lambqueen

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:37:53 GMT

Friend, since I can’t remember when
Seems like forever we’ve been together
Hey, how long has it been?
Friend, I hope you know that you’re my hero

Never once thought of yourself
Always there to help
Man you’re something else

In the dark you were the light
When the truth was hard to find
When I needed someone to call me on it
You’d call me on it every time

Through all the good, through all the bad
I knew you always had my back
The best part of being who I am
Is that I get to call you friend

Some got ‘em by the hundreds
But when that thunder comes a-rumbling
They’re off and running
Makes me glad that I got one good friend
God knows you’ve had your moments, too

Sometimes I wonder if you knew
How it meant the world to me
To get to be a friend to you

And when I stumble, when I slip
You never let me quit
Always knew just what to say
What I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it

Through all the good, through all the bad
I knew you always had my back
The best part of being who I am
Is that I get to call you friend

In the dark you were the light
When the truth was hard to find
When I needed someone to call me on it
You’d call me on it every time

Through all the good, through all the bad
I knew you always had my back
The best part of being who I am
Is that I get to call you friend

Friend, when I look back on this crazy life
At least I know I got one thing right

If all I ever get to do
Is to get to call you my friend, my old friend

Words by Van Zant

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:31:20 GMT

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:06:49 GMT

All God's Children Pairing: Jack/Ennis
Rating: NC-17content
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, I am not making any money from this.
Warnings: Sexual abuse of a child, though not graphic, IS discussed. If you would like more info please let me know. Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.
Summary: Jack and Ennis are together, have a ranch. Junior comes to live with them, so does Bobby. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.
Feedback: Sure! Just be respectful, please.
Special Things: . A huge thank you to JK for her beta and support. I could not have done it without you!

All God’s Children

Chapter 4

The following week was busy as usual. Jack could tell that Ennis was doing a lot of thinking, he’d been very quiet. Jack didn’t pressure him to talk about it, just let him be. Ennis had become a changed person since his revelation to Jack on that last camping trip. The hearts he’d woven out of wet twigs, and hung on the tent to show how serious he was about wanting to make a life with Jack, were the beginning of Ennis peeling away the layers of shame and fear. But Jack wanted so much for Ennis to talk to him, share what he was thinking, good or bad, wouldn’t matter. Wouldn’t change how Jack felt about him.

However, Jack sometimes saw Ennis revert to his old ways, becoming lost inside himself. Though it frustrated Jack he knew he had to be patient. Ennis was giving over to this “sweet life” with all his heart.

Ennis still wasn’t totally comfortable with people knowing he and Jack were a “couple.“

Not that they advertised it or anything, but occasionally it came up and both figured it was widely assumed.

He had fought his inner demons to get where he was with Jack today, but sometimes the demons dared to revisit and he would have to work through it. That was usually done on the back of his horse, riding around the ranch. Seeing how much they had accomplished together always helped assure Ennis that he had done the right thing, but laying down next to Jack every night was the cement that solidified his decision.

When Saturday morning rolled around Jack could see that Ennis was pretty antsy.

“Should stay here and tend to the training.” Ennis mumbled over breakfast.

“Keith can handle the training, Ennis. You know that. It’s why we hired him.”

“Shouldn’t ask him to work on the weekend, gotta pay overtime.” Ennis said tightly.

Jack could feel his back tightening. “He don’t mind. He can use the money and we can afford to pay it. Besides, it don’t happen that often.”

“Um.”

“Damn it, Ennis! We agreed we were going to do this. Is there something you’re afraid of?”

“No, I ain’t afraid!” Ennis said.

“Well, what is it then?”

Ennis looked at his coffee cup then shifted his eyes to the tablecloth and back and said, “Never occurred to me that we might…oh, you know…get another kid,“ He looked up at Jack now, “when we decided to do this thing together.”

Jack softened. “Shit Cowboy, me neither. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, who knows, maybe it’s not even something that can be done. Let’s get going, ok?”

Junior stayed at the cabin with the boys when Jack and Ennis went to talk to Miz Hattie. She promised to keep them busy playing a very long game of Monopoly.

They were walking through the yard, toward the road, when Ennis stopped, brought the back of his hand up to Jack’s chest stopping him too. With his chin Ennis gestured toward the road. “There’s that damn car again.” He said.

Jack looked. They had been seeing the car a lot. A dark green beat up Ford Maverick jacked-up with huge back tires and windows tinted almost solid black. It would come by the ranch and slow down almost to a stop. They would see it from inside the cabin sometimes too but never on their property.

“Don’t worry about it none Ennis. It’s just some kids goofing around, remember? That‘s what the sheriff said.”

Ennis didn’t take his eyes off the car. Squinting in the direction of the car, “Yeah, you’re so sure about that, huh Jack?”

“Whoever it is has never bothered us so let‘s not go looking for trouble where there might not be any, okay? And we’ve given the kids instructions on staying in and keeping the cabin locked up.” Jack said.

“Yeah, well, them 3 dogs that HAD to live in the house, ain’t exactly gonna allow anyone to get close to the front door.”

“That’s for sure, best damn burglar alarm ever made.” Jack agreed.

“But, don’t you think it‘s awful suspicious, Jack?”

Jack sighed. Yeah, he thought it was suspicious. But remembering what else the sheriff said he simply replied, “Can’t do anything about someone just sitting on a public road.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t gotta like it.” Ennis said with disgust as they both watched the car and began walking toward the road again, on their way to Miz Hattie’s.

The car started moving then the driver hit the accelerator and was gone, leaving a cloud of dust and flying rocks.

As they turned off the road and walked into the short lane grown over with weeds, Ennis sighed.

“I just never get use to the idea that people actually live here.” He said.

“I know, me neither.” Then it was Jack’s turn to sigh as he gave Ennis a gentle slap on the back and said, “Come on, Cowboy.”

Ms. Hattie, as usual, came out the door to meet her visitors. Ennis and Jack both thought she seemed more hunched over than usual, the hump on her back more pronounced. She sat down in the only chair that was there, it was old and looked as though it could collapse at any moment. Both men removed their hats.

Ennis mumbled a “Afternoon ma‘am.“ while Jack launched into his salesman mode, “Why, afternoon Ms. Hattie, you sure are lookin’ mighty pretty on this fine day.“

Ms. Hattie made no comment, just waved off the remark without losing her same sober expression. Ennis was amused, usually Jack could charm the hind legs off a donkey, but seemed Ms. Hattie wasn’t falling for it. Ennis filed that away for later.

Both men replaced their hats and sat down on the porch step, causing them to have to look up at Miz Hattie.

“No point beatin’ ‘bout the bush.” Miz Hattie started. “Can’t care for Caleb no more, eye sights gettin’ worse by the day. He done had a real hard start in life, no daddy, mama gettin’ herself locked up when he was but a baby, havin‘ to live with his old crippled granny. Boy needs a family. Needs to know he got folks who’ll take fine care of ‘im, be there for ‘im.”

She paused.

Jack jumped in, “Miz Hattie, mind me asking why you want US to do this? I mean, you don‘t know us all that well and…….”

Leaning forward on her cane she looked at Jack. “Knows all I needs ta know young man.”

Jack wondered why he suddenly felt like God himself had just spoke to him, then he felt goose bumps everywhere. Damn, this was weird, not scary, just….weird.

“Seen yer boy ‘round, he a nice boy, polite.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Jack replied.

“Caleb an him seem to get on real good.”

Jack nodded, feeling as though Miz Hattie was trying to get something else across to him, he just didn’t know what it was. “That they do.”

Looking into Jacks eyes Miz Hattie said pointedly, “They knows each other. Understands each other. Both their mamas locked up, they already brothers in spirit. Theys just don‘t know it yet.”

Jack immediately felt his chest tighten. He hadn’t once thought about the fact that the boys shared that in common. How in the world could it have never occurred to him? He brought his fist to his mouth and swallowed hard, nodding in response to her words.

During this exchange Ennis examined the dirt next to his boot.

“Yous gotta real sweet girl too.“ Miz Hattie said. Ennis‘ head shot up and he looked at her.

“She brings me baked goods, leaves ‘em on my porch. She don’t know I know it’s her though.” Jack thought Miz Hattie almost smiled. Ennis was too surprised to notice.

Stammering Ennis said, “Oh, I, um, I didn’t know ma’am. Junior never told me she done that.”

With that, Miz Hattie leaned back into the old wooden chair. Looking off into the distance she said “Like I said, knows all I need to ‘bout the both a ya.”

All three sat there on the little porch, lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Ennis said, “Mind if I ask, ma’am, if you’ve talked to Caleb about this?”

“Ain’t told ‘im yet, but ain’t askin’ his permission, he a child, he don’t have no say in this.” Miz Hattie stated firmly.

Ennis nodded slightly at her statement. He then looked at Jack and with his eyes communicated that now was the time to drop the bomb that he was sure would change Ms. Hattie‘s mind completely.

“Um, “ Jack cleared his throat, “Miz Hattie, there’s something you need to know about us. About me and Ennis. Something we feel you need to know before you make a decision for Caleb‘s …”

“That yer queer? Land sakes young man, I knowed that!” Came Miz Hattie’s seemingly half perturbed reply.

Dumbstruck, Ennis and Jack exchanged glances.

“You have?” Jack asked, feeling like his throat was stuffed with cotton.

“One of the reasons I want the boy to be with you. He got ‘is whole life head of ‘im, he gonna need a strong daddy. Now he got two.”

It got very quiet on the tiny porch. Miz Hattie looked back and forth between Ennis and Jack.

Ennis finally spoke up, he couldn’t stand it, he had to ask, “Uh, excuse me ma‘am, you know about Jack and me and you still want us to have Caleb, raise him and all?“ You don’t want to tell us we’re wrong? Nothin’ like that?”

Miz Hattie leaned forward on her cane and looked into Ennis’ eyes, “Ain’t up to me to say Mr. Ennis, dat God’s business, not mine.”

Shocked, Ennis just nodded in response and murmured, “Yes ma‘am.”

“Is some things I want though.” Miz Hattie said, “Want my boy go to Sunday school an church, every week at The Glory Bound Baptist Church. Same church I went to when I’s a youngin’. Want ‘im to learn The Ten Commandments and to know how to worship The Lord proper.

Jack watched as Ennis turned a bit green, or was it blue? It was hard to discern.

Turning back to Miz Hattie Jack said, “Miz Hattie, if we would decide to do this, there’d have to be something legal put in place, for us to keep Caleb. We couldn’t just….”

“Pastor’s daughter works for the county. Yo family bes at church in da mornin’, she gonna talk to ya. Church is in Lincoln Park just up Highway 50.”

Jack and Ennis looked at each other.

“Well, I’m sure you understand that we’re going to have to go home and talk about all this.” Jack said sweetly.

“You do dat young man, but already been decided, by the Good Lord Hisself.”

Miz Hattie leaned on her cane and stood. Jack and Ennis both stood. They touched the brim of their hats and said “Ma’am.“ when she turned to go back toward the door.

Miz Hattie stopped short, her back to them and said, “Caleb bes happy when he with you, I’s can hear it in ‘is heart.”

Then she disappeared into the dilapidated shack.

Ennis and Jack started walking toward home without saying a word, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally Ennis said, “Church. She wants us to take him to church. Wants us to bring the whole family there tomorrow?”

“That’s what she said.” Jack smiled a bit.

“I don’t know Jack, about the church thing. Every Sunday?”

“You got something against church, Ennis? Didn’t you say your folks was Methodists?”

“Well, yeah, but, I mean no, I don’t have anything against church. Doesn’t mean I want to go every Sunday though! My folks drug us to church on Easter and Christmas and that was more than enough church for me in one year. Shit, I don’t know about this Jack.”

“Well, why don’t we take the kids and go, just tomorrow. We can talk to the pastors daughter, like Ms. Hattie said, maybe she can answer some of our questions about how all this would work.”

