Another Chance - Book Three
Chapter One: No Foaling
by Zarek Dragon
With school out for the summer, Jakey was going to the ranch with the boys. While Jim and Joe were taking care of the horses, he would play in the office with Zac or Jackson watching him. Jackson loved having Jakey around. After the horses were taken care of and the boys were riding just to exercise the horses, Jakey would ride with them.
When people signed up for riding lessons, Joe did most of the instructing. Jim gave lessons as well and Jakey was back in the office, but when Jim wasn't on a horse, he was usually in the office with Zac and Jackson. "Zac, since you graduated, you're no longer considered a student. You can work as many hours as needed without any trouble. It's up to you, you're second in charge, so do you want to stay hourly or would you like to go on salary?" Jackson asked.
"That depends. I know that you would never do me wrong and I always want to do right by you, so what would it mean if I went salary, that is, besides the fact that I would make the same amount each week?" Zac inquired.
"For starters, I would take your current wage and pay you as though you work fifty hours per week. I would expect you to work at least forty hours a week, but if you go over fifty, we'll discuss compensation," Jackson started.
"You've already been compensating, and besides, how often will I put in more than fifty hours a week?" Zac responded.
"Probably not very often, and I'm willing to hold off compensating until sixty hours. If you put in more than sixty, I don't want you working for free. Also, you will get a bonus every three months based on the profit of the ranch. And those on salary get health benefits, such as health insurance and life insurance," Jackson informed him.
"Sounds to me like I'd be stupid to not go on salary," Zac grinned.
"And it'll make it easier for you to plan a budget when you have the same amount every check," Jackson added.
"And I need to start doing that. While living with Mom and then Dad joining us, I didn't have to worry about it. With getting married and having Jakey, I need to plan everything," Zac stated.
"Just make sure that you and Jim do it together. I promise that you work together on your budget, it'll be easier and less likely to cause problems," Jackson advised.
"We're planning to open a joint bank account for the household bills and keeping our bank accounts for personal stuff. And by personal, I mean things that we decide we want or when we want to buy something for the other. Except during Christmas and birthdays, neither of us has a problem with the other knowing what we bought," Zac responded.
"That's good, money, or lack thereof, is one of the biggest problems in most new marriages. You and Jim have the advantage of not worrying about rent for at least a year, save that money for your first house," suggested Jackson.
"Thanks to Matt, we already have that, but yeah, I know what you're saying. Jim suggested that we save it to furnish the house and not have to start out with cheap stuff. We don't want too fancy, but definitely something that won't fall apart shortly after we get it," Zac explained.
"Sounds like you boys are already planning ahead. Now, back to business, your insurance won't take effect until you turn eighteen, so include Jim and Jake when you fill out the application form. Since you'll be married, they will be covered as well," Jackson insisted.
Jim came in the office carrying Jakey, "Horses are taken care of, Joe and I have ridden a few to exercise them. He has a client coming and my schedule is clear for the rest of the day."
"Good, while Zac is filling out forms, I can show you some things on the computer that you need to know. As soon as Zac finishes printing his forms, take his seat," Jackson demanded.
"Forms? He's already working here," Jim joked.
"Yeah, but Jackson wants to put me on salary and give us insurance," Zac grinned.
"Salary? Anyone other than Jackson, I might question their motives," Jim averred.
"Yeah, we already discussed what to expect with me being on salary. I'll tell you more about it when we work on our budget tonight," Zac stated as he grabbed his printed forms and a clipboard.
Jakey went to playing with the toys as Jim sat at the computer, opening different programs as Jackson instructed him. Jim just opened the scheduling program when Chris burst into the office, "Guys, come quick, I think Aurixi is going into labor."
"How far along is she?" Zac asked.
"Jim, I have it on the calendar on the computer. It's the red number," Jackson stated.
"CRAP!" Jim shouted, "She's at two hundred forty days as of today."
