tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2909121694395019022024-03-13T05:48:38.034-07:00Russ' CafeA Place for Sharing Gay Short StoriesSaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-65639916248028144052016-04-23T20:04:00.004-07:002016-04-24T19:53:31.390-07:00Goodbye, Mom I Will Always Love You - Chapter Two<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Goodbye, Mom, I Will Always Love You - Chapter Two<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We arrived
home minus one of our sons, having left David at school in Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our trip home, I kept looking for him,
only to remind myself he was at college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I missed him so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I was
so proud of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been only a few
weeks since he had refused to deliver a plate of cookies to some friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fear had paralyzed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t get out of the car and make
himself walk up to the front door to hand the cookies them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had called them ahead of time, so they knew
we were coming and let David talk them on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cookie delivery had been David’s
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to do it to work on his
fear of doing things by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
managed to deliver cookies to two of the five families we were scheduled to
visit that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I had done everything
in our power to make it easier for him to be away from home; but, I still
worried we hadn’t done enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">His
roommates were kids with similar interests and he seemed to be comfortable with
them, especially Joel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel shared a
room with David and was gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had
bonded with Joel immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last
night, David told me to stop worrying about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He informed me he and Joel were boyfriends,
now; and we’re sharing a bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
happy for him, but I couldn’t help worrying about him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had broken up with his longtime
boyfriend, Markley, when he had informed him he was going to West Point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Markley made it clear he didn’t want a long
distance relationship, since Markley would be living in New York and David in
Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had been devastated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I could
still hear David’s words ringing in my ears, when I mentioned Joel might just
be a rebound guy:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Daddy, I’m
an adult and can make up my own mind about my relationships with other guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’m sorry,
David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just worry about you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He said, “I
know, Daddy; but you need to let me make my own decisions about who I love.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you contact the school about your special
needs?” I asked, changing the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">David
assured me, “Yes, talked to them about getting help, if I need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I remind you that you and Dad got me every
possible device there is to take notes, organize my assignments and just about
everything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need more
gadgets, Daddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I need help, Joel can
assist me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I know and I
love you, too,” he said, and ended the call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After my conversation with David, I had called
Mark, one of our friends from our time at the University of Minnesota, and he
advised me to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending me a quote
from Khalil Gibran about children: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“…</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your children are not your children.<br />
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.<br />
They come through you but not from you,<br />
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Mark
and I had a long talk, leaving me feeling better about learning to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would think I had already learned that
life lesson, when Kyle left us to study in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, Rick understood my anxiety over
David!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew Kyle would be fine no
matter where in the world he travelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With his confidence and charm, I had no doubt Kyle would be successful
at whatever task he put his hand to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With David, I felt a strong protective urge, from the first day we
met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That protective instinct only grew
stronger over the intervening years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As Rick
pulled into our driveway and turned off the engine, he looked over at me and
said, “Stop worrying about David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
all guilty of being over-protective of him; but now, we need to let him go so
he can grow in his own space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t
protect him from the world forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I met Rick’s
gaze and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know you’re right;
but that doesn’t stop me from wishing I could always be there for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still remember how he clung to me when Mrs.
Evans from Child Protective Service (CPS) brought him to our home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I remember
Kyle and Ashley climbed on your lap, wrapping their arms around you and David
that day,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over to
kiss me lightly on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Babe, we’re
still here for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just now he’s
over 2,000 miles (3200 km.) away,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but I still miss him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley said,
“I miss him, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it’s just me and
the twins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked
over my shoulder at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and that
means we have more time to pay attention to you and the twins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
rolled her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just what I need…more
parental attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I laughed
and said, “I know how you feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
the same way when I was your age.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
grinned at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then, you know not to
smother me with fatherly attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I do; but we can still consult
each other on boys and clothes, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She
giggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Daddy, we can still talk
about the good looking boys at school and go shopping for great clothes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley was our fashionista.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew how to put clothes together that
looked good on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also knew how to
use just the right amount of makeup to highlight her beautiful eyes and high
cheekbones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley had blossomed over
the summer into a drop-dead gorgeous young woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere we went, I noticed how the guys
followed her with their eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed
it out to Rick, who growled, “They’d better keep their distance from her.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My mind
returned to the present as Rick opened the door and climbed out of the
mini-van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joined him and marveled at
how good it felt to finally get out of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ashley and the twins were just as happy to be home as I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The twins jumped out the van and rushed to
the door, just as Rick unlocked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JJ
and Josh pushed past him and ran throughout the house, before returning to me
and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed as my ten-year old
twins hugged us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh said,
“I’m so glad to be home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ looked up
at us and said, “Everything is still here!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick asked,
“Why wouldn’t it be here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know, Dad, I’m just
glad everything is where I left it when we left.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said, “Uncle
Jeff and Uncle Collin checked on the house while we were gone, sweetheart, so I
don’t know why you were worried.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ shrugged
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh’s excitement was visible on
his face as he said, “Our trains are still in their box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we play with them?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was
surprised at the request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The twins
hadn’t played with their wooden trains in quite a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their current forms of entertainment were all
electronic in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could figure
out was it had something to do with David moving away from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had spent many hours playing with them,
building and designing different configurations with the train tracks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick laughed
and said, “Of course, you can build your trains, but you have to take your
backpacks to your room, first.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh’s face
fell, his disappointment plain to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It won’t take you very long to get your backpacks from the van,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ took his
twin’s hand and pulled him toward the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s hurry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They
disappeared outside as Ashley came inside, hauling her suitcase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you need some help?” Rick asked her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She shook
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Dad, but I got
this.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She passed us and mounted the
stairs to her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard her door
close and lock click into place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I guess she
wants some time to herself,” I said, smiling up at my husband.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and I don’t blame
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need some down time, as well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned forward, giving me a gentle kiss on
the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very glad to be home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’ll finish
unloading the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go upstairs and
get showered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to take a nap,
I’ll wake you in time for dinner,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick smiled at
me, pulling me into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a
better idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s both unload the car,
then we’ll shower together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Sounds like
a plan,” I responded, kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He released
me and squeezed my ass as he followed me outside to the mini-van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made quick work of unloading out
gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried the ice chest to the
kitchen and emptied it, putting away the few perishables we hadn’t eaten during
our 10-hour drive from Nashville, Tennessee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We covered the 669 miles (1077 km.) to Alexandria, Virginia, with few
stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long drive for all
of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We stopped
in Knoxville, Tennessee, just long enough to eat lunch and let the twins run
around a bit, before taking them up to the observation deck of the World’s Fair
Sunsphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled as I remembered
their excitement.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2f-NNZwqFg/Vxw9XdbqWXI/AAAAAAAAA64/wNyMOECX5LUWb9yiPMO57q1sf8HiZAXHgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2f-NNZwqFg/Vxw9XdbqWXI/AAAAAAAAA64/wNyMOECX5LUWb9yiPMO57q1sf8HiZAXHgCLcB/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1982 World's Fair Sunsphere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
returned from taking our luggage to our bedroom, coming up behind me and
wrapping his arms around my waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turning my head, I met his lips in a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaning back into his hard body, I said, “The
ice chest is empty.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He met my
gaze, giving me a lecherous grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pushed his hardening cock against me, before saying, “I’ll take it out to the
garage, while you get in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll join you in a few minutes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He captured my lips in a passionate kiss, then released me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed the ice chest, leaving me panting
from his mind-numbing kiss!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I adjusted
myself, before leaving the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
climbed the stairs and stopped outside Ashley’s door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tapped lightly and waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened the door, and I asked, “Will you
keep an eye on the boys for a little while?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Seeing my
flushed cheeks, she smiled and said, “Of course, Daddy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped out of her room and headed
downstairs, passing Rick on his way up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thanks for
watching the twins for us, Ashley,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley said,
“No problem, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know they’re ten, not five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not hard to keep an eye
on them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick stopped
and turned around to face her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But who
knows what mischief they’re plotting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
laughed and said, “Yes, they do tend to get into trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel for whoever will be their teacher this
year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“That’s why
we asked the school to split them up this year,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mrs. Horner told me she was
sure they would be the death of her.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“When did
she tell you that?” Rick asked, his eyebrows raised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“At the 4<sup>th</sup>
grade graduation party at the pool,” Ashley said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“She never
mentioned anything to your Daddy or I,” Rick said, frowning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“She didn’t
want to upset you, but she said they were little hellions in her class the last
few weeks of the school year,” Ashley said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She turned and continued down the stairs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
finished climbing the stairs and met my eyes, and grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re not in the shower, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“True, but it
won’t take me long to get there,” I said, giving him the same lecherous grin he
had given me earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In no time,
we were both naked and enjoying the cascade of warm water washing over us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we engaged in our usual shower
activities, leaving us both fully sated and clean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick dried
me off and I returned the favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
pulled the towel from my hands and lifted me off of my feet, carrying me to our
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I barely had time to position
myself, before he drove his long length into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gasped with pleasure, as he captured my
lips in a searing kiss, his hands trailing fire everywhere they touched my
skin.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
murmured against my lips, “Are you ready for round two?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head, then opened my mouth to him as he pushed his tongue past my lips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Later, we
lay together with our limbs intertwined, enjoying the feel bare skin against
bare skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you know the twins were
terrorizing Mrs. Horner last year?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I raised my
head from his chest and met his gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
nodded my head and said, “Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Josh’s friend, Gavin, told his mother what was happening at school and
she called me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Why didn’t
you tell me?” Rick asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’m sorry I
didn’t tell you, Babe,” I said, caressing his chiseled chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I talked to the twins about it and they
wrote her a nice letter apologizing for what they’d done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Horner accepted their apology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than get you upset, I decided to let
it go at that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wish you wouldn’t keep
things like that from me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I cupped his
cheek and searched his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you
promise me you won’t lose your temper with the boys if I do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He growled,
“I don’t lose my temper.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked
deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you do,
Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Kyle and Purev moved out,
you’ve been a bear to live with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve
been short tempered, especially where the twins are concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys need your understanding and support
more than they need your anger at their failings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re acting out, just like you are, because
of the changes in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think
about it…Kyle is in another country, attending school; and now David is on the
other side of the country doing the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Added to that, Purev is living in his own place and we see him on
weekends for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They feel
their world isn’t secure, because their siblings are no longer living at
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see why they’re acting out
of character?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick nodded
his head and said, “Yes, I get that, because I’m feeling out of sorts, as
you’ve already noted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we sit down
to eat, I’m looking for the three boys and have to remind myself they’re not
here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears blurred his vision, as he
swallowed past the lump in his throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I miss my workout buddies and the sassy attitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I would miss my mouthy
teenagers, but I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Then you
know what the twins are feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
need us to show them we love them, even more than we do, normally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to be reassured we won’t leave them
like their siblings have,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Then, they’ll stop acting out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick smiled
and kissed me on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pulling back,
he said, “You sound like a shrink.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve seen enough of them over
the years I should be able to spout their psycho-babble better than they can.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick raised
his hand to run his fingers through my long blond hair, eventually twirling it
between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love your hair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I know,” I
responded, kissing him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick placed
his hands on my back, sliding them down to my buttocks, giving me a hard
squeeze, when we heard a soft tapping on our bedroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick pulled the duvet over us and shouted,
“Come in!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The door
opened and JJ and Josh rushed into the room, jumping on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved apart as they burrowed between
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad some things haven’t
changed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, they are still our
little boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes filled with tears,
knowing they would begin to pull away from us as they moved into their teen
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick laughed
and asked, “What’s going on, boys?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ put his
arms around his father’s neck and hugged him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“We miss David.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“We miss
him, too,” Rick said, giving JJ a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It’s a
little too quiet with the boys off at school” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you remember where your brothers are
going to school?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh spoke
up, before JJ could respond, “Yes, Kyle is in Natal, Brazil, David is in Logan,
Utah, and Purev is in Fairfax, Virginia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Josh clearly enunciated each word, putting up one finger for each of his
brothers as he recited from memory the locations where they were going to
school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ said,
excitedly, “Ashley said we’re supposed to tell you Purev will be over for
dinner.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev was
living in the dorms at George Mason University, majoring in music performance
and theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to convince him to
live at home, to save money; but, he wanted to live on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we agreed to pay for his room and board,
with the stipulation he would be home for Sunday dinner each week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked
over at me and smiled, “I bet he’s bringing his laundry home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, and that’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll get a home-cooked meal and
we’ll help him do his laundry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh clapped
his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get to help Purev fold his clothes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev had engaged the twins in his weekly
chore by offering to pay them a dollar each to fold his clothes, an offer the
boys had eagerly accepted!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The twins
absolutely adored their older brother and would’ve helped him, even if he
hadn’t offered to pay them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ said, “I’m
hungry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we have spaghetti and
meatballs for dinner?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me his
best puppy dog look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is no
way I could ever say, ‘no,’ to the look in JJ’s chocolate brown eyes, “Yes,
spaghetti and meatballs it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh high
fived his twin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I hugged the
two of them and said, “If we’re having spaghetti and meatballs, you two need to
let your Dad and I get up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The two very
excited boys clamored over us and jumped to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Racing each other to the door, they shouted,
“Ashley, we’re having spaghetti!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked
over at me, and said, “You’d think we were having a gourmet meal!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I grinned at
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course, we’re having gourmet
spaghetti because I’m the best chef in the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Before we
could get out of bed, Ashley appeared in our doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Purev wants to know if he can bring his new
boyfriend over for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My eyebrows
shot up in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought Purev
had sworn off getting into another relationship after his experience with that
guy….what’s his name?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Rick
for help with Purev’s ex-boyfriend’s name.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick
supplied the name, “Terry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yeah,
Terry,” I said, looking back at Ashley.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
looked at her cell phone, and said, “This guy’s name is Trevor and he’s from
Richmond.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said,
“Tell him Trevor is welcome and we’re having spaghetti.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
tapped on the screen of her cell and looked up at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She turned and left us, closing the door behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We got out
of bed and quickly dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went into
the kitchen to cook dinner, while Rick joined the boys in the family room where
they had built a huge train track.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
grabbed his laundry bag from his closet and sat it on his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at his boyfriend, who was
pacing back and forth in front of the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Trevor, stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor met
his gaze and said, “I’m not ready to meet your dads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if they don’t like me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev walked
over to him, pulling him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up into his eyes, and said, “They will love you, Trev.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
frowned and said, “But you said your Dad will interrogate me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, he
will,” Purev said, bringing his hand up to move Trevor’s hair out of his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s very protective of us and he’s also the
enforcer in our family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“He sounds pretty
scary to me,” Trevor said, making a face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well, he is
scary to other people,” Purev said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But
you don’t have to worry, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be
honest with him when he asks you about us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope your family accepts me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev smiled
and put his hand to Trevor’s cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“They will love you because they love me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him and pulled back to say, “My
family isn’t like your family, Trevor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“But your
birth family is just like mine,” Trevor said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev said,
“Yes, they are; but, my dads are nothing like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took me in when my birth family rejected
me when I came out to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love
me, unconditionally.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released his
lover and turned to grab his laundry bag, dropping it into his empty laundry basket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had resisted taking the laundry basket to
his dorm, but his dads had insisted he needed it to carry his clean laundry
home, instead of putting his clean clothes back into the same bag where his
dirty clothes had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked it up
and looked over his shoulder at Trevor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
grimaced and said, “Do I have to meet your dads today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t we wait until next month or even
longer?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Trevor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re such a drama queen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can stop acting like you’re being led to
your death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dads aren’t going hurt
you in any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
sighed, resignedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s
go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed his boyfriend out of
the room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was
setting the table, when I heard the front door open and close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up to see Purev enter the kitchen
followed by a handsome young guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev
smiled and said, “Daddy, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Trevor.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrapped his arm around Trevor’s waist,
pulling him forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor put
out his hand and I took it, as I looked him over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had blond hair that was short on the sides
and long on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had deep blue eyes,
a hawkish nose, a square jaw and a wide grin, showing his perfect white
teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 6’2 (188 cm.) and well built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious to me he worked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His jeans hugged him in all the right places
as did his tight t-shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
mouth-watering!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I met his steady
gaze, he smiled and asked, “Do I pass inspection?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Grinning up at
him, I gave his hand a firm squeeze before releasing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you’ll do.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
laughed and said, “What Daddy means is you’re a walking wet dream.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I blushed
and said, “Am I that obvious?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you were practically
undressing him with your eyes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked
over at Trevor and said, “I hope you’re not offended, but you’re very good
looking.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I’m flattered to know you
find me attractive.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You’re
definitely Daddy’s type of guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
see what I mean when you meet my Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As he
finished speaking, Rick joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What
type of guy does your Daddy like?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev said,
“Guy’s like you, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my
boyfriend, Trevor Bainbridge.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick walked
over and extended his hand to Trevor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trevor shook his hand, and said, “Nice to meet you, sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick scowled
and said, “Call me Rick or Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, sir…I
mean Dad,” Trevor responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His whole
demeanor had changed when Rick had entered the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With me, he had been relaxed and at ease,
flirting with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Rick, he seemed
nervous and unsure of himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick put his
arm around my shoulders, then met Purev’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sorry, son; but I’ve got to ask.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Purev nodded his head, knowing what was about to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick turned to Trevor, pinning him with a steely
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are your intentions with my
son?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
looked at Purev, before answering, “Purev warned me you would ask me that
question.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back to Rick, and
continued, “I like Purev a lot, but I’m not ready to settle down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been honest with him about wanting to
date him, but neither of us is looking to get married right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev added,
“We’ve decided to be exclusive, for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not into sleeping around with every guy I meet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“And neither
am I,” Trevor said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We both want a
steady boyfriend.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I just wanted to make
sure you aren’t going to break my son’s heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
leaned over to kiss Purev on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I won’t do that, I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev smiled
and said, “Dad, we’ve talked things out and know where we stand with each
other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just make sure you continue to keep those
lines of communication open,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I don’t want to see either of you get hurt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The surprised look on Trevor’s face was
priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing it, Rick continued,
“Trevor, you shouldn’t be surprised we care about your well-being, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Purev thinks you’re worth bringing home to
meet us, you’re already part of our family because he cares about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Purev told me what to
expect when I met you, but I didn’t expect you to treat me like family since
we’ve just met.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked
over at Purev and said, “Purev is a good judge of character, so I trust him to
only bring home guys who meet our standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He already knows not to bring home anyone who doesn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev smiled
and said, “That means you’re good to go, Trev.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Dinner is ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick, will you call the children to the
table?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said,
“Sure, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He gave me a
quick kiss and left the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
him talking to the twins, followed by their mad dash down the hallway to the
bathroom to wash up for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick and
Ashley joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev opened his arms
and his sister flew into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley
said, “I’ve missed you, Purev.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
released her and turned to his boyfriend, and said, “Ashley, I want you to meet
my boyfriend, Trevor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
smiled and put out her hand, which Trevor took and pulled her into his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet you, Ashley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev loves you very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s told me so much about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He released
her and she looked up into his eyes, and said, “You know I’ll kick your butt if
you hurt my brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He grinned,
and responded, “So I’ve been told.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She turned
her attention to Purev, giving him a huge smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned back to Trevor and said, “Good,
I’m glad we understand each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She stepped
away from the boys and walked over to the sink, turning on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squirted some liquid soap onto her hands
and scrubbed them under the warm water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drying her hands on a dish towel, she turned to me and asked, “What do
you need me to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Here, you
can finish setting the table,” I said, handing her a stack of napkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She folded them and placed them next to the
plates I had already laid out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned and grabbed the silverware from the drawer next to the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick returned and pulled down the glasses and
placed them on the table.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As Rick and
Ashley set the table, the twins entered the kitchen and ran to their
brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enveloped them both in his
warm embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Letting them go, he
introduced them to his boyfriend, “Trevor, this is JJ and Josh.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He said,
“Hey, guys!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The twins
chorused, “Hello,” looking up at him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Please take
a seat at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s eat,” I said,
as I sat down next to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The twins
scrambled around the table to their customary seats on Rick’s left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley sat next to me, while Purev and Trevor
sat between Ashley and the twins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
reached out to take Ashley’s hand and Rick’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked
across the table at Purev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you say
grace?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev nodded
his head, taking Ashley’s hand and Trevor’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We bowed our heads, and listened to Purev give thanks for our family and
friends and asking a blessing on the food.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We chorused,
“Amen,” when he finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly
filled our plates with spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad and bread
sticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before the food
disappeared.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ asked,
“Did you bring your laundry home?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev said,
“Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s out in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you clear your plates, you and Josh can
help me bring it in.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The twins
hopped up from their seats and quickly cleared their dishes, rinsing them and
placing them in the dishwasher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev
disappeared with them to retrieve his laundry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick looked
at Trevor and asked, “So, Trevor, tells us about yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor said,
“I’m from Richmond.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“So how did
you meet Purev?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Mutual
friends introduced us,” he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m a public relations major and I’ve been working with a couple of
consulting companies in the area.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev and
the boys passed the kitchen doorway, carrying his laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He poked his head into the kitchen and said,
“I’ll be right back, Trev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got to
get this laundry going.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
laughed and said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You haven’t
done laundry for nearly three weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Surprised, I
said, “So, basically, Purev didn’t do laundry the entire time we were gone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he told me you
were taking his brother, David, out to Utah for school and he planned to wait
until you got back to do his laundry.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“How did he
manage without clean clothes?” Rick asked, incredulously.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“He bought
new clothes instead of washing his old ones,” Trevor said, grinning at us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I shook my
head in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sometimes…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick laughed
and took my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a typical young
man, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“But…” I
started to protest, when Rick cut me off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“No buts,
he’s typical for a college student who lives close to home,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isn’t that so, Trevor?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t know, since I
don’t take my laundry home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate the
commute to Richmond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The traffic is so
bad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A look of deep sadness crossed his
face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Seeing it, I
said, “The commute isn’t the reason you don’t go home, Trevor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor met
my gaze with eyes bright with unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw his lip tremble and I opened my arms to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come here, Trevor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He flew into
my embrace, clinging to me, his body shaking with the force of his
emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He buried his face in my
shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rubbed his back and smoothed
his hair, murmuring, “It’s okay, son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything will work out for the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the
storm passed, he pulled back and met my gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I knew I was gay when I was about 12 years old, but I was afraid to
come out to my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents are
religious fanatics and raised us to be like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I came out to them as a sophomore in
college, they disowned me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told me
I was dead to them and they never wanted to see me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They threw me out with only the clothes on my
back and cut off all financial support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, I’ve got a full-ride scholarship that includes room and
board or I would’ve been forced to drop out of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I work part time at the school library to
have a little pocket money for incidentals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I only go to Richmond to visit my sister, Lucy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet on the campus at VCU (Virginia
Commonwealth University) where she’s going to school.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I rubbed his
back and said, “I’m sorry to hear about your parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to know you’re always welcome
here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him another hug and a kiss
on the cheek, then released him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thank you,”
he said, smiling weakly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry I
got your shirt all wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to
get so emotional.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Not a
problem,” I said, smiling at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
okay to grieve for what you’ve lost.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
returned to the kitchen with the twins trailing behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing Trevor’s tear-streaked face, he asked,
“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
smiled and said, “Nothing’s wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
telling your dads about my family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
took Purev’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re so
lucky to have such a great family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev smiled
and said, “I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told you my dads
were awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took me in when my
dad kicked me out, remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I remember.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shifted his gaze to us and continued, “You
are very blessed, Purev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish I
had been as fortunate as you’ve been.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev put
his arm around Trevor’s shoulders, leaning over to kiss him on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, Trevor, you are just as blessed
because you’ve got me and my fantastic family.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Daddy just told me I’m
always welcome here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
grinned, “I guess this means you owe me a milk shake.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
blushed and looked over at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I told
Purev he was crazy when he told me you would tell me I would always be welcome
and I’d end up being part of your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He bet me a milk shake and I’m very happy I lost the bet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I asked,
“Are you boys interested in playing some board games?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley doesn’t like them and neither do the
twins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor said,
“Sure, do you have Ticket to Ride?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick said,
“Yes, we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love playing that
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll go get it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick walked
down the hallway to the family room to retrieve the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boys, we’re playing Ticket to Ride, if you
want to play.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ looked up
from where he was playing with his wooden train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to play with Thomas right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh said,
“That game is boring.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick smiled
at his two sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s much more fun to construct train tracks
and play with your wooden trains.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ and Josh
chorused, “We love trains.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick left
the boys to their adventures in train building and returned to the kitchen with
the board game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After we
finished the game, Purev stood up and said, “I’d better check on my
laundry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left the kitchen, returning
a few minutes later with his laundry basket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sat the basket on the floor at his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s all done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and looked over at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I paid the twins extra for doing my
laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did a great job of loading
the washer and switching the clothes to the dryer, plus folding them all and
putting them in my basket.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I smiled and
said, “I think you’re getting extra special treatment because they missed you
while we were on vacation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
laughed and said, “If that’s the case, you can go on vacation any time!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Trevor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to be going, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing the endearment, Trevor blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My dads call each other, ‘Babe,’ or ‘sweetheart,’ all the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It’s
just….”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“It’s okay,
Trevor,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We assumed you and
Purev we’re more than friends when he asked to bring you over to meet us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost felt sorry for Trevor as his blush
deepened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stood up
and walked over to him, pulling him to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged him, before leaning back to look up
into his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re really cute when
you blush.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
complained, “Daddy, you’re so not helping.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I looked
over at him and said, “I’m glad your boyfriend is a little shy about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows he cares about you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning back to Trevor, I continued,
“However, I’m sure it won’t take you long to lose any sense of embarrassment
you have about being in a relationship with our son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I aren’t in the least embarrassed to
talk about anything, so you shouldn’t be either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just for the record, we enjoy each other
immensely and aren’t shy about saying so.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Trevor
relaxed and his color returned to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thanks for being patient with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head, and released him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over to
Purev and pulled him into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I love you
back, Daddy,” he responded, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I released
him and said, “It’s getting late and I suppose you should collect your
boyfriend and head back to campus.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev nodded
and walked over to give Rick a kiss and hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Bye, Dad.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Love you,
Purev,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Purev
replied, “Love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
around and picked up his laundry basket and said, “Let’s go, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, Trevor didn’t blush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They left us
in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I heard the front
door close, I turned to Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Rick agreed,
“Yes, I do, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Let’s get
the twins to bed, then I want you to make love to me all night long,” I said,
giving my husband my most lecherous grin!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next
day, I was sitting in the family room, watching the twins play video games,
when the phone rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw it was my
brother, Gary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Gary said,
“Mom wants to talk to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was
surprised, but happy she was aware enough to want to speak to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, I heard her say, “Hello, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you and the children?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Kyle is
doing well in his studies at the Federal University of Paraiba, in Brazil,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“When did he
go there?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“He decided
to study overseas during his freshman year at the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He likes the university
where he’s studying now, but thinks he’ll transfer to Natal to the Federal
University of Rio Grande do Norte, because it has better programs, plus his new
girlfriend is transferring there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think that’s the real reason behind his desire to move to Natal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“What’s her
name?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Lucena Afonso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve seen photos of her and she’s very
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve talked to her on the
phone as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her English is very
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plans to bring her home at
Christmas to visit with us,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
dropped David off at school after we visited with you, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You were
here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember that,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, Mom we
were there two weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a big
family party at Gary’s house and sang your favorite songs,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You sang along with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I did?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, you
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David played his violin for you,” I
added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s joined the local community
orchestra and loves his roommate, Joel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joel is gay and the two seemed to hit it off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worry about David,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He has such a tender heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“That he
does,” I agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I think he’ll be
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying really hard not to be a
helicopter parent, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how
you did it with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well,
living on the farm didn’t leave me much time to worry about you or the others,
when you left for college,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Not to say I didn’t miss you, because I did.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I look
around the table at mealtimes and find myself thinking I’m missing someone and
I am,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Just enjoy
the time you have with your children, Glenn,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They’ll be grown and gone before you know
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Ashley is
very excited to start her senior year,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“She and Michaela are already trying to decide who they want to date
this year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“She is a
very beautiful young lady, Glenn,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re going to have to keep a close eye on that one.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I said,
“Yes, I agree; however, she has a good head on her shoulders and I trust her to
choose her friends wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
intimidates the guys because she is so well put together and knows what she
wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a straight A student and is
taking as many AP (advanced placement) courses as she can fit into her schedule
this year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Is she
still playing the violin?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, Mom,
she is still taking orchestra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s not
really into learning to play the instrument as she is in being with her
friends, who just happen to be in orchestra,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“She plays
well,” Mom said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Yes, but
she’s very shy about playing for anyone and barely makes herself perform in the
orchestra concerts,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She won’t
even play for me most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
practices in her room with the door locked.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Well, son,
let her be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she’s good and ready,
she’ll show off her talent for you,” she counseled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand her stage fright, because I was
like that when I was teenager.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Really?” I
asked in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You always seem so
confident.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">She said, “I
was painfully shy, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a junior
in high school when your Grandpa insisted I play for him every night and
wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“The twins
will be in 5<sup>th</sup> grade this year,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve met their teachers and I think they’ll
have a great year.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We talked
for nearly 30 minutes about many things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was telling her about Rick’s work, when she interrupted me mid-sentence,
“Glenn, why don’t you talk about yourself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’ve talked about the children and Rick, but you haven’t said a word
about yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was
surprised by her comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t
realized she was listening so closely to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t sure how to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I tried to formulate a response, she said, “I want to know how you’re doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’m trying
to keep myself busy, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss the
boys so much, it hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick says it
will get better, but I’m not so sure,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went on to describe my daily activities at work and at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finished, I asked, “Mom, are you still
there?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There was no
sound on the other end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few
minutes more of silence, Gary came on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m sorry, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom’s slipped
back into her catatonic state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll call
you again, when she’s lucid.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The tears
started rolling down my face as I said, “Thanks for calling me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad I got to have a normal conversation
with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like she understood me
and knew who I was.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Gary
reassured me, “She did know who you were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She won’t remember she talked to you, but, at least for a little while,
she’s the mother we’ve always known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know it’s harder on you, because you’re not close enough to see her every day,
so you aren’t able to see her when she’s all there and knows who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try to make sure I call you when she’s
having one of her good days.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thanks
again, Gary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I love you,
too, little brother,” he responded, before breaking the connection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was glad I
had the opportunity to talk to her, but, at the same time, I was grieving for
the mother I had lost to dementia and Parkinson’s disease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A few days
later, I was surfing the internet when I decided to check my Facebook
account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I logged in and I saw Kyle’s
post from earlier in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vision
blurred with tears as I read it, </span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I
love my family; and more importantly I love my siblings. I cannot imagine what
my life would be like without the blessing that each of them brings to my life.
