Another Chance - Book Three

by Zarek Dragon

Patrick ran upstairs and turned on his laptop. He wanted to email Patrick Henry about all the cool stuff that he received at the party. He also wanted to express his sadness about missing him there. When he opened his email, there was one from Patrick Henry that was received at 9:58a. Patrick read it.

Patrick quickly responded.

Patrick ran downstairs to tell Jim and Zac about the email. "Dad, Papa," he yelled as he was running down the stairs. "Patrick Henry emailed me to wish me a happy birthday. His dad had to work and that's why he couldn't make it."

Zac responded, "Tell him next time…"

"I already told him to call us," Patrick interrupted. "I knew you or Dad wouldn't have minded going after him."

Zac smiled, "Good, that was what I was going to say, and while I know you're excited, it's not polite to interrupt someone, especially an adult. You should wait until they are done speaking. Did he say any more about his staying with us?"

Patrick grinned, "I'm sorry, Papa and yup, that's what has me excited. His birthday is July the Fourth and he can come after then and stay the whole month of July. And before you ask, I already told him about Dad and Uncle Joe working on his horse."

Jim smiled as he watched Zac and Patrick chat. He reminded him, "Austin will be arriving next Friday. Aunt Brenda and Uncle Brandt will be sleeping in my old room and Austin will be staying with us. He'll need to sleep with one of you boys unless you boys sleep together. Then he can sleep in the empty bed."

Jake spoke up, "I'll sleep with Austin. Patrick snores."

Patrick looked upset, "I don't snore, that was Cheddar. If you remember correctly, we were talking while he was snoring. Besides, if you think I snore, then why do you sleep in my bed with me?" Jake just started giggling and Patrick added, "I see a boy wanting to be tickled."

As the week progressed, Jim and Joe were really getting bored with graduation practice. And Jim found out that he and Dusty tied for valedictorian, as they expected, so both would be speaking at graduation. Joe managed to be on the Honor Roll, but his grades just missed being Salutatorian. Jim complimented him on maintaining such a high GPA, "Bro, that's an impressive GPA to begin with, but you skipped Calculus and went into Advanced. I'm really impressed."

Joe replied, "Thanks, but you've been a big help with me there. You really know how to teach so that I learned." Friday would be the last day of school and graduation was going to be held on Saturday.

Chris was released from the hospital on Friday afternoon. The doctor advised him that he should take it easy for several days, but everything was looking great. Uncle Brandt and Aunt Brenda were arriving at the house when Nick pulled into the drive. Austin got out of the car and ran over to Chris. He hugged him and said, "Hey Chris, I heard about what happened. I'm so happy to see you."

Chris hugged his cousin back and replied, "It's good seeing you, as well. I know Jim and his family are anxious to see you, too."

Austin then asked, "So, how soon until I get to see Patrick? I haven't met him yet, is he really as nice as Jim says he is?"

Chris spoke up, "That's a silly question. Do you think Jim would lie about that? Let me just say that last Saturday was his birthday party but he wanted to postpone it since I was in the hospital."

"Cool, I can't wait to meet him," Austin chimed.

Nick stated, "He should have just gotten out of school. Jim and Joe were planning to pick Jake up and then Patrick and come here. Zac called me and said that he was finishing up some paperwork at the ranch and then he would be here."

The door opened allowing Joe and Jake to walk in the house. Jake spotted his cousin and squealed, "Austin!!! Daddy says that you'll be staying with us!"

Austin grinned, "Yup, I get to stay all summer. So, where's your brother?"

Jake answered, "He's coming. He's showing Daddy all of the A's he got."

Brandt asked, "And how about you?"

Jake smiled, "I got all P's so I get to go into first grade next year."

Austin gave Jake a hug and said, "P's as in passing? Good job, Buddy."

Jim and Patrick walked in and Jim said, "Patrick, the person hugging your brother is Austin. Austin, I would like for you to meet my other son, Patrick."

Austin spoke first, "I've heard so much about you. Jim has been so happy having you join his family. I almost couldn't believe you really exist."

Patrick smiled up at Jim, then looked at Austin, "I've been anxious to meet you, too. Dad has been so excited about you coming to stay with us. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Jim tells me that you would like to learn some Japanese." Austin queried, "Anything in particular?"