"Call the vet and get him out here pronto. Keep Jake in this office and I don't recommend you boys coming out to the barn just in case," Jackson was giving orders like a drill sergeant and the boys knew that these orders had best be followed for Aurixi's sake as well as their own.
Jim called the vet and explained the situation. The vet took no time in getting to the ranch. Once he was parked, he ran to the barn. "She start delivering yet?" the vet asked.
"Not yet, but unless we do something to stop it, she will be soon," Jackson responded.
The vet pulled out two syringes. He injected Aurixi with both. "That should stop the labor for now, and the second injection should help the foal to develop its lungs quicker. It's a similar steroid to what they give preemies in the hospital. Until she delivers this foal, I'll need to come out every day to check on her," the vet informed Jackson.
"That's fine, just give me the bill. I know Jim would tell you to do whatever is necessary to save mother and foal," Jackson insisted.
"I doubt I can prolong the delivery to meet the three hundred days, hopefully, the steroid will help the lungs develop before the foal decides to come out."
Jim was in the office per Jackson's instructions and decided to warn Brock about what was happening. He called the Radcliffe home, "Mr. Radcliffe, is Brock there?"
"No, he's with Jared. What's up?" Jim heard from the other end.
"Well, you know about the foal that Aurixi is carrying and Brock was hoping to buy?" Jim started sniffling. This phone call was harder than he expected.
"Is something wrong?" Mr. Radcliffe asked.
"Well, Aurixi went into labor and she's not far enough along. I don't know if the foal will survive. The vet is with her now trying to delay the birth if he can," Jim managed to say without breaking down.
"I see. If you have no problem with it, ask the vet to do whatever he can to save the foal, but not at the expense of the mother. Whatever bills pile up, I will cover even if the foal doesn't make it," Mr. Radcliffe requested.
"I will do that, and thank you," Jim sniffled. After he hung up the phone, he left Jakey playing with Legos. Chris and Zac were helping him build something.
"Jim what are you doing out here? I thought that I advised you to stay in the office," Jackson questioned.
"I was on the phone with Brock's father. He asked me to tell the doctor to take whatever actions are necessary but save the mother before the foal. He said that he will pay whatever bills pile up," It was obvious that Jim was worried.
"I'll do my best to save both, but yes, the mother comes first. If she doesn't make it, I doubt that the foal will."
"Why don't you take Jake home and until Aurixi delivers, you may want to keep him out of the barn. He doesn't need to see what might happen," Jackson advised.
"Him? I don't want to see what might happen," Jim grimaced.
"I know, which is why I advised staying in the office. This is a part of having a ranch, though," Jackson sullenly stated.
Jim went back to the office and told Jakey that it was time to go home. Jakey looked at Jim and asked, "Is Allricksi going to be alright?"
"Aurixi will be, but we're not sure about her foal," Jim responded. Being worried, he didn't even catch that other than Aurixi's name, Jakey said everything perfect.
"Um, Jim did you hear that?" Zac asked.
"Hear what? All I heard was Jakey asking about Aurixi," Jim replied.
"Exactly, Jake ask him again," Zac instructed.
"But he already answered."
"I know, but ask him again just like you did before."
"Is Allricksi going to be alright?" Jakey asked again.
"You did it Jakey, you pronounced every word perfectly, well except for Aurixi's name, but even adults have trouble with names, sometimes. I am so proud of you," Jim announced, scooping him up, hugging and kissing his cheek. Jakey just giggled as Jim kept kissing his cheek.
Heather was surprised to see Jim coming home with Jakey so early in the day. When they entered the house, she saw a look of worry on Jim's face. "Honey, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Daddy's worried. Chris said that Allricksi went into labor. Daddy said that the foal might not be alright," Jakey responded. Jim pointed at Jakey as if to say, what he said…
Heather opened her arms and Jim hugged her. He started crying, seeing this, Jakey hugged both of them and started crying. "I'm sorry," said Jakey.
"What are you sorry for? You didn't do anything wrong," Heather sweetly explained.