They are my best friends, my role models, the people who bring happiness and
joy to my everyday routine. Here's to a great 21 years, and many, many decades
to come!”</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I called out
to Rick, who was upstairs, “Rick!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He shouted
back, “I’ll be right there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soon
heard his footsteps on the stairs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
appeared in the family room and joined me on the loveseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at my computer screen and asked,
“What’s up?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I passed the
laptop to him and pointed to Kyle’s post, “Read that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He read
Kyle’s words and handed the laptop back to me, his eyes bright with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m very proud of him,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s a good son and a great brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I reached up
and brushed a tear from his cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
son had managed to make his father cry, something that rarely happened to my
tough guy ex-marine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that Rick
doesn’t show his emotions, because he does; just not in this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned in to kiss him gently on the
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve done a wonderful job
raising our son, Rick.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He smiled at
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, WE’VE done a great job raising
an exceptional young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyle came to
us with so much potential and all we’ve had to do is love and nurture him,
which we’ve done.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thank God every day for our
children, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve brought so much
joy and happiness into our lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He put his
arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they
have.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ashley
appeared in the doorway to the family room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She smiled at us and said, “I just read Kyle’s post.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I returned
her smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We just read it ourselves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I sent
David and Purev a text message to let them know it’s there,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Thanks for
thinking of them, Ashley,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I shared it
on my timeline,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want all
of my friends to know I have the best brother ever!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“That’s a
good idea,” I said, and did the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Later, I
shared Kyle’s note with the twins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JJ
said, “I miss Kyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish he would come
home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I hugged my
little guy and said, “I wish he would, too; but he wants to go to school in
Brazil and he’s got a girlfriend there now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">JJ wrinkled
his nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yuck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll soon change your mind
about girls.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Josh chimed
in, “No, we won’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I reached
over and pulled him into a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,
you will.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He shook his
head, and said, “No, we won’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I ruffled
his hair and said, “Let’s wait and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is that okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He nodded
his head and climbed onto his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tucked him in and turned to do the same for JJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kissed each of them on the forehead and stood to leave the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before turning out the light, I said, “Good
night, boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">They
chorused back, “I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I closed
the door to their room, I felt Rick’s arms slip around my waist pulling me back
against his hard body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bit my
earlobe, and whispered in my ear, “Take me to bed, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I turned in
his arms and kissed him passionately, as he maneuvered us across the hall to
our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening the door, he pulled me
into our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He closed and locked the
door and turned to strip me out of my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pushed me down on our bed, then did a slow striptease that had me
panting with anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
long before he showed me, in no uncertain terms, just how much he loved me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Author’s
Note:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Khalil
Gibran – On Children - </span></span><a href="http://www.katsandogz.com/onchildren.html"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.katsandogz.com/onchildren.html</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">World’s Fair
Sunsphere - http://worldsfairpark.org/worlds-fair-sunsphere.html<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ticket to
Ride - </span></span><a href="https://www.daysofwonder.com/tickettoride/en/usa/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">https://www.daysofwonder.com/tickettoride/en/usa/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Can LGBTQ
People Ever Forgive Christian Evangelicals for their Sins? - <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/04/can-lgbtq-people-ever-forgive-christian-evangelicals-for-their-sins/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2016/04/can-lgbtq-people-ever-forgive-christian-evangelicals-for-their-sins/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-36961267364135261132013-12-17T20:44:00.001-08:002016-04-23T20:38:19.887-07:00Goodbye, Mom, I Will Always Love You - Chapter One<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Goodbye,
Mom, I Will Always Love You<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Walking in
the front door of the elder care facility, we found ourselves in the public
area of the care center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a large
open room, with a carpeted area where a large plasma screen television sat in
one corner surrounded by a number of couches, armchairs, and recliners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several residents watching
daytime soap operas on television, while others were sleeping in their rocking
chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was dining area with a
half a dozen square café tables set on a concrete floor at the end of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitchen could be seen off to the right
across the bar that separated the kitchen from the dining area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a
lone figure sitting at one of the tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a woman who stared straight ahead, unseeing, with uncombed, long,
gray hair and a slack jaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face had
a gray cast to it and her shoulders were hunched forward, as if she were
getting ready to stand up; her arms hung slack against her body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I looked closer, I could see that she was
drooling on herself, but she didn’t seem to notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared at her for a long moment, wondering
why someone hadn’t cleaned her face; and helped her to move to the television
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then that I realized the
woman was my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shock I felt left
me frozen in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers had
warned me that she wasn’t doing well; however, their warning hadn’t prepared me
to see her in this state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It had only
been six months since she had hugged me and thanked me for staying with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a challenging two
weeks for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom’s memory had been
going for a while, but she still knew who I was and joined the real world for
most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She frequently would
tell me she was talking to my father who had passed on a few years before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When that happened, I would ask her a few
questions about what he had said to her, and gradually lead the conversation
back to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward, she
would look at me sheepishly, and say, “I’ve been hallucinating again, haven’t
I?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would smile and pat her arm
reassuringly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we would go on with
whatever activity we were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
really bothered Mom that she was losing her mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had always been the center of lively
conversation, and enjoyed challenging mental games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It frustrated her that she no longer could
keep track of a conversation, let alone be part of the energetic debate that
often occurred when the family was together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being with her and seeing the decline in her mental capacity, made my heart
ache for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to me that I
was losing another parent, one memory at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After
returning home, I called her every night to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she was in her right mind, she lamented
the fact that she couldn’t remember things, and would quiz me about the crazy
things she had said a few moments earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had been over a month since the last time she had been mentally
present for one of our conversations, and that had been a very brief call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick turned
to me and asked, “What’s wrong, Babe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His question
brought me out of myself, and I turned to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That’s Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nodded toward
where she was sitting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick looked
over at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes widened in shock
and surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to me and
whispered, “Oh, my God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick didn’t finish his sentence, but left
his unspoken thought hanging in mid-air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I gave
myself a mental shake, and put a smile on my face to cover the deep sorrow I
felt at seeing her this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Children,
let’s help Grandma.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked over and
sat down at the table with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi,
Mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She didn’t
respond to my greeting, but continued to stare straight ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved closer to her and put my face
directly in front of hers, looking her in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, it’s Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s your son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband, Rick, and I have brought your
grandchildren to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove here
from Washington, DC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just got into
town and wanted to visit with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She still
didn’t respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes didn’t seem to
even focus on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up a napkin
from off of the table and wiped her mouth; then brushed the bread crumbs off her
blouse that were left over from her lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I looked up at Rick, and said, “Please sit down, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down at the table across from Mom,
while I grabbed a chair from a neighboring table and sat it next to Mom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my arm around her shoulders, leaning
over to kiss her on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom,
the twins are here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waved them over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ and Josh,
our ten-year old twins, walked over to Mom and hugged her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Grandma,
it’s JJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh and I are getting really
good at soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been travelling
for three days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in Chicago
on our way here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Josh said,
“Yeah, Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in Madison,
Wisconsin, to get some really great cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We still have some in the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think you’d like it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We travelled
with an ice chest to keep our food cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stopped at parks and roadside picnic areas to eat, saving us time and
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Wisconsin cheese had been a
nice addition to our usual lunch of sandwiches, chips, fruit and a cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shopped at local supermarkets to
replenish our supplies, especially the fresh fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all like grapes, apples, oranges and
bananas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick had suggested getting a
watermelon to take with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought
of all that sticky watermelon juice everywhere made me shudder in horror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly vetoed that idea!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom didn’t
respond to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t even
blink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed to Ashley and
David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mom, Ashley and David are here,
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley will be a senior next
year and David is going to college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ashley and
David exchanged places with the twins and hugged their grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley said, “Grandma, I’ve brought some of
my drawings to share with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
pulled out her sketch pad and opened it to show Mom her drawings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Again, Mom
didn’t respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David said, “I’m on my
way to school at Utah State University, Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m majoring in mechanical engineering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Kyle is still in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doing
well, and has a very pretty girlfriend named Lucena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucena plans to come to the United States
with him for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She speaks
English, which is a good thing for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He laughed, but Mom still didn’t seem to know we were even in the room
with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A nurse came
over to our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name tag said Sandy
Jenkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a petite, matronly
figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her white nurse’s uniform fit
her a little too snuggly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had dark
brown hair, streaked with gray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
brown eyes, a button nose, and a wide cheerful smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She said,
“You must be Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your brother, Gary,
told me you’d be dropping in for a visit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled at
her, and said, “Yes, I’m Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
my husband, Rick, and our children, David, Ashley, JJ and Josh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She nodded
her head in acknowledgement of the introductions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s nice to meet you all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to go to your mother’s room, I
can help you move her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s quieter there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the volume turned up on the television,
so some of our patients can hear what is being said.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last statement, she said apologetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She moved
behind Mom’s chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She slid the chair
out from the table, turning it so she could position Mom’s walker in front of
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, she stood behind the chair
and put her arms under Mom’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Eva, let’s
get up now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to go to your
room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned to me and said, “Will
you help stabilize her from the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She sometimes gets off balance and starts to fall forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood up
and walked around the nurse, and placed myself in front of my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached down and placed her hands on the
handles of the walker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay,
Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to your room, so we
can visit with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">With the
nurse lifting her, Mom slowly rose to her feet, leaning heavily on the
walker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse said, “Let’s walk
down the hallway, Eva.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom shuffled
slowly past the television viewing area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she neared the door, she turned her walker toward it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re not going outside today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The nurse gently patted her arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Come this way, Eva.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spoke
to my mother as if to a little child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom turned
her walker back toward the hallway and made her arduous way along it to her
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hallway was carpeted, and
we passed the kitchen and two large bathrooms on the left side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the right were two utility rooms; one was
a laundry and the other housed the heating and air conditioning unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The care facility had two wings, with six
bedrooms in each wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a small
care center, specializing in memory care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom’s room was at the end of the hallway, next to the bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hallway bent to the right, where the
remaining five rooms were located.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We followed
Mom into her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers had
brought her bedroom furniture from home, along with a few other pieces of
furniture from the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were pictures of our family and other things to make her feel more at home
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom shuffled past her bed and
into her en suite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The nurse
closed the door behind her, and turned to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If she doesn’t come out in a few minutes, call me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed to a call button on the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay,” I
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She left us and I sat down in one
of the two armchairs in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Rick, there are folding chairs in the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary brought them down so more than two
people could be here at a time to visit with Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick opened
the closet door and retrieved five folding chairs, setting them up in a row
against the wall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down on one,
next to me, taking my hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over and whispered in my ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you okay, Babe?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned
my head toward him, and he put his other hand up to my face to wipe away the
tears on my cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s really
hard seeing her like this,” I replied, trying to get my emotions under
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew if I didn’t, I would
quickly become a basket case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re here
for you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just hold it together
until after we leave,” Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It
won’t help your mother, if you lose it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The door to
the en suite opened and my mother shuffled forward, pushing her walker in front
of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up, and asked, “Do you
want to sit in your armchair or do you want to sit on the bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She didn’t
even acknowledge my existence, but slowly shuffled past me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to watch her maneuver her walker
out of the way, as she sat in her armchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She returned to her former state of staring straight ahead, slack-jawed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked
around the room at our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
think that she might respond to us after a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What helped her in the past was talking
about the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That eventually
helped her get out of whatever mental trap her mind had been caught in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus, we
began to talk about our road trip, telling her where we had been over the last
several days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the children
related their achievements over the last school year, and the summer activities
they had engaged in prior to our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ashley showed her more of her artwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David talked about his physics class and the robotics competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JJ talked about participating in the
robotics competition, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
Rick was one of their advisors, JJ got to go along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high school robotics team decided JJ
could be their mascot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dressed up in
a clown outfit and had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Josh told her of his soccer games and his love for video games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out his electronic games and showed
her how they worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I talked
to her about our jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her of my
music students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reminded her of how
she taught me violin and piano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At the
mention of the piano, she finally uttered her first words to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like the piano.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She spoke so
softly, I wasn’t sure I had heard her correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked, “Mom, did you say you liked the
piano?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She still
didn’t look at me, as she answered my question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I like the piano.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You used to
play the piano for me,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
taught me how to play it, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">David said,
“I play the piano and the violin, too, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I had hoped
she would re-engage with us, but she returned to her catatonic state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continued bringing her up to date on our
lives for another half an hour, but she didn’t respond to anything we
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse came into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sorry
to interrupt, but it’s time for Eva’s afternoon snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gets very upset if she doesn’t get her
treat in the afternoon,” the nurse said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She handed my Mom a graham cracker sandwich filled with nutella (a
chocolate and hazelnut flavored spread).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She took the proffered sweet treat and began eating it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her motions were mechanical, almost
involuntary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked
over at my husband and sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think
we should go,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to get
some lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m starving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ said,
“Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me, too!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Give
Grandma a hug before we go,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Each of them
bid her goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged Mom and said,
“We’ll be back tomorrow to visit with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick bent
over to hug her and kissed her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Bye, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you
tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As I turned
to leave, I thought I saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look she gave me was so
heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like she didn’t
want us to go, but couldn’t get the words out of her mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I totally lost control, I said,
“We’ll be back tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
promise.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly turned away and
followed my family out into the hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The nurse
was standing there, waiting for us to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She saw how upset I was and pulled me into her embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s hard to see a parent in her
condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father had Parkinson’s
disease just like your mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stayed
here for a few months before he passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I worked here then and was able to be with him every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tore me up, seeing his mind go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope your mother will have one of her good
days while you’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She becomes
coherent and conscious of her surroundings about every third or fourth
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she does, she asks to help
sweep the floor and wants to help cook the meals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She released
me and looked me in the eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your
mother is well cared for here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
is herself, she is quite happy to be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I call your brother when she is having a good day, so the family can
come and visit with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, she
doesn’t remember that they have visited, but it helps them to see her on her
better days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said,
“Thank you for your kind words.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re
welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you’re going
through, and I totally understand how hard it is,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’ll call
before we come to find out how she is doing,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay,” she
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick put his
arm around my shoulders and walked me out of the care center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we were outside, Rick pulled me
into his arms and held me tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
buried my face in his chest and let the tears fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the emotional storm had subsided, I
lifted my face to his and kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you
for being here for me,” I said, trying to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you,
Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll always be here for you,”
Rick said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His expression told me he
was worried about me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I love you so much,” I
said, rubbing noses with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ ran up to
us and said, “I’m hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we go
now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick laughed
and said, “Spoken like a true Lernier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He ruffled JJ’s hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we
are going to get you something to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw a Burger King and a McDonald’s as we came into town.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Or, we
could eat a picnic lunch,” I suggested. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We still have bread and lunchmeat in the
van.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ groaned
and made a face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May we eat out this
time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been eating sandwiches for
the last three days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“By eating
out, do you mean fast food?” Rick asked, raising his eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want chicken nuggets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Okay, we’ll
do fast food,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ pumped
the air with his fists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran back to the van, where the rest of
the children we waiting for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re
eating out for lunch!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Josh high
fived his twin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Great work, bro.!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
laughed, and said, “Don’t celebrate too much guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s only fast food.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick
unlocked the van and we piled in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick
drove us out to a fast food restaurant, where the twins managed to satisfy
their appetites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still amazes me how
quickly they can inhale their food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
there, we drove to Gary’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had moved into town from the farm a couple of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their home was a split level in a nice quiet
neighborhood, not far from Mom’s care center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rick pulled the mini-van into their driveway and parked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary and Jessica came outside to welcome us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary hugged
me and said, “The care center called us to let us know you had been to see
Mom.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“She wasn’t doing
very well,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“She doesn’t
have very many good days, anymore,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He turned to Rick and gave him a hug, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re glad you guys arrived here safely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica gave
us both a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to bristle
at her touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still angry about
what had gone on between Mom and Jessica, a few months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica had moved in with Mom in an attempt
to keep her in her own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jessica
and Mom had never seen eye to eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jessica did things her way, but would fight with Mom during Mom’s
moments of clarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In part, I blame
Jessica for Mom’s current condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Intellectually, I know that Mom’s illness has caused her memory loss;
but Jessica’s treatment of my mother during that three week period didn’t help
matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I forced a
smile to my face, and said, “Thanks for putting us up in your home for a few
days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica
said, “We’re very happy to have you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let me help
you with your luggage,” Gary said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick smiled,
and said, “Thank you for your offer, but I think we’ve got the luggage
covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone has to take in his or
her duffel bag or suitcase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That only
leaves the food supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want
to grab those two bags out of the van, I’ll bring the ice chest.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary picked
up the two bags Rick had pointed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of us grabbed our gear and followed them inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A while later we were talking to Gary and
Jessica in their front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked,
“Where are Miriam and Jack?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“Jack went up to Saskatoon to visit with Miriam last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called them to let them know that you’re
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should be here in the next
few hours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made the trip from Swift
Current to Saskatoon many times, and knew that it takes about 3 hours to drive
the 272 km. (169 miles) between the two cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How are they doing with their studies?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They are
both doing very well,” Jessica answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Jack loves the University of Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will begin his third year there in the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is majoring in chemical engineering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam has been accepted into the medical
college at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants to become a neurologist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary turned
to David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you majoring in?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">David said,
“I’m majoring in mechanical engineering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to go into robotics or the aerospace industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Utah State University has a research
laboratory that works with the space program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Next week there is a small satellite convention that is being held on
campus.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and looked over at
me and Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was hoping to convince
my Dads to drop me off early at school, so I could attend the convention.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“We’ll have to see how things are going here, before we decide to leave early.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">David
continued, “I was on the robotics team at my high school the past two years,
and I really liked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first year
we built a robot that threw basketballs into a basketball net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, we built a robot that could throw
Frisbees and could climb a jungle gym.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwd5tpS3NLM/UrEnNcTgSOI/AAAAAAAAAkI/oDVsFC_PCMA/s1600/Robotics+Compitition+2012+390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwd5tpS3NLM/UrEnNcTgSOI/AAAAAAAAAkI/oDVsFC_PCMA/s1600/Robotics+Compitition+2012+390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball Robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg8Eyleu1fk/UrEnWdQNz4I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/qwJeRYVxnjU/s1600/DSCF3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg8Eyleu1fk/UrEnWdQNz4I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/qwJeRYVxnjU/s1600/DSCF3548.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frisbee Robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“That sounds like it was really fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It was,”
David said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My Dad was one of our
mentors both years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JJ got to come with
us this last year, because Dad was a mentor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary looked
over at us and asked, “Did they really allow JJ to go to the robotics competition?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, they
did, but as the team mascot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
couldn’t drive the robot or make any of the repairs,” Rick answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We had six
weeks to build the robot after we were given the details of the competition,”
David said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We didn’t win the competition,
but we had fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad took me down to
Virginia Tech last summer to see their robotics program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met the professor and got to work with
their robots.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary asked,
“What made you decide to go to Utah State?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I like
their engineering program because of their work with the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) and the space program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve participated in NASA’s Inspire program
for the last three years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been to
Wallops Island to see satellites launched into orbit and toured the Wallops
Island Flight Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to build
satellites and rocket ships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad
arranged for me to talk to the director of the NASA research center at Utah
State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Herbert seemed to think
there was a good chance I could work with their team,” David explained;
displaying his enthusiasm and passion for the space program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary looked
impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Rick, and
asked, “How did you manage that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“My boss
knows the NASA administrator, and he put me in contact with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NASA administrator arranged for us to
talk to Dr. Herbert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David is scheduled
to have lunch with him next week,” Rick said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica
asked, “Ashley, what are your plans for college?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re a rising senior aren’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I’ll
be a senior next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already
been receiving tons of junk mail from colleges and universities, trying to
convince me that their institution is the one for me,” Ashley replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you know
what you want to study?” Gary asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
know, yet,” Ashley said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good at
art and music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I don’t want to
be a starving artist or musician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I
haven’t decided what I’ll do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Ashley is good at math and science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She also knows how to hold her own in an argument or debate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just ask her brothers!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">David agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve learned never to argue with her,
because she always wins.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “I
think she could be a lawyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also writes
really well, so maybe Ashley should become an investigative reporter or
something like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ashley shook
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want to be a
journalist or a lawyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m taking a
medical professions class next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to look into being a doctor or a nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think that Johns Hopkins University would be a good place for me to
study medicine; if I decide to go that route with my studies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica
asked, “Where is Johns Hopkins?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s in
Baltimore, Maryland,” Ashley said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
really like chemistry and biology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I’ll go into bio-chemistry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“If you go into the medical field, you’ll be carrying on a family
tradition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have three nurses in the
family, already.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary voice was husky
with tears as he corrected himself, “I mean we had three.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our sister,
Nancy, had been a nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had passed
away nearly two years ago from multiple sclerosis (MS).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had shocked us to learn she had MS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had tried several different treatments,
but none of them seemed to work for Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The disease progressed rapidly and she died within two years of learning
she had the disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick and I were
concerned that she could have passed on the disease to the twins, since she was
their birth mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctors have
reassured us that neither of the twins has MS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nancy left behind her husband, Cory, and two little girls, Randy and Jessica,
who were 6 and 5 at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cory is
struggling to raise the two girls on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I expect to hear any day now that he has found a new wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know,”
Ashley said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In part, that is why I’m
considering it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We spent the
next few hours catching up on each other’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The twins were outside playing soccer in the
back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard the front door
open, and the twins came running into the front room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">JJ said,
“Jack and Miriam are here!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned
around and ran back outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It seems the twins are pretty
excited to see their cousins.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They’ve
been talking about playing soccer with Jack for weeks,” I said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica
said, “I’m sure he’ll love to play with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He plays soccer for a local recreational league in Toronto.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The twins
soon returned with Jack and Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stood up and hugged them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack said,
“It’s good to see you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I held Jack
at arm’s length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve gained a
couple of inches in height.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yeah, I’m 191 cm (6’3”) now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“I grew a couple of inches after I graduated from high school, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember it surprised Mom and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought I was all done growing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I released
Jack, and stood back to give him the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His grin got even wider, “Do I pass?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, you’re a gay guy’s wet
dream.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“I agree with Glenn, Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re a
good looking guy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to
Miriam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“However, I think that Miriam
has you beat in the good looks department.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam
blushed, “Thanks, Uncle Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam’s
dark auburn hair and emerald green eyes matched her mother’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had Gary’s pert nose and generous
mouth; however, at 163 cm. (5’4”), she missed out on Gary’s height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam’s fiery personality more than makes
up for what she lacks in height!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Gary and
Jessica, you did well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have two
very beautiful children,” Rick said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica
smiled, and replied, “Thank you, Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We think they’re rather special.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam
tucked her arm through Rick’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
have to be my favorite uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
always know how to make me feel wonderful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked over at me and said, “Uncle Glenn, I wish you hadn’t found
him first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Actually, I didn’t find him first.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angie did, but I was second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t know what she had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick met my
gaze, and said half-serious, half-jokingly, “For your Uncle Glenn, it was love
at first sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just couldn’t resist
my good looks and my charming personality!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“Yes, we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith told us how he had
to practically perform mouth to mouth resuscitation to revive Glenn from his
catatonic state when he first met you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our cousin,
Keith, had introduced me to his roommate, Rick, when I visited Atlanta for the
first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Were you really that smitten
with Uncle Rick?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I was
pretty taken with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would’ve
been, too, had you seen him like I did that morning,” I said, remembering that
very special morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack said,
“I know what that’s like. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
time I saw Lindsay, I was completely awestruck by her beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she wouldn’t even give me the time
of day, let alone go out on date with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miriam said,
“Who would blame her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You made such a
fool of yourself, it’s a wonder she didn’t run away from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a
knock on the door, and Gary left the room to answer it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned with my brother, Eric, and his
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We greeted them with a hug and a
kiss on the cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric said,
“I’m glad to see you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re both
looking good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,”
Rick said, putting his arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve had to work hard to keep Glenn in
shape.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He patted my flat stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We maintain a pretty rigorous work out
program.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever you’re doing, keep it
up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I turned to
Laura and asked, “How is life treating you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura said,
“I’m doing pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you
came, and I hope Mom has one of her better days while you’re here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I hope so,
too,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned and looked at
their children, as they came into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have all grown a lot,
since I saw you last.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Phoenix
said, “I grew three inches this summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“And so did
I,” Maria said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two of them
could’ve been mistaken for twins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were exactly the same height, and they both had golden blond hair, blue eyes
and round faces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Phoenix
frowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t cool for a twelve year
old boy to have his ten year old sister matching him in height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the older brother, after all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But I’ll be taller than you before long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maria
grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know, but for now, we’re
the same height.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Max, not to be
left out of the conversation, pushed his way between his older siblings, and
said, “I’ve grown, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked Max
over and said, “You have indeed, Master Max.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It looks like you’ll eventually be even taller than your Dad when you
grow up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At eight years old, Max was
tall for his age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Max beamed
and ran over to me, hugging me around the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He peered up at me through the long blond
hair that hung over his brilliant blue eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, Uncle Glenn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I love you,
too,” I responded, giving him a hug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He turned to
Rick and said, “I love you, too, Uncle Rick.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gave Rick a hug, then, he asked, “When can we play kickball?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up, expectantly, at Rick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“As soon as you can get a couple of teams organized.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Max shouted,
“Hooray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew you would play kickball
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack will you play?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack said,
“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get the ball.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Max soon had
us organized into two teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went
outside to play kickball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Later that
evening, we sat on the deck in Gary’s back yard and enjoyed the sunset over the
prairie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of those warm
August evenings that I remembered from my childhood growing up on a dry farm,
not far from Swift Current.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents
would often sit in their screened in porch and watch the sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at that time of day that I would sit
next to my mother in the porch swing, and she would tell me stories about her
family, or we would talk about the events of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older brothers would challenge Dad to a
game of chess, and Nancy would draw sketches or write in her journal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I miss Nancy
very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her death left an empty
place in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all of my
siblings, I had always been closest to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had played pranks on our older brothers, and we were always together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came as no surprise to me when Nancy
agreed to be our surrogate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lived
with us during the pregnancy, sharing with us all of the ups and downs of
carrying twins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after the twins
arrived, she married Cory, and moved to California with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric noticed
that I was feeling melancholy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
asked, “What’s going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m just
thinking about Nancy, and how much I miss her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Watching the sunset reminded me of her,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I miss her, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you heard anything from Cory lately?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I
haven’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been wondering if he has
found a new wife,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s too
young to remain single the rest of his life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
know about that,” Eric said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not
sure I would remarry if Laura passed away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura said,
“Let’s not talk about such sad things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need to concentrate on the good things, and enjoy the time we have
together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We spent the
next few days enjoying our time with our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took the boys fishing and boating on Lac
Pelletier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josh and JJ were very proud
fishermen, since they both caught several fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the mental care facility every
day to see my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time we
went, we found her in the same chair, staring off into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing we said, or did, seemed to reach
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">On our last
day in Swift Current, I convinced Gary that we should bring Mom to his home for
a family dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the moment she
got in the car, she seemed to become more alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we reached, Gary’s house, she
was talking to me and asking me about the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped her into the house and settled her
into her favorite rocking chair, which Gary had brought over from her house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said,
“I’m glad everyone came to see me today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked around at all of us and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jack will you play some music for us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack grinned
and replied, “Sure, Grandma.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He sat down
at the piano and began playing some old show tunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gathered around the piano and sang many
of Mom’s favorite songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She joined in,
adding her soprano voice to ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
an hour or so, we helped prepare dinner, while the grandchildren talked with
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood in
the doorway, watching Mom look at Ashley’s drawings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, she said, “Ashley, these are
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are such a talented
young lady.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ashley’s
drawings:</span></div>
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89RTikgPOEQ/UrEn0AZPaDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/O7vXyB2kETA/s1600/IMG_029409062013_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89RTikgPOEQ/UrEn0AZPaDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/O7vXyB2kETA/s1600/IMG_029409062013_1523.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K44WngySng/UrEoC1g4hsI/AAAAAAAAAlE/HxTGqOiCxBU/s1600/IMG_029909062013_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9K44WngySng/UrEoC1g4hsI/AAAAAAAAAlE/HxTGqOiCxBU/s1600/IMG_029909062013_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TJx9HBBb4g/UrEoDHKObLI/AAAAAAAAAk8/XqQJFRw8epY/s1600/IMG_030009062013_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TJx9HBBb4g/UrEoDHKObLI/AAAAAAAAAk8/XqQJFRw8epY/s1600/IMG_030009062013_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ashley said,
“These aren’t my best work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some
of them at school last year, but the others I drew on our way here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said,
“They are still very well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
should be proud of your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
still playing the violin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I
am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David brought his violin with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plans to audition for the
university orchestra,” Ashley said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom looked
over at David and asked, “Will you play for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I
will.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David stood up and retrieved his
instrument from his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He soon
returned and began playing for Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica came
into the room and said, “I’ve managed to plug up the kitchen sink.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric asked,
“What did you do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I put the
potato peels down the disposal and it clogged the drain,” Jessica said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know I shouldn’t have done that, but I
wasn’t really paying attention to what I was doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric grinned,
and said, “I’ll fix it, since I’m the plumber in the family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When Eric
hadn’t been able to find work in his field after he graduated from college, he
became an apprentice to a local plumber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He eventually became a journeyman plumber, and started his own
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and went out to
his car, returning a few minutes later with his toolbox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got under the kitchen sink and took the
pipes apart to clean out the trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As he was
working, Josh came running through the kitchen with a cape billowing out behind
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shouted, “Ninja Plumber to the
rescue!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing him,
I laughed and said, “Eric, you need a ninja outfit to wear while you work!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric looked
up from his work and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Instead
of a shield, I’ll carry a toilet lid!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I laughed,
and said, “I could just see you running down the street in your Ninja outfit,
holding a pipe wrench in one hand and a toilet lid in the other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura
guffawed, “You could join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It would be pretty fun,
actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, I’ll change the name of
my business from Nielsen’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to Ninja
Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric
finished cleaning up the mess he had made under the sink and put away his
tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and washed his hands
in the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he turned to pick up
his toolbox, Josh returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time
JJ was with him, also wearing a cape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In unison,
they shouted, “Ninja Plumbers Rock!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They ran past us and into the family room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric looked
over at me and said, “They remind me of us when we were little.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That they
do,” I agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I returned
to the family room and sat next to Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Mom, I wanted to tell you I love you very much, and to thank you for
everything you have done for me and our family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom looked
at me, and said, “I love you, too, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve only done what I thought was best for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I know,
Mom, but I wanted you to know that I recognize the many sacrifices you made for
us over the years,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have
married well, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take care of
Rick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he loves you and the
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me happy to know
that you’ve got a wonderful husband and family,” Mom said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your father finally admitted that to me,
the week before he died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all of
his faults, I still love him, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
talks to me all the time, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m sure he
does Mom,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure if I should
encourage her hallucinations or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where is
Kyle?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you leave him at
home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, Mom, we
didn’t forget him at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
attending college in Brazil at the Federal University of Paraíba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doing very well there,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh,” she
said, looking confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re
leaving tomorrow to take David to his university.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s going to study engineering at Utah
State University,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura came
into the room, and said, “Dinner is ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mom, are
you hungry?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes,” she
replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I helped her
get up and placed her walker in front of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shuffled along, pushing the walker ahead of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled out a chair for her, and made her comfortable
in her chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the family
gathered around the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary asked,
“Mom, who do you want to say grace?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said,
“Will you do it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“Yes, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After he
said grace, we helped the children fill their plates, and directed them to eat
outside on the deck, while the adults sat around the dining room table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked and enjoyed the food and the
company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After diner, Jessica and Laura
brought out ice cream and cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
a perfect end to a perfect meal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking
around the table, Mom smiled and said, “It’s wonderful to be here with my
family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick said,
“Yes, it is.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and gave
me a quick kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric wolf
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good see that you two
still love each other, after all these years.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick grinned
and said, “We’re still young enough to enjoy each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike someone else we know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It couldn’t possibly be me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, you
are two years old than I am,” Rick said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura said,
“He is, but he’s still pretty good in bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric
blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Laura…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She laughed,
and said, “It’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we should
share our good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re expecting
another baby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eric was
blushing even more now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Congratulations!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chorused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“When are
you due?” Jessica asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura
responded with the date and said, “There will be nearly nine years between Max
and his little sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“We’re very happy for both of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom said, “I
can’t wait to see the new baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
bring her to see me when she is born.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Laura said,
“I’ll make sure to stop by with her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We cleaned
up the kitchen and the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
over at Mom and saw that she had fallen asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gary said, “It’s time to take her back to
the care center.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We woke her
up and Gary said, “Mom, it’s time to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She had that
vacant stare again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t respond
as we helped her up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear to me
that she didn’t know who we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
called the children inside to say goodbye to their grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them hugged and kissed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, we had them stand behind her chair and
took a few photos of them with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterward,
we helped her to the car, and I accompanied Gary on the return trip to the care
center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is she
always like this?” I asked, trying to contain my emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, she
has very few good days,” Gary said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
were fortunate that she was coherent for as long as she was today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will have a really bad day tomorrow, if
things go as they have in the past.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“How long do
they think this will go on?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“She could
continue in this state for many years to come,” Gary said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But, then again, Parkinson’s disease can be
very unpredictable, as we’ve seen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When we
arrived at the care center, we helped Mom out of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She held onto her walker as she shuffled
slowly up the sidewalk to the front door of the facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pushed the button for admittance, and the
door swung open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doors were always
locked to keep the care center patients from wandering off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them suffered from severe dementia,
and would quickly get lost if they weren’t accompanied by a member of the staff,
or a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We guided Mom to
her room, where a nurse was waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was
Sandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “I’m glad
your mother had a good day while you were here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“So am I,” I
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s time
to get you ready for bed, Eva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need
to say goodbye to your sons,” Sandy said, gently helping Mom sit down on her
bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary hugged
her and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He moved
aside to let me sit next to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put
my arm around her shoulders and I kissed her cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “We are leaving tomorrow, but I will
call you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up at Sandy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll call to find out how she’s doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she’s having a good day, I’ll talk to
her.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sandy nodded
her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be glad to help you
talk to her if she’s able to respond to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary said,
“And we’ll let you know when we have her home with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hugged her, as the tears rolled
down my cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that this might
be the last time I would see my mother, or, at least, the last time she would
be the person I knew as my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
managed to speak the words, “Goodbye, Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She stared
blankly at wall in front of her, unaware of me or her surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood up and wiped the tears from my face,
as I followed my brother out of her room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary put his
arm around my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay,
Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have all been grieving for
the mother we’ve lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her body is
still here, but her mind is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will continue to care for her as long as her body keeps functioning, but I’m
afraid the person we knew as our mother is not there anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked
out into the parking lot and climbed into Gary’s car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you call me if and when she has a
normal day?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gary gave me
a quick glance, before responding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
promise to call you, but, please, don’t get your hopes up, Glenn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will only make it harder for you if you
think she’ll return to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
doctors have warned me that her short periods of sanity will grow increasingly
less frequent, until they disappear completely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I heard my
brother’s explanation, but my brain refused to process the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emotionally, I can’t accept that my mother is
really already gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rode in silence
for the rest of the short trip to Gary’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I climbed
out of the car and walked numbly into the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rick met me in the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took one look at me and pulled me into
his arms, holding me tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t
say a word, because he knew exactly what I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Author’s
Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">First
Robotics - <a href="http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Wallops
Island - <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/index.html#.UivlnnfD_IU"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/home/index.html#.UivlnnfD_IU</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></span> </div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-2220569189653470652013-10-07T11:24:00.003-07:002014-05-31T17:12:03.267-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure Chapter Seven<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter Seven<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry held Danny close, enjoying the
feel of Danny’s body next to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
still amazed him how much he had come to love this handsome man in his
arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his fingers through
Danny’s hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked into his
lover’s eyes, and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I love you, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to go get showered, before Henry
starts looking for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I like Henry,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s kind of cute.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do you mean he’s kind of cute?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He has an engaging personality, but
don’t worry, Jerry, he’s not my type.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny ran his hand over Jerry’s chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If you keep that up, we won’t be going
anywhere for a while,” Jerry said, putting his hands on either side of Danny’s
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They were interrupted by a knock on
their door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked into Jerry’s
eyes, and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess we had
better get up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled off of Jerry and
got to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached down and
grabbed his clothes off of the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He quickly dressed, and, just as quickly, unrolled his sleeping bag on
the floor next to the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile,
Jerry had dressed, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
another knock on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Just a minute.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stretched out on top of his
sleeping bag and put his hands behind his head, as Jerry moved to open the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry stood in the doorway, with
his wet hair plastered to his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had changed into a clean shirt, but Danny noted he was wearing the same pair of
jeans he had worn earlier in the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you guys were going to join me in
the showers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We were, but once my head hit the
pillow,” Jerry said, pointing to the bed, “I was out like a light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry looked past Jerry, and met Danny’s
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aren’t you uncomfortable
sleeping on the floor?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’m fine, Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re used to roughing it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry gave Danny a look of puzzlement,
then his expression changed to one of comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh, I forgot that you guys were tour guides
in Wyoming last summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stood up and walked over to his
back pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a threadbare
blue cotton bath towel, his shaving gear and a bar of soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m ready to get showered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you coming, Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nodded his head and retrieved his
toiletries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry said, “I’ll be in the
lobby, waiting for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They made their way to the men’s room
and the showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stripped off
their clothes and turned on the showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wonder
if we could get away with having sex in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed, and said, “It would be
interesting to find out, but I think we’ll have to do it when Henry isn’t
waiting for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nodded his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed Danny, before lathering
up the soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men quickly
finished their showers, and helped dry each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wrapped themselves in their bath towels
and returned to their room where they dressed in clean clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry pulled Danny into his arms,
kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released him and
said, “Let’s get dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked out of their shared room,
closing the door behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
joined Henry in the lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry looked
up from the book he was reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
about time you two guys showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m sorry we kept you
waiting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Where do we get supplies?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry replied, “The Village Store has
supplies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I remember driving past it when we down
in the valley,” Jerry said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I have some stuff stored here,” Henry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll share with you guys, and we
can drive down to the store later in the week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you have?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry closed his book, slipping it into
his back pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny saw that it was a
bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you like studying the
bible?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” Henry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t agree with the doctrines my
parents’ church teaches, so I study the bible on my own.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My parents are very religious, as well;
but, like you, I don’t hold with their religious views,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It seems we’re a lot alike,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was kicked out of my parents’
house, because I told my Dad I didn’t believe in his religion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As they walked to the kitchen, they
compared notes on the three different religions their parents claimed as their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They entered the kitchen to find
Sherry and Jennifer sitting at the kitchen table, eating sandwiches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry looked up and smiled at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Come join us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry returned Sherry’s smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t mind if we do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled up a chair and sat next to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny, noting how Jerry’s tone of voice
had changed, and gave Jerry an appraising look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny thought, “I get the feeling that Jerry
is very attracted to Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder
what he plans to do, now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aloud, he
said, “Thanks for inviting us to join you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry walked over to the refrigerator
and pulled out his foodstuffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you
guys want sandwiches?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Jerry responded, not taking his
eyes off of the girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stood up and walked over to help Henry
bring everything over to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a loaf of bread, sliced ham, mayonnaise, and mustard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He</span> took the food to the table, while Henry retrieved some metal plates and cups from the cupboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He set them on the table, next to the
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Those look like the dishes we have in
our camping gear,” Jerry commented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Only ours aren’t in as good a shape as these.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “These have started to lose
their color.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their light purple and
green colors could still be seen, but had significantly faded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “True enough, but they
still work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry grabbed a knife out of a drawer
and took his seat at the end of the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ll make the sandwiches.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked over at Danny and Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any
objections to mayo and mustard?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, none here,” Jerry responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jennifer where are you from?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m from Anaheim, and so is Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We graduated from the same high school,” she
answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve been friends since grade
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our families have vacationed
here many times over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither
of us wanted to start college right away; so, my dad suggested that we work
here for a year, before deciding what to do with our lives,” Sherry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m surprised that they let you come up
here on your own,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, they didn’t,” Sherry said,
wrinkling her nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He sent my older
brother, Philip, with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny asked, “You mean the guy we
replaced is your brother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I feel bad that he broke his leg, but I’m
glad he’s not here anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he was getting very tiresome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he was,” Henry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He kept warning me to stay away from his
sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry laughed, “Poor Henry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillip treated you pretty poorly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry my brother was such an ass to
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not a problem,” Henry said,
grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s not here now to harass
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer smiled at Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Henry is a good friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But not your type,” Henry said, grinning
broadly at the girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “Correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We told Phillip that, but he wouldn’t listen
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept accusing us of trying to
steal away with Henry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “Well, now that he’s
gone, we don’t have to worry about him calling our parents to report on our
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated that part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom would scold me for talking to Henry, or
not being respectful to Phillip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Phillip isn’t even my brother, and she would get on my case about not listening
to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad wants to send my Uncle
Rich to stay with us, until Phillip can return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Mr. Brody said he had already
hired you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Well, we won’t call your
parents, so you can relax a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry looked us over and said, “I hope
that means you won’t object to keeping us company.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice had a husky quality to it, and
left no doubt about what she thought ‘keeping them company,’ meant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her statement set off alarm bells in his
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sounding just like Jolene
when she had invited him into her tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The memory of that night at Jenny Lake still gave Danny the willies;
because he had been practically raped by her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next morning, he had felt so dirty and filthy from having sex with
her that he had to scrub himself thoroughly to get the stench of her off of his
skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lake water had been pretty bracing, but he
had stayed in long enough to come out completely free of her foul smell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny shuddered, causing Jerry to give
him a look of concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked, “Are
you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m fine,” he replied, not meeting his
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want Jerry to see the
worry in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had become so
close, they could practically read each other’s mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Danny couldn’t risk looking at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Turning back to the girls, Jerry said,
“Danny and I will be quite happy to keep you company.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The way he said it carried just as much
innuendo as Sherry’s statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knew, then, that Jerry intended to pursue these girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To what end, he wasn’t sure; but, he was
sure it would be detrimental to their intimate relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They spent the rest of the evening in
front of the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shared their
life histories with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
girls had positioned themselves on either side of the guys, Sherry next to
Jerry, and Jennifer next to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
weren’t exactly subtle about what they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sherry was practically doing a lap dance on Jerry’s lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry grinned at me, and said, “I think we
should get to know the girls better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you agree, Danny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His statement shook Danny to his very
center. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t believe Jerry actually
intended to have sex with Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
thought they were a couple, or, at least, in a committed relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was about to disagree, when Sherry
responded to Jerry’s inquiry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled seductively, and responded,
“I’m sure he’s in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer
and I want you guys to sleep with us tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I looked at Jennifer, who confirmed
Sherry’s statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, that is what
we want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry had her hand on Jerry’s thigh,
and was rubbing it back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny could see he was very aroused by her touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry put his hand on hers and moved it to
his erection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and leaned
forward to kiss him on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry stood up and pulled Sherry to her
feet, deliberately ignoring Danny’s look of utter betrayal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny was in a state of shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t believe that Jerry had just left
with Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Jerry had exchanged
rings, and had professed their love for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could Jerry think he could waltz off
with Sherry, as if there was nothing between them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they left, Henry, looking very
uncomfortable, said, “I’m going to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Catch you two in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer placed her hand on my leg and
asked, “Shall we?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny gulped hard and swallowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appeared that he didn’t have much choice
in the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been pretty
obvious what Jerry and Sherry were planning to do for the rest of the
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to think of a good
way to let her know he wasn’t interested in her; but all he could concentrate
on, was the fact that Jerry had just left him for a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded his head, standing up from the
couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took his hand, and led him to her room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny lie awake trying to comprehend
what had just happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had had sex
with Jennifer, but only because his body had been on auto-pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could understand why Jerry had become
sexually aroused, but he had expected Jerry to resist, to tell Sherry ‘no,’ at
some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, Jerry had made
it clear that he was okay with Danny having sex with Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That still didn’t make Danny feel any better
about what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt that,
somehow, Jerry had betrayed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer
shifted in her sleep, and he moved to get more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry lie spent, on top of Sherry, the
fires of his passion extinguished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
rolled off of her, and she snuggled close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was wonderful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome,” he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laid her head on his chest, and was
soon asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared up at the
ceiling, as logic and reason reasserted itself in his brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized that, in pursuing his lust for
Sherry, he had created a deep chasm between himself and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped that Danny had taken his hint, and
slept with Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had seen
Danny’s shocked expression, but had chosen to ignore it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All he could think of, at that moment in
time, was the need to satisfy his need to fuck Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t realized how strong his desire for
sex with a woman could be, until that moment when she had placed her hand on
his thigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He knew that trying to justify his need
for sex with a woman wouldn’t get him very far with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different ideas kept running through his
mind, as he tried to come up with a strategy for dealing with Danny in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long time before he
finally drifted off to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning dawned bright, cold and
clear, a beautiful day for skiing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer
had already left the room to get her shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He hadn’t been able to sleep, despite the release he felt from having
sex with Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, his
second time having sex with a woman hadn’t been as bad as the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he had quite enjoyed himself,
despite his aversion to having sex with a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped that Jennifer felt the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had confessed that she was a virgin, as
soon as they were in her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
told her that he wasn’t very experienced, either; but it was up to her to
continue, if that is what she wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had hoped she would back out of the encounter, and let him return to
his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when he thought she had
changed her mind, she came on to him with a ferocity that left him
breathless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found his body
responding to hers, helping him to block out any thoughts of Jerry from his
mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">His thoughts had alternated between
anger at Jerry for his betrayal of their commitment to each other, and the
intense sadness and grief that caused tears to roll down his cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt a deep sense of loss, an emptiness
that he had never experienced before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He hadn’t realized just how much he loved Jerry, until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t see how they could continue being
a couple, now that they had become entangled with these two women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry had made it pretty plain that he
wanted Sherry; and that it didn’t matter to him that he not only fucked Danny a
few hours earlier, but had professed his love for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny felt that everything Jerry had said
was a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He shook his head to clear these
thoughts from his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that he
needed to get up and face the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t look forward to seeing Jerry, but it didn’t make any sense to try to
avoid him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rubbed his eyes and rolled
to his feet, looking around for his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He found them and pulled them on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He left Jennifer’s room, and made his way to his own to retrieve his
toiletries and a towel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As he entered their room, his thoughts returned
to Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt deeply hurt, and
wasn’t sure where he stood with Jerry, anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He got his stuff out of his backpack and turned to leave the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found Jerry blocking the doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He grinned at Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you had as much fun as I did.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had decided a direct approach would be
the best one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny met Jerry’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You and I both know that I’m not happy
about what happened last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry’s smiled faded from his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly shifted gears to employ a
different strategy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I only did it to
help us preserve the fiction that we’re normal guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe that for a minute,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’ll please move out of the
doorway, I was on my way to the showers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry started to protest, but stopped
abruptly when he saw Danny’s expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He backed out of the doorway, letting Danny pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that any attempt to excuse his
behavior would be met with skepticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
knew that Danny was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
wanted to fuck Sherry in the worst way, last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she had placed her hand on his thigh,
his desire for her was more than he could control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Now, he had created a situation that
could only lead to heartache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he
had already hurt Danny; but he didn’t know how to remedy the situation, without
making things worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It left only one
other course of action, and that was to try to persuade Danny to have a
relationship with Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he could
accomplish that, things would work out for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved Danny, but his sexual desire for
Sherry still held him in its grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
memory of their rough and wild sex roused his passions, leaving him extremely
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed Sherry, and he
needed her right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He got his things and moved them into
Sherry’s room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been very
insistent that he share her bed from now on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since he knew that he had already ruined his relationship with Danny,
maybe he could make something happen with Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in the back of his mind he didn’t
feel right about what he was doing, but he didn’t have the courage to set
things right between himself and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came out of Sherry’s room, just as Jennifer came back from showering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you and Sherry have decided to
sleep together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to
convince Danny to stay with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I hope you’re successful in
that endeavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be good for
Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to convince himself
that what he said was true, but, deep in his heart, he knew it was a lie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sherry came out of her bedroom and
wrapped her arms around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s hit the slopes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave
her a quick kiss, before they disappeared around the corner, on their way to
the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny returned to his room after his
shower, and noticed that Jerry’s things were gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when it really hit him that Jerry
intended to continue sleeping with Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If there were ever a clear signal that things were over between them,
this was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his skiing
equipment and headed out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
met Jennifer on his way to grab a bite to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She handed him a muffin and a cup of
strong black coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I grabbed these
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want you to be late
to your first class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Brody is very
much a stickler for starting classes on time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny took the food from her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wolfed down the muffin and sipped on the
hot coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks, Jennifer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He followed her outside, where his class
had already assembled at the bottom of the bunny hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer left him for her own group of
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At noon, they took a break
for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their students flocked to
the little sandwich shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer took
Danny by the hand and led him back to her room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer gave him a quick kiss, then
stood back and looked into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Danny, you don’t seem very happy today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny met her gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I had a great time last night, but I don’t
want to lead you on, Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
ready to have a serious relationship right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “Neither am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought we were just having a great time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right, we did have a great time
last night; but I wanted to make sure you understood that I’m looking for
friendship, and nothing more.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer looked disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it because I’m not very experienced?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has nothing to do with how you performed
in bed last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more about me
and where my head’s at right now,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled her into his embrace and gently kissed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his hand up to her face, cupping her
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are a wonderful person,
Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t let anyone tell
you anything different.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They left her room to grab a quick
sandwich, before returning to coach their students for the rest of the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They met up afterward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer said, “Let’s get Henry to drive us
down to the Village Store.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He smiled at her, and said, “Sounds like
a great idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They went in search of Henry, and found
him in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey, let’s go down
to the Village Store,” Jennifer said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry looked up from eating his
sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He bolted down the rest of his sandwich, and
led them out to his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry
about the old truck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s better than the one I have, which
is none,” Danny said, slapping Henry on the back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The three of them climbed into the cab
of the old Dodge pickup truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
faded red paint was peeling away, and it had a lot of rust everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry ground the gears as he shifted the
truck from 1<sup>st</sup> to 2<sup>nd</sup> gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny grimaced at the sound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “Sorry about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not very good at shifting gears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nothing like our old tractor on the
farm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you think your family could use an
extra hand on the farm?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry gave Danny a surprised look,
before turning his attention back to the road ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I think they could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad asked me to come home after the ski
season to help on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m thinking I’d like to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After today’s lessons, I know I’m not cut
out to be a ski instructor,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “But you seemed to be
doing a great job, from what I could tell.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I managed, but I think I would do
better on a farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up on a ranch
in central Utah, so I’m thinking it would be a better fit for me than working
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But you just got here,” Henry
protested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” he replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think I could find someone to take
me down to Fresno?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I could
hitchhike from here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “I’ll take you, if you’ll
pay for my gas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’ve got a deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll need to let Mr. Brody know I’m
leaving,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He’s not going to be happy about you
leaving, after less than a week on the job,” Jennifer said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, it’s better now than later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like I’m leaving him with no one to
take my place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry can take over for
me,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought you guys were close,”
Jennifer said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought so, too,” Danny said, trying
to keep his voice from cracking from the sudden swell of sadness that swept
over him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “Jerry is a good guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you guys can work out your
differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want you to leave
so soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The tone of Henry’s voice caused Danny
to give him a long stare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer,
seeing Danny’s look, asked, “What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Nothing,” he replied, and leaned over
to give her a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry pulled
up in front of the Village Store and parked the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked inside the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry had a list of things he needed to buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he paid for his merchandise, they
returned to his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry asked, “Do
you want to see if Mr. Brody is still in his office?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They climbed back into the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry drove to the park headquarters and
parked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “We’ll wait here, while
you go inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to see Mr.