Ennis sighed, looked straight ahead. “Guess won’t hurt anything to go talk to her.”

Jack smiled. “Nope, guess it won’t hurt anything at all.”

They could see the ranch ahead of them. “And don’t worry, if they try to convert you, I’ll throw myself down as a sacrifice.” Jack said as he began running toward the cabin.

“Oh, ha ha, yeah, you’re a real funny man Jack, ya know that?” Ennis yelled as he took off after him.

Jack felt like there was a vice grip around his jaw. “Just pick one.”

“NO.”

“WHY NOT?”

“Don’t see why I gotta wear that!”

“Because. We are going. To church.”

“I don’t care! I still don’t see why I gotta wear it!”

“You want to look nice, don’t you?”

“I can look nice without it!”

“Of course you can, but you’ll look nicer with it, now put one on!”

“You can’t make me, you know.”

Eyes glued on one another, hands on hips, they dared the other one to back down, give in.

Then, “Jack! Bobby needs you upstairs.” Junior yelled from the staircase.

“Ok! I’m coming!”

He turned his attention back to the matter at hand. Then, with total exasperation he threw up his hands and turned to walk out of the room. As he did he said, “Ennis, be a big boy, pick out a tie!”

As he got into the hall he heard Ennis say “Fuck you!”

Jack paused and yelled over his shoulder, “Nice language before going to church there, friend!”

“AND AGAIN!” Ennis yelled.

Jack walked into Bobby’s room to see him laying on his bed with just his navy blue dress pants on, nothing else.

“Junior says I can’t wear my black shirt with my dark blue pants.”

“She’s right, you can’t.”

“Why not?”

‘Oh dear God, I don’t think I can take this.‘ Jack thought to himself.

“Because you can’t wear navy blue and black together.” Jack said as he went to Bobby’s closet.

“How do you know?” That made Jack stop and think. How did he know that? Hum, anyway…..

“I don’t know, I just do.” He pulled a light blue polo shirt out of Bobby’s closet and threw it at Bobby.

Putting on the shirt Bobby asked, “So will this shirt and these pants make me look bad?”

As Jack went to the dresser and got out some navy blue socks and threw them at Bobby,

“What? Bad? No, you’ll like great.” He said

“Oh, I’ll look great, which means I’ll look BAD!” Bobby replied, drawing out the last word.

“Bob, what are you talking about, I don’t have time for games.”

“It’s the new thing dad, saying something is ‘BAD’ means its really good.”

Jack stood, not even knowing where to go with this conversation and quickly decided he was going nowhere with it right then.

“We’ll talk about the new slang you’re learning at another time.”

Bobby began to get the rest of his things on as Jack headed toward the door.

“Do you think Caleb will be at church?”

Stopping, Jack answered, “I don’t’ know Bobby.”

“Well, you said his grandmother invited us, right?”

“Yes Bobby, but I don’t know if they will be there.”

“Ya know dad, I bet that’s why Caleb could never sleep over on Saturday night, cause they go to church on Sunday morning.”

“Hum, that’s pretty smart thinking there Beany.”

“Dad, you haven’t called me that since I was about six.”

Jack grinned. “You’re right, I haven’t, have I?”

Bobby smiled too, “Yeah, and Dad?”

“Yeah, son.”

“Don’t call me that at church, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Thanks dad.”

“You’re welcome, now get dressed! We leave in 5 minutes!” Then Jack left the room muttering something about a muzzle.

Ennis was in the kitchen pouring what was left in the coffee pot into his and Jack’s mugs.

He turned just as Junior walked into the kitchen.

He stared at her and she stared back.

“What’s the matter?” Junior finally said.

“Mind puttin’ a bag over your head before we leave?” He said to his daughter.

“A bag! Why would I do that?” Junior was appalled.

“’Cause I don’t want none of the boys seein’ how beautiful my baby girl is, that’s why.”

“Awww, daddy!” Junior laughed and went to her dad and hugged him. He kissed her on the side of her head. Junior loved this change that Jack made in her dad. He actually allowed himself to express his sense of humor now.

“You look real nice too daddy, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a tie before.”

“Uh, yeah, well, you may never see me wear one again. It was Jack’s idea.”

“Well, it was a good idea, you look totally gnarly!” Junior gushed.

“What did you say? I look, what?”

“Gnarly, dad. It means ‘really good.’”

“It does, huh? Ok, if you say so.” Ennis was perplexed. “So, are Jack and Bobby coming?” He asked.

“Yeah, Bobby just needed to finish getting dressed.”

With that, Jack came into the kitchen, still muttering to himself. He stopped when he saw Ennis and Junior. They looked up at him.

“Doesn’t daddy look great, Jack?” Junior asked.

Jack smiled.

Junior said, “I’ll take that as a yes. Meet you guys in the truck, geezz, they say women take forever to get ready.” Junior flew out the door as Bobby came bounding into the room.

“HEY! Ennis has a tie on!” Bobby exclaimed.

“Yeah! Doesn’t he look bad?” Jack said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Ennis looked up, “What do you mean? I thought you wanted me to wear this.”

Bobby just laughed and said “Yeah, he does!” as he went out the door to the truck.

Jack walked toward the door, still grinning, Ennis followed, saying, “Jack, I told you I didn’t need a tie! Now you’re sayin’ I look bad, I should go take it off.”

“Oh no you don’t.” Jack laughed. “Besides, Bobby tells me that ‘bad’ now means something is really good.”

“Oh.” Ennis paused, then snickered, “I thought I looked gnarly.”

Jack stood back and gestured for Ennis to walk out the door first, “I don’t know anything gnarly but you really DO look BAD!”

“Fuck you, Jack!”

“Later, Ennis. And watch your language, we’re going to church.” Jack was still grinning and trying to keep from laughing.

As Jack followed him out the door, Ennis put his right hand behind his back and raised his middle finger in response.

“Nice Ennis, real nice.”

Ennis stomped the rest of the way to the truck, Jack no longer containing his laughter.

TBC

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:31:39 GMT

For My Angel

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:29:44 GMT

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:43:48 GMT

All God's Children
Pairing: Jack/Ennis
Rating: NC-17 for content
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, I am not making any money from this.
Warnings: Sexual abuse of a child, though not graphic, IS discussed. If you would like more info please let me know. Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.
Summary: Jack and Ennis are together, have a ranch. Junior comes to live with them, so does Bobby. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.
Feedback: Sure! Just be respectful, please.
Special Things: A huge thank you to JK for her beta and support. I could not have done it without you!

Friends,
It's been a month since I have posted a chapter for All God's Children.
With the holidays, RL and the events of the past couple of weeks, it's been difficult to do much writing.

Reminder: The last chapters, 2a & 2b, were FLASHBACK chapters.
Since it was Christmas time I wanted to include it in my story.
This chapter begins where Chapter 1 left off.

I hope you enjoy Chapter 3

All God’s Children
Chapter 3
Ennis decided it was time to head back to the cabin. No need for any whiskey tonight, needed to keep a clear head for what he was certain would be an intense talk with Jack later. Shit.

As he got off the stool he was blind-sided by the memory of what happened in the arena the night Jack and Bobby had arrived from Texas after LD’s funeral.
Dr. Ron had talked to Jack about these kind of memories. He said they were called “trigger memories.“

He’d said that Bobby could be doing something very normal, just some everyday thing, when someone might say or do a certain thing and without warning a memory of his abuse could come rushing back. Charging to the foremost part of his brain to again, leave him feeling vulnerable and insecure.
Dr. Ron also said it could even happen due to a noise, or a smell.

This ‘trigger memory’ happened to Ennis a lot when he was in the arena.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

While Jack was getting Bobby settled in that night Ennis had waited for Jack in the arena. He paced back and forth until Jack appeared. From opposite ends of the arena they came together so quickly and with such force Ennis was sure had another person been there they could have actually heard their bodies collide. Jack’s mouth reached for every part of Ennis, needing to find comfort in his man. He needed reassurance that he was still among the living because those days in Childress had been like walking around in hell.

Jack’s hands could not get enough of Ennis while his mouth was kissing and sucking everything of Ennis it touched.

“Jack, Jack! Shouldn’t we talk?” Ennis tried, but damn it was hard, with Jack’s mouth and hands all over him.

“Talk later.” Jack breathed, between yanking on Ennis’ belt and sucking his neck.
“Missed you so much!” Jack said hoarsely into Ennis’ ear, licking it while shoving his hand down the front of Ennis’ pants.

Ennis gasped at the touch, he was already hard as a rock and that about made him shoot in his jeans. Damn, he’d missed this man so much. It had been especially difficult after the phone conversation and finding out what Jack was going through.. He shoulda been there for him, they shoulda been together. He found Jack’s mouth with his own as he began to pull on Jack’s clothes. Shirt out, jeans undone and pushed down.

“Need you in me, Ennis, right now!” Jack said

“Shit! Don’t got no lube, Jack!”

Sounding angry Jack said, “I don’t give a fuck! I need you in me!”

But Ennis understood that Jack was not angry with him. He reached for Jack’s face, looked into his blue eyes, “Okay bud.”

He quickly turned Jack around and Jack accommodated by assuming the position on the arena floor. They hadn’t gone at it this rough in quite awhile, but between the pre come and all the spit he could muster, Ennis shoved himself into Jack. Jack yelled, he grabbed at Jack’s hips, positioning himself until the fit was just right then with one hand he reached around to grab Jack’s dick, but Jack was not having it. He grabbed Ennis’ hand and held it to his chest, holding it there like they had been welded together with a torch hotter than the sun itself.

Ennis’ mind was reeling from the feeling of his man around him and the understanding the Jack wanted it to hurt, wanted to feel the pain of it. Like taking the pain was taking away some of the pain Bobby had gone through.
Ennis heard Jack cursing as his climax was building. Then, as Jack began to clench around him, Ennis heard a deep throaty sound emerge from Jack. It was a growl, it was a creepy sound, like out of a horror movie. It continued as they both came, Jacks spunk soaking into the sawdust floor of the arena.

When it was over Ennis pulled out, quickly reached forward and seized all of Jack into his arms. As Jack violently threw his head back onto his shoulder Ennis could see that his eyes were wide and the look on his face was frightening.
Jack began thrashing and screaming, digging his heels into the floor of the arena as he shoved his back against Ennis’ chest. His screams got louder and louder, became a piercing, animal like cry. Ennis had never heard such a cry in his life, but he knew it came from somewhere deep down within a fathers soul. His anger and bitterness were finally able to break the surface, grasping for some sort of understanding as to why his child was forced to undergo such deplorable acts.
Ennis knew that the best thing he could do for Jack right then was to just hold him, so he hung on as tight as he could, allowing Jack his first release of some of the anguish that had been unwelcomingly heaped on him in the last few days.
After what seemed like a long while, Jack‘s screams began to subside, turning into wretched sobbing. Then, through the sobs, choking it out, Jack said, “I want to take it away, make it so it never happened, and I can’t, I can’t do it! I should be able to do it, Ennis!”

“Ssshhh..” Was all Ennis said in response. Then he put his chin over Jack’s shoulder as he continued to hold him. Cheeks side by side, cradled together, Ennis began gently rocking him, like a mother rocks her hurting infant, and together they cried, for Bobby.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Just as it was getting dark Ennis came back into the cabin using the living room door. They didn’t use that door very often as it opens onto a porch that was actually on the side yard. Bobby and Caleb were sitting on the floor in front of the fire, each with a collie by his side, playing a card game. Junior was on the couch reading a book with a collie at her feet. All six looked up. The kids greeting him with a “Hey.“, as the dogs wagged their tails. Ennis responded to the kids while putting his hand out, palm down, in a silent command for the dogs to stay. He patted them on the head in a return greeting.