"Then why is Daddy sad?" Jakey inquired.
"I'm not sad, I'm just worried," Jim tried to explain, "And Grandma is right, you have nothing to be sorry for. But I could sure use one of your hugs right now."
Jakey held his arms up and Jim picked him up. Jakey wrapped his arms around Jim's neck and squeezed, then he kissed Jim's nose. "Feel better?" Jakey asked.
"Yeah, a little," Jim said with a chuckle.
"Good, then I going to go play in my room," Jakey stated. Jim put Jakey down and the little boy scurried off.
"You get so passionate over these horses, I would hate to see you working at any animal rescue," Heather averred.
"I've seen some of the horses come into the rescue, it turns my stomach. How can anyone be so mean to these beautiful animals?" Jim responded.
"Some people see them just as animals, they don't care like you do. They shouldn't have owned them in the first place. As for Aurixi and her foal, I'm sure you called the vet?" questioned Heather.
"Yeah, he's doing what he can to give the foal a chance. Mr. Radcliffe said to send him the vet bills since he's planning to buy the foal for Brock," Jim answered.
"Aurixi is a very special horse, I have faith that everything will work out. Look at Gold, he came out early," Heather assured Jim.
"I thought that he was right at three hundred days," Jim stated.
"No, Jon told me that that foal was in a hurry to come out. Aurixi initially went into labor with Gold about two months before what your dad called the safe delivery day. Our vet had to give her shots several times to stop her labor," Heather informed Jim.
"And how far was she when Gold finally was born?" Jim asked.
"I don't really remember, but I am thinking maybe two hundred sixty-five days or somewhere around there. Your dad was worried until Gold was born, just like you are now," Heather let Jim know.
"Knowing that, I do feel better," Jim smiled. "I think I'm going to lay down for a bit. Worrying wears me out."
It wasn't long after Jim's head hit his pillow and he was out. "You worry too much, but I'm glad that you have such passion," Jim heard someone say.
He turned around to see only his horse, "Gold, did you just talk to me?"
"Only in your dream, you know, horses can't use human speech in reality. Sure, Mom, Sunshine and I can understand what you say, and Platinum will too, once he is born, but we can't actually talk," said the horse.
"How, what, why are you in my dream?" Jim questioned.
"Because I invited him," Jim spun around to see his dad. "Your mom told you about how I was worried when Gold was born. She told you how Aurixi is a special horse. Don't worry about Platinum, there's nothing you can do to change what happens."
"Are you saying that he's not going to make it?" Jim questioned.
"No, I didn't say that, but he will be delivered before the average safe day for horses. And you may want to postpone your wedding until three," Jon told his son.
"Postpone my wedding? Invitations already went out, we're scheduled to get married at one," Jim replied.
"That's not happening but I'm sure your guests will understand. OH, and tell the vet, no more steroids," Jon said and then faded away leaving Jim with Gold.
"Did he seriously ask me to postpone my wedding by two hours?" Jim questioned.
"He did, but don't ask me why, I'm not certain. And it's time for me to go as well. Don't worry about Platinum, but don't lose your passion, either," Gold stated before fading as well.
Jim woke up, looked around his room as if looking for something or someone. "Not sure what it is I eat that causes these weird dreams, but I need to stop eating it." Jim chuckled to himself.
For Jim, the week went by slowly. He tried not to worry about the foal, but it wasn't easy. Finally, Saturday was here and Matt and Gina were getting married. Matt had bought him and Zac tuxes to wear so they wouldn't need rentals. Zac was Matt's best man, but Matt had asked Jim to be an attendee and stand with them. Jakey was asked to be the ring bearer for the wedding and Matt rented his tuxedo since he was still growing.
The barn was elaborately decorated. Once inside, you couldn't even tell that it was a barn. Decorations were in white with a little light blue and some red. The tuxes were a traditional black with a white shirt and a red cummerbund and bow tie. They wore red carnations on the lapel. The maid of honor was wearing a deep sky blue dress and the female attendee and flower girl wore Alice blue dresses. The ladies carried bouquets of white carnations with a mixture of blue and red tips.