Brody.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, neither, especially not after you
tell him you’re leaving,” Henry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
still wish you would reconsider.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My mind is made up,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the door, and stepped out of the
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked quickly inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked through the building to Mr.
Brody’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw there was a
light on inside the office, and tapped on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Brody’s voice boomed from inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come in!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He entered the park superintendent’s
office and approached his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Brody looked at him with raised eyebrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well, I didn’t expect to see you back so soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t, either,” Danny said, trying
to control his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Brody said, “Have a seat and tell me
what’s eating you up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny sat down across the desk from Mr.
Brody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve come to tell you I’m
leaving on Saturday.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny saw Mr.
Brody’s expression darken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not
leaving you high and dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry will
still be around to teach ski lessons through the end of the season.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wondered how things would work out
between you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed odd to me
that two guys would be willing to share a single bed,” Mr. Brody said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Well, we thought we could
get along for a while that way, but it didn’t work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry’s Dad may need some help on his farm in
Fresno; so, I’m going down to see what I can find in the way of work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Brody said, “I hope you find what
you’re looking for, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard you
did a good job teaching those rich kids today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s too bad you’ve decided not to stick around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you, Mr. Brody,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You don’t need to thank me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should thank the folks who left me
this,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out an
envelope and handed it to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny opened it to find a note that
read, “Mr. Eccles, Thanks for being such a good ski instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter has tried to learn to ski for a
couple of years now; and you are the first instructor to succeed in teaching
her the basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please accept this
token of our appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. T.R.
Bowen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several large bills
inside the envelope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He looked up and said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize I had done such a good
job.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Apparently, you have quite a way with
the young ladies; because, I heard from two other families that their daughters
were very happy you were teaching them,” Mr. Brody responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled, “Unfortunately, I haven’t
been that lucky when it comes to finding a wife.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Brody laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll find one, eventually.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out another envelope from his desk
drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He checked out its contents
before handing across the desk to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That is your pay for today and tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe there are any other ski
classes scheduled after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate to
lose you, but you know your own mind best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell Jerry I expect him to finish out the season.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll tell him that,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and shook Mr. Brody’s
outstretched hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for your
kindness, Mr. Brody.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t mention it,” Mr. Brody said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want anyone to think I’ve gone
soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good luck with finding a job
that’s a better fit for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head and made a hasty
exit, before Mr. Brody decided to change his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to the truck and climbed in
beside Jennifer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Brody wants me to
teach the ski classes tomorrow; but, after that, I’m free to go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached across Jennifer, and handed some
money to Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is your gas
money to take me to Fresno.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry looked at the cash in his hand, in
disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mr. Brody wasn’t upset that
you were leaving so soon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, he wasn’t upset at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him Jerry could take my place
teaching skiing lessons, which made him happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He paid me for teaching classes today and tomorrow, and wished me good
luck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer looked incredulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has always been so gruff and mean to me
and Sherry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He’s been pretty stern with me, too,”
Henry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He put the truck in gear and drove over
to the filling station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attendant
pumped the gas, filling the truck’s tank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Henry paid for the gas and tipped the attendant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove back to the ski lodge in
silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When they arrived at the ski lodge, they
found Jerry and Sherry nestled together on a couch in front of the fire in the
main area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny turned to Henry and
Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please don’t tell Jerry and
Sherry that I’m leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want
Jerry to know, okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer met Danny’s gaze, and said,
“Only if you’ll sleep with me, again, tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s go to your room, then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny took her hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He inclined his head in greeting as they
passed Jerry and Sherry, but didn’t speak to either of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led Jennifer past them and on to her
room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry followed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll see you two in the morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He disappeared into his room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer opened the door to her room,
and pulled Danny in behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
closed the door, then, turned to face him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She put her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, he and Jennifer met
Henry for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just
finishing their coffee and muffins, when Sherry and Jerry entered the
kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat down across from
Jennifer and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said, “Good
morning, Jennifer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled and responded, “Good morning,
Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She touched Danny’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need to get going, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She instinctively knew that Danny was very
upset about seeing the two of them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She didn’t know why, but she knew something had happened between Jerry
and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, every time she
tried to talk to Danny about it, he changed the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny avoided Jerry’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Sherry, and nodded his head in
greeting, as he rose to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried
to keep his face from showing how upset he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say anything to either one of them,
but left the kitchen, following behind Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After they left, Sherry asked, “Henry,
what is going on with Danny?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry shrugged his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t know.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before she could ask him more questions, he
stood up from the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see you
guys on the slopes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made a quick
exit, and caught up to Jennifer and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Danny, Sherry just asked me what’s wrong with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny stopped and whirled around to face
Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face was a mask of anger,
and his gaze was so fierce, it caused Henry to step back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held up his hands, as if to ward off a
blow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to make you angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s anger slowly drained from his
face, and he shrugged his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s okay, Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know both
you and Jennifer want to know why I’m upset with Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a long story, and one that Jerry will
have to narrate for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my part, I
hope to never see his face again, once I leave here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of leaving, what time do you want
to leave tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry replied, “Let’s go at first
light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds good to me,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer pulled on Danny’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our students are waiting for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny followed her outside, and found
his group of students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day passed
quickly for Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoyed teaching
skiing, and felt a sense of accomplishment at seeing his students successfully
navigate the bunny hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
mid-afternoon, they were ready to go on one of the easier runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his last group made it down the
mountain, he returned to the lodge with a huge sense of accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every one of his students had safely made it
down the mountain without mishap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
also felt exhilarated from the exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His mind was clear, and he was eager to move on with his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly stowed his ski equipment and
started towards the lodge’s front entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He heard Jerry’s voice from behind
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, wait up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to talk to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He turned to face Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met Jerry’s gaze and tried to keep his
expression neutral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to
give Jerry any clue that he planned to leave the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, talk to me,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Come out to my truck, where we can talk
in private,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and walked
to the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He climbed inside
his truck and turned on the engine to warm up the cab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny opened the passenger door and
climbed inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared straight
ahead and waited in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
looked over at Danny, trying to gauge his state of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew, if he were in Danny’s shoes, that
he would be extremely angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
expected Danny to lash out at him in anger, but he hadn’t done that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny had completely shut him out, instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His stone cold silence unnerved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he deserved this treatment, but he
wanted to clear the air between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m sorry I hurt you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know what came over me, the other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t control my desire for Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit I’m at fault, and that I’m the one
who needs to apologize.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He paused, hoping that Danny would give
him some idea of what was going in his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Danny didn’t speak, Jerry continued, “I’ve gone too far with Sherry
to turn back, now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny kept his voice even and tightly
controlled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re a real bastard,
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You fucked me and used me, like
one of your whores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that you’ve
found another willing victim, you’re ready to kick me to the curb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Jerry, Sherry can have you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t expect me to even pretend that we’re
on friendly terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t told anyone
why I’m so angry with you; but if they ask, I will refer them to you for the explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you can figure out a way to tell them
you enjoyed fucking a guy for the last few months, because you couldn’t find a
bitch you could bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny opened the
door and stepped out into the cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled off his glove, removed the ring from his finger and tossed it back into
the cab of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here is your
ring back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can keep the one I gave
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you can hock both of them at
a pawn shop, somewhere.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He slammed the door, and returned to the
ski lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer had been watching
for him, and intercepted him as he came in the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Henry thinks we should leave now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a big storm coming in tomorrow, and
we don’t want to get stranded here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you going to come with us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer hesitated, before
answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would like to go with
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then, let’s grab your things,” Danny
said, glad she had volunteered to accompany him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wanted to ask her, but didn’t want to
give her the wrong impression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They were gathering up their things when
Henry knocked on Jennifer’s door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
let him in, and he looked at her in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Are you coming with us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, if that’s okay?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad you’re coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, I’ll have someone to ride back
with me, after the storm passes through,” he said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She smiled back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny noted that there seemed to be a spark
between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made him feel better
about leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With him out of the way,
Jennifer and Henry could explore their feelings for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry helped Jennifer carry her bags out to
his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to help Danny
with his gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They crowded into the
cab of the ancient truck, and Henry started the engine and put it in gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He negotiated his way out of the park and
onto the main highway that led south to Fresno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of them told jokes and enjoyed
each other’s company during the drive to Henry’s parents’ place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry pulled into his parents’ driveway and
stopped the engine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Here we are,” he announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They climbed out of the cab of the
truck, and retrieved their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
they approached the front door, it opened to reveal a tall, blond man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could have been Henry’s twin, except that
he was much older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dad, this is
Jennifer and Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Miller shook their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome to our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please come inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guest rooms are down the hall and to the
right.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at Henry, and said,
“It’s a good thing your mother did up the second guest bedroom. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot to tell you Jennifer was coming
with us,” Henry said, apologetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I didn’t know she was coming until we were ready to leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “Please don’t blame
Henry, Mr. Miller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my fault that
he didn’t have time to call you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Miller smiled at Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I won’t be too hard on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to finally meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry has told me a lot about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope it’s all been good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Believe me, he has said nothing but
good things about you,” Mr. Miller said, winking at Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Henry, help our guests to their rooms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry bolted past his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This way, please.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They followed him, and he turned to Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please don’t let my Dad embarrass you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not worried about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’ve had a crush on me, since the
first day we met.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry face turned red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I didn’t know I was that obvious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re very easy to read.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry looked down at his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put her hand to his face and kissed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s okay, Henry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny cleared his throat, and she turned to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you mind if I sleep with Henry
tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not at all,” Danny said, smiling at
Henry’s startled look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stammered, “Y-you want to sleep with
me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I want you to be my boyfriend,”
she said, seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t you want Danny to be your
boyfriend?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny has told me that he’s not ready for a serious relationship,”
Jennifer said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry looked at Danny for
confirmation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s true, Henry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not interested in a long-term
relationship with Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I
was wondering how to say goodbye to her, without hurting her feelings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer put her arm through
Danny’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a couple of steps ahead
of you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I can teach Henry a
thing or two about how to pleasure a woman.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Henry’s stunned expression caused both of them to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Henry, you can close your mouth now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer put her hand under his chin and
kissed him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny asked, “Is this my room?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Henry managed to recover sufficiently
enough to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, this is your
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer, this one is yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine is across the hall from yours, and my
parents’ room is around this corner and down at the end of the hallway.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stowed his backpack in his room,
and returned to Henry’s truck to get his camping gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Miller came outside and helped him
unload it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So what kind of work are
you looking for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m pretty much looking for any kind of
handy work,” he replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I’ve got some work you can help
me with, but I’ve got to be upfront with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t have much work for you, certainly not enough to keep you on for
more than a month.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for being honest with me,”
Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll help you, while I
continue to look for other work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need
to buy a new truck, since my old one bit the dust.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I can help you there, if you’re
interested in fixing up an old truck,” Mr. Miller said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led Danny around the side of the house
and into the back yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
another old Dodge pickup truck parked there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was nearly the mirror image of the one Henry was driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s in bad shape, but it can be repaired.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I can’t pay you for it,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s say you work for me in exchange
for the price of the truck and the parts to repair it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you say to that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m good with that, but how will I be
able to pay you for room and board?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll include that in our agreement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Mr. Miller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we have a deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They shook hands on the deal, and Mr.
Miller said, “Please call me Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nobody calls me Mr. Miller around here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, Tom,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry picked up Danny’s ring off of the
seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed it in his pocket, with
the ring Danny had given him months earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had taken it off of his finger the first night he had spent with
Sherry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was glad his confrontation
with Danny was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt he could
move ahead with his plans to make Sherry his wife, now that his relationship
with Danny was officially over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Three months later, Danny stood in the
driveway, looking over his restored truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tom stood next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks
pretty good, Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you, Tom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I owe it all to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s nonsense, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did all the work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, but you provided the capital to
make it all happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Agreed, but you’ve worked hard for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The farm is in great shape, thanks
to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad we were able to keep
you on more than one month.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny ducked his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom’s praise made him feel great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom had become like the father he wished his
own father had been, when he was growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had spent many nights working together to restore the old Dodge to
mint condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny would miss the
nightly conversations about everything under the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Where are you planning to go?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m going back to Jackson Hole,
Wyoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll try to get back
on at one of the dude ranches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
tourist season is just getting underway and they’ll be looking for experienced
help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wish you well, Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks for everything, Tom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Tom a hug, and climbed into the cab
of his truck and started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
rolled down the window and said, “Please don’t tell anyone where I’m headed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why?” Tom asked, raising his eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s just say there are folks I would
prefer that they didn’t know where I’m going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the way, tell Henry he had better propose to Jennifer soon or he’ll
lose her to someone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tom laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He bought the ring last time he was
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He plans to propose to her in the
next couple of days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny slapped the side of the
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why didn’t he tell me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He wanted it to be a surprise to you,”
Tom replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since you’re leaving, I
thought I could disclose his plans without him knowing it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, well,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please give them my best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure thing,” Tom said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waved to Danny, as he pulled out of the
driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would miss the young man,
but he knew that Danny’s future wasn’t here on the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the course of his time on the farm, he
had discovered the deep loneliness that haunted Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped Danny would find his soul mate,
sometime soon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He arrived in Wyoming a couple of days
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny pulled into the parking lot of the dude
ranch where he had first met Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked into the office and was greeted by Mr. Baker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome back!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was wondering if you had an opening for a
tour guide.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker said, “I don’t right now,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me call a friend of mine at
a neighboring dude ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may have
an opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of his best guides recently
got married and moved to Seattle.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Baker made the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended the call
and looked across his desk at Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’re in luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil can use
you right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a tour group
leaving in a couple of hours, and they’re short-handed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote down the address and directions to
the neighboring dude ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Thank you, very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker said, “Not a problem,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad you’re back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is Jerry back, as well?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, he’s found a California girl, and,
as far as I know, is still in Yosemite with her,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, good luck with the new job, and stop
in to see us, when you get the chance,” Mr. Baker said, standing up and reaching
out his hand to shake Danny’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny followed the directions he had
been given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled into the parking
area of his new place of employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
got out of the truck and was met by a small, wiry man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had short gray hair, a ruddy complexion,
deep set blue eyes, a bulbous nose, and a toothy grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Howdy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You must be Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Phil
Steiner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy, am I glad to see
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got a large group of folks
ready to head out for a week-long fishing trip, and my main guy is laid
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He broke his leg yesterday, when he
was thrown from his horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you
guided a fishing camp before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I have,” Danny responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Phil a brief rundown of his work for
Mr. Baker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Phil said, “I owe him one for sending
you my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get you set up, so
you can take over this group.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Within the hour, Danny had been
introduced to his new co-workers, and had become familiar with their
procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phil had made it clear that
Danny was in charge of the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
Phil left, Danny looked around the small group of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Guys, I know Phil wanted me to be in charge
here, but I know it takes a team effort to make this kind of tour work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they worked together to tie up the loose
ends for their trip, he soon had them completely in his corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As the tourist group began arriving, the
men approached Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chad, who had
been nominated to be their speaker, said, “Thank you for trusting us to do our
jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We support you 100%, and we
wanted you to know that we’re glad you’re going with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for the vote of confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m nervous as hell, and I don’t want to
fail you guys or the boss.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll do just fine, because we’ll make
sure you do everything right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cole slapped Danny on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Buck up, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is going to be the best trip of the
season for all of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John grinned at Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Trust us, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got your back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked around at the guys and
said, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was grateful for their acceptance of
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the guys were single and
good looking, which was a plus for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chad was tall and skinny, with dark hair and dark eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a crooked grin and loved telling
jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cole was 5’9” with a wiry build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had dark auburn hair, blue eyes and lots
of freckles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had an infectious
grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John had jet black hair, a heavy
black unibrow, and green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
sported a black moustache over a generous mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 5’10” and a bodybuilder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all Danny could do not to start
drooling over John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was hoping that
John might be interested in him, because John had given him the once over when
they first met.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They turned their attention to their
guests and were soon on their way toward their first camp site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trip turned out to be a huge
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After their guests had left
the ranch, Phil called them into his office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That trip was by far the most
successful one we’ve had this year,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He handed out envelopes to everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You’ll find a nice bonus in there, along with your usual pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group went in together to tip you for
your extraordinary efforts to make their trip memorable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny opened his envelope and
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wow!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The others soon joined him, as they
chorused their amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chad said,
“Now, I can afford to buy that new truck over in Jackson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Phil said, “Don’t spend it all in one
place, guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see you in a few
days for the next trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy your time
off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As they left the building, John came up
behind Danny and put his arm around his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you have a place to stay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny turned his head to look into
John’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking of checking with my old
landlady, to see if she had a place I could rent from her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why don’t you stay with us?” John
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Chad and I have rented a small
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not deluxe, but it’s a
place to crash in between trips.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did John ask you if you wanted to room with
us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he just did,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well…” Chad said, drawing out the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll stay with you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much do I owe you in rent money?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll split it three ways,” John
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did the math in his head and
quoted Danny a figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “That’s a great deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you manage to get such a cheap
place?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad said, “It’s my Aunt’s old
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted someone to keep it up,
and I volunteered to live in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mow
the lawn and take care of any repairs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John said, “It’s a nice place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three bedrooms, so you’ll have
your own room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny couldn’t believe his luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He not only had a place to stay, but he was
rooming with John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He definitely had a
crush on the guy, and living with him would provide him with plenty of wet
dream material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, now, he could
finally forget about Jerry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad said, “Follow us into town.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men climbed into Chad’s truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny followed them into Jackson
Hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled into the driveway of
a small log home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a wide covered
porch across the front of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chad unlocked the door and turned to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome to home, sweet, home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad showed him around the tidy, little
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a great room that
stretched along the entire length of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitchen was separated from the great
room by an island that housed the sink and had a bar with four stools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small hallway led to the three bedrooms
and the bathroom at the back of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were two bedrooms on the left, and one on the right with the
bathroom at the end of the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad opened the door of the bedroom on
the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This one is yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a small, cozy room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a dresser, a twin bed, and a tiny
closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was just enough room for
him to walk between the dresser and the bed, but not much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed that this room had been originally
intended as a utility closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
reminded him of his room at Yosemite, except this room had a window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My room is this one,” Chad said,
opening the door to the room directly across from his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked inside to see that it was slightly
larger, but not by much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was neat
and tidy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bed was made and the
floor was clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John pushed past the two men and opened
his bedroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Obviously, this one
is mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked into the room to
see that John was the polar opposite of Chad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His bed was unmade, and he had clothes strewn across the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Never mind the mess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“John has always been the messy one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to school together in Pocatello,
Idaho.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve known each other since we were in
kindergarten,” John said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
into his room and stripped off his clothes, throwing them on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chad frowned, but John ignored him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny gave him the once over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a beautifully toned body, with lots
of dark hair everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny raised
his eyes to John’s, who grinned broadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you like what you see.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t feed his ego, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s already hard to live with.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to John and said, “Go ahead and
get your shower, while I help Danny get settled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad grabbed his towel from his room and
snapped it hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tip of his towel
caught John on the butt, leaving a big read welt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John yelped, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That hurt!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t get smart with me,” Chad said,
grinning at his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John looked at Chad, and said, “Just
remember; I don’t get mad, I get even.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He thumped his chest to emphasize his point, and stomped down the hallway
to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad laughed, and turned to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get you moved in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They went outside to Danny’s truck to
retrieve his gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chad grabbed his
duffle bag and backpack, while Danny brought in his camping equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they entered the house, Chad nodded
toward the far corner of the great room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Put your tent and the Dutch ovens over there, with our stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll put this stuff in your room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny walked over and dumped his
gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, he was very happy with
what he had seen of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just
hoped he could keep his attraction for John under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked into his new room to find Chad had
the duffle dumped out on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
dresser drawers were open, and Chad was folding and putting away his clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad looked up, and said, “I hope you
don’t mind me putting your things away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did this for John when we moved in, but you can see how much good it
did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I did see how messy his room is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for helping me get my stuff put
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not as neat as you are, but
I’m not as messy as John.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put away a stack of mated socks, followed by Danny’s bright white
briefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks like you need to pick
up some new socks, or you need to learn how to sew up the holes in them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve never been good at mending
socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can sew on buttons and patch
holes in my jeans, but socks aren’t my thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I can help you there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom made me learn how to mend my socks,”
Chad said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked quickly and had
everything put away in no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
followed Chad out into the great room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chad collapsed on the couch, stretching out his long legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny sat down in the armchair and
asked, “Does John always run around without clothes on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has always been an exhibitionist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At school, he would parade naked around the locker room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were both on the football team.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny gave Chad an incredulous
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You look more like a basketball
player than a football player.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was on the basketball team, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to do two sports in order to be on
the football team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was on the
wrestling team.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He looks like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What do I look like?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John appeared in front of Danny, water still
rolling off of his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s
very masculine body was having a very serious impact on Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared his throat, and said, “I said you
looked like a wrestler.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do, don’t I?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John posed for Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His state of arousal was becoming
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When John turned away
from him, he quickly adjusted himself, in an attempt to relieve some of the
pressure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He met Chad’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chad winked at him, and gave him a
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear that Chad knew that
Danny was attracted to his roommate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
worry, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your secret is safe with me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few days later, Chad and John took
Danny to their favorite bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
early in the evening, but Chad and John we’re pretty well on their way to being
drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny had driven them into town,
and had ordered a coke, which drew a questioning look from the bartender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny explained, “I’m driving them
home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to Chad and
John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bartender nodded his
comprehension, and handed Danny his coke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He returned to the booth Chad and John had selected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down and looked around the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing no one he knew, he started sipping
his coke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when he noticed that
the guy at the end of the bar seemed familiar to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat up straight in his seat, as he
recognized the watch on the man’s wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no doubt in his mind that it was Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had given Jerry that watch for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad noticed the sudden tension in
Danny’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think someone from my past is here in
the bar, tonight,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Someone
I’d rather never see again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Who is it?” John said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “It’s the guy on the far
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked together last year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want to leave?” Chad asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, it’s better to meet him here, than
somewhere else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John said, “We’ll take him out for you,
if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think that will be necessary,
John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need you to start a bar
brawl, and get us all thrown into jail!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John gave Danny a wicked grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never actually been thrown out of a
bar, but there is always a first time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny continued to watch the guy at the
bar, hoping that it wasn’t Jerry, while at the same time hoping that it
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy stood up from the bar and
turned around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes met Danny’s
across the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry smiled and made
his way across to the table where he was sitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny thought he had gotten over Jerry, but
his reaction to Jerry’s smile proved otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you mind if I join you guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John looked at Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny shrugged, and John said, “Take a seat,
stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your name?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m Jerry Wallace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m John Weir and this is Chad
Blaylock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s nice to meet you.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry shook hands with the two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I take it you already know Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we worked together last year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he has told us about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What brings you to town?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John’s tone wasn’t hostile, but it let Jerry
know that John wasn’t exactly seeing Jerry’s presence as a positive thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I came looking for Danny,” Jerry
responded, looking into Danny’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, you found me,” Danny said,
keeping his tone neutral.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You didn’t make it very easy for me,
though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why did you come here, Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I came because I needed to set things
right between us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked at John
and Chad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I promise not to do anything
to hurt him, if you’ll let us talk alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t come here to fight, or cause anyone harm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">John said, “We’ll be right here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re not back in an hour, we’ll come
looking for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last, he
directed at Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chad said, “Don’t forget that you’re our
ride home tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed, nervously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I won’t forget.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry stood up and headed toward the
exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny followed him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said, “Is there some place private
where we can talk?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we can go to my place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not far from here,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led Jerry to his truck and climbed into
the cab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This is a nice truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did a great job restoring it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry told me you were working for his Dad,
and that you had worked out an arrangement to get the truck as payment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I thought Henry would
eventually tell you where I had gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s not very good at keeping secrets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, he’s not; however, his Dad is very
tight lipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you told Mr.