Austin and Patrick walked into the dining room area. Jim could hear Patrick explaining, "We had this boy join our class and he moved from Japan. I'd like to be able to converse with him in his language and not just English for when he comes to visit us."

Jim looked at Aunt Brenda and inquired, "So how is little Zack?"

Brenda responded, "He's sleeping right now but he's been cranky. He's teething."

Jim grimaced a bit, "Ouch. I'm glad my boys came to Zac and me after they teethed."

Brenda asked, "I hope you won't be upset if I don't watch you graduate, but I think Zack would bother too many people. And besides, I can get things ready for your graduation party."

Jim gave her a kiss on her cheek, and whispered, "I understand. It won't be the same, but Mom is video recording it. I'm just glad you are here."

Brenda said, "Yeah, Uncle Brandt is recording it, too."

They visited until after supper. Then Austin went with Jim and his family to their home. Patrick told Austin that he could choose the sleeping arrangements and Austin replied, "I love you Jake, but I want to spend time getting to know Patrick better. Maybe the three of us can play cars before bed."

As the boys were playing with the cars, Patrick thought about the email from Patrick H. He looked at Austin and inquired, "Do you like camping?"

Austin became excited, "I sure do, we camped last summer by the lake at the ranch. Jim, Zac, Jake and I had fun. Why do you ask?"

Patrick smiled, "My friend that gave me Patrick's Dream will be spending July with us. I'm hoping that Dad and Papa let us go camping. It would be you, Patrick and myself at least. I'm hoping that Scott can join us and maybe Jake. And I have two friends that I believe will be visiting in July."

Jake had a gleam in his eye as he admitted, "Uh huh, I like camping."

Patrick chuckled, "I know you do, and if Dad and Papa let us, you can join us."

Jake looked like that cat that swallowed the canary, "And Scott?"

Austin looked puzzled, "Patrick mentioned Scott, but who's Scott?"

Patrick grinned really big, "He's my boyfriend."

"You have a boyfriend? Tell me about him!" Austin's eyes went big.

Saturday morning, Jim gave Austin a tour of the new barns, and then Austin helped him and Patrick with the horses. When they were done, Austin asked if he could ride Toranado, the horse Jackson gave him, before they went home. Jim said, "We won't be leaving until around four, so you have time. However, if you remember Matt, he'll be showing up around ten. He still does most Saturdays, and if you would like, you can ride with us."

Austin's face lit up, "I remember him, Matt's a nice guy."

Austin jumped when he heard a voice behind him, "I'm glad you think so, it's nice seeing you again, Austin. You've grown, what are you, thirteen now? Your cousin tells me that you're spending the summer here."

Austin laughed, "Matt, I'm only ten. Are you early? We don't have the horses ready yet." Then looking at Gina, he asked, "And how are you?"

Gina replied, "I'm fine, thank you for asking and no, we're not early. Last week, Matt asked Jim to quit preparing the horses in advance. He wants to learn how to do all of that himself."

Austin looked nervous but inquired, "I seem to remember when I visited last August, you were…"

Seeing that Austin wasn't sure how to put it, Gina replied, "Yes, I had my baby about three months ago. His name is Jake Patrick McCrery. He's with his grandpa right now."

That night, at the graduation commencement, several people cheered when Dusty and Jim took to the podium. Instead of each giving a speech, they devised one with both of them taking turns speaking. Everyone applauded once they were done and Principal Duncan commented on the job that they did. The Salutatorian gave her speech and then the diplomas were given out.

After the last diploma was handed out, there were refreshments for those who wanted something, but Aunt Brenda had a party waiting for them. The Bolt-Archer house was full with everyone that showed up. Dusty didn't have a separate party because he and Jim shared many of the same friends, so Doctor Bear covered the cost of the food and Brenda just prepared everything. Buster also joined with their party.

Dusty asked Heather if he could stand on one of the dining room chairs. When she gave him permission, he did and got everyone's attention. He avowed, "Many of you know that Chey and I are destined to marry. We both want our first year of college out of the way before we do, but then we would like to get married June of next year. Jim, you have been my dearest friend since we met. I would like for you to be my best man."