He could hear Jack in the kitchen obviously getting something together for dinner.
He moved through the living room hesitating at the two steps that lead down into the oblong kitchen. He turned and looked at the scene in the living room.
He felt his heart swell, with what, he wasn’t sure, but the liquid he quickly brushed from his eyes dared to urge him to face what he knew in his heart.

He then stepped quietly down into the kitchen enjoying the view of Jack’s back to him as he was standing at the sink.
Jack turned, looked up and jumped. “Ennis, shit! You ‘bout gave me a heart attack! I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Came in through the living room.”

Jack looked puzzled, “Why?”

Standing with his hands in his pockets Ennis shrugged, “ Don’t know,“ he said.

“Oh, well, you might want to get your stuff off and wash up, we’re having your favorite.”

Ennis detected the sarcasm in Jack’s voice and knew immediately what it meant. Beans and hotdogs. Not his favorite, not by a long shot.
He hung his coat and hat on the hook by the front door. It was actually the kitchen door but they called it the front door because it opened onto a porch that sat directly on the front lawn. It was the door they used most often when coming in and going out of the cabin.
Ennis walked up close to Jack, now at the stove, and said quietly, “Guess we need to talk more about this, hu?”

Jack turned to look at him, “Yeah, we do, after we get Caleb home and Bobby goes to bed.”

Ennis reached down, looking quickly over his shoulder, then squeezed Jack’s hand, “Okay.” Jack reached up and brushed Ennis’ cheek gently with the back of his hand and smiled a bit. Each understood that their earlier argument needed to be put on a back burner until they could discuss it later.

Caleb and Bobby chattered constantly throughout dinner. Going on and on about their clubhouse and the tricks they were teaching the dogs. Junior giggling here and there trying hard to show her interest.
As had become the custom, Ennis and Jack would nod or laugh where expected while shooting amused looks at each other.

Junior stayed behind at the house to clean up the supper dishes while the men, along with Bobby, took Caleb home. Ennis sat in the truck and waited while Jack and Bobby took Caleb into his grandmothers house. He looked at the little shack. The same thought went through his mind that always went through his mind whenever they brought Caleb home. ‘And I thought the place I lived in, when Jack came after my divorce, was bad, shit!’

After they returned, Ennis went to check on the animals, Jack went in to get Bobby to bed. When Caleb didn’t sleep over Jack had to stay with Bobby until he fell asleep. Bobby also slept with two night lights on in his room. The aftermath of monsters, though now absent, that always seemed to be lurking around any corner.

While Bobby was in the bathtub Jack knocked on Junior’s door.

“Come in.” Junior called out.

“Hi AJ, can I ask you a favor?”

Junior adored the nickname Jack had recently given her. She had confided to him one day that being called “Junior” made her feel sort of babyish. She would never tell her dad, of course, for fear of hurting his feelings since he had named her and all. Jack had come up with the name on his own. The first time he called her that she felt herself flush deep red from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. She was touched that Jack cared enough to do that for her, it made her feel special.

“Sure Jack.”

“Your dad and I have something serious we need to talk about. Would you mind staying with Bobby, make sure he gets to sleep alright?”

Junior smiled warmly, “Of course, you know I don’t mind doing that.”

“I know you don’t sweetie, sometimes I just feel like I take advantage of you.” Jack confessed in a sad tone.

Junior got up from the floor where she was sitting and leaning against her bed doing homework. She walked over and put her arms around Jack’s middle and hugged him.

“Don’t ever feel that way, okay? I don’t feel that way.” She smiled up into his face.

“You’re the best, you know that?” Jack said.

“Yeah, I know.” Junior teased.

“Seriously, I don’t know what we would have done without you since Bobby came here to live. We’ve leaned on you a lot, counted on you to become almost a second mama to Bobby.”

Junior beamed with pride, it felt nice to be appreciated. “Well,” she laughed, “just don’t let Bobby ever hear you say that.”

Jack chuckled, “Nope, better not.”

Jack kissed Junior’s forehead and told her goodnight. He knocked on the bathroom door and told Bobby goodnight too then said something about watching out for the alligators.

Jack could see how fond Bobby was of Junior. They had grown increasingly close since his first night here after leaving Texas. Not that they didn’t have a tiff now and again but it was rare. Maybe because she was a girl and he didn’t feel threatened or like he had anything to fear.

Jack was already in bed by the time Ennis came in. Even now, their youthfulness behind them, the sight of Jack’s bare chest was enough to cause Ennis to become instantly hard. He stepped closer to the bed drinking in the sight of Jack. He had gorgeous arms and a chest just as beautifully sculpted as it was when he was nineteen. They both had a bit more meat on their bones now but it was firm, not flabby, just more to grab onto they both figured.

Jack looked up at Ennis and saw him swallow hard, he could see that he was horny as a peach-orchard boar. He got out of bed, he was bare assed naked. After all these years Ennis still thought that Jack Twist was the most beautiful human being who had ever been born. Jack walked over to him, put one arm around his waist, the other came up and he put his hand on the back of Ennis’ head and he pulled Ennis to him. His mouth was already open as it devoured Ennis’ in a slow, wet, passionate kiss. In unison their tongues came together as their bodies leaned into one another. Ennis could feel Jack’s hard-on against him and reached around, gently taking Jack’s ass in both of his hands. Things heated quickly, both men appreciating that they still felt as strongly for each other as they ever did. The kissing became more fervent and Jack started undressing Ennis as Ennis ran his hands all over Jack’s body. Jack had Ennis naked in no time, still kissing, and without letting go, they walked to the bed. They fell, Jack landing on top of Ennis. Each man evoking moans from the other as they couldn’t get their tongues into each others mouths deep enough. Jack reached down and grabbed Ennis’ length and began moving his hand up and down. That was all it took for Ennis and he came in seconds. After, he rolled Jack over, as they continued to kiss, and did the same for Jack.

They laid face to face, allowing their breathing to return to normal. They looked at one another quietly, for a few minutes, both knowing they needed to discuss what they were going to do.

Speaking quietly Ennis started, “Why Jack?”

“Because she can’t care for him anymore.”

“Doesn’t Caleb have more family somewhere who can take him?” Ennis asked.

“No Ennis, or they would already be taking care of him. I told you, his mother is in prison. She was convicted of vehicular homicide after getting shit faced, stealing a car, hitting another car and killing an elderly couple.”

“Um, I remember you saying that.” Ennis thought, then said, “Could of been me, ya know?”

“What do you mean?”

“When I was younger and drank a lot, got behind the wheel of my truck plenty a times.”

“Oh, I see what you mean.” Jack paused, thinking, “I did my share of drinking and driving too. Guess we were lucky, hu?”

“Yeah, but it scares the shit out of me, thinking what coulda happened Jack.”

“I know.” They both sat, quietly remembering.

Shaking it off, Jack continued, “Anyway, Caleb’s father was never identified but Ms. Hattie says it was pretty well known, around that Caleb’s mom sold herself to get money so she could buy booze. All they know is that the guy who fathered Caleb was a white guy.”

“Yeah, you can see that Caleb ain’t full Negro.”

“Negro? Nobody says Negro anymore Ennis.” Jack corrected.

“They don’t? Well, what do they say?”

“Black, or in our case, white.”

“Well, what do they say in Caleb’s case?” Ennis asked with confusion.

Thinking for several seconds, Jack shook his head, “I have no idea. Guess we might want to find that out, hu?”

“Um.” Was all Ennis said in response.

Jack went on, “Ms. Hattie said Caleb’s mom brought him to her when he was about two years old. One morning they woke up and Caleb’s mom was gone, she never came back. Ms. Hattie said she got a letter from her a couple of years later.”

“What did she say in the letter?” Ennis asked.

“She told about the accident she caused, said she would be in prison for the rest of her life.”

“God damn!” Ennis exclaimed.

“Yeah, Ms. Hattie says she never heard from her again.”

Ennis was quiet, not looking at Jack.

Finally, Jack quietly said, “It’s not like we can’t afford to take care of him.”

Ennis sighed, “I know that Jack, but what about our living arrangements?”

“Ennis, he’s spent lots of nights here. It’s never been questioned, unless he’s talked to Bobby about it.”

“Well, maybe it’s never been questioned ‘cause we’re usually up and out early every morning and they go to bed before we do. Shit, I don’t know Jack, besides, what are we goin’ tell Ms. Hattie about it, hu?“

“You know I’m okay with telling her, Ennis.” Jack said. Then waited

“Can’t be trying to deceive her none, wouldn’t be right, not with her wantin’ us to take care of her own flesh and blood.”

Jack nodded slightly in agreement. He watched Ennis’ face, he could tell he was contemplating. He waited patiently.

Finally, blowing all the air from his body Ennis said, “So how does something like this happen? People can’t just give their kids to other people, can they? Doesn’t there have to be something legal or something?”

Jack suppressed a hopeful smile, not wanting to appear too anxious, but he felt that perhaps Ennis was beginning to come around to considering the idea of them taking Caleb.

“Uh, yeah, sure, I suppose. We’ll have to find all that out too.”

“How do we find that out Jack?”

“I’m not sure. Look Ennis, I have no idea, if we do decide to do this, how it would all happen. For now, let’s just go and talk to Ms. Hattie on Saturday afternoon, okay?”

Jack looked at Ennis, waiting for some sort of response.

“Okay. Guess it won‘t hurt nothin‘ to just go talk to her.” Ennis said

Jack smiled, “No, won’t hurt nothin’ at all.”

Cautiously Ennis said, “But I’m still not saying we should do it.”

“Okay, deal. We’ll just go talk to her.”

“Yeah, okay.” Ennis stated.

Jack leaned over and kissed Ennis tenderly on the lips. “Better get some sleep, gotta be up early, tend to the animals.”

“Yeah.” Was all Ennis said in return. Then he reached over and put a hand on Jack’s arm, he always fell asleep better if he was touching some part of Jack.

Jack gazed at Ennis’ face for a long time, watched him fall asleep. It was still hard for him to believe they were here. Together, working on the sweet life he’d hoped for. In his wildest dreams he never expected Alma Junior and Bobby to be living with them, but he sure was as happy as a clam at high tide that they were.
Jack was beginning to think that you could make all the plans your heart desired, but, while you were busy making those plans, life was happening all around you and then it threw you a curve ball.

Which led him to thinking about Caleb.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Soon after Bobby had come to live with them Jack and Ennis noticed a boy about Bobby’s size hanging around the ranch. The boy had black wavy hair, dark eyes and medium brown skin.
Initially they knew nothing about the boy, though they did eventually learn his name when they would hear Bobby yelling for him during a game of hide and seek. Caleb would show up at their place, usually just before lunch time, and just before dark he would disappear. When Jack would ask Bobby where Caleb was, Bobby would just say, “He went home.”

One day Jack asked Bobby where Caleb lived. Bobby just shrugged and said, “I don’t know, he never told me.”

“Never occurred to you to ask?”

“No.”

As the weeks went on Caleb began staying around the ranch for longer periods of time. Soon the two boys forged a strong friendship and became practically inseparable.
Caleb loved the dogs and horses and even began helping Bobby do all of his chores.
The boys spent their free time building a fort up over the hill from the cabin behind a row of Ponderosa pine trees. One of their favorite pastimes was agitating the sheep. Jack and Ennis would look out and see them raising both their arms in the air, causing the animals to scatter in every direction. The boys would dissolve in laughter, they never tired of it. The men just shook their heads. Each remembering their summer of sheep, growing-up, and finding each other.

Caleb began to eat meals with them. It started with lunch and soon turned into lunch and dinner. About the second or third night of Caleb staying over for dinner Jack started asking questions as they sat down to eat.

“Aren’t your parents going to wonder where you are Caleb?”

“No, sir.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t have any parents, sir.”

“You don’t? Then who do you live with?”

Caleb never looked up, just kept his eyes on his plate.

“My grandma.”

“Oh, well where does she live?”

“Up the road.“

Damn, this boy was tighter than a bull’s ass when it came to giving out information.
Ennis thought they shouldn’t push it but it made Jack crazy.