Miller sure convinced him not to speak to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He practically ran me off his property.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m glad someone honored my request not
to give you any information about me,” Danny said, wondering why Jerry had
come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They pulled into the driveway and Danny
parked his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got out and
unlocked the door to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
walked inside and looked around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This sure beats that old
apartment we rented here last year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s not very big, but it meets our
needs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny sat down in his usual
armchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So, tell me why you needed
to see me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry sat down across from Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met Danny’s gaze, and said, “I came
because I love you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you
left, everything fell apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sherry’s
parents shipped her off to Europe to get her away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry and Jennifer got married, and moved
into a house not far from the Miller farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s working for his Dad, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After Sherry left, I realized that I had made a huge mistake, and that I
needed to set things right between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that you’re angry with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also know that I treated you pretty poorly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m asking you to forgive me for everything
I’ve done to hurt you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I
don’t have any right to expect you to take me back, but I’m asking you to let
us part as friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The anger and the hurt that had filled
Danny’s heart for all these long months, seemed to find its release.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a burden had been lifted from
his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I forgive you,
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been very hard for me to
get over you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I thought I had
finally made it, when I met John. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
seeing you tonight; has convinced me that I still love you, Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry started to get to his feet, but Danny
put up his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You hurt me very badly, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t just let you back into my life, as
if nothing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t set back
the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to have some
time to work things out, before we can move forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m willing to do whatever
it takes to win back your trust, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stood up and walked over to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knelt in front of him and took his hands in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, give me a second chance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were tears running down his cheeks, as
he continued, “I need you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that
I can prove myself worthy of your love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny searched Jerry’s eyes, wanting to
believe that Jerry really meant what he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I love you, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I need
to be sure you won’t leave me again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I give you my word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is all I have to my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what else I could do to
convince you that I mean what I say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You can start by making love to
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny put his hand to Jerry’s
face, and wiped away his tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry stood up and pulled Danny into his
embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry kissed Danny hesitantly,
at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny deepened the kiss,
letting Jerry know what he wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny led Jerry to his room, opened the door, and pulled him inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Epilogue:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny sat in his front room, staring up
at the painting of him and his beloved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Jerry, I miss you, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
you that I couldn’t survive having you leave me again, remember?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here alone, in this big house, and I’ve
managed to survive without you these last few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People think I’m crazy, because I sit here
and talk to your picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re
close and can hear me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to
know that you haven’t really left me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny paused to wipe the tears from his
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A deep sense of loneliness nearly
overwhelmed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up into
Jerry’s eyes in the portrait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve met some really nice people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them is a nice young man who reminds
me of me at that age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father has
kicked him out of his house and disowned him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think you would approve of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s given me a reason to go on living, Babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is Purev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might remember his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They live a couple of houses down from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purev needs someone to look after him, until
he can do things for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
you to know that I’m busy, and that when things are okay with Purev, I’ll join
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss you terribly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will love you for always.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-37556036601252834102013-08-07T21:02:00.003-07:002013-08-11T22:17:06.809-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure Chapter Six
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter 6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy and Derek found Charles in his
private quarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles invited them
to take a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He noted that they were
holding hands as they took a seat on the couch opposite him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He asked, “This is quite an honor to have
you come to my little apartment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy smiled and said, “It is quite an
honor, but one that will be short lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Charles I am relieving you of the burden of being in my employ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to pack your things and leave my
home within the next hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
provide you with all the manpower you need to pack your things.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked at DeLoy in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can’t mean you’re firing me from my
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who will take care of your
personal appointments and help you with your physical training?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew the answer before DeLoy uttered the
words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I believe you have already made the
acquaintance of Mr. Derek White,” DeLoy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked at Derek with undisguised
hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I should have known you were
throwing yourself at Mr. Hansen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Actually, Charles, I threw myself at
Derek,” DeLoy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I believe you’re
familiar with the White Mansion that joins my property to the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derek happens to be the heir to the White
fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When his parents were killed
in an unfortunate boating accident last year, he came to me for advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that time, we have become very close.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles said, “I can see that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a great deal of bitterness in his
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” DeLoy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then you understand why we have to let you
go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked at Derek and DeLoy,
noting the use of the pronoun WE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said,
“I wish you the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t say I’m
not disappointed, but I can see that you love each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy said, “Thank you for not making
this harder than it has to be, Charles.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DeLoy stood up, pulling Derek to his feet, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will make sure that you receive two weeks
additional pay to help tide you over until you find new employment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also willing to help you find a new
job, depending on how you decide to handle things.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles stood and extended his hand to
shake the one offered by DeLoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you for showing me a good time, DeLoy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We did have a good time, didn’t we,
Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Derek has made
it clear that he will not share me with anyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked at Derek, and recognized
that the better man had won the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
made a salute to him and said, “Congratulations, Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve have won the prize.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you, Charles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy led Derek from Charles’ rooms and
took him to his study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down at
his desk and looked across at Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve brought you here to discuss a matter of business.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek smirked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wonder what kind of business you have in
mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy grinned and said, “I have two
kinds of business to discuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First,
we’ll talk about the financial one; then, we’ll discuss the many intricacies of
male on male sex.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derek waited
patiently for DeLoy to get to the point of this impromptu meeting in his
study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He raised his eyebrows and
smiled at his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy continued, “I
offered to adopt Danny and Jerry as my sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told them I wanted to leave my financial empire to them, on the
condition that they learn to run the many businesses I own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek looked at DeLoy in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know they won’t agree to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what you’ve told me, they value their
independence more than being wealthy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m aware of their independent streak,
but I think I can prevail upon them to learn at least one or two of my
businesses,” DeLoy said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What makes you think they will give in
to your demands?” Derek said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They want to be together forever, and
the only way to achieve that is to be independently wealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the only way to get people to leave
you alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, they will never
be able to live without the fear of being discovered, and facing jail time for
daring to love each other,” DeLoy said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why don’t you set up an endowment, or a
trust fund, to support them in their dream of living as a couple,” Derek
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“After all, that is what we will
be doing, living as a married couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They would never accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry is too proud to allow me to give him
something like that without earning it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is why I proposed that they work for me,” DeLoy said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then make their job something they can
do without being tied to your businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something like being activists for some good cause,” Derek said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They could set up a non-profit foundation
that you could fund to do the work of lobbying government to improve the rights
of the under-privileged or something of that nature.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy said, “That’s a brilliant idea,
Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’ve hit on the
perfect solution to our problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to hear that you have included me
in your little scheme.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have to include you, since we’re
officially a couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t forget I expect you to be
completely open and honest with me from now on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more keeping secrets from me,” Derek
said, giving DeLoy a meaningful look.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy put up his hands, in
surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, okay, I get the
message.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and stood up from
his desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked around it and stood
in front of Derek, rubbing his crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please take me to bed, Babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek grinned and said, “Why, you dirty
old man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who do you think I am?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re boy toy or something?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DeLoy nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s part of being a couple, isn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek stood up and pulled DeLoy into his
arms, kissing him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is part
of the deal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked arm in arm
out of the study and up the stairs to DeLoy’s bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry held Danny in his arms as they
basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry kissed his lover gently on the lips, and pulled back to gaze
deeply into his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, I can’t
find the words to adequately tell you how much I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “You don’t have
to say the words, because you’ve shown with your actions that you love me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their conversation was interrupted by a
knock on their bedroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
said, “I’ll get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got out of bed
and grabbed the bathrobe he had found hanging in the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put it on and tied the sash to keep it
closed, before approaching the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Who is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to talk to you,” a voice said
through the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry opened the door
to let him in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles gave Jerry a
smile, as he walked past him into the sitting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where’s Danny?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He’s in the bedroom,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles walked into the bedroom and sat
down on the desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry for
interrupting, but I wanted to tell you goodbye.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny sat up in bed and asked, “Why are
you leaving?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you and DeLoy
had a close relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles snorted derisively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought so, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, DeLoy fired me and has sent me
packing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that DeLoy has
selected Derek as his new boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just wanted to warn you not to trust DeLoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He led me to believe that he loved me; or, at least, that is how I
interpreted his words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found out
today that he’s been fucking Derek the entire time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just a little side dish to go with the
main course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gathered from how he
greeted you that you were also one of his conquests, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we had a one week fling last summer,
before Jerry and I got together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
sat down on the bed next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
reached over and took his hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m glad we are a couple now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked from one to the
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “I can see
that you love each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
congratulate you on finding true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can only hope that one day I will be able to find my Mr. Right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please take my advice, and get as far away
from here as you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy is a very
controlling and manipulative man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
do not want him to rule your lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has ruined more than one man’s life; don’t let him ruin yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overheard him offering to adopt you as his
sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know I was eavesdropping,
but it was for a good reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The money
is not worth the loss of independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t want to be subjected to his temper tantrums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be much happier on your own than
becoming part of his collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will be bound by his golden chains, if you don’t leave now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What are you saying?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“He plans to find a way to tie you to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you refuse to become his sons, he will
find another way to get to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way to avoid his trap is for you to
leave tonight; before he can dream up some new scheme,” Charles said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why are you so insistent that we should
leave tonight?” Danny asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think
you want us to leave tonight because it will hurt DeLoy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles looked at Danny through narrowed
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I want DeLoy to feel pain;
and, yes, it would pain him to lose you before he had a chance to catch you in
his web, and bind you to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “We had already decided to
decline his offer, before you came to us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles said, “I’m glad to hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows that he hasn’t totally blinded you
with his charm and wit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “We thank you for your
warning, Charles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charles nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve done what I can to spare you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t say I didn’t warn you, if you
decide to stay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and walked
out of their room, slamming the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry stood up and took off the
bathrobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He joined his lover in bed
and took him in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess that
we’ll be leaving in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think you’re right,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s sad to hear that DeLoy has his
faults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I had idealized him as
being a good man.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think you idealized him at all,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were just horny and wanted
to fuck him,” Jerry said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re right about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy wasn’t a very good substitute for you,
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that every time
we had sex, I was dreaming of fucking you,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “Then, you must
have had the best sex ever.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Not quite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t as good as fucking the real you,”
Danny said, grinning from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad to hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s my turn to fuck you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry kissed his lover, as he maneuvered him
into position.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry felt Danny relax in his arms, and
heard his breathing slow, as he drifted off to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never ceased to be amazed at the
child-like trust Danny placed in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had noticed a complete change in Danny’s behavior toward him the
night they exchanged rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to
that, Danny had expressed his love for him, but he had felt that Danny still
held something back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that day,
Danny had opened up to him like never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had shared their deepest secrets over the ensuing days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came as close to being one as any two
individuals can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled as he remembered his
father’s reading of the Bible that a man should leave his parents and cleave
unto his mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, he had done just
that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only, it wasn’t to whom his parents
would have dreamed of as an in-law!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
could hear himself trying to explain to his parents how they had become one;
physically, emotionally, and mentally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The mental image it brought to his mind made him shudder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would not be a pleasant experience for
him, or anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided, at
that moment, that he would never take Danny to meet his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t because he was a coward, that was
something he definitely was not; but he didn’t want to bring sorrow to his
parents, and embarrassment to Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He felt a pang of guilt at the decision
he had just made, without consulting Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, he knew Danny would agree with him when he explained his
rationale behind his decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His next
thought was for the two of them and their future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were soul mates adrift in an ocean full
of people; but couldn’t trust any of their fellow human beings, for fear of
being subjected to their hatred and bigotry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It troubled him that he hadn’t been able to find a way to build a safe
environment for him and Danny to be a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew he wouldn’t be able to find peace of mind until he had
discovered a solution to his problem of finding a safe harbor for himself and
Danny<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, they were awakened by
Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knocked on their bedroom door
and walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny opened his eyes to
see Derek sitting on the desk where Charles had been the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derek was shirtless, showing off his perfectly
sculpted body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His deeply tanned skin
stood out against his bright white tennis shorts that hugged him in all the
right places, leaving very little to the imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny yawned widely and stretched his
arms over his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked Derek
over appreciatively, and said, “I can see why DeLoy fell for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, he fell hard for me, but only after he
spent a week with your Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad something good came out of that
week.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It was just what DeLoy needed to get him
out of his depressed state of mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “You are the second person
to visit us in the past 24 hours.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek looked surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who else has been here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Charles came by to inform us that he
had been fired, and to give us a warning to avoid any entanglements with
DeLoy,” Jerry said, sitting up in bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny sat up, letting the sheet fall
from him, to reveal his lithe, wiry body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So, we’re wondering what brings you here this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek’s expression became serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve come to you with the same warning as
Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only, I have a very different
reason for wanting you to avoid getting involved with DeLoy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let me guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re afraid he’ll dump you for me,” Danny
said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do fear that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy has been playing the field ever since
he returned from Wyoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t let
it bother me, because we weren’t in a committed relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until now, it’s been a matter of casual
sex between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, all of that
changed last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy asked me to
be his life partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agreed, but I
told him he must remain faithful to me, now that we’re a couple.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “So, where do we come into
this equation?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek gave us a tight smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“DeLoy still wants to adopt you two as his
sons, and have you learn to run his businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t agree to that, he wants to
persuade you to, at least, work for him in the capacity of being a lobbyist for
his many varied interests.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked at Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said, “We won’t do either one of those
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not want to be obligated
to DeLoy in any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just goes
against what makes us who we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought that might be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to know that I was right about
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what are your plans, now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We plan to leave here this
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We think we can find work in
Los Angeles; or in one of the national parks, like we did in Jackson Hole,”
Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek said, “That sounds reasonable to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeLoy and I have talked about
setting up a trust fund for you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t too keen on the idea, but after talking to you, I think that we should
do as DeLoy has suggested.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because, I want to see you succeed at
whatever endeavors you put your minds to,” Derek replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It won’t be a large sum of money, but it
would tide you over until you can get yourselves settled into new jobs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Given the fact that we
can’t stay anywhere for any length of time, I think we’ll be moving around a
lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek said, “Please keep in touch with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise not to let DeLoy know that
we’re still in communication; because he’ll want to try to draw you into his inner
circle.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a card from his pocket
and handed it to Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny read, “Derek H. White, CEO, White,
Inc.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked up and said, “You must be very
wealthy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My parents left me their business, as well as all of their real estate
holdings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually richer than
DeLoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why our relationship
works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need his money, nor do I
need him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that I can walk out
of his life at any time; and that has been the key to keeping him interested in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do love him, but I also know his
weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to keep him on a
very short leash, now that he’s asked me to be his partner,” Derek said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I wish you all the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Derek said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will keep DeLoy occupied for the next few
hours to allow you to make your getaway.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks Derek,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Derek smiled and stood up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember, send me a note every once in a
while.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He walked out of their bedroom, and they
heard the door to their suite close behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry asked, “Well, what do you think of
that?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “It just confirms what we
had already decided.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get showered and dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be on the road as soon as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This place gives me the
creeps.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe you’re scared.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just not very comfortable with the whole
situation with DeLoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t feel
right to me,” Jerry said, standing up and pulling Danny up into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you, Babe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came up for air, he guided Danny
to their en suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They were dressed and ready to go a few
minutes later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They piled their gear
into the back of the pickup, and climbed into the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry found the keys still in the
ignition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smiled at Danny and asked, “Where to,
next?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Let’s go to Yosemite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always liked it there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, Yosemite it is,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They have horseback riding tours there
during the summer, if we decide to stay there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we could teach skiing lessons.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“My parents took us on a ski trip to
Yosemite when I was 12 years old,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I really had a great time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry leaned over and kissed Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I love you, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry put the truck in gear and drove
down the long drive to the gated entrance to DeLoy’s estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard opened the gate for them, and waved
them through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove the 174 miles
(279 km.) to the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry drove them
to the park headquarters and parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They entered the building and made inquiries about seasonal work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were directed to the park
superintendent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They knocked on his door and were
invited in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They opened the door and
were greeted by a big bull of a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was 6’6” (198 cm.) and weighed 280 pounds (127 Kg.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He boasted a buzz cut, had dark brown eyes,
a Roman nose, a generous mouth and a handle bar mustache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His park ranger uniform emphasized his
masculinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up from behind
his desk and looked them over, before extending his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Bill Brody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I do for you fellows today?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Sir, we’re looking for some
seasonal work to get us through the next few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have anything available?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You two look like you’re cowboys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the work we have for someone with
your skills is during the summer and fall, when the horse tours are popular,”
he responded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We both ski and can teach lessons, if
there is an opening,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, now, we are looking for a new ski
instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our last one fell and broke
his leg last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we don’t
need two ski instructors,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m pretty good at Dutch
oven cooking, if you need someone to cook at the ski lodge.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bill thought for a few moments, and said,
“Okay, I’m willing to take you both on, but you’ll have to share a
bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have only one room
available at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That will work for us,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bill raised his eyebrows and said, “You
didn’t let me finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has only one
twin bed in it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry kept a straight face, as he
replied, “We’ll work it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of us
can sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag, until we can afford to get bunk
beds.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bill nodded his approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds okay by me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened a drawer in his desk and pulled
out some papers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed them to
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fill these out for me, and I’ll
make a couple of phone calls to let them know you’re coming.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry and Danny filled out the forms and
handed them back to Bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked
them over and nodded his head in satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Everything looks in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
is a map and directions to the ski lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will be expecting you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
will give you the keys to your room, when you get there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guys left Bill’s office, and walked
out to Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks like
we’re in luck,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we sure are,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Plus, we have a good reason to sleep
together, without worrying about someone finding out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They climbed into the cab of the truck,
and Jerry drove them to the ski lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They parked the truck and went inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were met by a tall, lanky kid with short, sandy blond hair, blue
eyes, a long hawkish nose, a tight-lipped smile and freckles all over his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He said, “You must be the new guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Henry Miller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m one of the ski instructors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Brody asked me to show you the ropes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, here’s the key to your room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry took the room key and said, “Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m Jerry Wallace and this is Danny Eccles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Nice to meet you guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your room isn’t very big, but you won’t
spend much time in there, anyway,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your room.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed them to a small 8X10 room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a twin bed, a dresser and a small
night stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There are only four rooms
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were originally used as
storage closets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Brody had them
converted into bedrooms for the ski instructors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are communal showers in the men’s room
down the hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other instructors
are Sherry and Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll introduce
you to them, later.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry noted that the room looked more
like a prison cell, since there wasn’t a window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do the other rooms have windows?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, none of the rooms do,” Henry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s another reason not to
spend a lot of time in your room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you want to get your things, or do you want me to show you around the place,
first?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can get our stuff later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather know what we’re getting ourselves
into,” Danny said, looking over at Jerry for confirmation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “I agree.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry showed them around and explained
how things worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little
after 12 noon when he finished his orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s grab a bite to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They purchased a sandwich and a soda,
and found a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While they ate,
Henry peppered them with questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“So, where are you guys from?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m from Utah and Jerry’s from
Idaho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met on our last job, on a dude
ranch near Jackson Hole, Wyoming,” Danny said.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What did you do on the dude ranch?” he
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We took clients on different kinds of
tours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did fishing, camping, hiking,
horseback riding, or whatever else clients wanted to do,” Jerry answered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ll fit in just fine here, then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of our customers are wealthy, and
expect us to cater to their every whim.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds normal,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re used to that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “When will we teach our
first ski lessons?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’ll be teaching tomorrow morning,”
he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Phillip was already committed
to teach a group of rich kids from Los Angeles how to ski.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will give us the rest of the afternoon
to get used to the ski slopes.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry smiled and said, “That is one of
the major perks of teaching here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the way, where did you learn to ski?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I learned to ski in Utah when I was 12
years old,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I went skiing for the first time when I
was 18,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My parents didn’t
believe in wasting money on what they considered to be a frivolous activity.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I learned to ski here in Yosemite,”
Henry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m from Fresno,
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents grow oranges.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why aren’t you working for them?” Danny
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry wrinkled his nose and
grimaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never gotten along with
my Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it would be better
for me to move away from home and find work where I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I graduated from high school last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to land a summer job here, and I
convinced Mr. Brody to keep me on as a ski instructor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They finished their lunch, and followed
Henry over to the ski rental desk to get the appropriate skiing equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They followed Henry outside and out to the
bunny hill, where there was a tow rope that pulled skiers to the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hill had a gentle slope and was perfect
for beginners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They grabbed the tow
rope and skied to the top of the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They skied down the hill, then, repeated the process a few more
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Is this the only place we
give lessons?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “No, there’s another
slightly steeper hill, where we teach lessons to those who are a little more
advanced.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They made their way to the ski lift that
took them up to the top of the intermediate hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They skied down this one a few times, to get
a feel for the contour of the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “Now, let’s go on some of
the decent runs.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They spent the remainder of the day
skiing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They returned to the lodge
exhausted, but feeling exhilarated from the exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’ve always loved skiing.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks
for your help today,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry smiled, “Not a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me introduce you to the girls.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led them across the lodge lobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked up to two young women and said,
“Sherry and Jennifer, this is Jerry and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are taking Phillip’s place as ski instructor.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sherry said, “It’s nice to meet
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shook their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was petite woman, with dark brown,
shoulder-length hair, bright blue eyes, a pert little nose, and a small
mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a killer smile which
reached her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “Hey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice to meet you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t offer to shake their hands, but
she nodded her head in acknowledgement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jennifer was slightly taller than Sherry, with blond hair, hazel eyes, a
pointy chin and nose, and a thin, nervous smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was thin almost to the point of being
anorexic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why did Mr. Brody hire two of you to replace
Phillip?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I told him I could cook,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer smiled and said, “Do you mean
you can cook over a campfire?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love Dutch oven cooking,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jennifer said, “That is really
great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited to sample some of
your cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe there is a
skiing camping trip scheduled at the end of March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we can manage to get into the same
tour group with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry said, “I’m going to get cleaned up,
and I’ll meet you guys later, for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Henry left them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sherry said, “We’ll see you guys in a while,
then.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jerry and Danny went out to their truck
to get their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They returned with
their few belongings, which they quickly stowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry walked over to the door and locked it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Danny and said, “I need to be
fucked.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and said, “Okay, ready,
willing and able.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They quickly stripped out of their
clothes and were soon enjoying each other on the twin bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yosemite National Park - </span></span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-54811449414441150282013-05-27T17:53:00.002-07:002013-05-29T17:38:06.056-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure - Chapter Five<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter Five<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next day, Golden walked down the
lane carrying breakfast for the two boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He let himself in and placed the tray on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and stood in the doorway to
their bedroom for a moment, looking into the sleeping faces of the two
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered looking in on Danny
when he was younger, just as he was now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny had seemed very happy and content back then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was before the trouble began with his
father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had started during Danny’s junior
year at high school, and escalated throughout his senior year until their final
confrontation that ended with Danny leaving his home for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something had changed in Danny’s father
during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden remembered that during Danny’s
junior year, Mr. Eccles had become something of a celebrity in his church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had advanced to a position of power in
his congregation that seemed to go to Mr. Eccles’ head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was from that time forward that things
went downhill between Danny and his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It revolved around Mr. Eccles’ worry that his reputation would suffer
from Danny’s seemingly wayward ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny had always been independent, but
never got into trouble as other kids did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Golden never understood what Danny ever did to merit the harsh treatment
at his father’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his view, it
was Mr. Eccles’ pride and supersized ego that was the problem, not Danny’s
independent streak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the beginning,
Danny had always gravitated toward Golden’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden had called him his little
shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young boy had blossomed like
a flower in full sun in Golden’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every summer, Golden and Danny seemed to be inseparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delores frequently observed that he was more
of a father to Danny than his employer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever Danny was troubled about something, he came to Golden to talk
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, Golden had
come to see Danny as his own son, especially since he and Delores were
childless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden looked into Danny’s face and saw
the same happy and contented look he remembered seeing years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw a similar look on Jerry’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They slept in each other’s arms which
reminded him of how he and Delores used to sleep in that very same bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook himself out of his reverie and sighed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he missed his Delores!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, “Wake up sleepy heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your honeymoon is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expect you to earn your keep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve brought your breakfast down from the
main house, but I won’t serve it to you in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll just have to drag yourselves out of
bed if you want to eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry untangled himself from Danny and
stretched, yawning widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good
morning, Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for bringing
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be up shortly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed, “You might be up, but
that one will sleep all day if you let him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember that from when he lived here before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always had to drag him out of bed to do
his chores.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny opened his eyes and said, “You did
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the one who dragged your
sorry behind out of bed most of the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed and said, “Jerry, I have
to compliment you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve managed to
cure Danny of his foul mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
a time that he would have cursed me out and then some.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny blushed and looked over at
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry grinned, “I’m glad to know
that I’ve been a positive influence on the poor boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny jabbed a finger into Jerry’s ribs
as he said, “I’m not a poor boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grabbed Danny’s hands and pulled
him close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No, but you’re all
mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you say to that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, I think you’ve met your match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad to see that Jerry knows how to
handle you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left the room and they
heard him open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be too
long!” he shouted over his shoulder, shutting the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I like Golden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do too,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He’s the reason I dared to come here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know that Delores had passed, but I
figured Dad would still have Golden taking care of the ranch in his absence.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So what will we be doing today?” Jerry
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny replied, “I imagine we’ll be
checking on the cattle today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re
lucky, we can do some rabbit hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think I saw the shotguns still up on the wall in the main house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used to ride in the back of the truck and
shoot them as they ran for cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
aren’t good eating, but it’s great fun!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What kind of rabbits are they?” Jerry
asked, mildly interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shooting
rabbits didn’t sound that great to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deer hunting was his favorite thing to do in the hunting arena.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny saw Jerry’s look and said, “I promise
you’ll like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned and said, “I’ll be just
fine as long as you’re with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then we’re going to have a great time,”
Danny said, grinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry got out of bed, his fine body on
full display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned, showing off
for his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned and said, “If
you want me, you’ll have to get out of bed and join me in the shower.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That was all Danny needed to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was out of bed in a flash and took
Jerry’s hand, leading him into the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He turned on the water and adjusted the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as it was nice and hot, he stepped
into the tub and pulled Jerry in after him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry pulled the shower curtain closed and turned to his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was beginning to really like their shower
time together!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After showering, they dried each other
off and went into the cabin’s main room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They sat down to the breakfast Golden had left them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They polished off the stacks of pancakes,
several fried eggs and all the sausage links.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They washed up the dishes and placed them on the tray, ready to be
returned to the main house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I guess we had better get
dressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We don’t have to get dressed, if you
don’t want to,” Danny said, grinning from ear to ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d love to see you running around naked in
the snow, freezing your balls off!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed, “I think we can arrange
for you to see what freezing your balls off means.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his lover and lifted him over his
shoulder and headed toward the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t you dare throw me in the snow!”
Danny shouted, struggling to get free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry got to the door and asked, “What
will you give me to NOT throw you in the snow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll let you fuck me as many times as
you want,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I can already do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else will you give me?” Jerry asked,
laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll give you all my love,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry turned around and carried him into
their bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gently laid him on
the bed, pinning him against the mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked deeply into Danny’s eyes and said, “If you’ll promise to give
me all your love for the rest of your life, I’ll take it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’ve already given you my
heart, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll love you forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry released his hold on Danny’s arms
and began kissing him all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s
hands roamed Jerry’s body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
passion engulfed them as their bodies bonded together to form one single unit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nibbled on Danny’s earlobes and
whispered, “How many times can we have sex in one day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny turned his head and kissed Jerry
before responding, “As many times as you can get it up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry gave Danny a lecherous grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In that case, I think we won’t be able to
keep count.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny asked, “I wonder what Golden would
say if he heard you talking about having sex all day?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He would say we’re acting like
newlyweds,” Jerry said, laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“And he would be right, because we are
newlyweds,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, I want
to buy a ring for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you wear
my ring?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry gazed into Danny’s eyes, “I would
be honored to wear your ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you
accept one from me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny put his hand up to Jerry’s cheek,
lightly brushing it with his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I would love to wear your ring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“After we help Golden, we can drive into
town to find rings,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But
we’ll have to buy rings at separate stores, or maybe in different towns to keep
from raising suspicions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We should get up and go help Golden
before he comes looking for us,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, let’s get dressed,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They dressed warmly and walked up the
lane to the main house, carrying the empty food tray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They met Golden at the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Put the tray in the
kitchen and let’s go feed the cattle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny ran the tray inside the house and
then joined Jerry and Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny sat
between the two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry put his arm
around Danny’s shoulders and leaned over to give him a quick kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “You two had better not act
like the newlyweds you are, in public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t want to give yourselves away like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed and said, “I know you’re
right, Golden, but I love Danny so much that I can’t resist him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden
snorted in response and started the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He drove them out to the fenced in area where they kept the cattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began unloading the hay from the back
of his truck and throwing it over the fence into the feed troughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cattle crowded around the troughs to get
at the fresh bundles of hay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How many head of cattle are there?”
Jerry asked Golden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There are 200 head here,” he
replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can run as many as 500
head, but since I’m the only one working the ranch this winter, we kept the
number down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They finished unloading the truck; then
climbed into the cab for the ride back to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny asked, “Golden, will you go rabbit
hunting with us tonight at sunset?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed and said, “You mean you
want me to drive, while you and Jerry shoot jack rabbits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, would you?” Danny said, placing
his hand on Jerry’s inner thigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
covered Danny’s hand with his own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden glanced over at the two men and
said, “I’ll do it, but you have to cook dinner after we get back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure we can scare something up in the
house to eat; like rats or mice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t think you’ll find either one of
those kinds of rodents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cats are
pretty good at keeping the rodent population under control around the house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Speaking of cats, do you remember
Buttercup?” Danny asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden smiled, as the memory came back
to his mind of 12 year-old Danny proudly displaying his fat yellow tabby
cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wasn’t he the cat that you brought out to
the farm from Richfield?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Yes, that’s the one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember how he disappeared from the farm,
and showed up a week later back at our house in Richfield?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left a mouse on the back porch for your
Uncle Alma who was keeping up the yard for your parents,” Golden said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Uncle Alma called us to tell us that
the cat had showed up back at the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But then he disappeared, only to show up on the farm a couple of weeks
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so happy that he came
back,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He must have been quite a cat to make
it all the way into Richfield and back,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By the way, why did you call a male cat,
Buttercup?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought he was a female cat when we
got him; so I named him Buttercup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After we discovered that he was a male, my parents tried to convince me to
change his name, but I liked the name Buttercup,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry snickered; but before he could say
anything, Danny said, “Don’t laugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buttercup was my favorite cat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “Jerry probably thought like
we all did at the time, that you were just being stubborn.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry guffawed, “Yeah, that’s it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny jabbed his elbow into Jerry
ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry grabbed Danny’s hands to
keep him from doing it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned
over and kissed Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back
and looked into Danny’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t be
so sensitive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, I love you and
I don’t mean to hurt you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny felt bad for what he’d done and
said, “I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that my
brothers teased me a lot about Buttercup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That was a long time ago,” Golden
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You need to let Jerry tease you
sometimes, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t have a good
relationship without having a good sense of humor, even if it’s at your own expense.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked at Jerry and said, “I’ll
try not to be so sensitive about stuff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “That’s okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He intertwined his fingers with Danny’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They arrived at the house and climbed
out of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden said, “Why
don’t you boys run into town and pick up some supplies for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a list of what we need.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden handed them the list and a wad of
cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Pick up a few things you guys
like to eat, if it’s not already on the list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “We’ll be glad to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is living in my parents’ house in town?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I believe your Uncle Alma has rented it
out for your parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know who
lives there at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has
been a parade of renters in and out of there over the years,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You might stop by the sheriff’s
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Larsen should be there
until around noon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks for reminding me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Larsens were good to me when I most
needed a friend,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men climbed into Jerry’s truck
and drove the 17 miles into town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s stop at the sheriff’s office first,” Danny said, giving Jerry
directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled into a parking
space and Jerry shut off the engine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you really want to see the
sheriff?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that he will be
obligated to arrest us if he ever finds out we’re lovers,” Jerry said, his
voice filled with concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, let’s make sure he never finds
out,” Danny said, climbing out of the cab of the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry joined him and they walked into
the sheriff’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young deputy
sheriff saw them come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up
from his desk and walked over to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What can I do for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’re here to see Sheriff Larsen,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Who should I tell him is looking for
him?” the deputy asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Tell him it’s Danny Eccles,” Danny
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, I’ll be right back,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He disappeared into the back
office and then returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They followed him and found themselves
in a large office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting behind a
large double pedestal mahogany desk was a large, heavy set man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had small, deep set blue eyes, heavy
jowls, a double chin and a shiny bald head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His ample person completely filled his large office chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the chair looked like it would
collapse from his weight at any moment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He said, in a booming voice, “Hello,
Danny!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good to see you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Hello, Sheriff Larsen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to meet my friend, Jerry
Wallace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The sheriff extended his hand, but
didn’t stand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry shook his hand
and said, “Nice to meet you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard
a lot about you, Sheriff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny has
told me how you took him in after his parents booted him out of their house.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Larsen smiled and said, “Yes,
Danny needed someone to look after him, and we were glad of the extra help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I will always be grateful
for what you did for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Larsen said, “It was the least
we could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are things going for
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They’re good,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re visiting Golden over at the ranch for
a few days before moving on to California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We worked in Jackson Hole this past summer; but the tourist season is
over for this year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sheriff Larson nodded his head in
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Winter is a slow time
here as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t get much traffic
through town during the off season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things will pick up again in the spring, when things warm up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Golden suggested that we stop by to see
you, since he sent us into town to pick up supplies,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for stopping in to see
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you plan on sticking around for
a while, stop over to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
wife would like to see you, I’m sure,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll do that,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left Sheriff Larsen’s office and made
their way out to Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now,
that wasn’t so bad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, you like to live dangerously.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They climbed back into Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stopped at the hardware store to pick
up a new doorknob for the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
one came with a set of keys, so they could lock the cabin door!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry spotted a jewelry store and
stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked into the little shop and
were greeted by a short, balding man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“How may I help you boys today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m looking for a simple
gold wedding band.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The shopkeeper pulled out a tray of gold
rings from a display case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you know
what size ring?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I don’t,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let me measure your ring finger,” he
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jeweler measured Jerry’s
finger and said, “You need a size 9.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pulled out a golden wedding band and handed it to Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try that on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry slipped it onto his ring
finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at and asked, “How
much is it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jeweler named a price
and Jerry said, “I’ll take it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few minutes later, they left the
little shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry grinned, I have my
wedding band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we just need to get
yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can drive up to Salina,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think they have a jewelry store
there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They climbed into the truck and Jerry
drove them to the grocery store, where they picked up everything on Golden’s
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They returned to the ranch and
delivered the supplies to the main house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They helped Golden put everything away, before walking down the lane to
the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry made quick work of
installing the new doorknob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
was finished, he stood up and grinned at Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry announced, “There!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden can’t walk in on us anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think we should give him a key just in
case we get locked out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If we’re going to give him a key, why did
we buy the new doorknob?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good point,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s hide a key under a log in the wood
pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, we won’t get locked
out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds like a plan,” Danny said,
approvingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s go get your ring,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left the cabin, and walked
around the cabin to hide the key at the bottom of the wood pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to find Danny standing in the
doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a pensive look on his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s up?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny answered, “I was thinking how much
I missed being home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad we’ve
been able to spend some time here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
met Jerry’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good for us to
start our relationship here, because home will be wherever you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “That’s because
we’re a family now, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
over and pulled Danny into his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They kissed for a long time before Jerry said, “Let’s go get your
ring.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led Danny to the passenger
side of the truck and helped his partner into the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and said, “Don’t get used to me
opening the door.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stuck his tongue out at his
lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry leaned inside the truck
and stole a quick kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He practically
jumped over the hood of the truck and climbed in beside Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove down the lane to the main highway
and turned north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They passed through
Richfield and on to Salina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove
along the main street of town, and didn’t find a single jewelry store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled into a gas station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attendant came out and began filling the
gas tank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry got out and started a conversation
with the attendant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked to be in
his mid-thirties, tall with dark and eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry asked, “Do you know where there’s a jewelry store in the area?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Depends on what kind of jewelry you’re
looking for,” the man replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We need to find a man’s wedding band,”
Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If you’re travelling north, you’ll have
to drive to Payson to find a jewelry store that sells quality stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, you can head south to
Richfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a couple of decent
places to buy jewelry there,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paid for his gas and climbed back inside
the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess we’re going to
Payson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought that might be the case when we
didn’t see a single jewelry store on the main street.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They returned to Highway 89 and
continued north to Payson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
halfway through town, they found the jewelry store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They parked in front of the establishment
and walked inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young lady in her
mid-twenties greeted them with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My name is Mindy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I help you two gentlemen today?” she
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m looking for a wedding
band.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you know what size you need?” she
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get you measured.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She handed Danny a couple of rings marked
with their sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try these on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did as she directed and she said, “It
looks like you need a size 10 ring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked at her in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m sure,” she replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pulled out a tray of gold rings and
selected a couple of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Try these
on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny put each of them on his ring
finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose a plain gold
band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll take this one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She rang up his purchase and he handed
her the cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later they
walked out of the shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked
over at Jerry and said, “I always thought your fingers were bigger than mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed and said, “Well, now we
know that you have wider fingers than I do, but mine are longer than yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and replied, “Yes, they
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I put my ring on now, or
wait until tonight when we’re at the cabin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s wait until we’re alone,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want it to be a special
occasion for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I’ll wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They drove back to the ranch, arriving
just in time to help Golden load more hay into the back of his pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove down the lane to where the horses
were corralled and fed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden asked, “Are you ready to go
rabbit hunting?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we are,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, let’s get the guns and the
ammunition,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove them
back to the house where he unlocked the cabinet where the ammunition was
kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He unlocked the gun case and
retrieved two shotguns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember that
these shotguns won’t leave much of the rabbit behind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and said, “That’s the
whole point, Golden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Kids!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re all alike.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Only we’re not kids,” Jerry said,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, you’re not; however, you still act
like teenagers,” Golden said, frowning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They went outside and climbed inside the
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove to a deserted part of
the ranch and stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden turned on
his search lights, turning to Danny and Jerry and said, “Go ahead and climb
into the bed of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can load
the guns at that point, and I’ll direct the spot light on the rabbits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny and Jerry did as they were instructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, they were ready, with their guns
pointed out into the sagebrush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden
started swinging the search light back and forth over the sagebrush. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny spotted a rabbit and pulled the
trigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Got him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry looked over at Danny and asked,
“Why do you hunt rabbits?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We hunt them to bring down the rabbit
population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, they would eat
everything in sight, leaving nothing for the cattle,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not killing rabbits just for the sake
of killing them, if that’s what you’re asking.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I was wondering about that;
because you seem to be pretty mild mannered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You caught me by surprise when you asked if I wanted to hunt
rabbits.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another rabbit appeared in
the spotlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to be
hypnotized by the light, sitting very still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry raised his gun and fired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They continued until they were too cold
to enjoy the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They unloaded their
guns and put away the live rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
climbed back into the truck cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
was shivering pretty badly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You stayed out in the cold too long,”
Jerry said, putting his arms around him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden turned the truck around and they drove
back to the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dropped the boys
off and returned to the main house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry guided Danny inside and stripped
off his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did the same, then
walked his lover into the bathroom and turned on the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stood huddled together under the warm
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry held Danny close, nibbling
on his earlobe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as they were
warm, Jerry turned off the water and dried Danny with a towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led him into their bedroom and wrapped
him inside a comforter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry pulled on
some clothes and returned to the main room to build a fire in the
fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also built a fire in the
stove to cook their dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry pulled out a cast iron skillet and
a kettle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He peeled potatoes and placed
them in the kettle with some water and put them on the stove to boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed some oil in the skillet and pulled
two steaks out of the refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
also pulled out lettuce, tomatoes, and a cucumber for a green salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As soon as the potatoes were close to
being done, he began cooking the steaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny came into the main room and sat down at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was wearing bright white briefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for making dinner for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome, Babe,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He mashed the potatoes, adding butter, salt
and pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed the mashed
potatoes and the green salad on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then he retrieved the steaks from the skillet and placed them on a
plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down at the table with
Danny and they said grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I don’t have candles to
make this a romantic dinner, but I hope you know that I love you, just the
same.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But we have the light of the fire,”
Danny said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached across
the table and took Jerry’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
love you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They ate their dinner in silence, since
words weren’t needed to express their feelings for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made short work of the cleanup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry walked into their bedroom and brought
out pillows and a couple of comforters, spreading them out in front of the
fireplace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny joined Jerry in front of the
fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry pulled him into his
arms and kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you think
we should formally exchange rings?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, let’s make it official.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled the wedding bands off their
fingers and exchanged them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry took Danny’s hand in his and said,
“Danny, I vow to love you and cherish you for the rest of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give you this ring as a token and a
reminder of my promise to you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slid
the plain, gold band onto Danny’s ring finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny took Jerry’s hand and said,
“Jerry, I promise to love you and cherish you forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give you this ring to remind you of my
everlasting love for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They kissed each other
passionately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pulling back, Danny said,
“It’s almost like we just got married.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “It’s the closest to being
married we’ll ever get.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s good enough for me, as long as
you’re with me,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “I think we
should consummate our union, since we’re officially committed to each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and pulled Jerry closer to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I get to fuck you first, since
you went first last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Who said we had to
rotate?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Danny’s nipples a
tweak, causing Danny to moan with pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I did,” Danny said, running his fingers
through the hair on Jerry’s chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
want to make you mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned
forward and captured Jerry’s lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
helped Jerry move into a more comfortable position, as he continued to caress
Jerry’s body with his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
whispered in his lover’s ear, “Fuck me, Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Afterward, Danny lay on top of Jerry,
his muscles completely relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
could feel that Jerry was still very much aroused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry put his hands on either side of
Danny’s face and looked into his eyes and said, “I like it when you take
charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a real turn on for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “It’s the same
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always been attracted to
strong men who have the confidence to be leaders, and who know what they
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, most of them aren’t
interested having sex with a guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Well, that’s a good thing for
me, because you had to wait until I found you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As far as meeting your criteria for your Mr. Right, I’ve never been one
to follow other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer to be
independent and free of conventions that society imposes on people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that’s why I’m so attracted to you,
in a way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being in a relationship with
a man certainly puts me at odds with most of the people in this country.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry caressed his lover’s body, kissing the
nape of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny leaned his head back and gave a
sigh of pure pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved how his
body reacted to Jerry’s touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry whispered in Danny’s ear, “I have
no intentions of stopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my turn
to make you mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He captured Danny’s
lips in a deep kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flames of
their passion leapt higher and higher as they abandoned themselves to the wants
and desires of their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They enjoyed their time on the ranch as
days turned into weeks, and weeks into months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They spent their first Christmas together in the little log cabin at the
Eccles’ ranch, as well as ringing in the New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spent many nights talking with Golden,
who regaled them with many stories of his childhood; as well as answering
Jerry’s questions about Danny and his family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry felt like he had hit a jack pot in Las
Vegas; because Golden knew everything there was to know about Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Danny complained that Golden was
revealing too much information to Jerry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One evening in early January, Danny and
Jerry decided to go into town for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They entered the only diner in town and took a booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waitress took their order and soon
returned with their beverages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Jerry, things are going so
well for us at the ranch that I keep thinking something is bound to go wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “You’re just being paranoid,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relax and let’s enjoy our meal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m going to put some money
in the Jukebox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there a song you
want to hear?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Yes, I like The
Platters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite song is ‘The
Great Pretender.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that one isn’t
there any of their other hits would be great.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny approached the Jukebox and dropped
a coin in the slot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found the song
that Jerry had requested and punched in the numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also found their hit, ‘Only You,’ and selected
it as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked out a couple of
more songs and then returned to their booth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Did you find it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I did and I picked their song,
‘Only You,’ as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know you
liked them,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I met them when they were
performing in Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
working as a stage hand, setting up for concerts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a great musical group,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Who else did you meet?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Elvis Presley,” Jerry replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The waitress brought their food and they
listened to their musical selections as they ate their meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s take the horses up into the
Tushar Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to show you
the Kimberly Mine, if the snow isn’t too deep,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most of the winter, you can’t get to it
because of the snow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can leave tomorrow if Golden doesn’t
need us,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They finished their meal and left the
diner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They climbed into the cab of
Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked around,
checking for pedestrians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing no one
on the streets, he leaned over and kissed Danny on the lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you for a nice evening,” Jerry
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re most welcome,” Danny said,
placing his hand on Jerry’s inner thigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They chatted as they drove down the
highway toward the ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry parked
the truck in front of the cabin and they went inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry was lighting a fire in the fireplace
when Golden opened the door and rushed in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You boys need to leave here right now,
and never come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Larsen is
on his way over to arrest you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently, someone saw you kissing in the truck in front of the diner,
and called the sheriff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry looked at Danny and said, “I’m
sorry, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have been more
cautious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Let’s get our stuff and get
out of here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “I’m sorry it has to be
this way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed the boys into
their bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t come back this
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can drop me a post card
sometime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t put your name on it,
but write me a note saying you’re okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry had his things packed and headed
for the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny grabbed his gear
and followed his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went out
the door, and threw their belongings into the back of the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny hugged Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for warning us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden had tears running down his face
as he handed Danny an envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There’s enough cash here to see you through until you find a job
somewhere else.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Jerry and
said, “Don’t stop until you absolutely have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take good care of my boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for everything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry pulled Golden into a bear hug and then
released him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Goodbye.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men climbed into the truck and
Jerry started the engine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden tapped
on the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry rolled it down and
Golden said, “Take the back road out of here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sheriff will be using the main road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way you can make your way south toward
Las Vegas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Thank you again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rolled up the window and pointed the
truck down the rutted track that led them between the river and the empty
hayfields of the Eccles ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
eventually arrived at the rickety old wooden bridge that crossed the
river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they crossed, they heard the
timbers groan under the weight of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry punched the accelerator, and the truck shot across to the other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Looking back, Danny saw the bridge
collapse into the rushing, cold water of the Sevier River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We barely made it across,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Jerry replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s hope that Golden can detain the
sheriff long enough for us to make a clean get away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They came out to the main road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked both ways before turning south,
putting as much distance between them and the ranch as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry drove through the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had made this trip many times in the
past; between the many moves he had made with his parents, and his own nomadic
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They arrived in Las Vegas just as
the sun was peeking over the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry reached over and shook Danny awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, we’ve got to stop for gas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He pulled into a gas station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attendant filled the tank and Jerry paid
him, giving the teenager a nice tip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny took over the driving duties, following the signs for Highway 91.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The highway had a lot of small hills and
valleys, which made it difficult to pick up much speed without causing the
truck to catch air at the top of every hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m glad we’re done with
that stretch of road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was beginning
to get seasick from all the ups and downs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You should consider yourself lucky,
because I had to navigate all of the road construction just north of Las
Vegas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was much worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will need to stop in Barstow,” Jerry
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are we going after that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I think we should drive
north to San Francisco to find your friend, Mr. Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you still have his address?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But why do you want to see him?” Danny
asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I think we need his help,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He lived with his partner for
many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be wise for us to
find out how they did it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So you’re not jealous of him?” Danny
asked, amazement showing in his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I be?” Jerry asked, in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just surprised that you wanted us to seek him out,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They stopped in Barstow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They filled up the gas tank and bought a new
California roadmap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry planned out
their route north to San Francisco, showing Danny where he needed to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny drove while Jerry tried to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped in Bakersfield to get something
to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They sat in the diner, looking out of
the plate glass window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said, “I
always knew we would have to live the life of a tumbleweed; but I didn’t expect
to have to leave the ranch so soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I didn’t either,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess it was better that we left, because
we were getting too comfortable there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nodded his head in agreement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That will always be a danger for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting too comfortable and letting down our
guard will land us in trouble every time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m going to call Mr.