Jim wiped his eyes a bit, "I would be honored, but we all know you are the better man."

Dusty said, "I may be the better man, but you are the best man." Everyone laughed.

Buster and Joe were talking while they approached Dusty. Buster queried, "Joe and I were wondering when you plan to get married in June. We're also thinking of a June wedding and don't want to conflict."

Dusty looked like he just had a bright idea and asked, "What do you think of a double ceremony? The only problem I see is I know you had planned for Jim to be your best man."

"That could work," Joe answered, "I was debating between Jim and Chris for my best man. Jim was in the forefront since I've known him longer, but I didn't want to leave Chris out. Jim can be yours and I can have Chris be mine."

Buster smiled, "I like the idea."

"Then it's settled," Cheyenne agreed.

Jim and Joe made out like bandits with graduation gifts. They even found generous gifts for each of them from their friends at Second Chance. Buster, Cheyenne and Dusty also did well with their gifts.

As the weekend died down and Monday approached, Chris was getting nervous. He was asked to be in the courtroom should Sebastian change his plea. Sebastian was in the defendant's chair and Chris was seated directly behind the prosecutor. After the judge came in and everyone was seated again, Sebastian's case was called. The judge looked at Sebastian's attorney and asked, "Counsellor, your client is hereby charged with Illegal Use of a Firearm and Careless Discharge of Said Firearm. How does he plea?"

Sebastian placed his hand on his attorney's arm, and then stood up, "Your Honor, my lawyer advised me to plead not guilty in hopes of a plea bargain, but I want to own up to what I did and plead guilty. I'm just thankful that Chris is alright and able to be here. I know this doesn't make up for my actions, but Chris, I am really sorry. I didn't plan to shoot anyone, let alone you." Tears were running down Sebastian's face.

The judge looked down at Sebastian, "Yes, you are fortunate that you're not facing manslaughter charges, but your actions still carry some serious consequences. I understand that you thought the firearm wasn't loaded but that is no excuse."

"I agree, Your Honor, and that's why I want to take whatever I get," Sebastian sniffled.

The judge continued, "As I understand it, you were in the process of committing a hate crime. I can sentence you to anywhere from six months to five years plus a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars. If the prosecutor would have decided to make this a felony, it would have carried even heavier penalties. He also believes that you didn't intend to fire the pistol."

Sebastian nodded his head, but kept staring at the judge, "I understand, Your Honor, and I still want to plead guilty. I deserve however you decide to sentence me, even if it's the max."

The judge looked seriously at Sebastian. He ordered, "Young man, I truly believe that you are remorseful, not many people say that they deserve the max sentencing. I want you to take time to consider your actions, therefore I hereby sentence you to six months in jail, followed by three years' probation. You will also pay restitution for the medical expenses incurred from your actions and during your probation, you will volunteer twenty hours a week at Another Chance Ranch."

Sebastian looked stunned. Zac stood up, "Your Honor, we don't have any volunteer positions at the ranch at this time. Would it be acceptable if we put him on payroll, giving him an income so he can make restitution?"

The judge agreed, "Yes, I can accept that."

Sebastian looked at Jim and then the judge, "Your Honor, you are forcing me to work for the fag that I was originally trying to scare?"

The judge smiled, "Ironic, isn't it? And furthermore, should you violate any of the terms concerning your probation, you will face the full five years. Son, I detest hate-crimes, but I am going easy on you because you are willing to accept your punishment."

Sebastian cried, "And I thank you, Your Honor. I said that I would accept whatever you gave me and I am a man of my word, and will do it to the best of my ability."

The judge rapped his gavel and said, "I'm glad to hear that, it means that I made the right choice in being lenient with you. Bailiff, take Mr. Hardin back to his cell. Court is adjourned."

Jim asked, "Before you go back to your cell, can I ask what you have against me?"

Sebastian looked Jim in the eye and said, "You're a fag. I know how fags are."

Jim was surprised, "What do you mean?"

Sebastian sighed, "Look Fag, about four years ago, I was raped by one of you. He was really nice at first, but then he forced me to have sex with him. I'm not gay, OK?"

Nick heard what Sebastian said and had to ask, "Did you report it?"