As the wedding started, Jim walked down the aisle followed by Gina's attendee. Jakey walked down the aisle carrying a red pillow with light blue lace. Plastic rings were attached in the center of the pillow. Behind him, the flower girl came down the aisle dropping rose petals as she walked. Zac followed her and was followed by the maid of honor. Once the maid of honor reached the front, Matt walked down the aisle. He had a smile on his face, but looked nervous as hell.
Once Matt reached the front, the music changed to "The Bridal March" and everyone watched as Gina and her father started down the aisle. Gina's dress was snow white with hints of blue trim. Her bouquet was made of white silk roses with the tips dyed blue. She reached the front and her dad kissed her, and then put her veil down. She stood beside Matt and they reached to hold each other's hand. There was no doubt that they loved each other.
When it came time for the vows, Matt started. "Gina, from the moment we first met in grade school, when most boys wanted nothing to do with girls, you stole my heart. No one believed me when I said that I was going to marry you some day. No one, except my grandfather. He told me that if I truly believe that, then I should treat you with the utmost respect and treat you like the lady that you are. He also advised not to try and buy your love but to earn it. When he passed away, it was you and Zac who helped me to mourn the loss. I will ever be grateful to the both of you and love you both so much, Zac like a brother, but you so much more. There is nothing and no one that I love more than you and I promise to treat you like my grandfather suggested until death do us part."
"Matt, you have earned my love, you have treated me special in so many ways. Sometimes, I feel that I don't deserve such an elegant man. I am happy that we both remained pure to give the other the purest forms of ourselves on this day. I have never loved anyone else like I do you on this day, as every day before and every day after. I promise to treat you with the utmost respect and love you with all my heart. You are my reason for living," Gina concluded her vows.
They exchanged rings and the preacher pronounced them husband and wife. Matt lifted Gina's veil and kissed her. He kissed her more passionately than he ever had. Then they raced out of the barn and into Jackson's house so they could get changed before anyone threw any rice, or birdseed at them.
After the reception, Matt and Gina headed for the airport. Everyone else headed home. "Uncle Matt kept my pillow," Jakey complained once they got home.
"No, that was his and Gina's pillow, they just had you carry it for them," Jim explained.
"Oh, then I guess it okay," Jakey grinned. "Does that mean that the star pillow will be yours and Daddy Zac's?"
"Yes, but if you want a star pillow, I can get you one," Jim offered. "Or maybe we can find a pillow that you like better."
"Maybe," Jakey said.
"Speaking of taking, someone took my dog away from me," Joe teased.
"Your dog? I seem to recall that I was given two pups and now I don't seem to have any," Jim quipped back.
"Hey, is it MY fault that Colby wanted to sleep with me?" Joe smirked.
"But now, both dogs have decided to sleep with the cutest person in the house. They have good taste," Jim chuckled.
"I can't argue there. As long as I can get kisses every now and then, I won't complain," Joe laughed. Colby jumped up and started licking Joe's face and Kunoichi started licking his ear.
Jakey started laughing as he watched the dogs. "Puppies giving you kisses, Uncle Joe," he chimed. Joe tried to speak but whenever he opened his mouth, Colby went to lick it.
Jim finally told the dogs to get down and then looked at Joe, "You did ask for it."
"Yeah, and I'm not complaining," Joe smiled.
"I give you a kiss, Uncle Joe," Jakey offered. Joe picked Jakey up and Jakey started licking Joe's cheek and then laughed.
"Ewww, you just licked my cheek?" Joe commented.
"It's a puppy kiss," Jakey giggled. Jim wanted to say something to Jakey and thought that he should but all he could do was laugh.
"You know, you just licked puppy slobber," Joe kidded.
"Ewww, I did," Jakey just realized.