Hansen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why don’t you call him by his first
name,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not like you
didn’t share his bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite Jerry’s
attempt to keep his jealousy under control, it managed to manifest itself in
his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny gave Jerry a quick glance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you said you weren’t jealous of
Mr. Hansen?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry knew he’d been caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, I was jealous as hell that you spent
every waking moment with that old man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He might have been old, but he was a
good fuck,” Danny said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smacked Danny’s leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You weren’t supposed to admit that you
enjoyed it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked contrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t mean to upset you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry glared at Danny, but managed to
control his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just don’t get
any ideas about jumping into bed with him while we’re visiting him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A wide grin broke out on Danny’s
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe you’re jealous
of DeLoy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Why are you calling him
DeLoy now, when it was Mr. Hansen before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m only doing it because you seem so
obsessed with the fact that I had a few nights in the sack with an old man who
was grieving for his deceased partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It didn’t mean anything to him or me, other than a few nights of good
sex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry tried to calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a long drink of his beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he was being unreasonable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It frustrated him that he wasn’t able to
control his emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one had ever
brought out such strong feelings as he had experienced since he met Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until he had experienced the fiery heat of
his love for Danny, and the powerful feelings of jealousy engendered by Danny’s
interlude with Mr. Hansen, or ‘DeLoy’ as he had just called him, he had not
been able to comprehend how anyone could lose control over their emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “How is my time in the sack
with DeLoy any different than those times you went to the whore house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you went there a few times, and left
me sitting at home alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed and said, “Would you have
gone with me had I asked?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I wouldn’t have gone with you,
because Jolene cured me of any desire I ever had to be with a woman; but you
didn’t answer my question,” Danny said, gazing across the table into Jerry’s
eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “It’s very different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paid to have sex with those women, and
they AND I knew there wasn’t any emotional attachment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, you spent nearly all week
with ‘DeLoy;’ and there was a definite emotional connection made between the
two of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There may have been one on his part, Jerry;
but he knew I was in love with you,” Danny countered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He tried to convince me to move to San
Francisco with him, but I told him I thought there was still a chance you might
change your mind about being with a guy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny reached over and took Jerry’s hand in his, and gave it a gentle
squeeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad I was right about
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry, somewhat mollified, said, “Well,
I guess it all worked out for the best in the end.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “There’s a pay phone outside
on the corner of the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
pay for our food and make that phone call.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry signaled for the waitress to bring
their check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paid the check and left
her a generous tip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked out of
the diner and over to the pay phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny pulled a slip of paper out of his wallet, while Jerry lifted the
handset and put in a coin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He turned and handed the phone to
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Make sure you get good
directions from him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny dialed the number and waited for
the operator to come on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
will need to put in more coins,” the operator said, quoting the missing amount
for the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny inserted more coins
and the operator said, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please wait for your call to be connected.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The phone rang twice before Mr. Hansen
answered it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mr. Hansen, this is Danny Eccles
calling,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen’s voice showed his
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you coming here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke rapidly and didn’t wait for Danny
to answer his questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course,
you’re coming here, or you wouldn’t be calling me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Slow down, Mr. Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re in Bakersfield right now, and we need
directions to your home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen asked, “We?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you mean you’re with Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m with Jerry,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a pregnant pause on the other end
of the line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen asked, “Are you a couple?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we are,” Danny answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We need your advice, Mr. Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be together forever; but we need
to talk to you about how you managed to be together with Herb over the years.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen said, “Congratulations,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think Jerry would have
changed his mind about things, given how he treated you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m happy that you’re together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please come see me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave Danny specific directions about how
to get to his house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny repeated
them out loud to Jerry, who wrote them down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Thanks, Mr. Hansen,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ll see you in a few hours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He broke the connection and turned to
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think he was a little
disappointed to hear that we’re together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “I’m sure he
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really fell for you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I totally understand how he feels; since you
cast your magic spell on me, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed and said, “I didn’t know I
was a sorcerer working his magic on unsuspecting gentlemen such as yourself and
Mr. Hansen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked over to Jerry’s
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny said, “I’d better drive,
since you had a couple of beers and I didn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked around to the passenger side, and
climbed into the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny got in and started the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out onto the highway and started
their trip north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry navigated for
them, following Mr. Hansen’s directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They finally arrived in Walnut Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They navigated the city streets and arrived at the gates of a huge
mansion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They pulled up to the guard
shack and stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The security guard
approached the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had straight
black hair that hung down to his shoulders, bushy black eyebrows over black
eyes, a Roman nose, a big, thick black mustache, and a chiseled chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way his uniform fit him, it was apparent
that he lifted weights and worked out a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guard said, “May I see your driver’s
license, please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny pulled out his wallet and handed
the guard his license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard looked
it over, apparently satisfied by what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He handed it back and said, “Welcome to Bellevue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen is expecting you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please drive up to the house and leave your
keys with the valet, who will take care of your truck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked over at Jerry in
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew Mr. Hansen was
wealthy, but this was way more than he had expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gate opened and Danny drove through and
up the drive as he had been instructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He reached the house and parked the
truck in front of the house, where a young man in fancy livery took his keys
and said, “Please go inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charles
will show you into the study, where Mr. Hansen will join you momentarily.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked the guy over from head to
toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tall and slender, with
blond hair, blue eyes and a small pert nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he noticed him looking him over, he smiled at Danny, showing
perfectly straight teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny and Jerry walked up the steps and
were greeted by Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Welcome
Messrs. Eccles and Wallace.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man
spoke English with a French accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a pleasant baritone voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
couldn’t help but notice how good looking the man was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked to be in his late forties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hair was still jet black with gray
around the temples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His face was deeply
tanned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had deep brown eyes, an
aquiline nose, a generous mouth and a killer smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was trim and fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore tight fitting white pants and a bright
blue button down shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am Mr. Hansen’s personal
secretary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is very excited to see
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that you will enjoy your
stay with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny noticed how Charles emphasized the
word ‘us’ and wondered if Mr. Hansen had taken Charles as a lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced over at Jerry and saw that he was
thinking the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked back at Charles and noticed
the appraising look he was giving them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny gazed directly into Charles eyes and asked, “How long have you
been with DeLoy?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny pronounced
‘DeLoy’ with a husky tone of voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Charles’ eyes narrowed as he said, “I’ve
been with Mr. Hansen a little over a month.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Before Danny could say anything else,
Mr. Hansen appeared in the foyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Danny, my boy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was swept
into Mr. Hansen’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny kissed
Mr. Hansen, intentionally pushing his tongue past his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen tightened his embrace, grinding
his crotch against Danny’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny heard
a gasp, and Mr. Hansen released him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned like a Cheshire cat and
said, “I’m so glad to see you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen responded, “Not as glad as I
am to see you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, I am equally glad you
came.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen ignored Jerry’s
outstretched hand and pulled him into his arms, kissing Jerry on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled back and looked Jerry in the
eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you came to your
senses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “It took me
another six months to figure out that what you said was true.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen said, “Come into my study and
tell me everything that has happened since last summer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took Jerry and Danny by the hand, walking
them across the foyer and into his study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were followed by Charles, who stood near the door, as Mr. Hansen
settled into his chair behind the desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up at Charles and said, “Thank you, Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t need anything the rest of the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are free to do as you wish
until tomorrow morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll meet here
at the usual time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Charles smiled and said, “Thank you,
sir.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to the two men, he said,
“It was nice meeting you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ll
excuse me, I think I’ll take a few laps in the pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left the room, closing the door
behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen said, “I hired
Charles to be my personal trainer, as well as my secretary.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “But he’s more than
just an employee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen smiled and said, “Yes, you’re
right about that; however, I think he will be leaving my employment soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thinks that he is more than he is to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been waiting for the right
moment to give him his two week notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think your arrival has given me the perfect reason to let him go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, let’s hear why you are here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “We’re here because we need
your advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the only man we
know who has lived with his partner for an extended period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be together for the rest of our
lives; but we don’t want to end up in jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How did you and Herb do it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen met Jerry’s gaze, and asked,
“You honestly came here to ask for my advice?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my part, I’ve had to overcome my
feelings of jealousy I felt toward you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you and Danny were spending every moment together, I was filled
with so much hatred for you, it scared me,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It really bothered me that you were right
about Danny being in love with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
took me a long time to admit to myself that I loved him as much as he loved
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen nodded his head in
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I figured you would
come around, eventually; if you didn’t end up running scared from the idea of
falling in love with another man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “We’ve decided that we can’t
stay in any one place for very long; because we’ll be found out, sooner or
later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen said, “That’s very true,
unless you have enough money that people leave you alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Is that your secret?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It wasn’t until Herb and I become
millionaires that people finally left us alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bought this mansion and hired a security
staff to keep people out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also have
adjoining bedrooms that have a door between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, we could go to our own separate
rooms at night, giving the impression that we were going to bed alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we’d open the connecting door and sleep
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we had to make
sure the other bed looked slept in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I guess we’ll always be on the run,
because I don’t see how we’ll ever become wealthy like you and Herb,” Danny
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That is where you’re wrong,” Mr. Hansen
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a proposal for you to
consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to adopt you both as
my sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am getting up in years and I
have no children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not intend to
leave a single penny to any of my blood relatives and even less to Herb’s
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They treated us very badly and
I’ve never been able to forgive them for what they did to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only condition is that you learn to run
my businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t, in good
conscious, leave my fortune in your hands, without making sure you know how to
handle wealth and how to continue to amass more of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry looked at Danny and said, “What do
you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m not sure what to think.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Mr. Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t want me to sleep with you or
anything like that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I would love to have a physical
relationship with you; however, both of you have to be in agreement that your
relationship won’t suffer as a result of sharing your bed with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is enough for me to know that I’m leaving
my fortune in good hands,” Mr. Hansen said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He smiled and said, “Besides, I can hire almost any guy off the street
to satisfy my sexual urges.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You won’t require us to live here with
you?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, I won’t require you to live with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love for you to stay with
me; however, I know that you will need your own space, as you both adjust to
each other,” Mr. Hansen said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“DeLoy, why are you doing this?” Danny
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen held Danny’s gaze for a long
moment and then answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I fell in
love with you, Danny Eccles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell
harder for you than I ever did for Herb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Herb was my life partner, my soul mate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You, however, are the man that makes my blood run hot in my veins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been so attracted to any man in
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that you are
unattainable, only makes you that much more attractive to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intellectually, I know that you are deeply
in love with Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see it in
your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know that Jerry is in
love with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you two have is
very precious and needs to be protected and safe-guarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you too much, Danny, to wish you ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I will become your
protector.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here he glanced at
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope that Jerry will allow me
that small comfort, since he has won the prize.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “How do I know that you
won’t try to take him away from me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen replied, “You don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll just have to trust me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m okay with you playing
the role of protector, as long as that is as far as it goes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been disappointed in you if you
had said anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you two
to have some time to think about what we discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me show you to your rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to relax and rest from your long
drive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and indicated that they
should follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led them back
into the foyer and up the sweeping grand staircase to the second floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led them down the corridor and opened a
door half way down on the right side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They stepped inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Wow!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s pretty overwhelming isn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it is,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was opulent to the point of being
ostentatious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was an ornately
decorated fireplace at one end, where a fire burned brightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arranged around it were a leather couch and
love seat with a huge armchair in between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the other end, there was a grand piano
with a number of sofas and armchairs arranged around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walls were covered with gold embossed
wallpaper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Original oil paintings in
gilded frames hung at intervals around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deep carpet was pure white, with an
occasional Persian carpet that added color to the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I instructed Derek to bring your things
up to your room,” Mr. Hansen said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
followed him through a door on the right that led into a magnificent
bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The king-sized four-poster bed
stood at the center of the room, complete with canopy and bed curtains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire room was richly decorated in shades
of gold and burgundy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carpet was
the same pure white carpet as the sitting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along one wall were a pair of armoires and
on the opposite wall was a fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The entire room was reflected in the surface of the mirror that covered
the entire wall opposite the four-poster bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The same man who had taken charge of
Jerry’s truck appeared in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Hansen said, “Derek, thank you for bringing up our guests’ luggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek replied, “Mr. Hansen, I brought up
their clothes but I wasn’t sure what to do with the camping equipment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Leave it in their truck for now,” Mr.
Hansen said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry and Danny, this is
Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He joined Herb and I several
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust him completely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek blushed at his employer’s
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I only do what needs doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen walked over to Derek and
pulled him into his embrace, kissing him on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Derek, you know that I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek ducked his head, but then raised
his eyes to meet Mr. Hansen’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know
you love me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen slid his arm around Derek’s
waist and said, “Please make yourselves comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner is at 6 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will send Derek to guide you to the dining
room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen guided Derek out of the room
with him, and left Danny and Jerry alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Hansen closed the door and pulled Derek into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Derek, let’s find Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s time to terminate his
employment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek looked troubled, “Why are you
firing him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you liked how he
worked with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I did like him working with me, but he
presumes too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve decided you are
to take his place by my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herb
always wanted me to find someone to fill his place after he passed, and that
someone is you,” Mr. Hansen said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How do you know that we’re a perfect
fit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve only known me for six
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you, but I want you to
be absolutely sure; because I have no intentions of ever leaving you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to be accused of wanting you for
your money, and all kinds of other horrible things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not willing to go through all of that if
you aren’t 100 percent sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
watched you flirt with Charles, and I know you’ve bedded him more than
once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t tolerate that kind of
behavior if we’re going to be in a committed relationship,” Derek said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen gave his lover an injured
look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never violated your trust.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not yet, you haven’t; but we’re not in
a committed relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve made
it clear from the beginning that you weren’t interested in a permanent
arrangement,” Derek said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen said, “Yes, but I want that
to change.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek searched Mr. Hansen’s eyes and
said, “I want that as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
remember; I love you, NOT your money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t be bought and I refuse to let money sway me in any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need your money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents left me well off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly, I saw how money ruined
their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t let that happen to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agreed to act as your servant
while you explored your options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
glad that you’ve arrived at a decision.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen smiled, “You remind me so
much of my Herb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s why I
love you so much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I’m not your deceased partner,
DeLoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful not to confuse your
grief for him with what you believe to be your love for me,” Derek said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen held Derek’s gaze and said,
“I’m in love with the flesh and blood Derek that I’m holding in my arms at this
moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek smiled and said, “Okay, let’s go
take care of Charles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you
intend to do if he turns violent?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Hansen said, “I’ve thought about
that and have taken precautions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Derek raised his eyebrows, but didn’t
ask, knowing that Mr. Hansen wouldn’t divulge his plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked arm in arm down the hall and
down the stairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Once they were alone, Danny looked at
Jerry and asked, “What do you think about his proposal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry replied, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really confused by his behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s obvious that he’s in sexual
relationships with Charles and Derek, but, yet, he claims to be in love with
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m wondering if he isn’t lying to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking we need to reject his offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m don’t like the feeling I’m getting
around here,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I agree with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over and sat down on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, let’s get a shower and enjoy our
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least we have a safe place to
stay for a few days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry got up and walked over to Danny,
taking his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He led him into their
en suite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Platters – The Great Pretender - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzkszgjkj6Q"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzkszgjkj6Q</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Platters – Only You - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r2pEdc1_lI"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r2pEdc1_lI</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-43942823346520435062013-05-20T16:31:00.000-07:002013-05-29T19:26:13.715-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure - Chapter Four<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter Four<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry held Danny in his arms as they
came down from their natural high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was totally relaxed and comfortable, more than he had ever experienced with a
woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It amazed him that he could be
taken to such heights of passion by another guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he never had felt as close to
another human being as he felt to Danny at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more he thought about it, the more it
scared him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had already gone much
further into this relationship than he ever dreamed of going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He and Danny had become very close
friends since the early summer, and that closeness had always had sexual
overtones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, he had wanted to
have sex with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought that
fucking Danny would satisfy his desires for him, and that would be the end of
the physical relationship between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, last night his body had reacted so strongly to Danny’s touch
that it left him with no doubts that he was sexually attracted to him; and,
even more disturbing to him, was the realization that he wanted Danny more than
anyone else in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
just a physical attraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved
everything about this man in his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was still uncomfortable with the fact that he wanted Danny to be more than just
a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That thought brought him up short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was he thinking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never before had he felt this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he had had the occasional fling with a
woman, staying at her place for a short while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, he mostly limited his sexual encounters to visits to a local whore
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way, there weren’t
expectations of a relationship; just sex for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is how he preferred it; no
entanglements, no hurt feelings, and certainly none of the trappings of a nasty
break up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoyed his freedom from
domestic worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">How could he be so sure this was what he
had been looking for all of his life – an intimate relationship with a man?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His confusion about his feelings for Danny
had evaporated over the last 24 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, he knew for certain that he wanted to spend the rest of his life
with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that certainty raised
other questions in his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would
their life together be like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did
they go from here as a couple?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite
his feelings for Danny, did he have the strength and the courage to be his
life-long partner?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Up until now, he had led a very lonely
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew, beyond a shadow of a
doubt, that he didn’t want to be alone anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to be with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nuzzled Danny’s hair and nibbled on his
earlobe as he thought about what made Danny the perfect mate for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was everything he had ever dreamed of
in a spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sexy, funny, and
liked many of the same things he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was patient beyond belief, and most of all he listened with rapt attention to
everything Jerry had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was
a man’s man, kind of like the guys portrayed in cigarette commercials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was confident, strong, and
self-reliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny possessed many of
the character traits that Jerry valued and felt were essential to surviving in
this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, Danny
brought a sense of completeness to Jerry, like they were two parts of a single
whole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, the thing that worried him was the
fact that having sex with a man was illegal, and they could go to jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept going over, in his mind, how they
could keep the true nature of their relationship from being discovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still thinking about a strategy for
hiding their relationship from other people, when Danny put his hand to his
face and asked, “What are you thinking about, that has you so troubled?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny liked the feel of Jerry’s nascent
beard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a bit more than a 5
o’clock shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw the troubled
look on his lover’s face and knew that something was bothering his friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had grown accustomed to Jerry’s mannerisms
and could tell when things weren’t right with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m thinking of ways to
hide our relationship, to keep us out of jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What did you decide?” Danny asked,
gazing into his lover’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We will have to keep moving from place
to place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as we don’t stay too
long in a particular place, no one will get to know us well enough to figure
out that we’re lovers,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How long is too long?” Danny asked,
thinking this would suit him fine since that is how he had already been living
his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He preferred not to be tied
down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It depends on the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, I would say that no more than
two months in any one place should keep us safe,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be like it was for me growing
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother always said that we were
like tumbleweeds being blown from place to place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be carrying on my family’s tradition
of never staying put for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
okay with constantly being on the move?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “As long as I’m
with you, I’m okay with moving around a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve kind of been doing that already, since I was kicked out of my
parents’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found people get
too nosy after a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I think we’ll be okay, especially
since neither of us have feminine traits that would cause someone to question
our relationship,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Not only that, we’re both into the
outdoors, and aren’t shy about putting in a good day’s work,” Danny said,
straddling Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned down and
kissed him, as he felt Jerry growing under him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s your turn to fuck me; since I fucked
you first.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “Has anyone ever
told you that you have beautiful eyes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed and said, “No, they
haven’t, but I’m sure my beautiful eyes aren’t what you’re interested in right
now!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned and said, “You’re right
about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The fire had burned down to a pile of
hot coals that glowed in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
draft of cold air sent a chill down Jerry’s spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He roused himself from his post-coital
stupor, untangling himself from Danny, and knelt in front of the fireplace to
add wood to the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched as the
dry wood began so smolder, then burst into flame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He noticed that all of the logs in the wood
box were pine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant it would burn
quickly, unlike hardwood that would last much longer than these split pine
logs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made a mental note to
replenish their wood supply before they went to bed for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, they wouldn't have to go very
far to fetch the wood, because someone had stacked it neatly along the south
wall of the cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He lay down alongside Danny and pulled
the blanket up over them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
stirred and rolled over, placing his arm over Jerry’s stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry brought his hand to Danny’s face and
ran his fingertips along the chiseled jaw line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny smiled and opened his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love it when you do that,” he said,
bringing his hand up to capture Jerry’s in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned it over with the palm up and
placed his palm on top of Jerry’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
lined up their hands and said, “They are almost exactly the same size, only
your fingers are slightly longer than mine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Over the last few months, Danny had
memorized everything about Jerry that he could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been cautiously optimistic that Jerry
might have an interest in having sex with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, just in case his favorite fantasy didn’t come true; he had committed
to memory every detail of Jerry’s personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even now, he was cataloging things in his mind, hoping to build memories
that would never fade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fear of
losing Jerry fueled this seemingly manic behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their passionate lovemaking had added another
dimension to his mental portrait of Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Comparing his hands to Jerry’s added another layer of pigment to the
picture he was painting in his memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned lecherously, and said, “Just
like my dick is slightly longer than yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s true, but you enjoy being fucked
as much as I do,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So size
isn’t an issue for either one of us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s
hand caressed Jerry’s semi-hard steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny noted Jerry’s troubled expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s just that I can’t believe that I’m
really lying here talking to you about how much we enjoy having sex with a
guy,” he answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still making
mental adjustments as the reality of their relationship sank deeper into his
psyche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why does it have to be a big deal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t we just accept the fact that we love
each other, and leave it at that?” Danny asked, fearing that Jerry was going to
bail out on him; just as things seemed to be working for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry gazed intently into Danny’s
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw the fear in them, and
heard the anxiety in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
placed his hands on either side of Danny’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Danny, I’m not going to leave you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That isn’t what I’m trying to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to work through my feelings of
confusion and uncertainty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know
who I am anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was a
real tough guy who was fiercely independent and had no attachments to
anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I find myself madly in
love with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has changed my
perspective on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t ever
worry about where I was or where I was going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now that we’re in a relationship that has all changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worry about our future together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny took Jerry’s hands in his and
said, “Leave the worrying for another time and place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us enjoy the time we have together,
right here, right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be plenty of opportunities for us
to plan out our lives together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard the pleading in Danny’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fears weren’t unfounded, and Jerry felt
guilty for not being able to hide his worries from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we sleeping in here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Only if you want to sleep in front of
the fire place, I think the bed will be much more comfortable,” Danny replied,
trying to keep his voice light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t want to spoil this night with thoughts of what might happen tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that Jerry might change his mind
about their relationship and leave him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I vote for the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll add a couple more logs to the fire to
keep it from getting too cold in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If you want, we can fire up the wood
burning stove to heat up some water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe there are some hot water bottles in the pantry,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We used them when we were younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad would put them at the foot of the bed to
keep our feet warm,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stood up and walked over to the pantry and opened the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the dim firelight that entered the
pantry, he managed to find two hot water bottles, and turned to show them to
Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See, they are still here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled, as he admired the
beautiful body of his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes
fell on the hot water bottles in Danny’s hands, reminding him that Danny was
waiting for him to respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,
let’s heat the water.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry continued
to watch Danny with a lover’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny walked over and laid the hot water
bottles on the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the
door to the stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wadded up some
old newspaper and placed it inside with some kindling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lit the paper and soon had the fire
burning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He added more wood after the
kindling was burning pretty steadily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He closed the stove and filled a cast iron pot with water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed it on the stove, and returned to
snuggle with Jerry in front of the fire place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny pulled the blankets over them and folded himself around Jerry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny asked, “What do you want to do
tomorrow?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Would you like to do some camping?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could go to Arches National
Monument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have some good places to
camp there,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can take a
couple of the horses down with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t think Golden will mind, and the horses need to be exercised.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Let’s talk to Golden in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we’ll be taking horses
with us, we will need to make sure we take enough supplies with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We already have our camping gear stowed
in the back of the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part is
done,” Danny said, excitement showing in his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved camping with Jerry; but, in the
past, they had always been accompanied by tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, it would be just the two of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know, this will be our first
camping trip alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned, “Are you saying this will
be like our honeymoon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed and replied, “If we were
married, yes, it would be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I wish I could marry you, Danny,” Jerry
said, seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s expression quickly changed and
became serious, “We can still be committed to each other; I mean, like married
people are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “But I want to shout it out
to the entire world that you’re my husband and that you’re mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All mine,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As long as it’s illegal for us to have
intimate relations, we will always have to be on our guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you really sure you want to live a life
in the shadows, always looking over your shoulder, wondering when the police
will show up and throw you in jail for loving me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I love you, Jerry
Wallace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m willing to do whatever it
takes to stay with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Including the risk of being beaten or
killed?” Jerry asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The United
States government persecutes homosexuals, just like the Nazis did during World
War II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eisenhower signed an executive
order banning homosexuals from working for the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that homosexuals are a threat to
national security; because they could be blackmailed, and because they are
psychologically unstable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The FBI
hunted them down, and co-workers were encouraged to inform management of any
suspicious behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who were
found out never found other employment and ended up impoverished, if not
dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of discrimination and
hatred still exists,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But I’ve never heard of that executive
order,” Danny objected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist,
and that it’s not still in force,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“All 50 states have anti-sodomy laws on the books that impose fines and
jail time on homosexual activity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why do you know so much about it?”
Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was surprised that Jerry
would know so much about homosexuality and the laws against it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I worked for the Bureau of Land
Management for a short period of time, and one of my co-workers was caught
having sex with another guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of
them ended up in jail,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
paused and shuddered before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“They were beaten to death by their cell mates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Didn’t the guards try to stop it?”