“As much time as he spends here we should know more about him!” Jack said.

“We don’t see his grandma coming down here to get him, do we? She must not care that he’s here more than he’s at home.” Ennis argued.

“Well, I’m going to find out more.” Jack replied, determined.

“That’s a surprise.” Ennis said sarcastically.

Sure enough, the next night at dinner Jack said, “Caleb, after dinner Bobby and I are going to drive you home so I can meet your grandmother.”

This time Caleb stopped eating and looked up at Jack.

“Don’t gotta do that Mr. Jack. Granny might not like you comin’ to her place.”

“Well, I’m sorry if she doesn’t like it Caleb. It’s time she met us, you spend a lot of time here. After you two are finished eating, “ he gestured to the boys, “you get washed up and meet me in my truck.”

Bobby nodded, “Okay dad.”

“Yes, sir.” Caleb said with all the enthusiasm of a condemned man being sentenced to the gallows.

Staying behind to help Junior clean up the kitchen, Ennis watched out the door as Jack’s truck went down the road. Before they had wiped the dinner table off, Jack and Bobby were back.

“Well, that didn’t take long.” Ennis said.

He noticed Bobby said nothing, just looked up at Jack. Jack told him to go upstairs and get his bath and he would be up in a minute. They watched Bobby leave. Looking back and forth from Jack to her dad Junior announced, “I’ll go see if Bobby needs any help sometimes he forgets to get a towel from the closet.”“

After Junior was up the stairs Ennis asked, “Somethin’ wrong?”

“Yeah, something’s wrong.” Jack said in a hushed tone as his eyes looked toward the stairs. “You know that shack just a quarter mile down the road, sits back?”

“The one off its foundation and windows broke out?”

“Yep, that’s the one. That’s where Caleb lives with his grandma, her name is Hattie Pierce.”

“Damn, I never imagined someone actually lived there, just assumed the place was empty.” Ennis said, dumbfounded.

“Yeah, me too. Ms. Hattie, that’s what she said to call her, came out the front door when she saw me drive up, obviously didn’t want me to come in. Don’t know what’s wrong with her, she walks all hunched over, with a cane. I told her I thought I should introduce myself to her since Caleb spent so much time at our place. She was very nice, said she appreciated it and then she thanked Bobby for being such a good friend to Caleb and that was it.”

“Hu.” Was all Ennis had to say.

“Bobby was in shock too. He wouldn’t say a word on the drive back, just looked out the window. I think he was trying to keep from crying.”

“Poor kid.” Ennis said.

“Yeah, It’s not like we live in a palace or anything, but I could tell it hit him hard, to find out his friend lives like that.” Ennis heard the pain in Jack’s voice.

“ I’m gonna go check on him.” Jack said.

As Jack turned toward the stairs, Ennis grabbed his arm, Jack turned and looked into his eyes. Ennis squeezed the arm he had grabbed and gave Jack a kiss on the lips.
Damn, this parenting shit was hard!

After meeting Ms. Hattie, Caleb became even more of a regular at their place, even started staying overnight quite a bit, except on Saturdays. He was never allowed to stay on just that one night.

Jack and Ennis offered to do some work on her home but Ms. Hattie always just said a polite “No thank you.” Jack and Ennis were in agreement that she was probably just too proud to accept any help.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack felt himself drifting to sleep. The rest of the night he dreamed that he was walking through the cabin and started finding doors to rooms he didn’t know were there. He began opening the doors to find each were bedrooms with children in them.

TBC

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:07:16 GMT

All God's Children

Pairing: Jack/Ennis

Rating: R for language & content

Disclaimer: I do not own these charaters, I am not making any money from this.
Warnings: Sexual abuse of a child, though not graphic, IS discussed here. If you would like more info please let me know.

Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.

Summary: Junior lives with Jack and Ennis, Bobby comes to live with them, Jenny visits as often as possible. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.

Author’s Note: Those of you who know me know that my desire is for Jack and Ennis to raise a family together. I’m trying to accomplish that with this story, I hope you like it.

Feedback: Sure! Just be nice about it.

A huge THANK YOU to JK for her beta and support. I could NOT have done it without you, OKAY? LOVE YOU !

Friends: Chapters 2A & 2B are background chapters. Meaning they do not pick up where Chapter 1 left off but rather they are full of information about what happened before the murder. I needed to fill you in on how Junior comes to live with Ennis & Jack AND I included a Christmas present for ya'll.

Chapter 2-B

Junior settled into the small area Jack and Ennis set up for her in the attic. They promised to build her some walls and paint it a color of her liking as soon as they could. She seemed pretty content and was very helpful around the cabin.

Ennis got Junior enrolled in school where she was to begin immediately following the Thanksgiving break.

On Thanksgiving morning Ennis and Junior sat together on the couch under a blanket and watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Jack sat in a chair, feeling a bit left out, wishing he were the one under the blanket with Ennis. But, he could see how happy Ennis was to have Junior with them and he was happy to just have Ennis there, period. Around mid day they went into town, to a small family owned diner, and had dinner, then back home to watch football. Junior called home, speaking only briefly to her mother, she and Ennis both talked to Jenny. Jack called Texas and talked and laughed with Bobby, finding out near the end of the conversation that Lureen was engaged to a guy named Hughes and would be getting married on Christmas Eve.

Jack’s first reaction was that it seemed awfully quick but then he hadn’t wasted any time getting with Ennis as soon as he could. Course to him that was different, he had known, and loved, Ennis for many years. In any case, Jack was more than a little surprised and found the timing to be amusingly coincidental.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><><>

Before they knew it Christmas was almost here. Junior tried to coax Jack and Ennis to cut down a tree from their land. Instead, they informed her that they would be getting a balled Christmas tree.

“What’s that?” Junior asked.

“It’s a live tree that comes with roots and soil held together in a burlap wrap.” Jack replied.

“I don’t get it. Why would we want a tree that has dirt hanging from the bottom? Besides, won‘t it still get all over the floor?”

“No, “ Ennis explained, “We’ll put it in one of those old wash tubs from the barn.”

Junior was not at all convinced. “When can we get it?”

“Well, we can only put it up about the week before Christmas. We don’t want the tree to get use to living in the warmer temperature because we are going to plant it out in the yard.” Ennis said.

“See Junior,“ Jack went on, “we thought we would get a balled tree so that we could plant it out back at the end of the yard. We will be able to watch it grow over the years and it will always remind us of our first Christmas here.”

“Oh, that’s a nice idea.” Junior sounded touched.

Jack flashed a bright smile at her. “Yeah, who knows, maybe we’ll plant more trees to remember other special occasions.”

The tree wasn’t huge but they all loved it. They put it in the tub from the barn, being careful not to damage the ball, and then draped an old blanket around the tub to hide it. They then carefully placed it away from the large stone fireplace so it wouldn’t dry out. Jack made several trips into town that week picking up needed provisions. On his first trip he got some strings of lights from the general store and he and Ennis hung them on the tree. Junior made a paper chain to hang on it, strung some popcorn for garland and cut out different size snow flakes from plain white paper. They all stood back and admired their first Christmas tree with pride.

On the twenty-second of the month it began snowing. And it snowed and snowed and snowed. As it began to pile up, Ennis kept going to the window and muttering about ‘the damn weather.’ Jack just chuckled.

“It’s December, Ennis, what do you expect in Colorado in December?”

“Well, surely it’s gonna stop soon, three or four inches is more than enough.” Came his curt reply.

Junior laughed, “Daddy! We can’t make the snow stop when we want it to! Besides, I think it’s beautiful!”

“Uh. White death is more like it.” Ennis grumbled. Jack and Junior exchanged amused expressions behind his back.

Bundling up Ennis went out and shoveled a car width path from the yard, just off the porch, to the road. Jack figured it was good for him, burning off some of his frustration.

The snow did slack off some but the next day it started again. “Daddy! Look! More white death!“ Junior mused. By afternoon Ennis had re-shoveled the previous days path and was in, pacing from window to window.

“Jeez Ennis, relax, there’s nothing we can do about it.” Jack said. “Ya act like you’re expecting company or something.”

“Expecting a delivery is all.” Ennis stated quietly.

Jack looked up from the paperwork he was doing for the business. Junior looked up from her crossword puzzle. They exchanged glances then both looked at Ennis.

“This is the first you’ve mentioned a delivery.” Jack observed.

“Well,” Ennis mumbled as he bent over, pressed his face against the glass and looked out the window. “it’s Christmas, don’t need to tell you everything, do I?”

“No, ‘course not.” Jack grinned, got up and walked over to Ennis. They had been pretty discreet about the physical attention they gave each other when Junior was around but Jack walked up to Ennis and put his hand on his back. Ennis straightened back up, they looked at each other. Ennis looked sheepish and Jack was grinning at him. Just as they leaned in toward each other they heard something. Junior jumped from the couch and ran to the door. Flinging it open they could all see a loud truck pulling into the shoveled area.

Ennis threw on his coat, quickly slid into his boots and was out the front door. Jack and Junior stepped out onto the porch and watched at Ennis ran to the truck. He was talking to the man who was behind the wheel. He seemed to be finished talking to the man, they shook hands, but then Ennis ran around to the other side of the truck and opened the door. Jack and Junior looked at each other. “What’s he…” Jack began as they looked back. Ennis reached into the cab and pulled out a large wicker basket. It looked like an old fashioned laundry basket with towels or blankets heaped on it. Ennis shut the truck door with his hip, nodded to the man driving and walked toward the porch. As he got closer what appeared to be in the basket was a blanket, and it was moving. Ennis saw Jack and Junior on the porch and a huge smile spread across his face. Then there was a noise from the basket, it was a high pitch yelping sound.

“Okay you two, in the house, now.” Ennis commanded as he was stepping onto the porch.

Jack and Junior did as they were told and went inside to the living room. Ennis followed quickly, stomped the snow off his boots then went and laid the basket down in front of the tree.

“Merry Christmas!” Ennis said and Jack and Junior lifted the blanket from the basket. He wasn’t sure who yelped, Junior or one of the puppies. In the basket were three collie puppies, all with red ribbons around their necks. They were yelping and their tails were wagging like crazy. Junior reached in and picked up the one in the middle and it immediately began licking her face like she was a side of beef. Jack stood there, looked at the puppies and back at Ennis. Ennis reached down and picked up the one that was visibly the smallest. He grabbed the blanket and quickly wrapped it around the puppy and handed it to Jack.

“I was gonna get just this one but decided it would need a brother or sister so it wouldn’t be lonely. That would have left just one at the farm and I couldn’t do that either so I just took all three of them. You said you wanted dogs. Merry Christmas Jack.”

Jack stood looking at Ennis while petting the puppy to try to keep it calm. Suddenly a huge smile busted across his face. Jack leaned over and nuzzled the collie’s pointed snout and the puppy licked him on the lips.

Jack, who couldn’t quit grinning, said, “Thank you Ennis ! This is the greatest Christmas present I ever got!”

They were smiling and looking at each other as Junior turned her attention from the puppy to them. “Oh please! Just get it over with, will ya?” They both laughed and Jack leaned over and gave Ennis a kiss right on the mouth. Ennis was both embarrassed and pleased.

Ennis insisted the puppies would be raised in the barn but Jack and Junior persuaded him to allow them to remain in the house, just this one night, since it was Christmas Eve Eve, as Junior called it. Just before bed Jack shoveled a small area outside the front door where the puppies could do their business. Two went upstairs with Junior, to sleep in the box, but Jack was not letting go of his runt. Ennis was already in as he climbed into bed.

“Jack! You can’t bring that dog to bed.”

“Can too. It’s my Christmas present.”

As hard as he tried Ennis just could not say, without smiling, “Well, what if I have another Christmas present for you? Don’t ya think it’s possible that dog could get in the way?”

Jack snickered. “Come on, please! Just this once, just tonight.”