As the following two weeks rolled out, the vet was at the ranch two or three times a day, monitoring Aurixi and the unborn foal. Jakey didn't understand why he couldn't go in the barn, he wanted to see "the horseys". "I know you do, but trust Daddy when I say that it's in your best interest to stay out of the barn right now. I don't even want to go in there anymore than I need to," Jim explained.
"But why?" Jakey asked.
"If Aurixi gives birth to her foal, it'll be messy and gross," Zac said, "Trust us, it's not something that you should see at your age."
"But why?" Jakey echoed.
"It's a part of birth, blood, water and poo come out with the baby," Joe tried to help.
"Ewww, the baby's in poo?" Jakey asked.
"No, but it does come out with the baby," Chris shared, "It's like the mommy is forced to poo from the pressure."
"Me no wanna see that," Jakey stated wrinkling his nose.
"And that's one reason why you need to stay out of the barn until the baby is born. We don't want you to see it either," Jim smiled, hoping that satisfied Jakey. "But I don't want to lie to you, I promised that I wouldn't. There is more to it, but I don't know if you're ready to hear it."
"Does it have to do with you worrying about the foal?" Jakey asked.
"Yes, yes it does," Jim answered.
"Is the foal going to die?" Jakey questioned.
"I don't honestly know, and that's why I am worried. I hope that you don't see it if it does," Jim answered and started crying.
"Thank you for being honest with me, Daddy. I don't want to see the foal die, so I will stay out of the barn until you know it will live," Jakey hugged Jim as if trying to comfort him.
"I love you, Jakey," Jim responded.
"I know and I love you, Daddy," Jakey gave Jim a kiss on the check.
Matt and Gina returned from their honeymoon on the thirteenth. He asked about whether the foal was born yet or not. The vet was there when the newlyweds stopped. "I hear that you are planning to go to school to be a vet," the man stated.
"Yes, I am. I would like to do my practice in Cody, but I don't want to step on your toes," Matt replied.
"Well, Cody is a big place with room for another vet, and besides, it'll be a few years before you can get your license and open an office. While you are studying, whenever you are home, if you would like to assist me, you are more than welcome," the vet offered.
"That would be great. Maybe once I complete my schooling, we could be partners," Matt suggested.
"That is definitely a possibility, I know that you have the money to buy half my practice so we will discuss it, or from what I hear, you don't want to charge for services. If you are serious, I'd consider selling you my practice and maybe work for you. If it wasn't for the financial needs, I'd do the work for free," the vet stated.
"I hear you. We'll get together with our lawyers, set you up at an appropriate salary so you can enjoy helping animals without the worry of the finances," Matt grinned.
"I'm glad that we had this talk. Now, Dr. McCrery, would you like to be brought up to speed on this patient?" the vet chuckled.
"I'm not a doctor yet, but sure," Matt replied.
While the vet chatted with Matt, Zac and Jim chatted with Gina. "So, has anything changed since you've been married for a couple of weeks?" Zac asked
"Well, Matt hasn't really changed, he still treats me so special. We did, you know and I should have started my cycle yesterday, so I'm hoping that maybe…" Gina started and then began to blush.
"Does Matt know?" Zac asked.
"Well too soon to really say, I'm waiting until I know for sure. I'm excited but also worried about what this means about my plans of going to school," Gina stated tensely.
"You and Matt will figure it out. Maybe you can do some online courses for the first year or two," Jim suggested.
"That is an idea," the expression on Gina's face lightened up a bit. "How about you two? Are you ready for next Saturday?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. Why is it that I know I want to spend the rest of my life with Zac and our getting married won't really change anything, yet it scares me a little?" Jim responded.
"Same reason that I feel that way," Zac smiled. "There will be one change. Right now, if something happened, we could easily separate. Once we are married, there's more to it. We are fully committed to each other. I would worry if we didn't get at least a little nervous."
"You know just what to say, don't you?" Jim said giving Zac a kiss.