Danny said, horrified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“They were the ones who instigated the beatings,”
Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Their murderers were
already sentenced to life in prison and had nothing to lose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guards were reprimanded, but no one was
fired or charged with murder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
district attorney refused to bring murder charges against the inmates and the
prison guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overheard the local
county sheriff telling his deputies that they deserved to die.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny was shocked that such callousness
existed in the United States with regard to another human life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had imagined that such atrocities only
occurred in third world countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had been raised to believe in the greatness of the United States and its people,
and how virtuous and beyond reproach they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The image of the officially condoned murder of
two homosexuals clashed with everything he believed about his country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been taught his country was founded
on the principles of freedom and justice for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he found himself wondering what other
falsehoods he had been taught all his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Deeply troubled, he asked, “Why would
someone allow a murder to happen like that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry noted the distress in Danny’s
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hated to cause Danny pain,
but he felt compelled to drive home the dangers they would be facing if they
continued to remain in the relationship they both wanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Most people don’t consider homosexuals
human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have convinced
themselves that homosexuals are abominations and monsters; and, therefore, it
is okay to kill them and eliminate them from society,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They justify their behavior based on their
religious beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard many a
preacher quote the Bible to justify committing the sin of murder.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“My grandparents experienced religious
persecution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they left the Baptist
Church, they had their house burned down by a mob, and their fields were sown
with salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They moved from Georgia to
California, and became very wealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
parents moved to Richfield to be near my mother’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad bought this ranch because he thought we
needed to learn how to work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I remember you told me about this ranch
the first day we met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also told me
that your father kicked you out of the house when you were 17,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Larson took me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his wife let me stay with them until
I graduated from high school,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sheriff Larson couldn’t believe my devoutly religious parents kicked me
out of their home because I didn’t want to attend their church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me he was surprised at my father’s
behavior, because his dealings with people from our church had always been
positive up until that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shocked
him that my father, who held a prominent position in his church, would kick me
out of his house for my refusal to attend his church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“So what did cause your father to disown
you?” Jerry asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew this was
important for Danny to share, because it had such a major impact on his life as
an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to know everything
about this man who had rocked his world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He needed to understand what made him who he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I told my parents I wouldn’t go on a
mission for their church nor would I comply with their demands that I attend
the same church school as my older siblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told them I refused to continue with their program of indoctrination
and brainwashing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was old enough to
make my own decisions about my religious beliefs, and wouldn’t tolerate my
father’s insistence that his beliefs had to be my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accused him of being a ruthless dictator
in our home; and that freedom of expression was all but non-existent in our
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accused him of being a hypocrite,
and that he presented a nice face to other people; but did totally the opposite
at home where no one could witness his true nature.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What did he do then?” Jerry prompted
when Danny paused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“He told me to pack my things and he
would deliver me to the sheriff’s office as I was no longer welcome in his
home,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I packed what few
clothes I had in a pillow case and walked out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me to get into his car and I told
him to fuck off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that I
never wanted to see him or my mother ever again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked the two miles to the sheriff’s
office, and told Sheriff Larson what had happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me I was welcome to live with him
and his family until I graduated from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, I only had a couple of months
left until graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked for him
in the sheriff’s office, filing papers and answering phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped cook the meals for the inmates at
the county jail, and did other chores around the Larsens’ home to earn my
keep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sundays, he told me that I was
more than welcome to attend his church, which advocates that God is love and
accepts everyone, regardless of their religious tendencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t go with him, because I saw their
church as being the same as my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a different denomination, but it taught many of the same
doctrines.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “What did you do after you
graduated?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was really curious to
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had shared their experiences
about moving from job to job, but Danny had never told him about this period of
his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was apparent that it was a
painful time for Danny; living so close to his parents, yet not being a part of
their family anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry wanted to
help Danny heal the wounds that had been inflicted on his tender heart by his
so called Christian parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “One of my friends from high
school got a job working in the pineapple fields in Hawaii; so I applied and
got hired, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent the next
year working there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we decided to
try commercial fishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of us
who worked in the pineapple fields hired on with a fishing boat out of
Seattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked that job for a couple
of years before I tired of fishing, and moved on to a job tending sheep in
Idaho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really liked that job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked with one other guy, but we hardly
ever saw each other, since we were camped at different locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, I drifted from job to job about every
six months or so, until I ended up working at the ranch where I met you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Which job did you like the
best?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had held many different jobs
over the years as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some
jobs he liked and there were others he had hated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned, “Do you really have to
ask?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed, “The last one where you
met me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s right, buck-o,” Danny said,
running his hands over Jerry’s well-muscled chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I never dreamed I would find such a
handsome man to be my partner.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
leaned over and kissed Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled
back and said, “I think the water is boiling now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got up and walked over to the stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will you hold the bottles while I fill
them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry joined his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arm around Danny’s waist and
kissed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released him and picked
up the rubber hot water bottle and removed the lid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held it over the sink while Danny poured
in the hot water with a coffee cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When the two bottles were filled, Danny
said, “Let’s go to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry gathered up their blankets and
pillows, carrying them into the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bed was an old brass bed with a mattress that sat directly on the
springs which creaked loudly at the slightest movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good thing they were in the cabin
by themselves, because having sex on this bed would be a very noisy
affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of having sex with
Danny in this bed brought a smile to his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He quickly made the bed, placing the hot water bottles, wrapped in
towels, at the foot of the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny saw Jerry’s smile and asked,
“What’s the smile for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I was thinking of having sex with you
in this bed,” Jerry said, as they climbed into it, pulling the covers up to
their chins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and said, “I can’t wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry pulled Danny into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny molded his body to Jerry’s and soon
the two lovers were fast asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Golden waited at the
main house for the boys to show for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they hadn’t shown up by 9 AM, he loaded the food onto a big tray,
grabbed his winter coat, and made his way down to the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knocked on the door, but there was no
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the door and walked
inside, closing the door behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked over and set the tray down on the little table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he looked around the room, his mind was
flooded with memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his wife
lived here for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were
the happiest years of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
still lived here during the summer, when Danny’s parents came down for the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had moved north to Salt
Lake City more than ten years before, leaving the management of the ranch in
his hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to the
fireplace and extended his hand over the ashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could feel there was still some heat
there, and decided to light the fire for the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out a couple of sheets of old
newspaper that he kept in the wood box for starting fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He crumpled it up and used it to brush away
the ashes from the live coals hidden there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He placed some kindling on top of the paper and began blowing the
exposed coals until the paper caught fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Originally, the Eccles hadn’t installed any other heating in the cabin;
but after a pipe froze one year, Golden had convinced them to put in electric
heat strips along the baseboards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
strips provided enough heat to keep the pipes from freezing, but that was just
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden had always built a big
fire in the fireplace to keep the place comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, there was the small wood burning
stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped as well, but it burned
through wood at a much faster rate than the fireplace, despite its small size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought about the many midnight trips to
the wood pile to restock his wood box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He remembered how she would greet him after he came in from the cold,
pulling him into to bed with her, to warm him up, she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He missed her terribly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That done, he decided it was time to
wake the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to the
doorway between the main room of the cabin and the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys had left the door open to allow the
heat from the fireplace to warm the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stopped and stared at what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he stood there, he realized that Jerry and Danny were more than just
good friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around and
walked over to the couch and sat down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdunZX7g9gU/UZ7HQ7-b8bI/AAAAAAAAAgU/xsGuRxeMIAc/s1600/EcclesRanch01705012013_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdunZX7g9gU/UZ7HQ7-b8bI/AAAAAAAAAgU/xsGuRxeMIAc/s320/EcclesRanch01705012013_2326.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stared at the tapestry that hung on
the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing it; but not really
registering that it was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
tapestry had been given to him and his wife many years before, by Danny’s
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It showed a mother black bear
with her three cubs, deep in the forest, with the cubs playing on a fallen
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He usually grew nostalgic as he sat staring
at it, but not this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
shocked at what he saw, and wasn’t sure how to react.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought about Danny, and everything his
family had put him through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had seen
how happy Danny was yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hadn’t known then that Jerry was the source of that happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious to him now that he had no
right to spoil that happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hadn’t agreed with Danny’s parents and how shabbily they had treated him, and
he wasn’t about to join them in destroying Danny’s happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having decided that Danny’s relationship
with Jerry was none of his business; he got up and walked over to the
doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could see the contentment
in their faces, even as they slept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
looked like he and Delores must have looked when they slept there, happy and
content in each other’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded
to himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he was making the
right decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good morning, boys,” Golden said,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry opened his eyes and looked at
Golden in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was about to ask
him how he got into the cabin, when he remembered that there wasn’t a lock on
the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello, Golden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “I brought you
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you two didn’t show up
to eat this morning, I thought I had better check on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny rubbed the sleep from his eyes and
yawned widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat up and said,
“Good morning, Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
bringing breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome, Danny Boy,” Golden
turned to leave their bedroom, but then turned back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Boys, I don’t have a problem with you two
being lovers, but please be careful not to let anyone else know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to see you hurt or thrown in
jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very hard on me and the
wife when your parents kicked you out of their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to lose you again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gazed steadily into Danny’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
were always our favorite of all the children, and you still are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to be happy, and I can see that
this man here is who makes you happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never been religious, so I don’t have any hang ups with you two
loving each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I’ve already
said, be very careful to hide your relationship from the rest of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A love like yours is much too precious to
let others ruin because of their religious prejudices and their hatred of
things they don’t understand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned
and left the room, whistling a song that neither of them recognized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked over at Jerry and said,
“Well, that went well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Yes, it did, but it could
have ended very badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need
to get a lock for that door today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached up and brushed the hair out of Danny’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved his amazing blue eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked almost ice blue this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, they had darkened to the color
of sapphires as Danny’s passion for him had grown in heat and intensity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had commented on Danny’s beautiful
eyes, he had meant it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were truly
mesmerizing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can get it when we pick up our
supplies for our camping trip,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Great idea,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They got up and padded across the room
and into the main room of the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set
out on the little round kitchen table was a hearty breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat down and made short work of
devouring the tasty meal Golden had brought them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We have to light the hot water
heater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It burns propane, and I’m sure
that it’s not been lit since everyone left in the fall,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry asked, “Why didn’t you mention it
last night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could have lit the pilot
light sooner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I honestly forgot about it until now,”
Danny said, defensively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up
and walked over to the pantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
opened it and found the long matches used to light it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here are the matches.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry couldn’t help admiring his lover’s
athletic build as Danny walked into the bathroom and opened the closet that
held the hot water heater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knelt
down and took off the metal plate that covered the opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned the knob to pilot, struck a match
and reached in to light the pilot light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The flame caught and he turned the knob to on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The burner roared to life as the flames
spread quickly from one nozzle to the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replaced the metal plate and rejoined
Jerry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s all taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have hot water in about 15
minutes,” Danny said, looking at Jerry’s crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He met Jerry’s eyes and knew what was on
Jerry’s mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned and said,
“Let’s clean up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cleared his dishes
from the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry followed him over
to the sink, bringing his dirty dishes to join Danny’s in the sink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They washed up the dishes together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had finished, Jerry wrapped his
arms around Danny’s waist from behind, kissing the base of his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nibbled on his earlobe and said, “I’m
going to make love to you right here and now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was as good as his word!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry collapsed against his lover,
clinging to him as his body completely relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I’ve always wanted to have sex in
the kitchen, but women aren’t really into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They always want to be comfortable, and it kind of spoils it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny turned his head and met Jerry’s
lips in a deeply passionate kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
here to fulfill all your wildest dreams, sweetheart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry still wasn’t used to his best friend
calling him sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got a funny
look on his face that caused Danny to ask, “What’s wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I say something I shouldn’t have?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry responded, “No, nothing is
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that you called me
sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t recall that you’ve
used that term of endearment before with me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you want me to call you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not sure,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I don’t want us to slip up in public by
using terms like honey, babe, sweetheart, and lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to be something no one would
recognize as something they would call their wife or husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought for a moment, then snapped his
fingers and said, “That’s what you should call me, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m your partner or roommate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way no one will know that we’re
lovers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry put his hands on the
counter and pushed himself up, freeing Danny from his embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry turned him around and kissed him
deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny put his arms around Jerry’s neck
and said, “Let’s get a shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
water should be hot by now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked hand in hand into the
bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry started the water
running in the tub and adjusted the temperature before pulling the lever for
the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped into the tub,
pulling Danny in with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
reached up and pulled the shower curtain across the opening to prevent water spraying
all over the bathroom floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
washed each other and let their hands roam each other’s bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “Thank you for
making my life so wonderful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
tenderly kissed Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned off
the water and they stepped out of the tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They dried each other off, maintaining contact with each other as much
as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said, “I think this
must be what it’s like to be newlyweds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to touch you and I never want to let you go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure you’re right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked into their bedroom and got
dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They grabbed their winter
coats and walked up the lane to the main ranch house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door opened when they reached it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “Please come in,
boys.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came in and sat down in the
chairs next to the potbelly stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Golden joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could see
they weren’t sure what to say to him, so he said, “Let me repeat what I said
down at the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t care that
you two love each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have
to act any different around me than you normally would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not condemning you, and, to be honest,
what you two do in your own bedroom is your own business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I made myself clear?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They nodded their heads that they
understood what he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry said,
“Thank you for not judging us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We were worried that you would call the
sheriff,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden looked horrified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would never do that to you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your parents may have disowned you, but I
never did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s eyes were bright with
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swallowed hard before he
could speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve wanted to come back
here, but I didn’t dare, given how Dad and I parted ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Your mother was devastated,” Golden
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She threatened to leave your
father, but he managed to convince her to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told her that he wouldn’t allow her to
destroy the rest of the family by leaving him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the end, she bowed to his wishes and stayed with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She refused to sleep with him and moved into
her own room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I know, they
still have separate rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mother
used to confide in my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how
I know what happened after you left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your Dad thought he could make her happy by moving to the big city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it changed anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank
you for telling me,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
wondered what happened after I left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “That is all ancient
history now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and asked,
“What are you boys planning to do today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We want to borrow a couple of horses
for a few days and go camping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan
to go to Mesa Verde to see the cliff dwellings and then to Moab.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re going to Arches,” Golden said,
smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That was your favorite place
to go horseback riding and camping.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “It was, and I
hope to make it our favorite.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took
Jerry’s hand in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’ve decided we
won’t stay here very long, Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
don’t want to risk being found out; and the longer we stay the greater the
danger for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden nodded his head in
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry it has to be
that way, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to know
that I will help you in any way I can.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden stood up and walked over the
kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shuffled through some
papers and said, “I think you’ll need these maps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used them a few weeks ago when we went out
to cut pine trees for the saw mill.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He walked over and handed them to
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry leaned over and looked at
the maps in Danny’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s
perfect, Golden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“If you’re taking two horses, you’ll
need to take a bigger truck than yours, Jerry,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you’ll leave me your keys, you can take
my truck instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s got a bigger
engine and there’s more room in the back for all the supplies you’ll need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled and said, “Thank you for
your generosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had wondered how we
would pull the horse trailer while being loaded down with enough supplies to
keep us and the horses fed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They spent the rest of the morning
getting things ready for our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ate lunch with Golden before setting out
on their little road trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They arrived
a few hours later at the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked into Moorehead Campground, and
then talked to the park ranger about the best way to see the park. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recommended driving over to see the Cliff
Palace before sunset, and then seeing the rest of the cliff dwellings the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took care of the horses and then unhitched
the horse trailer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did as he
suggested and drove to the scenic overlook to see the cliff palace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R10Pfkuf4io/UZ7HemdwjtI/AAAAAAAAAgc/19JM-Ehvi4A/s1600/MesaVerde101605012013_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R10Pfkuf4io/UZ7HemdwjtI/AAAAAAAAAgc/19JM-Ehvi4A/s320/MesaVerde101605012013_2324.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_7HKReavYQ/UZ7He4F7pKI/AAAAAAAAAgg/goN9VwP4jIE/s1600/MesaVerde201805012013_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_7HKReavYQ/UZ7He4F7pKI/AAAAAAAAAgg/goN9VwP4jIE/s320/MesaVerde201805012013_2326.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Indians, Mesa
Verde National Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They toured the remaining cliff
dwellings the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They camped
there for two more days riding their horses around the park before driving west
and south to Moab, Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They passed
the entrance to Arches National Monument on the way to Moab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s the entrance right there,” Danny
said, pointing to the sign announcing the park entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I saw it, Babe, but we need a place to
stay for the night where we can let the horses out of their trailer,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be better to let the
horses rest up before we take them into the park.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There’s a campground our family used every
time we came here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s still in
business.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They crossed the Colorado River just
before reaching the small community that is Moab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHzHCufqLJI/UZ7HnyINotI/AAAAAAAAAgs/D8D58r862VI/s1600/Moab02005012013_2327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHzHCufqLJI/UZ7HnyINotI/AAAAAAAAAgs/D8D58r862VI/s320/Moab02005012013_2327.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Colorado River near Moab, Utah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They bought more supplies in Moab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They found the campground Danny’s family
used and checked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, they
drove back to Arches National Monument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They talked with the park rangers and got permission to ride their
horses, giving them the details they asked for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny enjoyed telling Jerry of his childhood
memories of the many trips his family made to Arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gtuxn9u750/UZ7HyRi5k5I/AAAAAAAAAg0/uwSz6XmFVtw/s1600/Arches006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gtuxn9u750/UZ7HyRi5k5I/AAAAAAAAAg0/uwSz6XmFVtw/s320/Arches006.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e21pAHfvZq0/UZ7Hy9jLjXI/AAAAAAAAAhA/1llXf6_ujxg/s1600/Arches2101905012013_2327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e21pAHfvZq0/UZ7Hy9jLjXI/AAAAAAAAAhA/1llXf6_ujxg/s320/Arches2101905012013_2327.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Arches National Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Upon their return, they spent their
first evening with Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sat
around the potbelly stove and he regaled them with stories about Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny held Jerry’s hand and laughed at the
sometimes embarrassing stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later that night, Jerry took Danny into
his arms and said, “I’m so glad we got to spend some time alone, but I’m also
grateful to Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His stories of your
childhood were great!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled, “It was good to remember
the many good times I had as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has made me realize that my parents were doing the best they could to
provide us with a good education and opportunities for us to improve
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most of all, I needed to
be reminded that my life with my parents was a good one, despite my
disagreement with their religious views.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry put his hand to Danny’s
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope it was enough to let you
begin the healing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you
to be able to let go of the hurt you’ve had to carry with you all of these
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re with me now, and I want
you to be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to leave
behind all of the bad things that have happened to you in the past.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny turned his head and kissed Jerry’s
hand, “I love you, Jerry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I love you, too,” he responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled Danny closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny rested his head on Jerry’s
shoulder and said, “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny relaxed in his lover’s arms, and
Jerry knew he had drifted off to sleep when he heard his breathing slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought to himself, “I’ve found the
perfect partner, and now we’ve begun our lives together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing can stop us now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Author’s Note:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mesa Verde National Park - </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Arches National Park (formerly Arches
National Monument) - </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eisenhower’s Gay Purge - </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.gaypolitics.com/2013/04/29/60th-anniversary-of-federal-governments-gay-purge/">http://www.gaypolitics.com/2013/04/29/60th-anniversary-of-federal-governments-gay-purge/</a></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-80533897821776587372013-04-22T20:20:00.001-07:002013-04-30T20:36:53.755-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure - Chapter Three<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter 3<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Jerry woke up to the
smell of bacon being cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got up
and walked across the hall to the bathroom to relieve himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After washing his hands and brushing his
teeth, he stared into the mirror wondering why he cared so much about fresh
breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never cared about it before,
not even when he had a woman in his bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He called morning breath ‘Dragon’ breath, especially his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had more than one woman tell him he
needed to brush his teeth before he would be allowed to kiss her in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had heard there was a fancy
medical term for bad breath (halitosis or something like that), but didn’t care
to remember it, because bad breath was just that bad breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at his image in the mirror, and
decided he looked presentable enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
face was deeply tanned, as were his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Besides, it was only Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t like he planned on giving Danny a good morning kiss or anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the thought of Danny, he stopped and
stood completely still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched in
amazement at his growing package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this was the impact that thinking of Danny had
on him, he wondered what might happen if they slept together in the same
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That thought made him so hard it
hurt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was wrong with him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was getting all excited over a guy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt how hard he was and decided he
needed to retreat to his bedroom until his state of arousal subsided. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry crossed back to his bedroom,
hoping that Danny couldn’t see him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
hopes were dashed as he crossed the hallway and met Danny’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny smiled and said, “Good morning,
sport.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Good morning, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went into his bedroom and pulled on his
clothes, blushing from his embarrassment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny had noticed Jerry’s morning wood
and thought, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s bigger than Mr.
Hansen!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave himself a mental
shake, realizing that Jerry probably never would consider having sex with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered how Jerry had treated him
after Mr. Hansen had told him that Danny was attracted to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sting of being rejected by Jerry still
hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he reflected on why it bothered
him so much, Danny realized that Mr. Hansen had been right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had fallen in love with Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted their relationship to be the fairy
tale kind of thing where the happy couple lives happily ever after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having sex with Mr. Hansen or Jolene had
been just that, sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he wanted was
someone to love and who loved him in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A deep sense of longing came over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As these thoughts entered his mind, he heard Jerry’s footsteps in the
hallway and looked up to meet his gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There must have been something in his
eyes, because Jerry stopped mid stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What’s wrong, Danny?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
over and sat down on the couch next to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his arm around Danny’s shoulders and said, “Look, Danny, if it’s
about how I treated you on our last trip, I’m really sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t mean to hurt you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s heart was racing and Jerry’s
touch sent a thrill down his spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
body reacted to Jerry’s touch even stronger than it had to Jolene’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny knew, without a doubt, that this man
was his Mr. Right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem was
convincing Jerry of that fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
ducked his head, trying to hide his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t want to give away any of his thoughts, at least not now, not
with Jerry’s arm around his shoulders and his leg rubbing against his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you didn’t mean to offend me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re good, Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny turned his head to look at Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was surprised to find Jerry’s face only
inches from his; close enough for him to catch the scent of the minty
toothpaste Jerry had used to brush his teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny looked deeply into Jerry’s brilliant emerald eyes, waiting for
Jerry to break his gaze or move back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry raised his hand to Danny’s face
and said, “I will never intentionally hurt you, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment, Danny thought Jerry was going
to kiss him; but was disappointed when Jerry stood up and asked, “When’s
breakfast?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry saw the look of disappointment on
Danny’s face and knew, with a certainty, that he wanted Jerry to kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had wanted to kiss Danny, but that
thought had scared him, causing him to quickly stand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Jerry could say anything more, Danny
said, “It’s on the table.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He stood up and walked over to the
little table and sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry joined
him and said, “I feel like we should say grace because I’m grateful not only
for the food you cooked, but also for your willingness to forgive me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny blushed, but he said, “Okay”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll say it,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He began, “I thank you, God, for the food
and I’m especially grateful for sending Danny back to me, Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny murmured, “Amen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know what to think about where he
stood with Jerry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled across the table at
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What shall we do today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I want to drive up to Old Faithful and
watch the geysers go off,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve been there many times, but I still enjoy being there when it
erupts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Do you want to stay overnight at the
Old Faithful Inn?” Jerry asked with a sly smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought to himself, “It can be like were
dating each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never really
courted anyone before; I think this will be fun for both of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “That sounds like fun.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided not to worry about things and just
take things one moment at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay, let’s go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can’t get a room in the inn, we can
always sleep in the back of the truck; so bring your sleeping bag,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They quickly cleaned up their dishes and
gathered a few things before jumping into Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove north and entered Yellowstone
National Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They spent the rest of that weekend
enjoying each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact
the rest of the summer passed in much the same manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men developed such a close rapport
that most people thought they were brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They worked so well together, Mr. Baker started using them as trainers
for his new tour guides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One day in late autumn, Mr. Baker called
them into his office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just
before quitting time, and they had been out in the barn caring for the
horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard found them and told
them they were wanted in the front office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They sat down in front of his desk and waited for him to finish talking
on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he hung up, he said,
“Thanks for coming into the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think you know that the summer tourist season is over, and that there aren’t
many tours this late in the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve let most of the other tour guides go and have kept you two onboard
as long as I could; but I’m afraid I have to let you go, as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “We appreciate what you’ve
done for us, Mr. Baker.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker smiled and said, “I haven’t
done anything out of the ordinary, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m a businessman, like any other, and my only objective is to maximize
my profit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two are in high demand
and make our clients happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be
foolish not to keep you guys busy; otherwise, I would face the risk of losing
some of my clientele to my competitors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “We’ve been saving money to
tide us over until the tourist season kicks in next year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry told me what you were doing and I’m
glad to see you’re planning ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
what a good businessman does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll let
you know when I have work for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you move to a new place, please let me know how I can reach you in the
spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what I owe you from you
last trip plus the tip the guys left you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He handed them each an envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry and Danny looked in their respective
envelopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry smiled and said,
“That’s quite a bit of money.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it is; however, you earned every
penny,” Mr. Baker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sure that
it will tide you over until the spring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That, plus what we’ve saved already,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker stood up and shook their
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s been good working with you
this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to seeing
you next spring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guys left his office and walked out
to Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had taken to
driving Jerry’s truck, since Danny’s was so unreliable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It kept breaking down and Jerry had to use
his truck to tow Danny’s back to their place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, it was out of commission at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Snow had fallen during the night and the
temperatures had fallen throughout the day, leaving a hard crust of ice on top
of the newly fallen snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither one
of them owned snow boots; so they walked carefully across the icy parking lot
toward Jerry’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their cowboy
boots weren’t exactly made for walking on ice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one point, Jerry slipped and grabbed Danny’s arm to keep from taking
a fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They managed to get into the
truck without mishap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Let’s grab us some grub on
the way home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Do you mind trying out one
of those steak places?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m starving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned, “Okay, let’s celebrate
being unemployed!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny laughed, “You are one crazy guy!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry drove them into town where they
found a suitable restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they
finished, Jerry drove them back to their apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry opened the door and walked inside, shedding
his coat and hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “It sure
seems cold in here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny, following him inside, said,
“You’re right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the furnace is out
of commission.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry made his way to the back of the
hallway and looked at the old furnace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure enough it wasn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “I’ll go around front and tell Mrs. Campion.” He grabbed his
coat and hat and disappeared outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Danny read the directions on
the outside of the furnace and tried to get it going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry returned and said, “She’ll get
somebody out to fix it in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She gave me a couple of extra blankets to get us through the night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He put them down on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked them over and said, “They seem
a little threadbare to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Maybe we should use our
sleeping bags.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be better than these old
things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got their sleeping bags
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny rolled his out on the couch,
putting a pillow at the opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
got his and unzipped it, spreading it out on top of his bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good night, Danny,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went into his room and stripped off his
clothes and jumped under the covers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
soon drifted off to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He woke up in
the middle of the night wondering what had awakened him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could hear Danny’s teeth chattering in
the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought, “Two of us
in the same bed should be able to keep warm.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He got out of bed and walked into the front room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny was
lying on the couch trying to keep warm, but not succeeding; when Jerry came
into the room and said, “Danny, get your skinny rump in here and get into bed
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hear your teeth
chattering so much it’s keeping me awake.”</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stood
up and dragged his sleeping bag and blankets with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll add my blankets to yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, get into bed before our
balls freeze off!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny did
as Jerry commanded and climbed in beside Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny avoided physical contact with him as
he pulled the blankets over himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry said, “Danny, sharing a bed means sharing your warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t do that by being so shy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get over here so I can get warm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny moved
closer and Jerry reached out, pulling him into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry gazed into his eyes and said, “I’ve
wanted you in my bed some time now, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m glad the furnace gave me an excuse to get you here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
kissed Danny with a fiery passion that surprised him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they came up for air, Danny said,
“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve only dreamed of being kissed
like that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m happy
to make your dreams come true,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve wanted to kiss you since the day you came home from Jenny Lake
last summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
remember,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you
were going to kiss me, but you stood up and asked about eating breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
laughed, “It was the only way I could think of not stripping your clothes off
and having sex with you right then and there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny could
feel Jerry’s manhood pressing against him, dueling with his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does this mean you’ll fuck me tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
didn’t answer him directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed
him and pulled off Danny’s briefs as well as his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny ran his hands over Jerry’s chest,
enjoying the feel of his muscles under his fingertips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny gazed into Jerry’s eyes and knew his
dreams were about to come true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next
morning, Danny awoke in Jerry’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry felt Danny move and he shifted his position to allow Danny to roll
over to face him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny smiled at his
lover and said, “Thank you for everything, Jerry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“No, thank you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never had
such good sex in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intend to
never leave your side, so don’t get any ideas about going anywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny
grinned, “I’d hoped you would say that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“I mean it, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell in love with
you long ago and just couldn’t bring myself to admit it, until recently.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve loved
you since we first met,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen told me that and I
freaked out,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s an
understatement if I ever heard one,” Danny said, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“I know, I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a huge mistake
and I’ve apologized for it many times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said,
“Yes, you have and you more than made up for it last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
smiled, “I’m glad you think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are
we going to do, since the furnace isn’t working?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s
drive down to my parents’ ranch in Richfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They won’t be there until next summer and I know the caretaker pretty
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can stay there for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure Golden will appreciate our help with
milking the cows and feeding the cattle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sounds
like a plan,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get
showered before we both freeze.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,”
Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We should pay our rent in
advance, unless you think we should let this place go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
thought for a few minutes and said, “Let’s give our notice and not keep this
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re going to be lovers, we
can’t stay in one place for too long, because people will figure it out and
then we’ll end up in jail.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny
looked at Jerry and asked, “Do you really think we would end up in jail?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
do,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We will have to be
very careful about what we do in public, Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said,
“I’ve hidden the fact that I’m attracted to other men for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
first noticed I liked other guys when I was 12 years old.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You hid it
pretty well, until you met me, you mean,” Jerry said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny
smiled and said, “You kind of overwhelmed me with your good looks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry took
Danny’s hand and said, “Let’s stop the chit-chat and get into the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m freezing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The shower
stall was barely big enough for them both to stand under the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry held Danny in his arms and kissed him
deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I can get used to
showering with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They finished
showering and then dried each other off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They got dressed and packed their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They cleared out their gear and stowed it in the back of Jerry’s
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny asked, “What am I going to
do with my truck?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let Mrs.
Campion sell it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t need it,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s in pretty bad shape
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would be better off buying
a new one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds like a good
idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They talked to their landlady,
leaving her a month’s rent as well as the keys and the title to the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were soon on the way south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they passed through Richfield, Danny
directed Jerry to take a couple of side roads until they reached a dirt
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned in and drove across a
railroad tie bridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said,
“That’s the Sevier River we just crossed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It runs along our property line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ranch house is just ahead.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pointed to the saw mill and said, “We go up into the mountains a
couple of times a year and bring down timber that we cut on that saw blade.” <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxPY9EBcNl8/UYCM9DXoTaI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Qa_XZdgtIaU/s1600/richfieldfarm00904132013_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxPY9EBcNl8/UYCM9DXoTaI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Qa_XZdgtIaU/s320/richfieldfarm00904132013_1331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw Mill on the Eccles Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGY9keiLrqM/UYCM9AlpHYI/AAAAAAAAAdY/T4rT1wzlu8I/s1600/richfieldfarm201004132013_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGY9keiLrqM/UYCM9AlpHYI/AAAAAAAAAdY/T4rT1wzlu8I/s320/richfieldfarm201004132013_1331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw Mill on the Eccles Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve
constructed all of our buildings out of the timber we have cut ourselves,”
Danny said, pointing to the main ranch house and the dairy barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See that log cabin?” Danny asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“Yeah, what about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I helped
my dad and my brothers build that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nobody lives in it now, but I think we can convince Golden to let us use
it,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not very big,
but we won’t need a lot of space.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“It looks cozy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said,
“It doesn’t have furnace in it; but there is a fireplace and a wood burning
stove to cook on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see, we
have a lot of wood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said,
“Yes, I can see that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As they
drew even with the little log cabin, Danny pointed to the pasture behind it,
“That’s where we keep our horses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry
looked and saw four horses eating from a feed trough near the gate to the
pasture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are beautiful horses.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Dad has
always had a good eye for fine horses,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every summer, we would ride the horses up
into the Kimberlies and camp for several weeks at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really lovely up there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll have to show you the Kimberly
Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t as picturesque
as the Grand Tetons, but they are still pretty impressive.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled as Danny pointed out the
different out buildings to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled into the gravel driveway of the ranch house and parked the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Danny and asked, “You really love
this place, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMJNp9V5NQ/UYCNQUgB1JI/AAAAAAAAAdk/87Pxb9YNn1M/s1600/richfieldfarm301104132013_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMJNp9V5NQ/UYCNQUgB1JI/AAAAAAAAAdk/87Pxb9YNn1M/s320/richfieldfarm301104132013_1331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kimberly Mtns. as seen from the Eccles Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DipuSOKRu5Q/UYCNQgI3ApI/AAAAAAAAAdo/gVmqqaeLCyg/s1600/richfieldfarm401204132013_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DipuSOKRu5Q/UYCNQgI3ApI/AAAAAAAAAdo/gVmqqaeLCyg/s320/richfieldfarm401204132013_1330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kimberly Mtns. as seen from the Eccles Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned, “Yes, I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My fondest childhood memories are of riding
horses, camping and playing in the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could just be myself here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t have to worry about pretending to be someone I wasn’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “It is very pretty here
between the mountains and the river.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They got out of the truck and walked up
to the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny knocked and
the door was opened by a short, balding man with long gray hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had small blue eyes under bushy gray
eyebrows, a red, round nose, and a small mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up at the two men and said, “If it
isn’t Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is your friend?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“This is Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry, this is Golden,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s nice to meet you,” Jerry said,
extending his hand to shake Golden’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Come inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s too cold to stand on the porch and
chat,” Golden said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They followed him inside the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a log house and had a rustic look
both inside and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walls were
hung with tapestries showing hunting scenes of various types.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a big, potbelly stove in the
center of the room that radiated heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were several chairs drawn up around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Golden pointed to them and said, “Have a
seat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They sat down and Golden asked, “What
brings you fellas out to the ranch in the middle of the winter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We were hoping we could stay in the log
cabin and help you out on the ranch for a few months,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden raised his eyebrows and asked,
“You’re not asking to be paid are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, we can fend for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that the furnace in our place in
Jackson Hole went on the blink and we decided we could do better staying here,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden grinned, “I can use the help and
I’m willing to provide meals in return for your labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it’s your Dad’s place, I guess I can’t
charge you rent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please don’t tell my family I’m here,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden said, “Not a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get on well with your folks any how;
so it won’t be hard to keep your presence here a secret.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Why do you stay?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Because I like the work and I’m too old
to make a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your father pays me
too well for me to up and quit,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Have you two eaten?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, we haven’t,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve made a pot of stew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re welcome to help yourselves,” Golden
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to a pot on the stove.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny walked over to the cupboard and
got out two bowls and pulled out a couple of spoons from the silverware
drawer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ladled out the stew into the
bowls and handed one to Jerry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry tasted a spoonful and said, “This
is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for sharing with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden beamed at Jerry’s
compliment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re most welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was forced to learn to cook for myself
after my wife died.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“How long ago did she pass?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry asked, between mouthfuls of stew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“She’s been gone 11 years now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny, you should remember Delores,” Golden
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was a wonderful cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved her mincemeat pies,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me, too,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We lived in the log cabin you saw as you
came up the lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you sure you want
to stay down there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, we’re sure, Golden,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we’ll join you for most
mealtimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can take a turn at cooking
so you won’t have to cook for the three of us all of the time,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That sounds good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be glad for the help with feeding the
cattle and milking the cows,” Golden said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Fortunately, you father sold most of the dairy cows last fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept two cows to provide me with more
than enough milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you boys will help
me with the milking, I’d appreciate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hate getting up early in the morning to milk the cows.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “We’ll do our part; however,
we aren’t taking over all of your duties.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Golden laughed, “I wondered if you
wouldn’t speak up sooner or later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
glad you can stand up for yourself, Jerry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny and Jerry finished eating and
washed up their dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for the
meal, Golden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you mind if we walk
down to the cabin and set things right in there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Go right ahead, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep it well stocked with food, and
there’s plenty of wood for the fireplace and the wood stove,” Golden said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The guys stood up and took their
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked down the snow
covered lane to the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny turned
the handle and opened the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
remember helping Dad to hang this door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just barely big enough to hold it steady.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They entered the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny pointed to the windows and said, “I
put the windows in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to
the window sill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here is where I
carved my initials in the wood.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry walked over and stood behind
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put his arms around Danny’s
waist as he looked over his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Didn’t your dad get upset at you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“No, he didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he carved his initials next to
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See them right here,” Danny said,
putting his index finger next to his father’s initials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dad said our initials would always be
together here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so close to my
Dad that day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish things were still
that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times I really miss
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry felt Danny shiver and asked, “Are
you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I’m good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that it’s been over 10 years since
I saw my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They haven’t tried to
contact me nor have I tried to contact them,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Today is the first time I’ve been back to
our ranch since I left home at age 17.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sorry that you’ve been alone for
the last 17 years,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But
now that you’ve found me, you won’t be alone anymore.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned Danny around and kissed him
deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When they came up for air, Danny said,
“I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry replied, “I love you, too.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cupped Danny’s cheek in his hand and
said, “I want to make love to you Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny grinned and said, “Let’s start a
fire first, and then we can check out the bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry returned Danny’s grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That sounds like a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we can have sex in front of the
fireplace instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d really like to
do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We’ll have to find a way to lock the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want Golden walking in
on us,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We never put locks
on the door because no one lives around us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“We can buy a new doorknob that locks
when we’re in town,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
walked over to the fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wadded
up some newspaper that was stacked next to the wood box, then, laid some
kindling on top of it, before lighting the paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long before there was a nice warm
fire going in the fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny walked into the bedroom and
brought out a thick blanket and a couple of pillows to put down in front of the
fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry pulled Danny into his
embrace and said, “Let me show you how much I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">To Be Continued…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></span><br />SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-14904528304615204262013-04-19T19:38:00.000-07:002013-05-24T13:51:50.070-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure - Chapter Two<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A Tumbleweed Adventure – Chapter Two<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After leaving the dude ranch parking lot,
Jerry drove into town and pulled into the parking lot of a local bar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so angry with Danny for making him
wait for so long and not having the courage to tell him he wasn’t coming home
with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he was even angrier
with himself for how poorly he had treated Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had intended to apologize to him as they
drove home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, he wouldn’t have that
chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He felt like a real fool for
not talking to Danny about his feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, he didn’t have a chance to talk to Danny alone because Danny
never left Mr. Hansen’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His feelings
of jealousy toward Mr. Hansen confused him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had been relieved to hear Danny tell Mr. Hansen that he wasn’t going
to San Francisco with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these
thoughts left him feeling forlorn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that he was going home to an empty apartment depressed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed a stiff drink, but he didn’t want
to risk being thrown out of the bar at closing time; because he knew he wouldn’t
stop at just one drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt so
guilty about his treatment of Danny that he knew he needed to deaden his
conscience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled out of the
parking lot and drove to the liquor store instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loaded up on his favorite vodka, bourbon
and scotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove home and proceeded
to drink himself into a stupor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** *** <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Danny helped Richard instruct
the visitors on the basics of riding a horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most had never been on horseback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was one particular young woman that caught Danny’s eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was standing with three other young
women who appeared to be her friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
he only had eyes for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a
gorgeous brunette with hazel eyes, an easy smile, and an hourglass figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite his aversion to having sex with a
woman, he was still susceptible to the wiles of a beautiful woman, especially
one who always got her way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny saw
her making her way over to him and quickly looked away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She planted herself in front of him and introduced
herself, “Hi, I’m Jolene Peterson.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had been so tongue tied that she laughed and said, “Why, I’ve never left a man
speechless before.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Before he could respond, Richard came
over to Danny and said, “Let’s get this show on the road.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny nodded his head and said,
“Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard, this is Jolene
Peterson.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard smiled and extended his hand to
her, “It’s nice to meet you, Ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She flashed Richard a Cheshire cat smile
and said, “Please call me Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
very excited to be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do so love
horseback riding.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way she said it
left no doubt that she wasn’t talking about riding the four-legged animals
tethered to the fence next to them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “May we help you mount
your horse?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Most certainly, I love the feel of a
strong man’s hands around my waist,” she replied, placing her hand on his
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard grinned and walked her over
to her horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He easily lifted her into
the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled coyly at him and
said, “Thank you, Richard.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “You’re welcome,
Jolene.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man was clearly captivated
by the woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned around and
spotted Danny staring at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
winked at Danny and gave him the ‘thumbs up’ sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moved to the next group of tourists and
waved Danny over to help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When they finally had everyone on
horseback the two cowboys walked over to their horses and climbed into the
saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard led the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They followed him in single file, with Danny
bringing up the rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His thoughts kept
returning to Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His fascination
with her puzzled him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could he be
attracted to her when he had just spent the last few days with Mr. Hansen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had made love multiple times each
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memories of those nights
caused his jeans to become uncomfortably tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His state of arousal only caused him more
confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His attraction to other men
was as much a part of him as breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His entire life had been spent hiding it from family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen’s ability to see him for who he
was amazed Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was part of the
reason he had decided to submit to his physical desires and moved into Mr.
Hansen’s tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All of his life he had yearned to find
someone who understood him and wouldn’t reject him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen met that need; however, Danny had
rejected his offer to become his life partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny enjoyed the sex; but wanted a long term relationship with someone
closer to his own age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference
in age between them was the main reason he thought of DeLoy as Mr. Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just couldn’t bring himself to call Mr.
Hansen by his first name, despite Mr. Hansen’s insistence that since they were
lovers, they should be on a first name basis with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As the trail approached Jenny Lake, Danny
felt a twinge of excitement, unrelated to Mr. Hansen or Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved Jenny Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s cold, clear water held a great number
of fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, for Danny, the best
thing about Jenny Lake was the breathtaking scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and
Jerry had taken two groups of tourists on camping trips to Jenny Lake and one
other on a fishing trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each trip had
opened up new vistas for Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
light on the water at different times of the day or the clouds that gathered
around the peaks of the mountains seemed to speak to Danny as he gazed in
wonder at nature’s beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry had
laughed at him when he shared that he felt that nature was speaking to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny had insisted that he felt a
connection to nature here that he had never felt anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt that same connection today as they
moved down to the water’s edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTnFflcj_DI/UXXmuDCjSSI/AAAAAAAAAb0/7rWYmw5p_1o/s1600/jennylake00804132013_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTnFflcj_DI/UXXmuDCjSSI/AAAAAAAAAb0/7rWYmw5p_1o/s1600/jennylake00804132013_1332.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As Danny looked up the line of tourists,
he noticed that Jolene had managed to move her horse to the head of the line
and was talking animatedly to Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was glad that Jolene had turned her attention to Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was glad that this group was to be strictly
a camping trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continued around
the lake until they reached their campsite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The group dismounted and tethered their horses near the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard and Danny instructed the group on
how to care for their mounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They fed
them and groomed them, before setting up the tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard assigned Jerry cooking duty for
their first night out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked at
the menu Richard provided and set to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He soon had a fire going and had a dozen Dutch ovens ready to set on the
coals as soon as the fire burned down enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he was setting the Dutch ovens in the fire, Jolene came over and sat
next to him on a tree stump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked her over and noticed that
she looked great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a hair was out of
place and she looked like she had just stepped off the cover of a
magazine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled, showing perfectly
white teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You never did tell me
your name,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was cultured
and reminded Danny of a sweet melody played on a harp.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He finally answered, after an awkward
silence, “I’m Danny Eccles.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She said, “I like your name, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It suits you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He wasn’t sure what to think about that;
so he ignored her comment and continued placing the Dutch ovens over the coals
of the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t used to being
given the silent treatment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This only
served to strengthen her resolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
meant to have Danny in her tent every night to keep her from being bored on
this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t care if they ever
saw each other again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She just wanted
this man to make this trip a memorable one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, she hoped to bed both of the tour guides if she could manage
it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She stood up and asked, “Will you teach
me how to cook over a fire?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Somehow Danny didn’t think she meant
cooking in the literal sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignoring
her insinuations, Danny answered, “Yes, I can do that if you really want to
learn.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She laid her hand on his arm, almost
caressing it, and said, “I’m a quick study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I promise I won’t disappoint you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Her touch on his arm was
electrifying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she didn’t remove
her hand right away, he moved away from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He smiled at her and said, “Okay, let’s begin with the basics.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard saw Danny giving Jolene cooking
lessons and shook his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew
Jolene’s kind and knew she was trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was mesmerized by her beauty just like every other male in the group;
however, he knew he couldn’t give in to her wiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a wife and two children to worry
about, and couldn’t let a quick fling in a sleeping bag ruin his marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, no one would ever find out; but he
would know, and that is what would cause him more grief than he needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He wondered if he should warn Danny to
avoid the little minx.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been
none too happy when he had told her he was married, and had no intentions of
breaking his wedding vows with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had stomped off in quite a fit of bad temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had finished putting up her tent and then looked over to see Jolene
had found another target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started
toward them, but thought better of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny was a grown man and quite capable of fending for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned away and moved to where his horse
was tethered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He retrieved his tent and
busied himself with putting it up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, Danny, with Jolene’s help,
finished cooking their dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
called out, “Come and get it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The group gathered around the campfire,
where Jolene and Danny served them scalloped potatoes, baked ham, string beans
and peach cobbler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had served
everyone, they filled with own plates and sat together near the fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene said, “Thank you for teaching me
how to cook over a campfire, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her leg rubbed against his as she looked up into his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny murmured, “You’re welcome.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body was reacting to this woman’s touch
and it was very disconcerting to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He concentrated on his food, trying not to show how much of an affect
she had on him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene’s smile widened as she noticed
the tightness of his jeans over his crotch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She knew she had him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finished
eating her food and helped Danny wash up the dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cleaned up around the campfire and
arranged the chairs in a circle around the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t mind the work, especially given
the reward she anticipated collecting later that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier in the day, she had told her
girlfriends that she intended to bed at least one of their guides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was quite proud of herself for bagging
another guy on this trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After dinner, Richard brought out his
guitar and started singing campfire songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The older generation retired soon after the singing began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The younger set decided to play kick-the-can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard said, “Boys, remember you can get
lost pretty easily here; so don’t stray too from the camp.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The teenagers nodded their heads in
understanding and set off to play their game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Richard returned to his singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, singing some ballads as well as some popular western
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene sat close to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She put her arm around his waist and asked,
“Will you sleep in my tent tonight?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t like sleeping alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s
first instinct was to run away from her as fast as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, his body had other ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded his head, but didn’t trust himself
to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s go to bed then.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood up and took his hand to lead him to
her tent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They stopped outside her tent and he
said, “I need to get my stuff.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hoped to escape from her by getting his gear and sleeping in the tent with
Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His hopes were dashed when she
put her arms around his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
molded her body to his and clung to him as if her life depended on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“There’s no need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is plenty of room in my sleeping bag
for both of us,” she said, leaning in to kiss him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She unzipped the tent door and led him
inside, zipping up the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, Danny woke up next to
Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was totally confused by his
feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body had betrayed him and
he had lain with a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sex was
good enough; but he didn’t feel a connection with her, not like he had to Mr.
Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered if he could
actually be bisexual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never
given the idea much thought because he had never been attracted to a woman
before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She stirred and woke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled and said, “Darling, thank you for
a wonderful night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this camping
trip is going to turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kissed him and began caressing his bare
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny took her hand off of his chest and
said, “I need to get up and help Richard.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He crawled out of the sleeping bag and quickly dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He unzipped the tent and stepped out into
the early morning light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He breathed a
sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a deep breath
and made his way to the portable latrine they had set up last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jolene’s scent had clung to him and made him
sick to his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided he
needed to wash himself to get rid of the offensive odor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found his gear, pulling out a towel and a
bar of soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked around the shore
of the lake until he was hidden from camp by a grove of pine trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly stripped out of his clothes and
jumped into the cold, clear water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
coldness of the water took his breath away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He lathered up and hurriedly washed away the dirt from his body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He submerged himself in the water to rinse
off the soap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming to the surface, he
stood up and practically ran out of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He was shivering so violently, he had
great difficulty holding on to his towel as he dried himself off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hurried into his clean clothes, wrapping
his dirty ones inside the damp towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt so much better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still
needed to shave, but at least he smelled clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t shaved for three days now and his
nascent beard was getting to the scratchy stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had worn a beard in his younger days just
to irritate his parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They believed
that a man with facial hair was destined for trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his hand over his whiskers, wishing
he had time to shave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to
camp and stowed his gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked to
the center of the camp and stirred the ashes of last night’s fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding some live coals, he quickly had the
fire blazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got out the cooking
implements and started making breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard came out of his tent, rubbing the
sleep from his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catching sight of
Danny cooking breakfast brought a smile to his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mentally, he thanked his boss, Mr. Baker,
for sending Danny with him on this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked over and said, “Good morning, Casanova.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny glared at him and said, “Why
didn’t you warn me about her?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I figured you could handle her,”
Richard said, smiling broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny snorted and said, “Once she sunk
her claws into me, I couldn’t get away.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard laughed and said, “You are the
first guy I’ve ever met that complained about getting laid!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’m not complaining about the sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that I don’t want her hanging all
over me the rest of the trip,” Danny said, casting a worried glance over at
Jolene’s tent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard let out a hearty laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got no sympathy for you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always a price to be paid if you
want to get a woman to sleep with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny turned over the sausages and asked,
“Is it the same thing after you get married?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes and it gets worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you start having kids, you can forget
about having sex whenever you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything changed when our first boy was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I practically had to beg her to have sex
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost like she blamed
me for all the pain she went through getting the kid here,” Richard said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I finally threatened to go down to the
local whore house if she didn’t relent.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It sounds like getting married is not
all it’s cracked up to be,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Maybe being single is the way to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maybe; but I wouldn’t trade my two boys
for anything in the world,” Richard said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I wouldn’t give up on marriage, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You just need to find the right woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “You could be right about
that, but Jolene isn’t the right one for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As if she knew they were talking about
her, Jolene popped out of her tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, she looked fresh and well put together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny said, “Speaking of Jolene.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene walked up to them and put an arm
around each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
gentlemen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Good morning,
Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I serve you breakfast?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She replied, “Most certainly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He loaded up a plate with pancakes,
sausage and scrambled eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed
it to her and said, “There is syrup for the pancakes on that stump.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the syrup.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She walked over and applied it liberally
to her pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a seat next
to the fire to eat her breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
remainder of the company soon put in an appearance at the campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was joined by three other women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She talked animatedly to them, gesturing
toward Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard looked over at the four women
and said, “Danny, it looks like you may have three more women to service
tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny glanced over at Jolene and her
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He frowned and said, with
disgust, “I hope not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to take a
cold bath in the lake this morning to get her stench off of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard laughed and said, “There is a
certain odor that clings to you after you have sex with a woman; but I’ve never
heard it described that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think
about it, Danny, you could be their stud for the rest of the trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny glared at Richard and said, “I
don’t need to become a breeding stud to satisfy the needs of that group of
women.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard laughed even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’re such a trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any other guy would be happy to have four
good looking women begging him to service them!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I’m not into having sex just for
the sake of having sex,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then why did you sleep with Jolene last
night?” Richard asked, still grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny blushed and said, “I felt trapped,
Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know how to get out
of the situation without offending her.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard nodded his head
sympathetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All you have to do is
tell her that you aren’t interested.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But that wasn’t true last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been so turned on by a woman like
I was by Jolene,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you
ever been in a situation where you desperately wanted to fuck a woman; but, at
the same time, were totally repulsed by her?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened to me yesterday with
Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried to get me to sleep
with her, but I told her I couldn’t because I’m married and have two
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when she turned her
attentions to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One of the college students overheard
their conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had jet black
hair and eyes with a wide, generous mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked like he worked out on the weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His white tank top revealed well-muscled
arms and chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “I couldn’t
help overhearing you guys talking about Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw you with Jolene last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to tell you that she’s had sex
with all of us over the last few days.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He nodded toward the women and said, “In fact, we’ve had sex with all
four of those women.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Thanks for telling
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are you guys from?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “We’re from San Diego.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gestured for his friends to join
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He introduced them, “These are my
roommates, Colton, Darin, and Marlin.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Yes, we met yesterday;
but I didn’t realize you four were roommates.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Colton, a tall lanky kid, said, “We’re
studying at San Diego State University.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had sandy blond hair, watery blue eyes, a hawk-like nose and thin
lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled, showing slightly
crooked teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re math majors.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Darin was the tallest of the four at
6’5” (196 cm.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had dark brown hair,
hazel eyes and a brilliant smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “I’m on the basketball team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These guys keep teasing me that I’m just a dumb jock trying to pretend
at being a math major.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Marlin said, “It’s true, you are just a
dumb jock.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This earned him a punch in
the shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marlin was the shortest
of the four at 5’6” (168 cm.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a
stocky build with brown eyes, light brown hair and ready smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can attest to that fact because I was on
my high school’s wrestling team and I’m proud to count myself to be a dumb jock.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Colton said, “Don’t let Marlin fool
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has the best grades of all of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the only one who didn’t get
laid last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Marlin frowned, “It’s not my fault that
Jolene wanted to try for Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jeb said, “The girls go to school at the
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We met them in Yellowstone National Park last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel with
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I wish I’d known that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t have given her the time of day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jeb laughed, “Somehow I don’t think it
would’ve made much difference, at least not with Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s used to getting her way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I know,” Danny said, ruefully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Marlin said, “I’ll be happy to keep her
occupied for the rest of our trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and asked, “Would you be
willing to do that?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Absolutely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s the best fuck I’ve ever had,” Marlin
said, grinning widely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Mine, too, although her roommates were
pretty good in bed as well,” Colton said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The girls got up from where they were
seated and walked over to join the group of guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jolene smiled at Danny and went over to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is on our agenda for today?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked over at Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard said, “We’re going to ride round the
lake and up to Hidden Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
we’ll ride up to Coulter Bay where we’ll be camping tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She put her hand on Danny’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you’ll keep us company on the
trail.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I believe these young men
will be glad to entertain you and your friends while I do my job.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She looked like she had been
slapped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isn’t your job to make sure
we’re happy?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was hard and
her eyes flashed daggers at him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Danny is correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a job to do which includes watching
over the rest of the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not
your personal guide, Jolene, and neither am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have a group of 23 people on this trip and we need to ensure the
safety and well-being of all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sorry to disappoint you if you expected Danny to be your personal
escort on this trip.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tone brooked
no argument.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She decided she would throw down the
gauntlet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they wouldn’t cooperate
with her plans, she would make this trip a living hell for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know that he forced his way into my
tent last night.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard’s face went red with anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Young lady, do you mean to accuse Danny of
raping you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, I believe that your
girlfriends can attest to your desire to bed him along with myself and these
four gentlemen standing here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
you have already slept with each of them already during the past few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will gladly testify to the fact that you
tried to get me into your bed yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you wish to file charges, I will be glad to take you back to the
lodge where we can get the sheriff to take statements from all of the people
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would think twice about making
false statements if I were you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene looked around at her small crowd
that stood around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of her
friends touched her arm, “He’s right, Jolene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You did brag to us that you could get Danny into your bed with no
problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Marlin said, “You weren’t too shy about
jumping into the sack with each of us at the hotel last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times did we have sex, three or
four times was it?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene’s face was dark with anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll file charges against all of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “Let’s break camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re heading back to the lodge so we can
see justice served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are
ready to back up your claims and that you are also ready to face the
consequences of filing false charges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hear that women don’t do well behind bars.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene looked at Richard with a hatred
Danny had never before seen in a human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’m prepared to do whatever I have to do to get you and Danny fired and
put behind bars.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A man in his mid-forties joined their
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He introduced himself to the
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Derek McHale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a deputy sheriff, here in Teton
County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I overheard this young lady
claim that she was raped last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also heard that she has been sexually active with the rest of the young men
standing here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also understand that
this argument started over whether or not Danny would be this young lady’s
personal escort for the rest of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Am I correct?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jolene’s face turned white when she
realized that the deputy sheriff had overhead their entire conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t about to back down; so she said,
“You heard correctly that I was raped.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He gave her a hard stare and then said,
“Are you willing to make that statement under oath in a court of law?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">She held his gaze for a long moment and
then looked down at her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
mumbled, “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s what I thought,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back to Richard and said, “I
strongly recommend that we return to the lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t be prudent for you to continue
this camping trip given the accusations this young lady has made against you
and Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that there are
laws against slander should you wish to pursue the matter.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard nodded his head in
agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll inform the rest of the
company.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He left the group and began telling the
rest about the change of plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jolene
turned to the deputy sheriff and said, “I hate you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He responded, “I’m sorry you feel that
way miss, but enforcing the law is my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And more particularly, I value the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to put someone behind bars when they
are innocent is a crime in and of itself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They soon had the tents down and
repacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny and Richard got the
horses saddled and ready for the ride back to the lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were soon on their way with the deputy
sheriff riding alongside Jolene.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A few hours later, they arrived at the
lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deputy sheriff contacted the
park rangers to let them know what had happened while they were in the national
park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had dealt with the park
rangers before when incidents had happened on federal property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also called for reinforcements from the
sheriff’s department to help with taking statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny and Richard unloaded the camping gear
and had finished putting it away when two deputies approached them with a park
ranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Please come with us,” one of them said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard asked, “Lionel, what’s going
on.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The deputy said, “We’re taking
statements from everyone that was on the camping trip with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good,” Richard said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They entered the lodge and the deputies
guided them into two separate offices where they were interviewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After giving their statements to the federal
authorities, they walked over to Mr. Baker’s office.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker and Deputy McHale were seated
across from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Baker waved
them inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You did the right thing
by returning to the lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very
grateful that Deputy McHale was there to provide direction to you two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s unfortunate that the young lady has
caused so much trouble for everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Deputy McHale asked, “Do either of you
wish to press charges against her?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t,” Richard said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just hope she has learned an important
lesson.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I don’t wish her any ill
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to press charges
against her; however, if we are hauled into federal court over this, I will
definitely want to file suit to recover damages and ensure my expenses are paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travelling to Cheyenne for court hearings
and everything will cost a bit of money not to mention the mental and emotional
strain of going through the whole process.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think that it will get that far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are very fortunate, Danny,” Deputy
McHale said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If her girlfriends hadn’t
cooperated with us to disprove her story, you would have had a difficult time
of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“What about the four guys she had sex
with earlier in the week?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Deputy McHale said, “They were very
helpful as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the most
damning testimony came from her girlfriends who admitted that they were
involved in a competition among themselves to see how many different guys they
could have sex with on their trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny asked, “What about the rest of the
company?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we taking them back out?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker said, “I’ve offered to
transport them and the horses to Coulter Bay where they can continue their
camping trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve asked Bryan
and Garrett to take them on the rest of their trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt you two needed some time to recover
before I put you back out on the trail with a tourist group.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I could use a day or two off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never been accused of something as
heinous as raping a woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want
anything to do with women.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Deputy McHale laughed and said, “I’m
sorry, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see how you will
be able to pull that one off.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard added, “You can’t live with them
and you can’t live without them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Baker said, “I think you’ll be just
fine after a few days off, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Richard, will you drop Danny off at his place?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I sure will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s get you home,” Richard said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The two men left Mr. Baker’s office,
stopping to collect their gear as they headed to the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They threw their stuff in the back of
Richard’s Ford pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They climbed in
the cab and Richard started the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He drove back into town to Danny’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled in next to Danny’s truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Seeing Jerry’s truck, Richard said, “It
looks like your roommate is home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “It appears that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard said, “I hope you can mend
things with Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a good guy and
so are you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll try,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It will be up to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He climbed out of the cab and grabbed
his gear from the back of the pickup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked around to the back of the house and entered their
apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dropped his gear just
inside the door and stood staring in shock at what he saw.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry was completely naked lying on the
floor in a pool of vomit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was an
empty bottle of vodka in his hand and several other empty bottles on their
small kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny closed the
door and walked over to Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knelt
down and checked to make sure he was still alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breathing a sigh of relief, he took the
empty bottle from Jerry’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
moaned but didn’t wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny stood
up and went into the bathroom to get a towel and a couple of damp rags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to Jerry and started cleaning
him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny couldn’t help admiring
what a fine physical specimen Jerry was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As he washed Jerry down, he thought how much he liked the feel of this
man’s body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His jeans became
uncomfortably tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up and
adjusted himself before kneeling down to finish the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny put his arms under Jerry’s and said,
“Jerry we need to get you into your bed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He lifted Jerry’s upper torso from the floor and started to drag him
toward his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifted Jerry into
his bed and covered him up with a blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He returned to the front room and cleaned up the mess on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the door and windows to air out
the place; since it reeked of vomit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny washed the dishes and got a
shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stretched out on the couch
and drifted off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was awakened by
Jerry’s moaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat up as Jerry
walked into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry saw him and
said, “So, you’re back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny didn’t respond, being mesmerized
by Jerry’s beautiful naked body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
couldn’t take his eyes off of Jerry’s very erect manhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry moved over to the kitchen sink and
turned on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached into
the cabinet and retrieved a tumbler, filling it at the tap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny became very aroused at the sight of
Jerry’s bubble butt and his very muscular back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry turned around and said, “Cat got
your tongue.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny raised his eyes to Jerry’s and
said, “No, but you were quite a mess when I got here, passed out on the floor,
lying in your own vomit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry looked away, embarrassed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought you weren’t going to come
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like an idiot for treating
you so badly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “I’m the one who should be
apologizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t any better.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry met Danny’s gaze and said, “I
guess we were both at fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
want to lose your friendship, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
shouldn’t have let Mr. Hansen’s words upset me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Mr. Hansen shouldn’t have
said anything to either of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
apologized to me for messing up our friendship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought you would go with him to San
Francisco,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I thought about it for about two
seconds, but I decided against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not a city boy and don’t think I would do very well in a big city like San
Francisco,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “I’m glad you decided to
stay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He clutched his head in both
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head hurts!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny stood up and walked into the
bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned with a bottle of
aspirin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened the bottle and shook
a couple tablets into his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here,
take a couple of these.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry took the pills from Danny’s hand
and popped them into his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
swallowed them without any water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s
hand seemed to tingle where Jerry’s fingers had brushed his palm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked into Jerry’s eyes and said, “I’m
amazed that you can swallow those without any water.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry managed to smile through the pain
in his temples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never had any
problems popping pills.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “Are you up for getting a
burger or something?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll get dressed and we can go out,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He clapped Danny on the back and said,
“Thanks for coming back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny said, “You’re welcome.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry pushed past him and walked into
his bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned, dressed in a
blue plaid shirt, jeans, and his cowboy boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wore a big, shiny buckle on his belt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny saw it and asked, “Isn’t that a
new belt buckle?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought one for you, just in case you came
back,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed it to
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, Danny’s hand tingled
where Jerry’s fingers had touched him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He admired it, turning over in his
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re welcome,” Jerry said, smiling at
his friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny took off his belt and
removed his old belt buckle, replacing it with Jerry’s gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked Danny over from head to toe,
noting what a good looking man he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt a stirring in his loins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “You look pretty good with that belt buckle; but we need to get
you some new clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny blushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew his clothes were getting pretty
threadbare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe you could help me
pick out some decent clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry smiled, “You have yourself a
deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry looked at his watch and noted that
they had about an hour before the stores closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove down the main street and
parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get you some clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They walked into a clothing store and
Jerry picked out several pairs of jeans, several plaid shirts, and a new pair
of cowboy boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny said, “That’s a
lot of new clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have that
much money.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry laughed and said, “I know
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the fat envelope Mr.
Baker handed to you after we returned from our last trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s cheeks colored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d forgotten about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I can afford to buy a few new
clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned, “That’s my Danny Boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny smiled and said, “I like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can call me your Danny Boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry ruffled Danny’s hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get going.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny paid for his clothing and they
walked out of the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny put his
new clothes behind the seat and climbed into the cab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry drove them to the local burger joint
and they ordered a burger and fries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">They returned home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry had been wondering why Danny had
returned home so soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, the
camping trips were 5 days long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat
down next to Danny on the couch and asked, “Why was the camping trip cut
short?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny’s face turned completely red from
embarrassment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We had a little
something come up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry noticed Danny’s discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only made him want to know more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, spill it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell it must have been pretty major.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny looked up and met Jerry’s
gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Promise me you won’t harass me
about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry grinned and said, “Okay, I
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, start talking.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny started out by telling him about
Jolene and how beautiful she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
didn’t leave out any details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
got to the part where he got laid, Jerry guffawed, “I’ll be….who would have
thought my Danny Boy would score on a camping trip!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny put up his hand and said,
“Wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued to narrate the events that led
up to them returning to the lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “Damn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad the deputy sheriff was there.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me too,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for listening to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to tell somebody.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry said, “You can always talk to me,
Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to know that I’ll be
here for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you can believe
me, despite how I treated you earlier.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Danny had tears in his eyes as he said,
“Thank you, Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how
much that means to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry thought he might; because he found
he really wanted to be more than just a friend to his Danny Boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were getting tight down below; so he
stood up and said, “Good night, Danny Boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll see you in the morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Good night, Jerry,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Jerry went in to his bedroom and stripped
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He crossed the hall to the
bathroom to brush his teeth and relieve himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He caught sight of Danny stretched out on
the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He liked what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny had stripped down to his underwear,
which were tented by his very erect steel pole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the image that kept
coming back to him as he tried to get to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-18190539705607216582013-04-09T21:30:00.001-07:002013-05-24T13:49:56.967-07:00A Tumbleweed Adventure - Chapter One<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A Tumbleweed
Adventure - Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry Wallace
woke up with a tree root in his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t mind sleeping on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had been roughing it for most of his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
parents had led a nomadic life and he had grown up in the many campgrounds they
had lived in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father never seemed
to be able to hold down a regular job; so they had moved often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mother would go from house to house
offering her services to clean house or do laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes this led to a semi-permanent situation
and they would stay for more than a few weeks in one location.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He raised
himself up on his elbow and glanced over at the other occupant of the two man
tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt his heart jump at the sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny was still asleep and his dark hair
looked like he had stuck his finger in an electrical socket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry nearly burst out laughing at the
sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He remembered how Danny had
practically undressed him with his eyes when they first met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had just been hired on the dude ranch
and their boss had introduced them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Jerry
Wallace this is Danny Eccles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two
will be working together a lot, so I suggest you take some time to get to know
each other,” Mr. Baker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll see
you both back here at 6 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be
hitting the trail with your first group of tourists at 7 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve provided you with a pack list and
instructions about the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sending two of my more experienced guides to show you the ropes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll expect that you will take the next
group of tourists on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
already scheduled two more fishing trips for next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have all of the food and other
supplies ready to go when you get here in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We left Mr.
Baker’s office and I reached over to shake Danny’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s good to meet you Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked deeply into his blue eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His dark brown hair hung down across his
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he didn’t respond, I
smiled and asked, “Cat got your tongue?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny was
still mesmerized by Jerry’s brilliant green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry’s touch had sent an electric shock
through his entire body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry’s deep
tan and sun-bleached blond hair told him this man spent a lot of time
outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wiry build was readily
evident under the tight blue jeans and the form fitting plaid shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, Danny’s longing for a lasting
friendship rose to the surface of his conscious mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He squeezed Jerry’s hand and said, “I’m glad
to meet you, Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reluctantly
released Jerry’s hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry asked,
“Where are you from?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m
originally from Richfield, Utah, but I’ve spent the past 15 years working odd
jobs here and there; mostly in Idaho and Wyoming,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What brings
you to Jackson Hole?” Jerry asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I heard
there was work to be had,” Danny replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“My last job was in Afton, Wyoming, at the Star Valley Cheese
Factory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got tired of the job after
about a year or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t any
future in it since it was a family owned business and I’m not family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he didn’t say was that the family’s
youngest daughter had thrown herself at him; but he wasn’t interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that she wasn’t pretty and rich, because
she was both of those things; it was because the thought of being in bed with a
woman terrified him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Same here,”
Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been drifting from
job to job for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never really
found one I liked.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny said,
“You sound like you’re just like me in that regard.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They walked
out of the ranch office and stopped next to Jerry’s pickup truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a green and white 1958 Ford 250.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny said, “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got a great looking truck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,”
Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is that yours?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny said,
“Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not as nice as yours.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked over to a black 1955 Dodge
truck.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNXkQTRQdA/UXQCnf2ThfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mEuOKHBBolQ/s1600/truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNXkQTRQdA/UXQCnf2ThfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/mEuOKHBBolQ/s1600/truck.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry's Ford</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECfKfoNHZVQ/UXQCxbEh4OI/AAAAAAAAAbk/3fbXPa1Izr4/s1600/1955-dodge-truck-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECfKfoNHZVQ/UXQCxbEh4OI/AAAAAAAAAbk/3fbXPa1Izr4/s1600/1955-dodge-truck-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny's Dodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
in the back of the pickup and asked, “What’s all of the stuff in the back?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s
everything I own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been living in
my pickup for about a month now,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
at Danny in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have you tried
living in a campground?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t have the money to do that,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been using the restrooms at
gas stations and grabbing showers at truck stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the truckers have been really nice
to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where do
you plan to live now that you’ve got a job?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’ll keep living in my
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least it’s a place to sleep
out of the elements,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“Why don’t you rent a place with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A smile lit
up Danny’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really wanted to
get to know Jerry better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry thought
he’d never seen a better looking guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny’s smile made his heart do flip-flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never been attracted to a guy before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was something about Danny that made
him feel like he never wanted to let him go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had been with plenty of women over the years, and at age 35, he had
decided that marriage wasn’t for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then he saw Danny’s expression change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s
wrong?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t
have any money to put down a deposit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
won’t have any cash until we get paid,” Danny said, looking like the end of the
world was at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope you won’t be offended
if I offer to put down the deposit and the first month’s rent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny’s eyes
sparkled with unshed tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry’s
offer was the nicest thing anyone had done for him in many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wouldn’t be offended at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for offering to share a place with
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I picked up
a local newspaper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take a look at
what’s available for rent,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked back over to his truck and grabbed the newspaper off of the
seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned to Danny’s truck and
spread the paper out on the hood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His finger ran down
the list of apartments for rent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rents were high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew things were
going to be expensive because Jackson Hole had become a tourist mecca.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing in his price range was a
one-bedroom apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny was
looking over his shoulder and whistled loudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve never seen prices that high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think living in my truck is a much better idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry shook
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You will be okay for the
summer; but winter would be the end of that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I probably
won’t be here for the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually
don’t stay in one place for very long,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let’s check
out the studio apartment,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
hesitated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His gas tank was nearly
empty and he didn’t have any money to buy more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had counted on leaving his truck right
where it was and sleeping overnight there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That way he would be at work on time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry saw
Danny’s worried look and said, “I’ll drive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The two men walked over to the 1958 Ford Pickup and climbed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry started the engine and put the truck
in gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they drove back into town,
he asked, “How old are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m 34,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you have
a girlfriend?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I’ve
never really been interested in women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I guess I’ll be a bachelor for the rest of my life,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny’s
answer pleased Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been
afraid that Danny had a girlfriend somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that Danny wasn’t interested in women gave Jerry hope that maybe
they could be more than just friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as the thought crossed Jerry’s mind,
he banished it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was he
thinking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having sex with a guy could
land him in jail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They pulled
up in front of a ramshackle house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
got out and walked up the front steps and knocked on the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An elderly woman answered the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked, “What do you want?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice sounded rough and raw, like she
had gravel in her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave a
smoker’s cough and then waited for their answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was thin and had nicotine stains on her
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her long gray hair was done up
in a tight bun on the top of her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She narrowed her eyes and looked the men over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“We are interested in renting your apartment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Her eyes
narrowed even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You aren’t
planning on sleeping in the same bed are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No,” Danny
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We were hoping there was a couch
I could sleep on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I could rent to the two
of you then,” she said, stepping out on the porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She led them around the back to an addition to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It has its own entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The utilities are all included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it’s an addition to the original
house, it has its own furnace.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
unlocked the door and let them in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They walked
inside and found that the place had a nice sitting room with a big overstuffed
couch and a loveseat arranged around a coffee table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a small kitchenette in the corner
by the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a sink, a two
burner propane stove and a small refrigerator that sat under the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a small hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
end of the hallway was the furnace, and on one side was the door to the
bathroom and on the other was the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was really nothing more than a coat closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one end was a full-size bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a dresser near the door and next
to it was a shelf that supported a rack to hang up a few clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was barely enough room on either side
of the bed for a very thin person to squeeze by to get into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“I think it will work for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The owner
said, “Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I require the first and
last month’s rent as a deposit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
pulled out his wallet and handed her the deposit money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I like you already.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over to the little table and sat
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She filled out the rental
contract and asked them their names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m Daniel
Eccles,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m Jerry
Wallace,” Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She added
their names and then handed the contract to Jerry to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read over it and handed to Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny read it and handed it back to the
owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “I’m Mrs.
Campion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rent is due on the first of
every month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t make rent on
the 1<sup>st</sup>, let me know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
willing to work with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She handed
them the keys to the apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
can move in today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t charge you
any rent for this month since it’s so close to the end.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t
mention it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just glad to have the
place rented,” she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She got up
from the table and said, “I’ll be seeing you two later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After she
had left, Jerry said, “Let’s go get your truck so you can put your things
away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for
taking care of the rent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise I’ll
pay you back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
clapped Danny on the back and said, “Don’t worry about it, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry followed Danny out of the
apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really liked what he saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s tight bubble butt was clearly
visible against the fabric of the worn jeans Danny was wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry gave himself a mental shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was looking at Danny as a potential sex
partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t help himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so horny!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed to find a local whore house to get
some relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that would help him
keep his mind off of Danny’s sexy body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was determined to become best friends with Danny and he didn’t want
to make a mistake by giving him any hints that he was interested in having sex with
him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They climbed
into Jerry’s truck and he drove them back to the dude ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they drove, Jerry asked, “Do you know how
to ride horses?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I have
been riding horses since I was old enough to sit on a horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents have 200 acre ranch south of
Richfield, Utah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the winter, we
lived in town and attended school; but we spent the summers on the ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad ran 500 head of cattle on the
ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hired someone to manage the
ranch full time; but Dad liked to be on the ranch when the most important
activities were going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also liked
to go fishing and hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I’ve done
a fair amount of both of those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dad’s favorite pastime was to ride the horses up into the surrounding
mountains and camp out under the stars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“It sounds
like your family has money,” Jerry observed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny glanced
at Jerry, wondering what he meant by his statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried not to let his disdain for his
family show in his voice; but he failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, they do; but I don’t want
anything to do with their money.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry was surprised
at the harshness in Danny’s voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “I’m sorry if I’ve hit on a nerve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t intend to give offense.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny said,
“You didn’t offend me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that
my parents are very controlling and have used their money to make sure we did
as they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the only one of the
children that has managed to escape their evil designs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“I would have thought you would have taken advantage of their wealth to achieve
your goals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny said,
“But you haven’t taken into account the silken cords they use to bind us to their
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers and sisters are
chained to them in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t live like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why not?”
Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“My father
expects complete obedience to his wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He demands submission to his will and heaven help you if you defy him in
any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His control extends into every
aspect of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dictated who my
siblings could marry, where they lived, what jobs they could have, who their
friends could be, and which church we could attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was absolutely no freedom of choice in
my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what drove me away
from them,” Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“Your family must be super religious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, they
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe as they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, that is why I was disowned by my
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refused to attend their
church and told them I would never believe in their version of Christianity,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“How old
were you when you left home?” Jerry asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I was
17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was after I finished my junior
year of high school,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
told you a lot about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“I like to claim that I grew up in Shelley, Idaho, even though we moved around
a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the people there are fanatics about
religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad was a Methodist
preacher for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was pastor of
the Community Methodist Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the oldest of five kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have much money growing up since
Dad’s income depended on the congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our congregation was pretty small and couldn’t afford to pay Dad very
much, although they did provide a small house for us to live in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my parents’ family grew in size, we
outgrew the small house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church
couldn’t provide us a bigger place and is the main reason my Dad left the
ministry after a couple of years and moved on to other jobs, taking us with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Where does
your family live now?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They live
in Lewiston, Idaho, with my sister and her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stop in once a year to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a lot like my father in that I don’t
like to stay in one place too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom
used to call us a family of tumbleweeds; because we moved around so much,”
Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What was
your first job?” Danny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I got my
first job working on a neighbor’s potato farm when I was 12 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve worked pretty much since then doing
whatever odd jobs I’ve been able to find; mostly things that I could do outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From my parents, I learned to save my
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also learned to do without
when I didn’t have money to buy the things I needed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you have
a girlfriend?” Danny asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped
Jerry wasn’t romantically involved with anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
glanced at Danny before answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No,
I don’t have a steady girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
ever feel the need for sex, I find my way to the nearest whore house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that paying for sex eliminates
the nasty entanglements that come with romantic relationships.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny received Jerry’s response to his
question with mixed feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
glad that he didn’t have a girlfriend; but it also told him Jerry was very much
a ladies’ man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned his face to
the window to avoid letting Jerry see how disappointed he was. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry noticed that something was wrong and
asked, “Are you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, I’m
fine,” Danny responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was saved
from answering any further questions as they pulled up next to his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thanks for driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll follow you back to the apartment.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped out of Jerry’s truck and climbed
into his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed Jerry back to the
apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They parked their pickups
and Jerry helped Danny unload his gear from the back of his truck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny looked
at his stack of stuff and said, “I guess I will need to throw a bunch of things
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I’ll need most of
it, since we’ll be in the outdoors most of the time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“I think you’re right about that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry left the apartment and quickly returned with his two
suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can hang your stuff up
in the bedroom if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny smiled
at Jerry and said, “Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll need to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only have two pairs of jeans and two
different shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t anything
special and don’t need to be put up on hangers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
thought to offer to buy Danny some new clothes; then thought better of it when
he saw Danny’s expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, suit
yourself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry hauled his suitcases
into the bedroom and put his clothes away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He felt almost guilty as he laid out his new jeans in his drawer and
hung up his neatly pressed shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had always taken pride in the way he dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He hated to make Danny feel uncomfortable by showing off how well off he
was in comparison to his new friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He returned
to the sitting room and sat down on the loveseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched Danny go through his things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had sorted them into a couple of
piles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked up and noticed him
looking at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to one pile
and said, “This pile is going into the trash can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one goes back into my truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s space behind the seat so I can lock
it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest we can either use or
discard”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
at the use-or-discard pile, noting most of the items were kitchen supplies, and
said, “Have you checked the cupboards?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I haven’t,”
Danny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry walked
over to the cupboards in the corner of the room and started opening them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were completely bare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, that answer’s that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we’ll keep your dishes, pots, and
pans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a good thing you brought
them with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
smiled, “I’m glad I’m able to contribute something to this little adventure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
grinned, “I like that thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an
adventure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
started carrying things over to cupboards and putting them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you know how to cook?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Not
indoors,” Jerry responded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m good at
Dutch oven cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a few years
as a cook for a sheep rancher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
learned to cook almost anything over a fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, you put me in a regular kitchen and I’m like a fish out of
water.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny smiled,
“That makes us a perfect pair then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not good at cooking over a campfire; but you put me in a kitchen and I’m your
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time, I even considered going to
cooking school to become a chef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
only problem was the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I didn’t
go to France to learn to be a chef, I invent my own recipes at home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
smiled, “Well, since you’re a good cook, let’s go find us a grocery store and
bring back something for you to make us a meal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
returned his smile and nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The two men
continued to get acquainted with each other as they prepared their first meal
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were cleaning up
their dishes, Jerry brushed up against Danny from behind as he reached up to
put way their dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny felt a
thrill at the brief physical contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry noticed his reaction to his touch and thought to himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This guy must be attracted to me just like
I’m attracted to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry needed
to satisfy nature’s call and crawled out of his sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quietly slipped on his jeans and
long-sleeved shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He unzipped the
tent door and slipped his feet into his boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked up the trail to the portable latrine they had set up the night
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He relieved his bladder and
made his way back to the site of their campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mountain air was crisp and full of the
smell of pine resin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stirred the
ashes and found there were still a few live coals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He added some shredded bark and began
fanning the coals until the bark caught flame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t long before he had a nice cooking fire going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up when he heard the tent zipper
being pulled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw his friend
standing there with his hair standing straight up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He laughed
and said, “Danny, you need to wet that hair down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You look pretty scary right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
grinned, “I bet I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped out
of the tent and trotted up the trail to satisfy the call of nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned and sat down next to Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s on the menu for breakfast?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Pancakes,
sausage and eggs,” he replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
rest of the crew should be getting up pretty soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to get to fishing pretty soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This was
their 3<sup>rd</sup> fishing trip of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry and Danny had gotten into a routine
and knew just what to do and when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
group of guys came from Boise, Idaho with one or two from California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were wealthy businessmen who reminded
Danny of his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had managed to
restrain himself while in their presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He couldn’t stand their kind and had confided in Jerry just how much he
hated them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
at Danny and said, “Remember to be on your best behavior.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny nodded and looked away from Jerry’s
penetrating gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t create
problems where there aren’t any.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny knew
Jerry was right; but it was a pretty bitter pill to swallow, given how much he
loathed these men and everything they stood for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t help matters that these wealthy
men treated him just like his father had, and he didn’t like it one bit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like rubbing salt in an already
infected wound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was brought
out of his thoughts by a touch on his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up and met Jerry’s gaze, he was nose to nose with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t fuck up or you’ll have me to deal
with, Mr. Eccles.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was low,
but it carried a threat that was very real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny’s
brain registered the threat and he said, “I won’t mess up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad we understand each other,” Jerry
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat down and returned to
cooking breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The men soon
joined them and they ate a hearty breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterward, Jerry and Danny cleaned up the camp, while their “guests”
relaxed and smoked pipes or cigars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They put together the fishing gear and fed the horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time they had finished saddling the
horses, the men were ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
led them up the trail toward the lake and Danny brought up the rear to take
care of any problems that should arise on the trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They spent
the day on the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of the men
caught their limit, and that evening, they built a campfire on the shore of the
lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry fried potatoes and then pan
fried the fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prepared peach
cobbler in several Dutch ovens for dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After dinner, the men sat around the campfire, telling stories and
occasionally they broke into song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
put out the fire and rode their horses back down to their base camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry rekindled their cooking fire to ward
off the chill of the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
the men had retired for the night; but one or two had taken up their usual
posts at the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them was an
older gentleman from San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
smoked his pipe in silence, watching the other men around the campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight, he was the last one at the campfire,
along with Jerry and Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, Mr.