Ennis wanted to sound frustrated, “Well, okay, but just this once. After tonight, it’s the barn.”

“The floor.”

“The WHAT?”

“The floor, I want him to sleep on the floor, next to my side of the bed, like Lassie always did with Timmy.”

Ennis burst out laughing, a rare thing for him. Caused the puppy to jump then curl up closer to Jack.

“I’m serious.” Jack said.

“Oh, I know you’re serious Jack! God help me, I know you’re serious!”

As Ennis’ laughter settled, they settled down into bed, Jack on his side and Ennis spooned behind him with his arm across him and his hand on his chest. The runt was on Jack’s other side. It got quiet and they lay, listening to each other breathe.

“You remembered.” Jack said quietly. “You remembered, from Brokeback, how I favored the smallest dog.”

“’Course I remembered.” Ennis whispered in his ear.

“Thank you Ennis.”

“You’re welcome Jack, but no need to thank me.” Ennis said as he leaned up and placed little kisses on Jack’s ear.

“Night Ennis.”

“Night Jack.” And behind it Jack was sure he heard “Love you, bud.”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The puppies had done very well in the night but were anxious to be put out early in the morning to turn the virgin snow into a blanket of paw prints and yellow patches.

Jack was out and gone early, left a note saying he took one of the horses to check out a piece of fence he had been concerned about before the snow came.

Ennis got up on that Christmas Eve morning feeling pretty pleased with himself, knowing nothing could top his gift of those three little yelping, energetic puppies.

Junior tried to bake some cookies but the puppies were constantly under foot so she gave up after one batch. She and Ennis took them into the living room and just watched them play, no need to turn on the TV, they had live entertainment.

Jack disappeared at one point in the afternoon and Ennis found him with the phone cord stretched at tight as it would go from the kitchen wall into the hallway that went back to their bedroom. Jack said he was talking to Bobby. Ennis wondered why he didn’t wait to call him the following day, on Christmas, but figured he would call him then too.

After dinner Jack appeared to be shuffling around the house getting things together. Things like boots and other outerwear. Ennis knew Jack had a thing about being organized so he let it pass without comment. When he saw that Jack had put the heavy quilt off their bed by the kitchen door he was getting concerned.

“You’re gonna sleep in the barn with the dogs, aren’t ya?” Ennis asked in disbelief gesturing to the heap by the door.

“What? Oh, well, yeah, I mean, they’re just babies Ennis.”

“You’re unbelievable Jack, you know that? They’re animals! They’re use to being in a barn, it’s where they were when I saw the sign by the road and drove up to look at them.”

“Well, I just need to be sure they won’t be scared is all.” Jack said.

Ennis threw his hands in the air and gave a “Ppfftt.” as his only comment, walked out of the room. Jack just smiled.

They were all in the living room with the TV on, the puppies had decided playtime was over for the night, when Junior thought she heard a sound.

“What was that?” She asked.

“What?” Ennis said.

“Sh, listen.”

Then they heard the unmistaken sound of bells. Junior and Ennis got up from the couch and went to the door, Junior stepped back and allowed Ennis to open it. He looked, then stepped out onto the porch where he saw a horse drawn sleigh sitting in the yard. The bells were coming from the horses neck. There was a man sitting in the seat who was the guide for the sleigh.

Jack came up next to Junior, she turned and winked at him. He had Ennis’ coat in his hands, walked up behind Ennis and said, “We’re going for a ride, you need to get this on.”

“What are you up to Jack?”

“You’ll find out soon enough, Cowboy, now get yourself bundled up.”

Ennis did as he was told then turned to say something to Junior and could see on her face that she had been a willing accomplice to whatever was taking place. She just stood smiling at him, “Bye daddy, have a nice time.“

After getting himself bundled up, and their cowboy hats on, Jack grabbed the quilt and nudged Ennis toward the sleigh. They climbed in and Jack covered them both with the quilt.

“Comfortable? Warm enough?” Jack asked.

“Uh, yeah, sure, but Jack…”

“Good. We’re ready.” The horse began moving, Jack turned and grinned at Junior waving to her.

Jack sent up a prayer of thanks, he could not have asked for a more perfect night. It was very clear and the moon shone bright making the snow appear to have been frosted with silver glitter.

He reached and clasped Ennis’ gloved hand under the blanket. “It’s not far, just around the back of the cabin, through the yard, up over the hill and down a ways. Relax and enjoy the ride.”

Ennis could not believe how beautiful it was out there, no lights, just the moon and the gentle sound of the sleigh bells, and Jack. He never once thought about the driver of the sleigh, like he was an invisible being, there, but not there. He couldn’t believe Jack had arranged this for him, for them. What a wonderful present this was, like something out of a movie.

They rode for several minutes in quiet, comfortable silence when Ennis notice a glow in the distance off to his side of the sleigh. Ennis looked at Jack then pointed.

“Yeah, looks like something’s there. Maybe we should have a look.”

Without instruction the horse went in the direction of the glow. As they got closer it appeared to be a tiny cabin of some sort. There didn’t appear to be anyone or anything around. The sleigh stopped directly alongside the cabin. Jack got out and waited for Ennis to come. Side by side they walked up the step onto the tiny porch. Jack reached over, Ennis thought he was going to knock, but instead he turned the rickety knob and opened the door wide. He gestured for Ennis to step in ahead of him.

Cautiously Ennis went in, with Jack so close behind him he was almost touching him.

Jack didn’t want to miss one single reaction.

Both men removed their gloves and put them in their pockets. Ennis looked around,

the glow came from a fireplace on one wall and several old canning jars containing white candles that were placed around the small room on benches that looked like they came right out of ‘Little House on the Prairie’, one of Junior’s favorite TV shows.

The benches looked to have been well used in their day.

Ennis looked up at the wall straight across from the door and saw a large wooden cross, that appeared to be very old, suspended from the ceiling with old chains.

It took Ennis a few minutes to grasp it. He turned to Jack, “It’s a church.” He said quietly.

Jack smiled at him. “Or a chapel or something, that’s what I thought too. It’s ours.”

“Ours?” Ennis asked confused as he instinctively reach up and removed his cowboy hat.

Jack removed his too. “Yeah, it’s just one of the several outbuildings on our property that we didn’t have a chance to see before we moved here. I found it when you went to get Junior in Wyoming. I decided to do a quick ride around the property and here it was.”

Ennis looked at Jack and back up at the cross, Jack leaned over and closed the door to the small structure. Holding his hat and the quilt in one hand Jack took his other hand and held it out to Ennis. Ennis looked down then brought his hand up and gave it willingly over to Jack’s. Jack grinned at Ennis and began walking him forward where the cross was on the wall. He stopped, let go of Ennis hand, carefully folded the quilt and laid it on the floor then took both their hats and put them on a bench that was close. He put his hand out to Ennis again, Ennis, again, put his hand in Jack’s.

Smiling, Jack let out a sigh, shook his head a little and said, “I didn’t think I would be nervous, but I am.”

Ennis just looked at him, complete confusion on his face.

“Ennis, as soon as I saw this, this, church, chapel, or whatever it is, I knew what I wanted to do.“

Ennis looked at him questioningly.

“I want to marry you Ennis.”

Ennis may have laughed if he hadn’t been certain that Jack was being completely serious.

Wide eyed he looked at Jack, “You want to marry me?”

“You heard me right.”

“Guys can’t marry each other Jack, we know that.”

“Yeah, we know that.” Jack said. “We know that is what the people making the laws say and that is what the leaders of the churches say, but do we know, do we really know what God has to say about it?”

Jack looked questioningly at Ennis who looked at the floor and said quietly, “Well, ya got me there.”

Taking Ennis face in his hands and looking him directly in the eye so he could see just how serious he was, Jack said, “I’m asking you to marry me Ennis, tonight, right here, right now.”

Ennis felt like he was walking around in some crazy dream. “Um, how we suppose to do this Jack? The sleigh driver a preacher or something’?”

Jack laughed, Ennis didn’t mean for it to be funny.

“Is that a ‘yes’ Ennis?” Ennis didn’t know what to say exactly, he just looked at Jack.

Jack reached into his pocket and put out a small leather box. He held it up and opened it. Inside were two sterling silver band rings. One was inlaid entirely around in sky-blue turquoise stones, the other inlaid entirely around in tiger's eye stones.

Ennis’ eyes got wide as he looked at the box.”

“I hope you don’t mind, I wanted to be sure we had everything…..”

“Jack.”

“….. we needed to make this night complete.”

“Jack.”

“If yours doesn’t fit or you would rather pick out something else, I…..”

“Jack!”

“Hu? What Ennis?”

“Shut up Jack!” Ennis said as he grabbed Jack and kissed him. He pulled back but still held onto Jack, keeping him close. “They’re beautiful. I can’t believe you’ve done all of this. My God, Jack! I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’ll marry me.”

Jack waited, looking into Ennis’ eyes. Ennis, looking back, began to smile.

Smiling back, Jack held the leather box in one hand and in his other hand took Ennis’ hand. He knelt down on the quilt, Ennis followed.

“It’s just the three of us Ennis. You, me and God, nobody else. I don’t see why we need a preacher, a bunch of people around and a piece of paper with our names on it to make us married.”

“How are we gonna know what to say?” Ennis asked.

“Well, we’ve both been through this once before, maybe we can remember a little bit from that and throw a few words in of our own. You know, just say what we feel. And I admit, I‘ve been practicing a little.“

“Oh, okay.” Ennis felt nervous. They looked at each other, then looked up at the cross.

“Uh, well, guess I’ll start.” Jack said, looking a tad nervous too. He cleared his throat and began to speak…..

“Well, um, we’re here, God. I, uh, I thought about this a lot over the past 13 years or so and I know that I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my whole life. But, some people say it’s wrong. I don’t believe that. I just don’t believe you brought us together on that mountain and allowed us to feel about each other the way we did only to take it away from us, tell us we can’t have it..”

Jack, eyes filled with tears, turned to Ennis, but still talking to God, “I love this man, and we’re here to make a commitment to each other, with your blessing.”

Ennis felt himself shaking and it took everything within him to hold himself together as he listened to Jack’s beautiful words.

Jack took the rings from the box, put the box on the quilt and handed the tiger’s eye ring to Ennis. He kept the turquoise ring and held Ennis right hand, he noticed it was shaking.

“Ennis, I take you to be my husband, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

And he placed the ring on Ennis.

Ennis felt like he could hardly breathe. He felt his emotions rising from his bent knees and up to his chest. He looked at the ring on his hand and realized the stones reminded him of Jack’s eyes. Then he knew, he knew why Jack had chosen the rings he had.

His chin began to quiver as he took Jack’s right hand, cleared his throat. Barely able to speak he said, “Jack, I want you to be my husband, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. And I do love you Jack, more than you can possibly ever know and I will cherish you and do my best to do right by you, until death do us part.” He put the tiger’s eye band on Jack’s finger.

They looked at their hands and then at each other, both now with tears streaming down their face. They laced their ringed hands together and looked back at the cross.

Jack spoke, “Well, we did it God, just the three of us. I know you brought Ennis into my life and I can’t thank you enough. I wouldn’t even know how to begin to start. But if you could, would you please help us with this new life we’re tryin’ to start here, we’d sure appreciate it?”

Ennis cleared his throat, “Um, Jack, aren’t we forgetting something? Isn’t there one more thing to do before we’re fully married?”

Jack looked at him blankly. Ennis waited a few seconds, then rolled his eyes and said “Come ’er.” and grabbed Jack’s face and kissed him deep on the mouth.

They came apart and Jack said “Shit! Can’t believe I forgot about that part..”

“Um, Jack…” Ennis gave a sideways glance at the cross.

“Oh, sorry God.” Jack said, looking up, apologizing for the profanity. He turned back to Ennis.

“Guess we better get back to the sleigh so Old Man Kelly can get back home to his wife, it is Christmas Eve.”