Sebastian scoffed, "Who would have believed a thirteen-year-old over a deputy."

Chris's jaw dropped, but he queried, "Wallace? You have to know, most gay guys are not like him, and he's in prison for the rest of his life. You're not the only one he's raped." Chris couldn't believe that he said that, but it felt good.

Sebastian was stunned, "How did you know it was him? Wait, he… man, I'm really sorry Chris." The bailiff escorted Sebastian out of the room.

Jim looked at Joe, Zac and Chris. "Now that I know why he hates gays, we need to help him see that we are not like Wallace. If it wasn't for Wallace, maybe he wouldn't have been like he is and maybe Chris wouldn't have gotten shot."

Nick looked upset, "If he would have reported Wallace, I might never had been partnered with him, and… I don't want to go there. I really have a strong distaste for that man."

Chris spoke gently, "We can't change the past, Dad. Remember, I didn't say anything for a long time because I thought no one would believe me, just like Sebastian did,"

Nick calmed down, "I know and I'm not blaming Sebastian for not coming forward, I just wish that he did."

Jim suggested, "Uncle Brandt and Aunt Brenda want to go riding while they're on vacation. Why don't we swing by the house and get everyone and then head to the ranch?"

Nick pulled an envelope out from his pocket. He said, "Before we leave, I need to serve this. Please read it before you react." And he handed it to Zac.

Zac's eyes went big when he saw "Eviction Notice," but he read the whole thing and smiled. "Babe, your stepdad is evicting us from his house. He wants to move it off the property so he can put a pool in for your mom."

Jim was surprised. He couldn't believe that Nick would just evict them and Zac seemed in too good of a mood, so he asked, "How long do we have, Nick?"

Zac answered, "The eviction notice says as soon as we can, but take as long as we need."

Nick chuckled, "It was your mom's idea, her way of saying that you've fulfilled your promise. There's no rush, but I would like to have the house moved so we can have a pool for summer."

Jim laughed, "OK, that was good. As soon as Jackson moves out, we will move in to the ranch."

They had just left the courthouse when Jim heard a familiar voice call him, "Jim! Jim, your aunt and uncle told me that I would find you here."

Jim turned around and asked, "What's up Zarek? And you must be Tucker."

Tucker replied, "My friends call me Tuck, but my name won't be Tucker for much longer."

Jim looked surprised, "OH?"

Zarek grinned, "We would like to book a wedding next month. Tuck has agreed to become Noah Bolt."

Zac smiled at them, "Seriously? Sure, we can reserve any date in June that you want."

Zarek admitted, "That wasn't the only reason that we were looking for you. We were wondering how soon you're moving and if the house will become available. Tuck and I are considering adopting a couple of boys so we want a three- or four-bedroom home."

Nick spoke up, "I own the house where they live and plan to move it to my old property, hopefully around the first or second week of June. Then I plan to sell it. Whatever furniture the boys don't take will go with the house."

Tuck said, "You have a buyer, that is, if you're willing to sell it to us."

Nick was surprised, "You don't even know what I'm asking."

Zarek said, "We did some research on the house since we knew that Jim and Zac would be moving out. Full market value of the home is $336,000. Tuck wants us to offer $350,000."

"And I can give you that right now," Tuck assured. "Plus, we will cover the expenses of moving it. It'll wipe out my savings, but we won't have any rent or mortgage, so I can build it back up."

Nick was speechless for a moment, but recovered. He agreed, "Seriously? The moving cost will be about the difference; I haven't checked that out yet. Why don't we just leave it at the $350,000, OK? I do have one stipulation, I promised I would go through Zac's mom. She's the one who sold me the house and I feel she deserves the commission."

Zarek nodded his head, "I have no problem with that. It really doesn't faze us one bit. Besides, she will be the one handling the sale of my current house."

After heading home, Nick let Marilyn know that he had a buyer for his house and asked that she come over. She went to work writing up the purchase agreement and Tuck wrote out a check. She also went to work writing up an agreement to sell Zarek's home for him. Then everyone got into several vehicles and headed for the ranch.