Hansen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re retiring for the night,”
Jerry said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
said, “I’ll watch the fire for a little longer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The two men
took care of their toilet and then retired to their tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spoke in low tones about their plans
for the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while, Jerry
left the tent to check on the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was surprised to see Mr. Hansen still sitting in the spot where he had left
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
gestured for Jerry to join him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
sat down and Mr. Hansen said, “How long have you and Danny known each other?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry was
surprised by the question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About three
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you ask?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
leaned close to Jerry’s ear and said, in a low voice so that only Jerry could
hear, “Because he’s in love with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry
sat in stunned silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know
how to respond to Mr. Hansen’s assertion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I know you may not like to hear the news; but I thought you should
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny’s a fine man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were 30 years younger, I’d pursue him
myself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This last revelation was even
more shocking than the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry was
totally unprepared to hear that Mr. Hansen preferred men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen smiled and said, “Good night,
Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got up and put out his
pipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked up the trail to the
latrine and a few minutes later passed Jerry on his way to his tent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry sat,
staring into the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mind was
racing a million miles a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
trying to sort out how he felt about the information Mr. Hansen had shared with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that Danny really liked
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their friendship had blossomed and
flourished since the day they had first met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had never felt so close to anyone else in his entire life as he did
when he was with Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered if
anyone else had noticed how Danny felt about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally returned to his tent where he
found Danny had already fallen asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He climbed into his sleeping bag; but sleep was slow in finding him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The next
morning, Danny was up with the dawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
looked over at Jerry and marveled that he was still asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry was always up first and had things
moving by the time Danny climbed out of his sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled on his clothes and left the tent
to attend to nature’s call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked
back to their camp and stirred the ashes of the fire to find any live
coals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had watched Jerry start the
fire many times; so he followed the same steps and soon had the cooking fire
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he was pulling out the
breakfast gear, Mr. Hansen stepped out of his tent and made his way up the
trail to the latrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Returning,
he asked, “May I offer my assistance?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny gave
the older man a surprised look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
said, “Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
pulled out the pancake mix and poured some into a bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He added water and stirred it until it was
the desired consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, he put
the griddle over some coals and greased it so the pancakes wouldn’t stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he started cooking pancakes, he asked,
“How long have you known Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny looked
at Mr. Hansen through narrowed eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was always suspicious when people started asking questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About three weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you ask?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
shrugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just wondering, that’s all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny cooked
the sausage in a large cast iron skillet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He couldn’t believe that this rich man was willing to do something that
was beneath his station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched Mr.
Hansen easily flip the pancakes and then pour more batter onto the griddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen looked up from what he was doing
and He met Danny’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You know that
he loves you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny didn’t
register what he meant at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who
are you talking about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
smiled and didn’t directly reply to Danny’s question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m from San Francisco where I lived with
my life partner for nearly 30 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
passed away last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came on this
trip in an attempt to come to terms with my grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been so alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused and looked at Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I met Herb on a fishing trip like this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We immediately hit it off, and
spent the rest of our lives together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was a wonderful companion in every sense of the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we had to hide our relationship
from the world; but we spent most of our time in the outdoors, away from people
where we could be ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and
Jerry remind me of me and Herb when we were your age.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny looked away, trying to hide his
confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t sure how Mr.
Hansen had figured out that he liked men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He flipped the sausages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Hansen touched his arm and said, “It’s okay, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one else knows but me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He looked at
Mr. Hansen and said, “I hope no one else knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be murdered in my bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
said, “You don’t have to worry about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think these pancakes are ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are the sausages ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny nodded
his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled the skillet off of
the heat and removed the sausages from the pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to his tent and poked his
head inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, it’s time to get
up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jerry didn’t stir, Danny
leaned over and shook Jerry’s foot inside his sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jerry, wake up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry
stretched and yawned widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced
at his watch and sat up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why didn’t
you wake me up sooner?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
ignored his question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come and
eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast is ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
up at his friend in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,
maybe I should sleep in more often.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny smiled
and said, “Don’t get used to it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He stepped
out of the tent to see Mr. Hansen making his way from tent to tent, rousing the
sleeping men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gathered round the
fire and ate their breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterwards, they returned to their tents to change clothes and strike
their tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Danny and Jerry
cleaned up the camp and took down their tent as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
came over with his 35 mm. camera and asked, “May I take your photograph?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry said,
“Sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I want both
of you in the photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry put
your arm around Danny’s shoulders,” Mr. Hansen directed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry did as he was asked and was pleasantly
surprised when Danny put his arm round his waist, pulling him close to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Smile,” Mr.
Hansen directed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He snapped a couple of
photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now, write down your
address; so I can mail you a copy of the prints.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny took the paper and pencil he held out
in his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote down the address
to their apartment and handed it back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thank you,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will
always remember this fishing trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope it has been as memorable for you as it has been for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
released Jerry and turned away to hide the fact that he was very aroused by
Jerry’s touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He busied himself with
packing the rest of his gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood
up and carried it over to his horse, willing his body to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, his heightened state of arousal
abated quickly, and he was able to help the other men with their gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were soon ready to move to their next
campsite, where they would spend a few more days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As they rode
down the trail, Danny kept glancing at Jerry, wondering if he dared speak about
his feelings for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a
while he would catch Jerry giving him a searching look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny would smile and Jerry would look away
as if he was trying to hide something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the time they reached the next campsite, Danny had convinced himself
that Jerry didn’t share the same sexual attraction as he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, he decided that he would rather
keep Jerry’s friendship than risk alienating him completely by sharing his
feelings with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They set up
camp and then settled down to do some serious fishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to Danny that Jerry was avoiding
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t meet his gaze and
later, when it was time to go to bed, Jerry pulled his sleeping bag out of the
tent and rolled it out next to the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny asked,
“What’s up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m going
to sleep out here tonight,” Jerry said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
felt a pain shoot through his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was almost certain that Mr. Hansen had said something to Jerry that had caused
him to distance himself from Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry saw Danny’s face fall and was immediately sorry for being so
aloof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can pull your sleeping bag
out here if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny read
the expression on Jerry’s face and rightly interpreted it to mean he wasn’t
really welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t respond; but
turned away from Jerry and entered their tent, zipping it closed behind
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took his clothes off and slipped
into his sleeping bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to
convince himself that he wasn’t really hurt by Jerry’s behavior; but he failed
miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been foolishly
romantic to think he had met the man of his dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The next
morning, Jerry was up before dawn and had the fire blazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cooked breakfast and laid it out for the
guys to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen was the first
one up and he joined Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He filled
his plate and took a seat next to Jerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He ate in silence and when he finished, he washed his dishes and dried
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to Jerry and stood
in front of him with his hands on his hips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry looked up and knew before he spoke that Mr. Hansen didn’t approve of
how Jerry had behaved yesterday toward Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I expected better from you, Mr. Wallace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t deserve Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope he sees what kind of a person you
really are and moves on before he gets hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Jerry could answer, Mr. Hansen turned
his back on him and walked over to wake Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Good morning, Danny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny woke
up and saw Mr. Hansen looking down at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Where’s Jerry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“He’s cooked
breakfast and it’s time for you to get up,” Mr. Hansen said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I wanted to apologize for speaking out of
turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned to Jerry yesterday
that you had feelings for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
expect him to treat you so poorly as a result of my observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m deeply sorry for hurting you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny sat
up, letting the sleeping bag fall to his waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen’s eyes hungrily devoured the
well-toned younger man’s body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew
he was being a dirty old man; but that was too bad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny saw the look of lust on the older
man’s face and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s all
right, Mr. Hansen.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up,
letting Mr. Hansen get an eye full of his morning wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had slept naked since he had been alone
in the tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
said, “How would you like to move to San Francisco?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’d love to
move there; but I don’t have a job,” Danny said, stroking his dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
licked his lips and the look of lust on his face intensified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can arrange one for you,” Mr. Hansen
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Think about it and let me know
what you think.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen thought to
himself, “Your only job will be to keep me happy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grinned and left Danny to get dressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry saw
Mr. Hansen leave the tent with a huge smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered what had happened between him
and Danny to make him so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
stepped out of the tent, and he, too, had a big smile on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny saw Jerry and his smiled quickly
faded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked over to the fire to
warm his hands and then he helped himself to some breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ate in silence and washed up his
dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jerry couldn’t think of
anything to say that would make things better; so he, too, remained silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They barely
exchanged words for the rest of the fishing trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny moved his gear to Mr. Hansen’s tent
and kept company with Mr. Hansen, ignoring the other men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He figured that Jerry could handle the rest
of them just fine on his own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They
returned to the ranch and Mr. Hansen asked, “Have you made up your mind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, I
haven’t,” Danny said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will call you
if decide to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Hansen
had known this was going to be Danny’s answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was experienced enough to know how to read men; and particularly
homosexual men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was extremely grateful to this young man
for helping him forget his grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a great personality, but, best of all, was great in the sack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hansen had needed to be reminded how
much great sex reinvigorated you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had been acting like a monk in the local monastery since his life partner had
died, not wanting to be with anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Danny had made him feel human again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It felt good to make an end to the pity party and begin enjoying
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time for him to move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You have my
phone number and address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
a most delightful fishing trip.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gave Danny a bear hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked deeply
into Danny’s eyes and said, “Don’t give Jerry the time of day, young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look for Mr. Right somewhere else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny nodded
his head in agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you for
the advice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Reluctantly,
Mr. Hansen left Danny and joined the rest of the men as they prepared to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny walked over to his boss, Mr.
Baker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Baker said, “Here’s a bonus
check for you, Danny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that
several of the guys were very appreciative of your services.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He took the
envelope that Mr. Baker held out to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked inside and counted the hundred dollar bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had paid him $1,000!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked up at Mr. Baker and asked, “Is
this joke?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Baker smiled
and said, “It’s no joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also left
a tip for Jerry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry walked
over and Mr. Baker handed him an envelope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerry looked inside and whistled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never seen so much
money in one place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Baker
said, “You must have done an excellent job for them to have left you a nice
tip.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny glanced at Jerry and then
back to Mr. Baker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Baker sensed
that something was wrong between the two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was about to ask about it; but decided to let them work it out on
their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Take next week off and we’ll see you the
following Monday for the next fishing trip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry nodded
his head and turned to walk away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny
looked at Mr. Baker and said, “I think you know that we’re not getting along
right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d appreciate it if we
could work on separate crews for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr. Baker
nodded his head and said, “There’s another group leaving this afternoon for a
horseback riding trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you
join Richard?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you will find
Richard to be good company.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny
smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thank you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed his gear and went in search of
Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found him in the barn
working with the horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Richard, Mr. Baker
asked me to report in to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants
me to join your group.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Richard
smiled and said, “Welcome aboard, Danny.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He shook Danny’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
about time the boss acknowledged the fact that I need an assistant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Richard
outlined the trip and his expectations of his new assistant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, now that we have the logistics out of
the way, let’s get these horses ready for the tourists.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They spent
the better part of an hour saddling the horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they had finished, a tour bus pulled up
in front of the ranch house and a whole horde of tourists unloaded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were a mixture of all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard rolled his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It looks like we’ll have our hands full.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Danny had
been so busy he had completely forgotten to tell Jerry he wasn’t going home
with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He only remembered when he
saw Jerry’s truck driving down the lane toward the main road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt bad he hadn’t spoken to him; but
then, again, Jerry hadn’t been exactly going out of his way to speak to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged his shoulders and
returned to the work at hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** *** <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry had
hung around for a while, waiting for Danny to come out to the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he hadn’t shown up, he got out of his
truck and walked back into the ranch office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Baker saw him and called him over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I’ve assigned Danny to the horseback riding tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He won’t be back until next Thursday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry looked
at Mr. Baker in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I thought
you said we were off next week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Richard
needs the extra help this week because it’s a very large group,” Mr. Baker
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry gave
Mr. Baker a look through narrowed eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Did Danny volunteer to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, he
did,” Mr. Baker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whatever is
going on between you two had better solve itself very soon or I will have to
let you both go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You two work really
well together and people are hearing about the great trips you two
conduct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, we are seeing an
increase in bookings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t mess it up
by arguing with each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jerry had
wondered if Danny had spoken to Mr. Baker about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay,” he responded and turned away from
Mr. Baker and walked out of the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, he was steaming mad at Danny for not talking things out with him
before going to their boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stomped
out to his truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove off and
decided to find the nearest bar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To be
continued…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span>SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-4917425903075527192013-03-20T15:47:00.001-07:002013-03-24T19:50:05.546-07:00Three Is Company<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three Is
Company<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael held
Jason’s hand as they stood together in front of the headstone that had recently
been placed on the grave of their beloved David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been six months since his passing;
but it still felt like it was just yesterday that they had been joking and
laughing around their swimming pool with their grown children and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had adopted the three
boys shortly after they had moved in together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason had stayed at home to raise their three musketeers; while David and
Michael had worked to support their little family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David had chased the grandchildren around
the yard, playing tag and hide and seek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The day had been perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
daughters-in-law had put together a fantastic picnic while the boys had made
good use of the grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike, Jace and
Dave all had married well and produced beautiful children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course their grandpas spoiled them rotten
every chance they got!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That happy
memory came to Michael’s mind and eased his sense of loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been David’s boyfriend since the 7<sup>th</sup>
grade when David had asked him to have sex with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned to Jason and asked, “Do you
remember the pool party we had the day before David passed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
at his husband and nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, I remember how wonderful it seemed that day to have our family
around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How little did we know how
things would change.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason’s mind
went back to that fateful morning six months earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael and Jason had awoken to find David
was missing from their bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the day
they met, the three of them had been inseparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael had rolled over and pulled Jason
into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good morning,
honey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kissed Jason and looked over
to the empty spot in their king-sized bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Where’s David?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason
answered, “I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was gone
when I woke up.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They were
empty nesters and had grown accustomed to dispensing with clothing, unless
company was expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael climbed
out of bed and turned to extend a hand to Jason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go find the missing knight.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
pulled Jason into his arms and kissed him before taking his hand, leading him
out of their bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked
around their spacious home, looking for David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They found him in the family room, lying down on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
reached down to shake him awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
his hand touched David’s cold shoulder, he realized something was very
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jason, I think David’s dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason said,
“That can’t be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hasn’t had any
health problems.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached over and
touched David’s arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David was stiff
with rigor mortis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason said, “We need
to call 911.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get our clothes while
you call.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** *** <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It turned
out that David had hidden his heart condition from his life partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They found the letters from David’s doctors
and the medicine he had hidden from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At first, they had felt betrayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David hadn’t trusted them to help him take care of his health condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they found his letter to them:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dearest
Michael and Jason,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you
for the many years of love and friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know you will be angry with me for not sharing my health problems with
you; but my heart condition is hereditary, and there is nothing either of you
can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that my time is limited
and I want us to live life to the fullest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I told you my heart was giving out, you two would mother me to death;
and I won’t let you do that to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ask your forgiveness, knowing that I will have passed on if you are reading
this letter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will
always cherish the many happy memories we have made together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the day we met….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
through the roommates wanted column of the Washington Blade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had called on several openings and found
someone had already moved in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
only two more listings for roommates, and one of them he wasn’t sure he wanted
to call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked up the phone and
made the call to the next one on the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A deep
baritone voice answered the phone, “Hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m calling
about your ad in the Blade,” Jason said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We already
rented out the room,” the voice said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do you know
of any other rooms for rent?” Jason asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Depends on
who is looking,” the voice said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m
looking for a new playmate and would be willing to share a room.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everything
about this conversation screamed, “Hang up now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jason didn’t hang up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m not looking for a relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to rent a room,” Jason said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Too bad,”
the guy said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was willing to let you
share my bed, rent free, as long as the sex was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you change your mind, give me a call.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hung up and Jason sat there, stunned at
the audacity of the guy on the other end of the call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at
the last advertisement and read it again, “Roommate Wanted – Bottom Only – Sub
preferred.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had heard
about submissive relationships; but he wasn’t really interested in that kind of
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to find Mr. Right, and
he didn’t want to screw up any chance of finding him by getting involved in a submissive
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He had been
living in temporary housing for nearly four months now and hadn’t found a place
to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His new job required that he
move into permanent quarters at the end of four months which was in seven days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
corporate apartments were really nice and had lots of amenities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really too bad he couldn’t stay in this
same apartment complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that
several major universities used the apartments to house their students who were
in Washington, DC, as interns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
why he had decided to put up an advertisement for roommates at the clubhouse;
hoping that someone would want to stay on in Washington, DC, after their
internship was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided to walk
over to the clubhouse on the off chance someone had taken one of his
roommates-wanted cards off of the bulletin board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason stood
up and returned the wall bed to it place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He walked out of his studio apartment and took the stairs down to the
ground floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked around the
building to the central courtyard of his apartment complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His attention was drawn to the group of
young college guys playing Frisbee on the grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stared at them longingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them had taken off their shirts in
the warm May sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason
couldn’t take his eyes off of the tallest one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked to be about 20 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had blond hair that looked like it was bleached blond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had black eyebrows and dark brown
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a wide smile that showed
perfect teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His chest was smooth but
well-muscled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His treasure trail was
dark brown against his olive skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His boxers
showed above the waist of his jeans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guy threw the Frisbee to his friend and caught Jason’s gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled and Jason tripped over his feet;
ending up on the sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason felt
extremely stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy had smiled at
him and he lost complete control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before he could get to his feet, he saw a hand stretched out to take
his.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
up and saw it was his dream guy standing over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let me help you up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason took his hand and was effortlessly
pulled to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The guy introduced
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s your name?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m Jason,”
he replied, trying not to blush.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s nice
to meet you, Jason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt bad making
you trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I had that
kind of an effect on people,” Michael said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason was staring into Michael’s eyes and didn’t respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael waved his hand in front of Jason’s
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hello in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason shook
his head and said, “Uh….I’m sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
I’m okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was heading over to the
clubhouse to see if anyone had taken my roommates-wanted ads off of the
bulletin board.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
grinned and said, “So that’s you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
wondered who was looking for roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a couple of us who want to stay for the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re interns from Idaho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are studying government and public
administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the guys will be
heading home in a couple of weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason said,
“I moved here in January to take a new job and I need to find a new place to
stay by the end of the month.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “That would be perfect timing for us since we have to be out of our place
by Memorial Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you come
over and meet the guys?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Okay,”
Jason said, smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed
Michael over to the group of guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had stopped playing Frisbee and gathered around Michael and Jason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “Guys, this is Jason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s the
guy who is looking for roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason, this is Bruce, Todd, Javier, David, Chris, Jeff, and Scott.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys nodded their greeting; but none of
them moved to shake his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“David
and I are the ones looking to stay here for the summer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David said,
“Are you the guy who is advertising on the bulletin board?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I am,”
Jason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I moved here in January to
take a new job, and my temporary housing is up at the end of the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t afford to rent a place on my own, so
I’m looking for roommates.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the
guys said, “He’s a faggot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t
want to share an apartment with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason wasn’t
sure who said it; but he responded, “I would appreciate it if you didn’t call
me names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty disrespectful;
and, to be honest, I expected better of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that you are all in college, studying to better yourselves, I
would have expected you to treat everyone with respect; even if you don’t agree
with them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around the
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shifted from one foot to
the other and wouldn’t meet his gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “I’m sorry for the rudeness displayed by my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really is a good guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Even good
guys have faults,” Jason said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Promoting hate and intolerance is a pretty big one; one that will lead
to violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that you guys can
overcome the hate that calling me a ‘faggot’ engenders in yourselves and
others.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason turned
from them and walked toward the clubhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had just entered the building when he heard Michael call his
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jason!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around to see Michael and David
coming toward him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped and
waited for them to catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “David and I are interested in sharing an apartment with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He looked at
them and asked, “Are you sure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard
your friends’ comments as I was leaving them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David said,
“I don’t care what they say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
found them to be pretty prejudiced against anyone who isn’t like them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Aren’t you
guys like them, too?” Jason asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, we’re
not” David said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So why have
you been hanging out with them?” Jason asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because
they are part of our group of interns,” Michael said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They are returning to their school for the
summer semester.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, we
won’t have to worry about them; since they are going home,” Michael said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason asked,
“How much rent can you afford to pay each month?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They each mentioned a figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For that amount we’ll be lucky to rent a
closet, let alone an apartment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What if we
rent a one bedroom place, or a studio?” Michael asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We could get bunk beds or a day bed with a
trundle.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s two
beds; so where would the third guy sleep?” Jason asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
grinned and said, “I hoped you would agree to be my boyfriend and we would
share a bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Or even
better yet, we could make it a threesome and we could buy a king-size bed for
the three of us to share,” David said, grinning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason was astonished
by their proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been trying
to share an apartment with other gay guys by looking in the classified ads; and
here he had two guys propositioning him to join them in a three way
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael put
his arm around Jason’s waist and asked, “What do you think of our idea?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason smiled
and said, “I love it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go to your place so we can get to know
each other better,” Michael said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached over and pulled down Jason’s ad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Please lead the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael and
David followed him to his studio apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He opened the door and invited them inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael looked around and asked, “Where’s
the bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It’s in the
wall,” Jason said, pulling it down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David
grinned and said, “Sweet!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kicked
off his shoes and sprawled on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael and
Jason sat down on the sofa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason liked
looking at David as he openly massaged his dick, which was plainly visible
through the fabric of his shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had curly, sandy blond hair, deep set blue eyes, and blond mustache that he
kept neatly trimmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had an infectious
smile that made his eyes sparkle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a swimmer’s build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David
grinned at Jason and said, “I hope you’ll forgive me for being so forward; but
I was hoping we could start off our relationship with a good fuck session.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He must have
been reading Jason’s mind because he was so hard it hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason licked his lips and responded, “Only
if we’re going to be roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
do one night stands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really want to
have a permanent relationship with a guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David’s
smile broadened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s exactly what
we were looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael and I have
been fuck buddies since 7<sup>th</sup> grade.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
at him in surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You don’t act
gay.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “That’s because we’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
like being with girls; but we’ve been fucking each other for so long now that
it would seem weird not have sex when we’re together.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David said,
“We want you to become part of a threesome with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live together, and it’ll be like
we’re married to each other.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason’s mind
was reeling from the shock of finding two great looking guys who wanted him to be
a part of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you sure
you want me to be part of your relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, you just met me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David sat up
and looked him in the eyes, “I’ve had my eye on you for months now, just ask
Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that I’ve wanted to fuck you since
the moment I laid eyes on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
nodded his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David pointed you out to me and said he
intended to bring you into our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s when we decided we were going to stay in Washington, DC, after
our internship came to an end.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David said,
“What will it take to get you into bed with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
from David to Michael and back to David; wondering if he dared tell them what
he really wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments
of silence, he said, “I want to be fucked by both of you at the same time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David let
out a coyote howl and grinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Michael, do you think we could accommodate Jason’s request?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
returned David’s grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I think I would
be willing to do that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael put his
arm around Jason’s waist and pulled him closer to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaned over and kissed Jason as he pulled
his t-shirt over his head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile,
David stripped off his clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knelt down in front of Jason and pulled off his shoes and socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
reached up and pulled off Jason’s cargo shorts and underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His dick came free and stood erect, directly
in front of David’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He proceeded
to give Jason the best blowjob of his life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michael ran his tongue along his jawline and down his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nipped Jason on the collar bone before
moving to his nipples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the two
of them, Jason was in a state of pure ecstasy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wasn’t long before he came, filling David’s mouth with his baby
batter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David pulled off of his dick
and joined Jason and Michael on the sofa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael lost
his clothes and returned to complete the seduction of their future roommate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moments later, Jason’s request was fully
realized as David pushed his head down until he took Michael’s steel pole into
his mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David repositioned Jason’s
body so that he was on all fours; but was still giving Michael a fine
blowjob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason felt David’s manhood
pushing at his back door, and relaxed to let him in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It had been
months since he’d been fucked; but David knew what he was doing as he entered
Jason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David’s dick felt good to him;
and he knew he was going to cum any moment, with David’s dick hitting his
cherry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
intensity of having both of his pussies fucked at the same time overwhelmed
Jason’s senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body suddenly
tensed as he experienced the best orgasm of his life!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three of
them collapsed in a tangled heap on the sofa, as they basked in the afterglow
that comes with good sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
while, David said, “That was the best fuck I’ve had in a long time.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jason, I think you’re a keeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason licked
a drop of cum from Michael’s piss slit before he answered, “Yes, I think I’m
definitely living with you guys.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David said,
“I think we should move in now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bed
is big enough for all three of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “That’s a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
okay with that, Jason?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason
grinned and said, “I’m more than okay with that; as long as I get fucked like
that every night!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “I think we’ve created a monster, David.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I think
we’ve got us one horny guy that likes to be fucked,” David said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “Let’s get a shower, then we can get our stuff moved over.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David stood
up and pulled Jason to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
then turned to pull Michael up and into his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason kissed Michael and said, “Thank you
for making my day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David turned
him around and said, “No, thank you for making our day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David kissed him deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of them made their way to the
bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason received extra special
treatment in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time
Michael added his cum to David’s as he fucked Jason, causing him to purr like a
kitten.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They dried
each other off and pulled their clothes back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason kissed his new boyfriends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad I met you guys today.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael’s
megawatt smile lit up his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
feeling’s mutual.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David
laughed and said, “We are going to make fantastic memories together!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“…Jason,
thank you for letting us into your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michael and I have loved you so much, there aren’t words enough to
express how we feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joy I have in
my heart overflows when I think of our three wonderful boys and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had a good life and
have no regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you two to get
married and live happy lives together, in my memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were always meant for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve known for a long time how deeply you
love each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also know that you
love me just as deeply; and I thank God for permitting me to be part of your
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take care of our sons and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help them to understand that
their Dad loves them, and will always be with them in their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our grandchildren have become the lights of
our lives; and I pray they will continue to be beacons of joy and love in your
lives as you grow old together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember that I love you very much and will be with you always.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jace
approached us and asked, “Daddy and Papa, are you guys ready to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
nodded his head and said, “Yes, I think we’re ready to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason looked
at his son and said, “Yes, we’re ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jace called
to his son, “Davy, it’s time to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Come take Grandpa’s hand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The little
four-year old boy ran to grab Jason’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked up and said, “Grandpa, the flowers are very pretty.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed to the bouquet of flowers they had
placed on David’s grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Grandpa David
liked flowers.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “Yes, he did, Davy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His flower
garden was his pride and joy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mike and
Dave joined them as they turned from David’s grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mike said, “I’m glad you two finally got
married last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad wanted it that
way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michael
said, “Yes, he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just couldn’t
bring ourselves to do it until we had made peace with ourselves and David.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dave said,
“We’re happy you finally got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were beginning to think you weren’t going to do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, we
did it, and we’re leaving tomorrow for our honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to tell David that we did as he
asked; and to let him know we had a photograph of him with us when we were
pronounced legally and lawfully wedded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will always be part of our marriage,” Jason said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They left
the cemetery hand in hand, knowing that they would live happily ever after with
their family; now that they had done as David had asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just as they
reached the edge of the cemetery, Michael stopped and turned toward David’s
grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rest in peace, my beloved.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</span><br /></span><br /></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290912169439501902.post-48217965188931982672013-02-18T07:00:00.001-08:002013-02-24T19:54:34.978-08:00Rob's Moment of Truth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob’s Moment
of Truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob sat on
the bed staring out the sliding glass doors at the beautiful moonrise over the
waves of the Atlantic Ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced
down at the Beretta in his hand, feeling its weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was his favorite pistol; the one he took
with him everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment, it
wasn’t loaded; but there was a full clip lying on the bed next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had carefully cleaned it and put it back
together earlier in the evening; before he and Rich had gone down to the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich had
stayed on the beach with a group of his friends, while Rob had returned to the
condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hated feeling like a jealous
husband when he knew he had no right to expect any fidelity or even loyalty
from his young lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had entered
into an agreement that he would fund Rich’s education in return for Rich’s
services in his bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich had made
it very clear from the beginning that their relationship was purely a business
one; and, once Rich graduated from law school, he would be moving on with his
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the
last four years, Rob had hoped that Rich would come to love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they had been super close at first;
almost like father and son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
the kind of relationship Rob wanted, but it was a start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Rich had started to draw away from
him; or at least that is how Rob viewed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rich was pushing against Rob’s overprotectiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a big argument and Rich had laid it
on the line with Rob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had made it
very clear that he didn’t need another father figure in his life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That was
when Rob put all of his cards on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had expressed his love for Rich, and how he wanted them to have a
relationship where they could both thrive and prosper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had admitted that he wasn’t perfect and
was working on his faults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
begged Rich to be patient with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich had
taken him in his arms and made passionate love to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich had even told Rob that he loved
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things got better and it seemed
like Rob’s dreams were coming true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
would finally have a partner who loved him for who he was; who wasn’t out to
save his soul from the devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then
things started to go south on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the end of his last year of school, Rich’s whole attitude toward him had
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob was so off balance, he
didn’t know what was going on or where he stood with Rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost like Rich considered him an
enemy instead of a lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night,
Rich had reiterated that the terms of their contract were fulfilled; and that
he wanted to move into a relationship that wasn’t based on mutually agreed upon
use and abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This was to
be their last week together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
it would be their last night together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich
had reluctantly agreed to accompany him on this vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had managed to convince him to come with
him by setting up a condo for his buddies at the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had watched Rich interacting with his
friends all week long, and realized that Rich had never really been his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That realization had served to reinforce his
decision to put an end to his misery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich was
laughing and having a good time with his friends when he saw Rob leave the pool
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew he had been pushing Rob
pretty hard to change the nature of their relationship; and he was worried that
he had pushed him too hard last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew of Rob’s bouts of depression and how fragile he seemed at
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One of his
friends, Mike, looked at Rich and said, “I think you need to follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t look good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you may lose him if you don’t go to
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich nodded his
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was thinking the same thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You still
love him, don’t you?” Mike asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, I do;
but we can’t continue the way we have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not healthy for either one of us,” Rich said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Then you
need to tell him the truth, Rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
needs to know that you love him, and that you want to be his husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, let him know your thoughts about your
future; and how you see your relationship changing, now that you’ve graduated
from college and are ready to move into a career,” Mike said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re right,
Mike,” Rich said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I guess I’d better
try to repair the damage I’ve done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stood up and stretched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mike admired
his friend’s perfect physique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob was
so lucky to have this Greek god as his lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had tried to put the moves on Rich; but he had been rebuffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich had made it clear he was already
taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Good luck,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thanks,”
Rich said, and moved toward the condo entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich carried
himself with the easy grace that comes when someone has spent a lot of time in
physical training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned heads
whenever he walked by someone; both male and female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He entered the building and walked over to
the elevator bank and pushed the button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seemed to be taking forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had an uneasy feeling about Rob and decided to take the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran up them two at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob put the
gun down and stretched out on the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He put his hands behind his head as he contemplated his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grew up in a strictly religious family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parents made it very clear that
homosexuality was a sin in their eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, that didn’t stop him from experimenting with guys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He’d had his
first experience with a guy when he was 15 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled at the memory of his 15 year old
self attempting to give his neighbor’s grandson a blowjob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marvin was a 17 year old farm boy who had
come into town to spend two weeks with his widowed grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had met him one night when he was out
weeding the garden behind their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had looked through the fence and met the gaze of this big, tall kid
with lanky brown hair, brown eyes, and a lopsided grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marvin had introduced himself and invited
him to sleep over at his grandmother’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had agreed, and soon found himself in bed with Marvin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Marvin had
given him his first lessons in sucking a guy’s cock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marvin had also been the first guy to fuck
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks later, Marvin’s brother,
Wade, had traded places with Marvin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rob and Wade were in his grandmother’s basement when he confronted him
with his dick, demanding to be serviced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rob could still hear Wade’s voice telling him he expected Rob to be
available anytime he needed to fuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just thinking about the two brothers had Rob’s motor going!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty amazing how much power those
memories had after 35 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Then,
somehow, his parents found out what had happened between him and the neighbor’s
grandsons, and the next thing he knew, he was shipped off to a “camp” for boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a church run facility that was used
to straighten out “troubled” boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Rob’s case, it meant therapy sessions where they strapped him into a chair and
attached wires to his dick; and shocked him every time he got a hard on from
looking at photographs of naked men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They said it was their way of saving him from a life of sin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many other vile things they did
during that time to indoctrinate him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He remembered how much he hated himself for even thinking about guys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When Rob
returned home, his parents demanded that he meet with their pastor on a regular
basis, to make sure he didn’t deviate from their religious teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastor seemed to feel sorry for him; but
he was powerless to stop what was being done to him at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob’s father believed in corporal punishment,
and he used it often. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After their
discovery that he liked guys, the punishments came even more frequently than
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make them happy, Rob
participated in church youth groups, and even went on youth missions to Mexico
to help preach the “gospel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t
until ten years later, at age 25, that Rob had his next sexual encounter; this
time with a friend from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was living in his own apartment, not far from campus, when George appeared at
the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob invited him inside and
George told him that he was a homosexual; and thought Rob might be one as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had been totally surprised by
his assertion, until George told him he had met Marvin and Wade the summer
after their senior year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a
short, but very intense, physical relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George disappeared from Rob’s life a couple
of weeks later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He later learned from
George’s parents that he had died of AIDS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, the news had sent him into a panic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immediately ran out and got himself
tested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d never been as scared in
his life as he had been during that time; not knowing if he was infected or
not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In fact, Rob
was so freaked out by the whole experience with George; he swore off having sex
with anyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year later, he moved to
Washington, DC, and started graduate school at George Washington
University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where he met his future
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were married the day after
graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was 22 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob had a
mid-life crisis and he decided to leave his wife after 15 years of marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They hadn’t had sex in over 5 years when
they separated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just wasn’t
attracted to her and couldn’t get it up even when he tried to imagine having
sex with a guy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very frustrating
for him and even more so for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
knew he liked guys; but thought she could save him from himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to work for a while; but it just
wasn’t meant to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere inside
him, he knew he was wired to be fucked by a guy and needed it, badly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When they
parted ways, she managed to take sole custody of the children and worked very
hard to keep him from seeing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
she presented her case to the judge, specifically stating that she wanted to
protect her boys from their homosexual father; he had ruled in her favor,
effectively cutting Rob off from his own children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob really loved his boys; but their mother
has poisoned them against him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had
tried to contact the oldest, since he was at college; but he wouldn’t even
accept his father’s calls and returned his letters unopened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One of Rob’s
gay friends suggested that he become a sugar daddy for some young college
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is how he had met Rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fell for him at first sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich knew he had Rob completely wrapped
around his finger because he immediately agreed to move in with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich is a California surfer guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s 6’5”, blond, has well-toned muscles, a
perpetual tan, a huge, bright smile, deep blue eyes, and an aquiline nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rich is an underwear model in his spare
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His buddies are also models; they
are the ones Rob left him with on the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich had
been pretty blunt earlier in the day about the fact that he was leaving him; or
at least that is how Rob interpreted what he’d said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had lived up to the terms of their contract
and intended tonight to be their last night together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had been a look of longing in Rich’s
eyes that had confused Rob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
made love, and it was like Rich really did love him; but Rob couldn’t
understand why Rich insisted things had to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That brought
Rob to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob thought, “It’s
time to make my decision.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob sat up
and retrieved the pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loaded the ammo
clip and took off the safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
moment had arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question was -
would he be able to follow through with his plan?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob put the
gun to his head and was just about to pull the trigger when the gun was knocked
out of his hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so stunned he
couldn’t react.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked stupidly down
where the gun lay on the floor, trying to grasp what had happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was
suddenly pinned down on the bed and was looking up into Rich’s eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob had never seen him so angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He straddled Rob and held his arms over his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I thought
you might try some stunt to get me to stay; but I never imagined you would try
to kill yourself,” Rich said, anger making his voice hard as steel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Why do you
care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have already moved on with
your life,” Rob said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do you really
think I’m so callous and shallow?” Rich said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His expression showed how deeply hurt he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’ve made
it very clear you were only performing according to the contract we
signed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that its terms have been
fulfilled, you said you were leaving,” Rob responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich grew
even angrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you so blind that
you can’t see that I love you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
reason why I was leaving is because I want us to start over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want an equal partnership; not one where
I’m your sex toy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way I saw I
could break that paradigm was to leave you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But you
never indicated you wanted to continue our relationship,” Rob said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You never
asked,” Rich countered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was still
pretty angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released Rob’s arms
and Rob flinched, expecting him to hit him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing his reaction, Rich cursed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Rob, don’t you get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never hurt you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yet, you
were willing to walk out of my life,” Rob said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich looked
like Rob had stabbed him in the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I never intended it to get that far.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob’s eyes had
filled with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m sorry,
Rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t know where to
turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only thought was that you were
leaving me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of living
without you was more than I could bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love you, Rich.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich leaned
down and kissed Rob, leaving him breathless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“That is the first kiss of the rest of your life, Rob; because you’re
going to marry me and we’re spending a month on our honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re going to start over as husbands, Rob,
and I promise you that we will have a true partnership; one where we love and
respect each other as equals.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing his
words sent Rob’s heart into orbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
heavy black clouds that had surrounded him were blown away by the look in
Rich’s eyes and the touch of his lips on his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*** ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br /></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br /></div>
SaskBoyStories by Russ Nielsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12705114426346134527noreply@blogger.com2