llewellyn picked Eric up and gave him a hug. He whispered in his ear, "Since she's your grandma, you can hug my wife whenever you want. We are lucky to have you as a grandson."

"I love you, Grandpa," Eric whispered back.

Buster came back downstairs ready to go. Llewellyn and Ashley gave Eric a kiss and then asked Joe, "Would you like for us to go to the courthouse as witnesses?"

Joe chuckled, "We don't need witnesses, this isn't a wedding. We are adopting Eric, and will get married next June as planned. But if you would like to help celebrate, we will be going to the ranch after."

Buster took Joe's hand and asked, "Babe, what if we did get married now with the judge and then held a formal wedding next June?"

"Then I need to call my family," Joe stated. "I'm not getting married without them there."

Buster gave Joe a kiss and Joe called Heather and then Jim. He told both of them what was going to happen and asked if they could go to the courthouse. Then, he, Buster and Eric made their way to the courthouse, followed by Lee and Ashley.

While waiting for everyone, Joe and Buster got the marriage license. They found Judge Buchanan's office and his receptionist let them in. Buchanan looked up and saw Joe. "I take it, you're here to adopt Eric Weaver."

Eric said, "That used to be me, but that man kicked me out of the family. My name is Eric Bolt-Archer, now." Buchanan laughed.

Joe smiled and said, "Judge, we are here to adopt Eric, but before we do, Buster and I would like to get married. We're just waiting for my family."

Heather, Nick and Chris were the first to arrive. Heather put her arms around Joe and said, "I knew this day would come. I'm so happy for you."

Chris walked over and suggested, "I'll be your best man in your wedding next June. I think you should let Jim be your best man today."

Joe was getting ready to say something, but he heard, "Thank you Chris, but you are his best man. You should do it at both weddings. I know that he doesn't love you any more than me."

Joe nodded his head, "Jim's right. I'm just glad that I didn't have to choose because I love you both."

Buster walked over to Zac. "Other than Joe, you and Jim have been my best friends. Will you be my best man?"

Zac started to tear up, "I will consider it an honor. You have proven to be a man I am proud to call a friend."

Everyone took their places and Buchanan asked, "Have you written your vows yet? I understand that you were planning to get married next year."

Joe looked at Buster and said, "I'm sorry, I love you with all my heart but we are still missing someone. I can't get married without Jackson here."

Buster had a tear in his eye, which Joe wiped. He started to say, "I understand. He is…"

Jim interrupted him, "I know it's not polite to interrupt, but I forgot to tell you something. You'll never believe who was in the office when you called."

Suddenly Colt came running up to Joe. "Did we miss it?"

Joe just mouthed, "Colt?" and then said, "Does that mean…"

Jackson came walking in and Joe started crying. He ran and hugged the man who meant so much to him. Jackson said, "We forgot some documents for Colt to go to school down there, so we came back up. Sure, I could have waited to get them until we come back in two weeks, but I missed you guys already."

Joe whispered, "And we missed you.  I wish you would move back to Cody." Then he smiled at Buster and said, "Now we can get married. And Judge, I wasn't planning to write my vows but to speak from my heart."

Buchanan nodded, "Go ahead."

Joe looked into Buster's eyes and said, "These vows may change wording a little next June, but ever since I first saw you, I felt an attraction. Then you did the secret admiring and almost drove me crazy. When you walked into that Valentine's Day party with my bear, my heart soared. I have and always will love you."

Buster wiped his eyes and said, "I saw you walk into that homeroom and it was love at first sight. You gave me strength to do what I know was needed. I was scared that you might reject me, but I had to take that first step if I was going to be with you. Since the day I first saw you and for all eternity, I will always love you, Joe."

Buchanan stated, "By the power vested in me by the State of Wyoming, I pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss." After Joe and Buster kissed, Buchanan looked at Eric. He smiled and charged, "Now for the matter of Eric Weaver, er… I'm sorry, I mean Eric Bolt-Archer. You are hereby accused of being cute and adorable. How do you plead?"

Eric didn't know what to say so Joe whispered in his ear. Eric grinned and declared, "Guilty as charged, Your Honor."

Buchanan asked, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Eric made his statement, "I don't really know what to say. I mean I was born this way but being with Dad and Daddy brings it out more."

Buchanan looked at Eric and stated, "Then I hereby sentence you to be Joe and Buster's son for life."

Eric looked at Buchanan and averred, "I would consider it an honor to be their son for life, Your Honor."

Buchanan said, "Good, let me just sign your adoption papers and you will officially be Eric Bolt-Archer, the son of Joe and Buster Bolt-Archer. I hope I didn't scare you with how I did things."

"No, you didn't scare me," Eric grinned. "I thought it was funny."

Heather said, "If you boys want to live at the house while in school, you may, but if you decide to go ahead and move, I understand."

Buster spoke up, "I think until we know exactly what to expect, it might be wise to stay with you. If things get too hectic, we can always move."

Ashley offered, "And you're always welcome in our home as well."

Buster hugged his mom and dad and said, "I'll be by to get some things. I will miss you both, but I just got married."

Joe asked, "About that, would it upset you if we wait until our formal wedding to do a honeymoon? When we go, I would like for it to be just us, but I want us to spend time with Eric for now."