As they pulled in, Zac noticed Matt's truck in his usual space. He parked beside Matt's truck and Jackson came out of the office. His face lit up when he saw Marilyn. "I was trying to call you to see if you would come out. Matt would like to take care of signing the ranch over. I think he's trying to get rid of me."

Matt looked flabbergasted, "Not at all, I will miss you, but I know you want to get it done and my schedule this week is hectic."

Jackson explained, "I'm just joshing you, Matt. Chris, Joe, Zac, Jim and Marilyn, would you care to join Matt and me in my office? Nick, you are welcome to come in too, if you would like; it does concern your son."

Jackson let Marilyn sit at the desk with all the paperwork involved. She drew up that purchase agreement, stating that Jim and Zac would own half of the ranch. Matt suggested that Chris's share be put in Nick's name, but he would still lend Chris the money. He knew Nick wouldn't cheat his son. Everything else went as Jackson suggested. Finally, Jackson asked, "Will you be changing the name of the ranch? I heard that you wanted to name it Z Double J or something like that."

Jim spoke up, "We did, but then add 'Another Chance for unwanted boys' but with Chris joining us, I no longer like the name, and we don't want to call the boys 'unwanted.' We feel that would have a negative impact on them, so Zac and I talked it over and we would like to leave the name, Another Chance."

Zac added, "But we would like to add a secondary sign saying, 'A place where boys can feel safe,' or something like that. We still need to figure that out and we have time. We're not planning to start this right away."

Jackson smiled, "I like the name, Another Chance." Everybody laughed.

Once Marilyn had everything ready to be filed, Matt wrote a check to cover everything and told everyone they could pay him whenever. He told Zac, Jim and Joe, "Make sure your schooling is done, and then you can pay me. You know, I'm not worried about it."

Zac laughed, "It'll feel funny paying you back with money you gave us in the first place." Matt laughed and agreed.

Jackson told Zac and Jim that he would like to stay until Memorial Day, but he would have everything he was taking ready to move and leave the day after. He added, "The SUV is owned by the ranch, so it'll be staying here. I'm renting a moving truck and then will buy another SUV when I get to Colorado. The sleep-number beds will be staying here, as well as the western-themed furniture. Once I figure out what Ryan and I have down there, we will furnish accordingly."

"Other than Nick wanting to move his house off the property," Zac started, "I'd say take as long as you like, but Nick already sold the house. Still, I think you can stay until after Memorial Day. We can do a Memorial Day/Farewell party that night."

Jackson questioned, "Nick hasn't moved the house yet and has already sold it?"

Jim smiled, "Yeah, Zarek and Tuck are getting married and they want another bedroom for when they adopt."

Jackson looked elated, "Well, color me purple, I hope to get invited to the wedding."

Colt came out of the house with his cell phone in hand. He said, "Dad, Zarek's on the phone wanting to know if there was any chance we could come back to visit around June eighteenth. He's getting married and we are invited."

Jackson started chuckling, "I guess that answers that question. Yes, we will definitely come back to attend."

Colt told Zarek what Jackson said and he told his dad, "Cool. Zarek asked me to be his best man."

Jackson gave Colt a hug, "You really grew to like him, didn't you?"

Colt had a tear run down his face, "He's the first person after you and Dad Ryan to give me any hope. That woman had me feeling almost worthless, but you and Dad Ryan, and then Zarek made me feel loved and worth something."

Jackson held Colt tight, "And always remember, you are worth sooooo much. There isn't enough money in the world to cover what you mean to us."

"I know," Colt whispered.

As the week progressed, Jim was both excited and sad. He was excited about him and Zac getting the ranch, which was his dream come true, but he was sad about the fact Jackson would be leaving. Jackson reminded him several times that he would be back to visit often, but Jim still felt like there was a piece of his heart going away.

Memorial Day morning, Jackson was business as usual for a holiday. He and Josh ran the grill as usual. He gave discounts allowing more people to ride. No one would have guessed that Jackson would be leaving the next day.

Once most of the general public left, those remaining moved into the "party" barn. Jackson stood on the stage and declared, "As Colt and I leave tomorrow, I will be taking with me memories of all of you. I'll never forget all the good times that we've had, like the first surprise party we held for Joe. Or how Jim kept expecting one and was so upset when he thought he had ruined my fun. The look on Zac's face when he thought I had forgotten his birthday. I'll remember how all of you treated Colt when he joined our family, and how supportive you were of him before he could. I'll never forget Vince coming here and creating the best security force I have ever seen. I wish I could take him with me."