Jackson came out of the house, "Remember you two, after tomorrow you are both on paid vacation for the next three weeks. I don't want to see your faces except for the wedding."
"I can't go three weeks without riding Gold," Jim complained. "And do you know how hard it will be for me, with worrying about the foal, to stay away?"
"Joe will be taking care of Gold this week, but CJ and Danny have invited the two of you and your horses to Second Chance for the duration. As for the foal, worrying will only give you ulcers. There is nothing that you can do except trust the vet. I promise, if there are any changes, I will call you right away," explained Jackson.
"I have no choice in this, do I?" Jim frowned.
"You always have a choice. You can attempt to come to the ranch early, but security has been informed that if either of you do, to not let you on the property. And if you manage to get on, they are told to taze you and cuff you. Vince will unlock the cuffs at your house. If that isn't enough of a deterrent, I will take more drastic actions," Jackson suggested.
"You're just mean," Jim kidded.
"Yeah, I know. But I did let you off to go to my wedding," Jackson laughed.
"That you did, that you did," Jim grinned remembering the conversation Jackson had with himself. "You have my word, unless you call me, after tomorrow you won't see me until we come to get ready for our wedding."
"You have my word, also," Zac stated.
"Good, and you have my word that I will call if anything changes concerning Aurixi and the foal," Jackson promised.
Sunday was a typical day. Jim, Zac, Joe and Chris took care of the horses. When the truck arrived with the hay, it didn't take long to unload and Jackson was trying to push the boys to go home. "Unless you say no, I want to take Gold for a ride since we won't see each other for almost a week," Jim practically begged.
"I can understand that, ride for an hour or two, say your goodbyes and go home," Jackson smiled.
Jim saddled Gold and mounted him. Zac helped Jake up and the two rode off on Jim's beloved horse. "I won't get to see you for a week, Horsey Gold," Jake started, "Daddy's not allowed to come out to the ranch."
"Trust me, he knows and he'll miss you while you're not there, but he knows that you can't do anything about it," Jim assured Jake.
"He won't forget about me, will he?" Jake questioned.
"NO, I was away from him for several months when Grandma and I moved to Wyoming. As soon as he saw me, he ran right up to me and let me know that he still loved me," Jim had a tear form in his eye as he remembered that first day when Zac brought him to the ranch. He remembered how happy he was.
After they finished their ride, Jim removed the saddle and bridle. He held Jake with one hand and showed him how to brush Gold with his other. Jake was all smiles as he "helped" brush Gold. Jim looked at Gold and said that he would see him before the wedding and he kissed his horse. "I wanna kiss Horsey Gold, too," Jake stated. Gold lowered his head and Jake kissed him. "Bye-bye, Horsey Gold. I will miss you."
"And he will miss you. If I didn't know any better, I would think you were trying to steal my horse from me," Jim teased.
"You silly, Daddy," Jake said.
"Silly, huh? I'll silly you," Jim said as he picked Jake up and started tickling him. Jake squealed with laughter all the way to the car.
The week went by slowly. Jake enjoyed having Jim play with him, but he was missing seeing Gold by Monday morning. "Daddy, how long until we go back to the ranch?"
"You missing him, too? If Uncle Joe is willing to take you, you can go tomorrow. Daddy has to wait until Saturday," Jim explained.
"I really miss Horsey Gold, but I can wait until you can go," Jake stated. Jim could see in his eyes that he did want to go, though.
Jim picked up the phone and dialed the ranch. "I told you that I would call if there were any changes," Jackson stated when he saw the caller ID.
"I know, but I have a little boy really missing Horsey Gold. Is there any way Joe can bring him to the gate so Jake can visit with him?" Jim asked.
"I'll have Joe at the main entrance in thirty minutes," Jackson agreed.
"Want to go for a ride?" Jim asked as he hung up the phone.
"Where we going?" Jake asked.
"Jackson is going to have Uncle Joe bring Gold to the gate so we can see him," Jim grinned.