They held hands as they got up, Jack picked up the quilt and he started blowing out the candles.

Ennis stepped over to the fireplace and poured the bucket of water, that was already there, on the small flames. “Oh, yeah, who is that guy, anyway, Jack?”

“Old Man Kelly? He owns the dairy that’s up the road a piece, just before you get into town. He and his wife sort of collect antiques on the side, says most of ‘em they inherited from different family members. His father, her grandmother, an uncle. I’d seen the sleigh sitting out next to one of the milking barns when I drove by my first time out here. I kept looking at it and, well, “ Jack said chuckling, “I guess you can figure out the rest.”

“Um.” Was Ennis’ only reply.

After making their way around the small one-room building they came back together at the door, each holding a jar with a candle still lit. They bundled back up, put their hats and gloves back on…as Jack turned to open the door Ennis reached out and took his arm.

Jack turned to look at him, Ennis said, “Thank you Jack, thank you for this, all of it.”

Jack could see Ennis’ inability to say anymore was due to the lump in his throat.

Jack grinned at him, “You’re welcome, Cowboy, but no need to thank me.” And he brushed the back of a gloved hand across Ennis’ cheek. “Let’s go home.”

On the short ride back to the house, over the moonlit snow, neither man felt they could have sat any closer to each other if they’d tried. What a night this had been, their wedding night.

TBC

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:50:10 GMT

All God's Children

Pairing: Jack/Ennis

Rating: R for language & content

Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.

Summary: Jack and Ennis are raising Bobby and the girls visit as often as possible. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.

Author’s Note: Those of you who know me know that my desire is for Jack and Ennis to raise a family together. I’m trying to accomplish that with this story, I hope you like it.

Feedback: Sure! Just be nice about it.

Special Things: Thank you to my Angel bcatjr/Bethie for your idea of my story title.

Thank you to all my HFIA friends who completely understand my insanity and always encourage me to embrace it... while wallowing in it with me.

All God’s Children CHAPTER 2A

Alma married Monroe shortly after the divorce. Though she was extremely fond of Monroe she wasn’t in love with him. When she married Ennis, she was sure she loved him. But she was young then and had fairytale notions of living happily ever after. She was older and wiser now and doubted she would ever fall in love again. She needed some stability for her girls and for herself. She needed to know that the bills were going to get paid and there would be food in the pantry.

Alma knew that when Ennis said he and Jack were going to move to Colorado, that meant they were going to ‘be together.’ Like a couple. Like she and Ennis use to be. Or maybe like she thought they use to be. Over the years, those years after seeing what she saw between Ennis and Jack in the alley, Alma forced herself to face a bitter truth. The passion she saw between them, in that alley, in those few seconds, was more passion than she had gotten from Ennis the entire time they were married.

Just who was that dark haired man named Jack Twist? What was it about him that made her Ennis flush so deeply from the inside, out and caused him to appear to lack the necessary power to stand on his own two legs?

But life had gone on and Alma was re-married, had a new baby on the way and a home to care for. Before he left she and Ennis talked about him visiting the girls as often as possible. Alma knew beyond a doubt that Ennis loved his daughters, but she wasn’t at all convinced to allow the girls to come to Colorado to visit him and said she would have to think about it.

Their move to Colorado had been fairly smooth. They had heard about the place from a guy Jack had connections with through the machinery business. It had 20 acres with barns and several small out-buildings. It was enough to start out with and had the ability for expansion in the future….and they had gotten it for a song since it was the brink of wintertime and ranches weren’t exactly selling like hotcakes.

Ennis didn’t have many worldly possessions. Next to his two daughters the two things Ennis treasured most were his horses. So they rented a trailer, Ennis gave notice to his boss and gathered what little else he had to take with him.

Jack and Lureen’s divorce went through swiftly, thanks to LD’s connections at the courthouse. Jack said Lureen wasn’t surprised by his request for a divorce, in fact she seemed relieved. Jack also got a large sum of money as a settlement with the understanding there would be no spousal support. Jack called it ‘LD’s thank you for finally leaving my daughter’ money. But, Ennis knew that Jack had worked his ass off during those years he was married to Lureen. Though Ennis never said it to Jack, he was of the mind that LD was jealous of Jack. Of his looks, his charm and the attention he got from Lureen in the early years. Ennis was positive that LD was jealous of the attention Jack got from clients as well. Jack was a mighty fine salesman, people were drawn to him, unable to resist his brilliant blue eyes, flashing smile and warm, friendly charm. He was like a magnet, bringing in new clients every year. Clients who continued to do business with them because Jack had a way of making each one feel like they were the most important and that generated a lot more revenue for Newsome Farm Machinery.

Though LD loved the money Jack brought in for him he loathed it when clients requested to work with Jack whenever he tried to work on a deal. That, Ennis believed, was the reason LD constantly belittled Jack and treated him with less respect than the dirt on the bottom of his shoe. Jack had certainly taken more shit off of LD Newsome than any human being should ever have to take from another human being. He had earned every penny he got through that divorce settlement. Probably deserved more, truth be known.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

It was just before Thanksgiving, 1976, and just after they had moved into the cabin in Colorado when Ennis got the call from Alma.

“Come and get her! I can’t take it anymore! She’s impossible!”

Then Junior was on the phone sobbing, “Please daddy, please come and get me!.”

Ennis was trying to tell Junior to calm down but couldn’t get a word in. Jesus, women! He was certain he would never understand them.

Jack was in the room too, trying to figure out what was going on as he watched Ennis’ face and heard just one side of the conversation. Then Ennis held out the phone and Jack could hear mother and daughter yelling at each other.

Junior was back on the phone, “I’m packing my stuff right now daddy!”

“Now Junior….” Ennis said before Alma was back on the phone saying, “I mean it, Ennis. Come get her. You deal with her for awhile!”

“Alma, please try to calm down…and… and hang on just a minute, okay?”

Ennis covered the receiver with her hand and looked at Jack, “She wants me to come get her!”

Jack just looked at him and said “So go get her Ennis.”

Alma was yelling into the phone, “She’s upstairs packing her bags right now Ennis. We’ll expect to see you late tomorrow.” click…..

Ennis just sat there with the phone to his ear. Jack watched him get a look in his eye. A look he had seen many times over the past several years.

Cautiously Jack said, “Ennis?”

Ennis hung up the phone, looked at Jack.

“What? I mean how? What will she think? Of us being here…. together? How do I explain it to her? What will I say? I can‘t do this.”

Jack could see the old demons of doubt and fear raising their ugly heads in Ennis’ mind. It showed everywhere. On his face and in his posture.

SHIT! They hadn’t even had time to get use to being together and Ennis was beginning to run scared again.

“Well, on your way back here with her, why don’t you just tell Junior about us?” Jack said.

“I can’t tell my daughter about us Jack !”

“Oh, really? Why not Ennis?” Jack felt his voice shaking as he tried to keep it even.

“Are you ashamed of us? Of me? Of what we have together?” He could feel his voice getting louder as he went on, unable to stop himself, “I thought things were going to be different Ennis.”

That last comment got Ennis’ attention.

He looked at Jack, sighed, “Yeah, I do want things to be different. But, telling my daughter, Jack? I guess I thought I would have some time to think about what I would say to my daughters about us. This is all happening so fast. Maybe she won’t even want to come here if I tell her.”

Exasperated Jack got up, stood in front of Ennis with his hands on his hips. “IF you tell her?“

Ennis said nothing, just looked at the floor.

Jack rolled his eyes, looked away and shook his head in disbelief.

“No.“

Ennis looked up, “What?“

“I said, no, Ennis. No, no, no. It’s not gonna be this way. Out in public I can respect that you don’t want me pawing all over you, and believe me, that’s difficult to do, BUT, I am not going to sneak around in our own home and pretend we don’t feel about each other the way we do.”

Ennis stood now too, thinking.

He looked at Jack. “I know Jack, I’m sorry. Like I said, this is all just happening so fast. I mean, we just got here and now this. I’ll tell her when I pick her up. I just don‘t want her to hate me.” He added sadly.

Jack softened, he put his hands on Ennis’ face. “Don’t assume the worse. Junior adores you, give her a chance, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” Ennis replied with a knot in his stomach.

Jack leaned in and kissed Ennis on the lips. “I’ve waited too long for this. For you, for us. If we’re gonna do this, if this is going to work, it’s going to start right here.”

“Sure you won’t mind having Junior here, with us?” Ennis asked.

“Course not Ennis. She’s your daughter. We can put a wall up in that huge attic area above the living room, make her a real nice bedroom.”

Ennis laughed, “Hell, we could make enough bedrooms in that area to put seven kids.”

Jack laughed, “Hey now, watch it or you’ll jinx us into having all our kids under this roof.”

Ennis laughed again, “But that wouldn’t be all bad, would it?”

“No, it wouldn’t.” Jack said, smiling lovingly at Ennis.

They kissed again, this time pressing into each other, mouths opening, tongues dancing.

Finally pulling apart to breathe. Foreheads together, Jack whispered, “I really can’t believe we’re here, getting ready to celebrate the holiday’s in our own place, together.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Ennis agreed.

“So, we’ll be having another body in the house soon. What do you say we go to bed and have really loud sex? I promise to make you moan and scream my name so loud they’ll hear you all the way to Montana.”

“Now that’s an offer I would never turn down. Race ya!”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Ennis kissed Jack goodbye when it was still dark outside. Figured he get an early start for Riverton. Also figured he would stop in a few hours, call to see if Alma had changed her mind. Didn’t see any reason to drive all the way there just to be told everything was fine and Junior wouldn’t be going back with him.

Ennis stopped to get gas and more coffee and went to the payphone outside the gas station. When Alma picked up she sounded totally exhausted.

“Hello.”

“Um, Alma, it’s Ennis.”

“Ennis, you are coming, right?”

“Yeah, I’m coming. In fact I’m on my way. Left early this morning but thought I’d call to see if you were sure you still wanted to do this.”

“Yes, I still want to do this. I don’t understand her Ennis. She’s been impossible lately. She thinks Monroe and I are too strict on her because we won’t let boys call her on the phone.”

Surprised Ennis asked, “Boys are calling her on the phone?”

“Yes, there are 2 boys who have been calling here and we have told them Junior can not accept phone calls from boys, she’s too young. She was furious! Started telling us that other girls are allowed to have boys call them. Everything is so dramatic with her Ennis!“

“Well, Junior doesn’t need to think I’m going to allow boys to call her either.” Ennis stated.

“That’s fine, maybe she will begin to see that it’s not just me and Monroe being mean to her. She seems to think we‘re just out to make her life miserable.” She sighed, “I’m tired Ennis, and the doctors say I need to relieve myself of some stress so the baby doesn’t come too early.”

“Well, I don‘t know about that, but I’m on my way.”

“Thanks for doing this Ennis, maybe you can get through to her.”

They hung up and Ennis went to his truck. Climbing behind the wheel he couldn’t help but wonder why, after the birth of their first child, parents weren’t handed an instruction manual when they left the hospital.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Junior sat in the truck with a scowl on her face as Ennis put the last of her stuff into the back. He turned to see Alma standing there, on the porch, with tears in her eyes. He walked over to her and quietly said, “I’ll take good care of her, don’t you worry. You just take care of that baby you’re carrying. I’ll be in touch and you call whenever you want.”

As she wiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater Alma said, “Thank you Ennis.”

He nodded, turned and walked back to the truck moving up close to the window where Junior was sitting. Through gritted teeth he quietly said to his daughter, “You go over there and give your mama a hug or as soon as we are 5 miles out of town I will make you ride the rest of the way to Colorado in the back of this truck catching bugs in your teeth, you hear me?”

Junior’s mouth gaped. She nodded, got out of the truck and went to her mother. They hugged briefly and Junior was back in the truck. Ennis tried to smile at Alma as he they pulled away.