Vince shouted, "Zac and Jim said that you can borrow me for a week to help if you need."

Jackson chuckled, "I might just do that, but only if your beautiful wife and Zayne come, too."

"That can be arranged," Marilyn agreed.

Jackson continued, "Nick, I really appreciate how you became a part of the family, not wanting to replace Jim's dad, but fill in for him. I know that meant a lot to Jim and even still means a lot to me. Brock and Brock, I wasn't here when you first came to the ranch. I heard stories about how you both were, and Younger Brock, I am glad that you joined our lives despite how you were. I am proud about how much you've matured."

"I'm glad that I realized that I was only hurting myself with my actions," the younger Brock stated.

Jackson wasn't done, "Matt and Gina, I am proud to recall when you started coming here. You were the first guests to come ride. I'll never forget the scared look Matt had the first time he ever got on a horse, or how he walked when he was done. Now, you two are married, a year today. I feel honored that you spent your anniversary here. And Gina has a beautiful baby boy, and Matt is showing himself as a great business man who cares about his friends. I could continue forever, and I don't mean to leave anyone, but it's getting late and Colt and I will be leaving tomorrow, so let me wrap up with my memory of Heather."

Heather called out, "You don't have to say anything."

"I remember when you came here to sign papers allowing Jim to work here. We talked for a few minutes and you told me how happy you were that I was allowing Jim to buy his horse back. You never once complained about how hard things were for you, but did say how happy you were that I was a part of bringing joy back into Jim's life. Then when Joe joined the family, you were once again a caring mother, proud of how your sons cared so much about each other. I was lucky to have as caring of a mother, and even though you weren't mine, you made me think so much of her."

Heather cried, "That's what being a true Mom is all about. We hurt when our children hurt, and we are happy when they are happy. I've just been blessed with three great sons."

The moving truck had already been loaded. It was loaded on Sunday so they could enjoy the festivities of the holiday. Tuesday morning, Jackson was attaching a horse trailer to the back. He was loading Midnight Star, the yearlings, and Caesar into the trailer when Jim and Zac arrived.

Colt gave Jim and Zac a hug and cried, "I'll never forget you guys and how you never let me think I was worthless. You were always there for us."

"I'll never forget you breaking that mare," Zac said with a smile. "I will miss you, Colt."

Jim clung to Jackson, "I am so going to miss you. Even though you're only seven years older, I felt like you were a father-figure. Even once Nick filled that spot for Dad, you were there. I don't know what I will do without you."

"You have made me so proud," Jackson insisted, "Any dad would be proud if their son was half the man you've become. You will be fine, but you can always call if you need to talk. I'll only be one state away."

As Jackson and Colt drove off, Jim took time to reflect back over his life since he came to the ranch. He remembered how depressed he was when he first arrived in Cody. Zac bringing him to the ranch and reuniting him with Gold came to his mind as well. He laughed when he remembered crying into Zac's shoulder for the first time, and how wet he made his shirt. He chuckled thinking about the first night Joe came into his life and asked if Jackson was a horse.

Jim recalled all of the ups and downs that he had over the last three years and his family, including Jackson, being there to support him or cheer him on. He thought back to when Jackson married Ryan and he chatted with himself. That really cracked him up. Jackson donated the time and space for him and Zac to get married, he was there when they got Jake, and he stood by them when they tried taking Jake away. When Patrick joined the family, Jackson accepted him just as much as all of them. Throughout all of the ups and down, Jim could count on Jackson to be there for him and Zac, but now, he's riding off into the sunset, so to speak.

Patrick came over and put his arms around Jim. Jim put an arm around Patrick and said, "I love you."

With a straight face, Patrick looked up at Jim and asked, "You love female sheep?"

As we close this part of Jim and Zac's life, look forward to more of their adventures in the next story, Still Another Chance.

Though this story concludes, I have created a mailing list and will be using it for Still Another Chance. If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com.

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.

Also, I have created a mailing list.  If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at Zarek Dragon.  Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website.