Buster looked Joe in the eyes and cooed, "Babe, you sounded so loving there, both towards me and Eric. How could I say no to that?"

Joe whispered, "We both wanted to wait until our honeymoon for our first time, are we still?"

Buster kissed Joe and offered, "I can wait if you want to, or I am ready now. Just being with you makes me happy, so let's just see how it goes. No pressure either way."

Joe smiled, "I am so glad that you are my husband."

Jake walked up to the judge and commented, "That was funny. I love you Grandpa Joshua."

Buchanan smiled at his grandson, "That's always nice to hear, and I love you as well. You'll be in first grade next year?"

Jake smiled, "How'd you know?"

Buchanan laughed, "I could say that Santa told me, but no, your daddy and papa have been nice and they call me at least once a month to keep me informed. They don't have to, but I enjoy it and they know I do."

Jake gave him a hug and kiss before they left to have a party at the ranch.

The party had been going for almost an hour when Patrick started getting bored. He went in the house and Jim noticed him missing, so he went to check on him. He found him in the living room with the TV on. He noticed that the DVD/Blu-Ray was playing and when he saw what was on the TV, he got excited. Patrick looked over at him and said, "You have a lot of Star Trek DVDs."

Jim smiled, "I have every episode from every series and all of the movies. You're watching one of my favorite episodes from the original."

Patrick explained, "Yeah, some cute older guy is running around with a sword and he's shirtless."

Jim snickered, "Yeah, he is old, like almost thirty. The character's name is Sulu. If you ask me, he was the most attractive actor in that series. His real name is George Takei and I liked his portrayal of Sulu better than John Cho in the movies with Chris Pine. I think John Cho is cute, but the original Sulu is the best."

Patrick asked, "Do you want to watch with me?"

Jim shook his head, "Maybe later. Right now, I think you should be spending time with your cousin."

Patrick looked down, "I'm sorry, but the party was getting boring and everyone else was talking to Eric, so I felt left out. I'll go back out there, though."

Jim gave Patrick a peck on the cheek, "Thanks, Bud. I know you didn't mean anything by coming in here."

Patrick saw Jackson chatting with Joe and Buster and waved at them. When he found Eric, the boy looked elated. "There you are. Jake wants to play a game and I was looking for you to get suggestions."

Patrick apologized, "I'm sorry, I went into the house for a bit."

Eric replied, "That doesn't matter, you're here now."

Patrick gave Eric a hug. Patrick started counting who was there, "We have Scott, Jake, Austin, you, Colt, Dad, Papa, Uncle Joe, Uncle Chris, Jackson, Grandma Heather, Grandpa Nick, your Grandma Ashley and Grandpa Lee, and Buster. Did I miss anyone?"

Eric laughed, "You didn't count yourself."

Patrick chuckled, "Oh right, so we have sixteen people here. Think we can get the adults to play maybe volleyball or kickball? Jake can kick a ball."

Eric got everyone's attention and asked who wanted to play kickball. Everyone said they would, so they split up into teams with Eric and Patrick picking. Patrick won the coin toss so he was up to kick first. When he kicked the ball, it stopped beside Buster in right field. Buster threw it to first base, but Patrick was already there before Ashley caught it.

Jake was up next. He kicked the ball half way to third base and took off running. He was excited when he made it to first base. Jim was up next. He kicked the ball hard, so hard that it went into Joe's arms and Jim was out. Zac kicked the ball almost to Lee. Lee threw it to Austin, but Patrick was on third base already. Austin threw the ball to Eric in hopes of it getting to second base before Jake.

Bases were loaded with one out and Heather was up. Joe rolled the ball and Heather kicked it right back into his arms. It was two outs. Jim shouted, "Come on Jackson, you can do it. We have two outs already."

Joe looked over and said, "So, let's have everyone kick and then we switch sides, Let's just have fun and not worry about outs or runs."

Jim agreed, "That works for me. Let's just have fun."

Jackson kicked the ball and Joe tried catching it, but it grazed his hand. Chris reached for it as it flew by him in center field. Patrick ran home. Chris grabbed the ball and threw it to Colt at home plate. Colt had it just seconds before tagging Jake at home plate. Jake didn't look happy as he walked over towards Jim. "Colt got me out," the little boy pouted.

Jim knelt down and said, "Yeah, he did. But you still did better than Daddy. You ran to all of the bases. I didn't even get to first. The important thing is, you tried and hopefully are having fun."

"Thanks, Daddy," Jake chimed, "I feel better, and this IS fun."

When Nick kicked the ball, he kicked it right down the first base line. Zac made it to third and Jackson made it to second, but Nick was out. Scott was the last one to kick for Patrick's team. He kicked it as hard as he could, right into Buster's arms. Patrick's team scored one run, but who was counting.

Eric was up first for his team, when he kicked the ball, Jim was just inches from catching it. Eric made it to second base. Austin was up next; he kicked the ball right into Patrick's arms.

Chris tried kicking the ball hard, but Zac jumped just high enough and caught it. With two outs, Joe took his place kicking. He shouted, "Get ready to run, Eric." When Heather rolled the ball toward Joe, he kicked it high and hard. It sailed over everyone's reach. Jackson chased after the ball, but Eric was home with Joe shortly after.

Eric gave Joe a hug and whispered, "You did it, you brought me home, and I don't mean just in the game! I love you, Dad."

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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