Junior stared straight ahead for a long time, saying nothing to her father. She finally fell asleep. Ennis felt the tension ease as Junior slept. He then began stewing about how to open up the subject of him and Jack.

When Junior woke up her mood seemed to be much better. She asked if she could turn on the radio. Finding a station she liked she sang to the songs and tapped her feet. Ennis suggested they get a quick bite to eat but take it with them and keep driving. After they had eaten and all the trash was cleaned up Ennis cleared his throat.

“Uh, Junior, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Ok, daddy, what is it?”

“Well, I don’t know how much your mama told you but, uh, well, see, fact is that I don’t live alone in Colorado.”

“Oh, I know daddy, you live with your friend, Jack Twist.”

“Oh, uh, yeah, that’s right. I didn’t know you knew that.”

“Yeah, mama told us. She also told us that you and Jack are more than friends. She said you and him are together, like a couple, like a man and woman couple.”

“She told you that?!”

“She sure did. Why daddy? Is something wrong? You don’t look too good.”

“Uh, I think I need to pull the truck over, maybe get some air.”

Ennis pulled to the side of the road, got out and threw up his lunch near the back tire. Damn it Alma, thanks for that. He got back in the truck.

“You alright daddy?”

“Don’t worry honey, I’ll be fine.”

“Uh, so daddy, is it true, what mama told me and Jenny? That you and Jack Twist are…um, like…you know, together?”

Ennis sucked in all the air his lungs could handle and blew it back out again before he said, “Yeah Junior, it’s true.” He then braced himself for what he knew would come. The disbelief, the anger, maybe some name calling, tear, but there was only silence from the other side of the truck. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her. Finally Junior spoke.

“I’m not going to pretend I understand it. How two men or two women can have feelings like that for each other, because I just don’t. At church Pastor Jeff says it’s wrong for two men or two women to love each other and be together, like a man and a woman. Doesn’t mean I think it’s wrong though. I love Pastor Jeff but he‘s just a man too, couldn‘t he be mistaken? Couldn‘t he just be wrong about it?” Junior looked at her father, waiting for some sort of response.

Ennis cleared his throat. “Uh, well, I suppose so.”

She appeared to be pondering her next question before asking, “Are you happy daddy? With Jack?”

Completely caught off guard by his emotions, Ennis felt himself begin to well up and in a shaky voice he said, “Yes, Junior, I’m happy with Jack. Very happy.”

Junior thought for a few more seconds. “Well then, I guess that’s all that matters, hu daddy? As long as you’re happy.”

Ennis wiped at his eyes then reached over and held Junior’s hand.

“Thanks darlin.”

“It’s okay daddy. I know you’ll be just as understanding when I fall in love and am happy with someone someday.” Junior said smiling.

Ennis just looked at her and back out the front window. Why did he suddenly feel that he was going to live to regret this conversation?

TBC in Chapter 2B

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:23:15 GMT

All God's Children

Dear Friends,
I got a bit ahead of myself, forgetting that I need Junior to already be living with Ennis and Jack when Bobby comes to live with them.

So, I am re-writing the very end of Chapter 1 and asking for your understanding & grace.
Since it is so early in the story I don’t think you’ll find it too confusing.

Chapter 2 will follow immediately and be in 2 parts and will be a flashback and a Christmas present for ya'll.

New Ending to Chapter 1

Sitting there on that stool in the middle of the arena, Ennis smiled at the memory.
Damn, they had come a long way, in the last few years.
The ‘cow and calf operation’ had actually become a ‘dog, sheep and horse operation’ but no cows or pigs!
Financially they were comfortable, Junior had come to live with them soon after their move to Colorado, Jenny came to visit as often as she could and Bobby had been living with them full-time since Lureen had gone and killed that scum bag husband of hers.
WHY, now, did Jack want to go and throw a huge monkey wrench into things? What the hell was wrong with him?
He was right, Caleb was there all the time, but making him a permanent part of the family was something all together different.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:01:37 GMT

All God's Children
Dear Friends,
I just wanted to let you know that I have been working on Chapter 2. In RL I have a very busy household and multiple children AND it's that time of year... as we ALL know. Don't give up on me, okay? Bless you all ~ Di

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:30:09 GMT

All God's Children - Chapter 1

Pairing: Jack/Ennis

Rating: R for language & content

Disclaimer: I do not own these charaters, I am not making any money from this.

Warnings: Sexual abuse of a child, though not graphic, IS discussed here. If you would like more info please let me know.

Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.

Summary: Jack and Ennis are raising Bobby and the girls visit as often as possible. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.

Author’s Note: Those of you who know me know that my desire is for Jack and Ennis to raise a family together. I’m trying to accomplish that with this story, I hope you like it.

Feedback: Sure! Just be nice about it.

Special Things: Thank you to my Angel bcatjr/Bethie for your idea of my story title.

Thank you to all my HFIA friends who completely understand my insanity and always encourage me to embrace it... while wallowing in it with me.

A huge THANK YOU to JK for her beta and support. I could NOT have done it without you, OKAY? LOVE YOU !

Read Previous Chapters

Read Prologue

All God’s Children CHAPTER 1

Approximately 2 Years Later

“No Jack!”

“Why not?”

“Because!”

“That’s not an answer!”

Moments before they had been lounging on the couch together enjoying a rare lazy Sunday afternoon. Now they were standing almost toe to toe staring each other down, each with their hands on their hips and nostrils flaring.

Jack knew before he started it was going to be tough to convince Ennis but he continued.

“Ennis, this is a chance for us to give a kid something we never had.”

“Oh really, What’s that?”

Jack sighed, “A home.”

He saw the confusion on Ennis’ face. “The boys got a home Jack.”

“Not for long he don’t and besides he needs a family, he deserves a family.”

“This wasn’t in the plan.” Ennis stated firmly.

“I know.”

“Then, what the hell Jack?”

“He’s here most of the time anyway.”

“Don’t mean we gotta make it permanent. Like I said, this wasn’t in the plan!”

“Well, shit Ennis, it’s not like we had the plan etched on a stone and entombed somewhere for future reference!”

“Hu?”

“Never mind! Point is, plans can be changed, can’t they?”

“No Jack! Plans were meant to be stuck to!”

They both stood firm, still staring, both waiting, hoping the other would concede. Finally Ennis said, “Need to get outta here, walls are closing in on me.”

He huffed, turned and quickly walked to the door where he grabbed his coat and hat before exiting and slamming the front door.

Jack watched the door slam, he sighed audibly as he threw up his hands in complete frustration flopped back down on the couch, elbows on his knees, head in his hands.

After a couple of minutes he leaned back on the cushion. He thought back to the day he made that trip to see Ennis after getting the card saying his divorce was final. He was so happy and confident on his way there. Singing loud to the radio and smiling so wide he thought his face would bust wide open. He could remember his excitement as he pulled his truck off the road and into the dusty drive as his stomach jumped into his chest.

He could still see the smile on Ennis’ face when he saw him get out of his truck.

“What are you doin’ here, hu?” Ennis had asked him obviously, initially, pleased to see him.

Jack had been certain that divorce announcement had been a come-and-get-me-baby-I’m-all-yours declaration. Boy had he been wrong ! Ennis said he had his girls that weekend and that he was “real sorry.” Ennis said that a lot to Jack in those days.

After the “see you next month” he’d driven to Mexico where he’d heard one could find some miscellaneous momentary comfort. Funny, Jack hadn’t found any comfort in that excursion at all . During the month that followed he walked around in a daze barely able to put one foot in front of the other. But at the end of that month, on the long drive to meet Ennis, he made a decision. He wasn’t’ going to do this anymore, he couldn’t, it was too hard, too painful. He was going to break things off with Ennis as soon as he saw him. The tears flowed as he tried to figure out which was more painful, the breaking it off or Ennis’ constant refusals to agree to try to build a life together.

But all the tears and all the wondering in the world could not have prepared Jack for what happened when he finally came fact to face with Ennis at the meeting sight.

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>

As he stomped out over the front lawn and across the road to the horse barns Ennis fumed, all the while muttering to himself about how Jack had surely lost his mind.

The horse barns were Ennis’ favorite place to escape to. The horses were always attentive, never interrupted him, never gave any unsolicited advice and never ever came up with crazy off-the-wall ideas !

He slid the barn door open, stepped inside and headed straight for his little office. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey he had hid behind a loose board behind a filing cabinet and headed for the arena.

On his way, barreling past the few stalls housed in that section, he grabbed a short stool. He walked to the middle of the small arena kicking straw and cursing under his breath.

He slammed down the stool, plopped his butt down and started to open the whiskey bottle. Only then did Ennis stop and take what felt like his first real breath since storming out of the cabin. He looked up at the walls of the arena, his breath catching a bit. His eyes began gliding over the plaques and the framed ribbons and rested on a 5 x 7 framed picture of him and Jack.

Junior had just gotten her first camera and took it everywhere with her, torturing all those she came in contact with. She had taken that picture the day they raised the sign that greets family, friends, neighbors, business associates and visitors to their ranch. In the picture he and Jack stand face to face smiling at each other, the sign in the background reading ‘Woven Heart’s Homestead.’ Under the sign are five hearts inter-connected. One each representing Jack, Ennis and their three children. The shot was not planned nor was it staged. Junior had it enlarged and framed as a gift for Jack and Ennis.

As Ennis looked around he couldn’t help but be amazed. Had it really been 4 years since Jack had shown up, unexpectedly, at his place? As long has he had breath in his body he would never forget the look on Jack’s face when he told Jack he was “sorry” and then sent him away. The next month was beyond difficult, Ennis was racked with guilt. He couldn’t quit thinking about Jack and how he had driven all that way with the expectation that they were finally going to be together, have that sweet life Jack always talked about.

The pain in Jack’s eyes haunted Ennis, he knew he had put it there. He couldn’t eat and when he was able to sleep he began having the same nightmare over and over. It went back to their first meeting after four years apart. They had gone to the mountains to reconnect and just be together. In the dream they were joking, laughing and running naked toward the edge of the cliff, but Ennis didn’t jump. He pretended he was going to but stopped just before the vault. Jack goes over, alone. Ennis sees Jack looking up at him with one hand extended as if trying to grab onto him. Ennis just stands there, watching Jack fall with a look of hurt and disbelief on his face. Suddenly Jack is gone, there is not water, just black. Night after night Ennis woke in a lather, sobbing and reaching for Jack, yelling his name, only to realize it had just been a dream. A horrible, awful dream.

By the end of the month, when it was time to meet up with Jack, Ennis had made a huge decision. He was going to tell Jack he wanted them to be together. He knew it would be difficult to overcome his constant fear of what people would say or how they might react. However, there was one thing Ennis was dead certain of, the nightmare of losing Jack had become much stronger than the nightmare of the tire irons.

Since there had been no more communication between them that month Ennis didn’t know how Jack’s attitude would be when they met. He arrived at the meeting site before Jack, something that never happened. It started getting late so Ennis decided to settle the horses and set up camp. At least they could camp here tonight and move more into the mountains tomorrow, that is, if Jack showed. After the tent was up and a decent fire was going Ennis found he had too much time to think. He found himself pushing away the old negative thoughts that tried to worm their way back into his brain. He became fidgety and found himself nervously bending and messing with some damp twigs. He realized they bent fairly easy so he began turning and twisting them and trying to make them look like animals. As the twigs began to snap and break Ennis began wondering if he should stick to whittling but then thought maybe if he got the twigs good and wet they’d be more pliable. He soaked a bunch in the hot water pot he had put over the fire and again began working with the soft twigs. He worked until he had managed to work several together to resemble a heart. He then set out to make another heart and hooked it together with the first one. They weren’t real big, not quite the size of the back of his hand but when he’d finished the two hearts appeared to be intertwined.