"For real? YEAH!!!" Jake shouted.
Jim helped Jake put his boots on and they headed out the door. "Where are you going?" Zac was curious. Jim explained about his calling Jackson and what he offered to do for them. "Want to meet at Adriano's at one for lunch? My treat," Zac offered.
"Hopefully, Paris is working today. Mom and Nick say that she's one of the best waitresses ever," Jim stated as he kissed Zac goodbye. Jake wanted a kiss as well.
It didn't take long for them to get to the ranch, but Jim took his time so that he got to the gate about the same time as Joe. He was surprised to see a saddle on Gold. "If all we are doing is visiting, why the saddle?" inquired Jim.
"Jackson's idea, he said that if I stay with you and keep you away from the areas where they are decorating, you can ride Gold," Joe gleamed.
"Seriously, I can ride my horsey?" Jake excitedly questioned.
"You ARE trying to steal my horse," Jim teased.
"Our horsey," Jake corrected. Jim just laughed. Jim handed Jake to Joe, Mounted Gold and then Joe handed Jake to Jim. They went riding until it was almost time to head for the Italian restaurant and meet Zac. Jim started for the barn.
"And where do you think you are heading?" Joe asked.
"I have to brush Gold and put him away," Jim responded.
"No, no, no, no. You want Jackson to serve my head on a silver platter? There are things in the barn that you can't see. We'll ride to the gate, you can say goodbye again and I will take care of Gold for you," Joe declared. "And Jackson said to tell you that this was a one-time thing."
They rode to the gate and Jim handed Jake to Joe. After Jim dismounted, Joe handed Jake to him. "Bye Horsey Gold, glad I could see you again today. I will miss you," Jake stated as he waved. Gold snorted as if to respond.
Jim and Jake arrived at the restaurant with a few minutes to spare. Zac pulled onto the lot as Jim was getting Jake out of his car. Jake walked between them holding both of their hands as they walked to the entrance. Jim requested Paris's section and they were seated.
A beautiful lady walked up to their table, "Hello, my name is Paris and I will be your waitress today. Would you like anything to drink while you decide what you want?"
"Do you carry Coke or Pepsi?" Zac asked.
"We have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Barq's Root Beer and Dr. Pepper," Paris answered.
"I want a beer," Jake stated.
"You have any ID?" Paris teased. "How about I get you a root beer?"
"Yup, that's what I want," Jakey grinned.
"You want Coke or should we drink root beer as well?" Zac inquired.
"Let's go for the Barq's," Jim responded.
Paris returned with their drinks and took their orders. Jake had finished his root beer when she brought his spaghetti, so Paris brought him another glass. Jim set it back and told Jake that he needed to eat his spaghetti before he could drink anymore.
"Would you like another glass of root beer?" Paris asked.
"Yes, but no rush, I want to eat my lasagna before I drink anymore," Jim stated.
"I understand and will hold off on it," Paris smiled.
"Daddy, I'll give you a bite of my sketti for a taste of your lasagna," Jake offered.
Jim cut a piece off his lasagna and placed it on Jake's plate. Then he swirled some spaghetti on his fork and ate it. "That's really good spaghetti. I'm not sure if I wish that I had ordered it or am happy with my lasagna."
"Uh huh, they are both good," Jake agreed.
After they were done eating, Jim said that he had to go to the restroom and asked Jake if he needed to go. Paris stopped Jim as they were making their way, "Did he call you Daddy? You look too young for a son that age."
"Zac and I are in the process of adopting him, but as far as we are concerned, he is our son," Jim responded with a grin.
"Well, if you two ever need a babysitter," offered the friendly waitress.
Jim chuckled, "You may need to fight our parents for that job. They've already claimed it."
"I can see why. Jake is such a handsome boy and so adorable. I bet he'll be a real heart throb when he becomes a teen."
"I don't even want to think about him as a teen, but he's already a heart throb. Look at how you already see him," Jim stated and then excused himself to get to the bathroom.
When they got back to the table, Zac asked Jim about his conversation with the waitress. Jim shared what she offered and they laughed.
Throughout the remainder of the week Jake would sigh ever so often and Jim would remark, "I know." Thursday night, Jake was at the table drawing a picture which, surprisingly to Jim, looked a lot like Gold. "Day after tomorrow, you'll get to see him. We do need to stop and talk to Aunt Sallie tomorrow, though."
"Why?" Jake asked, looking a little scared and ready to cry.
"Relax, it's a good thing. With me and Zac getting married on Saturday, we want to get the ball rolling on your adoption to make you our legal son. It's nice that Grandma is your foster mommy, but we want you as our son legally."
Jake stood up and ran towards Jim. He placed his arms around him as best as he could. "I want that too. I am glad that Grandma took me in so we can be together, but you are my daddy and I want you to always be my daddy."
Jake was holding so tight that Jim had a hard time picking him up, but once Jake realized what Jim was trying to do, he let go. Jim put Jake on his lap and hugged him. "I love you Jake and that will never change. You are my son now and forever. You may not be perfect and may make mistakes, but to me, you are as perfect as fresh fallen snow. When you make mistakes and I must punish you, know that it hurts me as much if not more than it'll hurt you."
"I know I make mistakes, but you've always corrected me with love. If I know your love is there, you can spank me if you feel I deserve it," Jake said starting to sob.
"I'll save spankings for when you do something really bad, but for now, let's not even talk about punishments. You are a very special boy and I always want you to know I love you,"
On Friday, Jim, Zac and Jake went to see Aunt Sally. "Just so you know, I can't start anything until Monday, after you are married, but I will file everything. Jim, you are aware of how adoption works with your brother being adopted. Since we have no record of any existing parents with Jake, we are going to request that the adoption be finalized as soon as possible. We can already see how attached he is to you and you definitely love him so much."
"We have been invited to visit the Second Chance Ranch in another state. Would there be a problem with him going with us? If there is, my mom will watch him while we are gone," Jim inquired.
"Just give me their address and your cell phone number in case I need to get a hold of you. Since you asked, I can plan around it. Also, I understand that Heather will be getting married in August. How will that affect the sleeping arrangements?" Aunt Sallie asked.
"We are not a hundred percent sure yet, but we are discussing Zac, Jake and I moving into Nick's current house. His property abuts Mom's and we removed the fence separating the two. That will have Mom, Nick, Joe and Chris in a four-bedroom house. Zac, Jake and myself in a three-bedroom house.
"That sounds more than adequate. I hope that you have a wonderful wedding and a great time on your honeymoon. I'll have the paperwork ready for you to sign when you return, but as far as I am concerned, Jake is your son today."
"You mean it, Daddy is my real daddy now?" Jake grinned.
"Yes, they are your real daddies," Aunt Sallie assured.
As they walked to the car, Zac looked at Jim, "You know, they say that it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, what if it is two grooms?"
"I have no idea," Jim admitted. "We do plan to get pictures taken before the wedding, so I don't see what the difference is."
"Good point, guess I can sleep in our bed tonight. I really didn't want to sleep in the guest room since Mom and Dad gave Zayne my old room."
Everyone in the wedding started showing up at ten, and they started talking about how things were going to go since there wasn't a rehearsal. They still hadn't been down by the lake to see how things were set up for the wedding. "Since you're all guys, unless you have a problem with it, you can all dress in my living room. We have five showers, so anyone wanting to take one is free to do so."
The vet came from the barn and told Jackson and Jim that they need to come. Aurixi was in labor and there was no stopping it this time. "Jake, can you stay with Uncle Joe? I want to be there in case your daddy needs me," Zac asked.
"Be there for Daddy, Daddy," Jake smiled. Zac could see the worry on Jake's face. "Hopefully the foal will be alright."
"Yeah, I hope so, too," Zac responded.
Jim, Jackson and Zac got there as the foal started to come out.