When Jack finally pulled up in his fancy truck Ennis was relieved. The feeling was short lived when he saw the look on Jack’s face. Ennis became very nervous, almost certain of what Jack was going to say to him. He couldn’t let it happen, he couldn’t hear it, couldn’t let the words pass Jack’s beautiful lips. For once Ennis knew he was going to have to be the one to take the lead, to speak up and spit out what he had never been able to say before. It was now or never, it was sink or swim, it was do or die trying.

They stopped when they got within a few feet of each other.

Jack nodded but wouldn’t look directly into Ennis eyes. “Ennis.”

“Hey Jack.”

Just as Jack began to speak again Ennis put up both his hands, Jack paused.

Ennis cleared his throat. “Have something I’d like to say to ya bud, so if ya don’t mind, I’d like to just say it right out before I lose my nerve.”

Jack looked at him and nodded “Okay then.”

Jack shifted his weight to one foot, hands on his hips and waited.

Clearing his throat again Ennis spoke slowly but deliberately, “Been doing a lot of thinking since the last time we talked. I know how much I hurt ya Jack and for the past month I haven’t been able to think about anything else. I’d say I’m sorry but I’ve said that to you too many times over the years. So this time, I’m asking for your forgiveness for the hurt I’ve caused and I’m hoping you’ll ask me one more time to uh… well, to um, Shit.”

Ennis got completely tongue tied, not knowing how to say it. Finally, he reached out with a shaky hand and took one of Jack’s hands and led him over to the tent. He pointed, Jack took a small step forward, blinked and realized there were two hearts hooked together hanging above the opening of the tent.

Ennis had begun biting his thumb nail, Jack turned and looked at him. “What is this Ennis?”

“It’s us Jack, at least I hope it’s us.” Jack just looked at him with a confused expression.

“Damn it! I’m not doing this right!”

“Ennis, if ya got something to say, just say it.” Jack said exasperated.

Frustration took hold of Ennis “THE HEARTS, they’re us Jack ! Damn it Jack, you know ‘the sweet life‘ the ’pig and dog operation‘.. You know I don’t know how to get all mushy and romantic but yeah, okay, …..us….…..together. OKAY?”

Jack felt something in his inner core leap. He ran his tongue over his bottom lip as he looked directly into Ennis eyes now.

“What, Jack?”

“Ennis, did you just say what I thought you said?”

“Yeah, I did Jack. I don’t know how and I’m not sayin’ it’s going to be easy but yeah.”

Ennis could see the pools appear in Jack’s eyes just before Jack reached out and put his hands around his neck. Jack brought their faces close, caressing Ennis jaw with his thumbs, he looked at Ennis and was barely able to speak, “Sonofabith, Cowboy, that’s the last thing I ever expected to hear today.”

He brought their lips together in the most tender kiss either thought they had ever shared.

They pulled apart gently but kept their faces close just looking at one another.

“Cow and calf.” stated Jack.

“What?” Ennis said.

“Not pig and dog operation, a cow and calf operation.” Jack mused.

“Oh.” Ennis said and they both smiled, still keeping their faces close and gazing at each other.

“So, we gonna do this thing?” Ennis asked, barely above a whisper.

Jack’s face lit up, “Oh yeah, we’re gonna do this thing, but right now, “ he moved his hands lower, grasped Ennis by the front of his shirt, turned him and quickly walked him backward toward the tent, “but right now there’s another thing we’re gonna do!”

On that last camping trip their time was spent making-love, talking about the kids and endless talks about their future. They would talk and laugh about the sheep they herded on Brokeback and things those animals did that drove them crazy.

One particular night, Ennis remembered, they had been drinking whiskey around the campfire, leaning back against a huge log. They were shoulder to shoulder and thigh to thigh, could never get close enough. Jack was telling him about a man who had come into Newsome Farm Machinery a few months earlier, he had assisted the man in buying a tractor. During the transaction the man got to telling Jack about his daughter. She had just moved to Idaho and married a guy who was a third-generation sheep rancher raising sheep for wool. Jack was laughing about it, saying he didn’t care if he ever got up close and personal with another sheep in his life.

Ennis said the idea of raising sheep interested him, surprised, Jack stared laughing until he had Ennis laughing too.

“Well, seriously, I don’t know about sheep Ennis, but you know what I really want us to have on our ranch? DOGS! I want dogs, Ennis, LOTS of them.” Jack’s eyes sparkled and danced, he looked like a little boy telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas.

So, together they started talking about raising sheep and herding dogs and wondering if it would be profitable.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Sitting there on that stool in the middle of the arena, Ennis smiled at the memory.

Damn, they had come a long way, in the last few years.

The ‘cow and calf operation’ had actually become a ‘dog, sheep and horse operation’ but no cows or pigs!

Financially they were comfortable, his girls came to visit as often as they could and Bobby had been living with them full-time since Lureen had gone and killed that scum bag husband of hers.

WHY, now, did Jack want to go and throw a huge monkey wrench into things? What the hell was wrong with him?

He was right, Caleb was there all the time, but making him a permanent part of the family was something all together different.

TBC in Chapter 2

All God's Children - Prologue

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:03:39 GMT

All God's Children

Pairing: Jack/Ennis

Rating: R for language & content

Only HEA, so no death for either of our guys.

Summary: Jack and Ennis are raising Bobby and the girls visit as often as possible. They begin to realize that families come in all sizes and colors and when you least expect it.

Author’s Note: Those of you who know me know that my desire is for Jack and Ennis to raise a family together. I’m trying to accomplish that with this story, I hope you like it.

Feedback: Sure! Just be nice about it.

Special Things: Thank you to my Angel bcatjr/Bethie for your idea of my story title.

Thank you to all my HFIA friends who completely understand my insanity and always encourage me to embrace it... while wallowing in it with me.

A huge THANK YOU to JK for her beta and support. I could NOT have done it without you, OKAY? LOVE YOU !

All God’s Children

Prologue

She entered their bedroom and stopped just inside the door. The creature was there, just as she knew he’d be, standing in front of his dresser putting on the diamond chip cufflinks she’d given him for their one year anniversary. There wasn’t going be a second.

She confidently raised the butt of the rifle to her shoulder, looked down the barrel and pointed it directly at his chest and a small degree to her right.

The creature looked up and froze.

“Lureen?”

“Shut up.”

“What’s going on here sugar?”

“I said shut up.”

“Well sugar, if this is a joke it’s not funny. If it’s not a joke I think I deserve to know why you’re pointing a gun at me.”

She never raised her voice. “You deserve, hu? That’s rich. You deserve nothing because you are nothing. Just a weak, pathetic troll who feasts on innocent children.”

The creature could feel the bead of sweat on his upper lip. “What! What lies has Bobby come up with to make you - - “ She cut him off.

“Don’t say his name. You took the most precious person in my world and you manipulated and terrorized him. Then you did unspeakable things to him and threatened him if he ever told.”

The creature felt the walls closing in around him and more sweat oozing from his body but he stood firm. “Lureen, sugar, surely you don’t believe such lies!”

“My son wouldn’t lie about such things and he wouldn’t be able to make up the filth he told me.”

The creature reached in and pulled out his strongest card. “Yeah? What about that fag for a father he’s got? Everyone knows their kind prey on kids! Any man who takes another mans dick up his ass is a psycho pervert and is no man at all!”

Looking steadily down the barrel of the rifle Lureen stated firmly, “Jack Twist is a wonderful father and more of a man than you could have ever hoped to be.”

“Oh come on!” The creature sneered, “you don’t really believe that queer isn’t the one who messed with Bobby and forced Bobby to do things to him, do you?”

With that Lureen began lowering the rifle, stopping at the fly of his neatly pressed slacks.

“I never said anything about what my son was forced to do.”

There it was. The creature had been caught! He could feel his entire body turn to sweat and ice all at the same time.

Lureen took two steps forward, wanting to make certain the impact was as excruciatingly painful as possible.

All she could think about was how Bobby looked all wrapped up just 20 minutes after she had pushed him from her body. His skin color amazing for a newly born baby and his eyes bright and full of innocence.

“Lureen! Don’t!”

She counted to herself quietly, “Three, two, one.” She pulled the trigger in one purposeful smooth move.

The creature screamed, the pain and force of the blow sending him to his knees. He didn’t know that a level of pain this deep actually existed.

Lureen lowered the rifle but stood, not moving.

She had injured the creature deeply but not nearly, she knew, as deep as he had injured her child. Bobby was wounded for life, his innocence gone forever.

She had no clue how much time went by while she stood there just watching. Finally she walked toward the creature, once again raised the rifle and pointing it at his skull put him out of his misery.

*****************************************************************

Jack hurried through the front doors of the county jail finding himself in a cold brick lobby. He removed his hat and looked around trying to figure out where he was suppose to go. Finally he saw a large metal door with small window next to it with a sign over it saying “CHECK IN HERE.”

Jack walked over and stood looking at the person on the other side of the window. The person pointed to a phone hanging to the side of the window on the wall. He picked it up. “Who are you here for?” asked the person. Jack, blank for a moment, then reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “Um, a Detective Myer.”

“Ok, have a seat and he’ll be with you as soon as he can.” the person stated.

Jack nodded, his mind reeling as he took a seat in the lobby. Since he received the call he couldn’t think straight, he didn’t even remember the drive to get here. All he remembers the detective saying was something about Lureen having shot her husband and she wanted to talk to Jack. He remembered asking about Bobby, where was he, was he okay? The detective had assured him that Bobby was fine, that he was safe.

God, this was crazy! What had Lureen done? What was she thinking? How bad could it have been that she felt she had to shoot the poor bastard?

He heard his name called over a speaker system telling him to report to the Check-in window. He stepped over to the window and picked up the wall phone. The person told him to step through the large metal door next to the window. He heard a loud buzz, opened the door and stepped in, then heard the metal door being locked down with a loud clank. Another door opened and a man standing there introduced himself as Detective Myer. They shook hands then the detective began leading Jack down a hallway past several doors. As the detective led him through one of the doors and into a small room Jack felt like he was in a dream he couldn’t wake up from. There was a small table and two chairs. The detective gestured to Jack to have a seat and then laid a file folder on the table. Jack could see the name on the folder ‘TWIST-HUGHES, LUREEN’ and felt his stomach lurch. He had to look away, swallow and take a few breaths.

“You okay there Mr. Twist?’ asked the Detective.

Jack was shaking his head no, he looked up at the detective, “No, no I’m not okay. What the hell happened? How can you be sure Lureen is the one who did this? Maybe it was somebody else.”

Detective Myer sat down in the chair across the table from Jack. “Mr. Twist, we found Mr. Hughes laying dead in a pool of blood in the couples bedroom. Mrs. Twist-Hughes was lying on the floor near the bedroom door with the rifle at her side. Appears she had passed out, probably from the stress and shock. We’re still checking things out but we’re certain we’re gonna find that the rifle lying next to her was the murder weapon and that Mrs. Twist-Hughes’ fingerprints will be on it.”

Jack ran his fingers through his hair, looked back at the detective and asked, “Why? Why did she do it?”

“Well, she hasn’t answered any of our questions. We assume it was over another woman, these things usually are. She’s refused any food since we brought her in, just keeps insisting on talking to you, even before she talks to her lawyer. The lawyer‘s been called and is here though. He’s not at all happy that she wants to talk to you first.”

“She hasn’t told you anything?” Jack asked.

“Nope.”

Jack sighed, “Okay, so can I see her now, talk to her?”

“Yes, you can see her, but, Mr. Twist, there’s another matter that needs dealt with.”

“Something other than murder?” Jack asked.

“Mr. Twist, we found Mr. L.D. Newsome lying in the couples home also, in the hallway close to where Mrs. Twist-Hughes had fainted.”

“What was L.D. doing there?” Jack gaped.

“According to a co-worker, Mr. Newsome got concerned when his daughter didn’t show up for work and there was no answer at her home. Mr. Newsome told one of his salesman he was going over to the house to make sure everything was okay. When the salesman didn’t hear from Mr. Newsome, within a couple of hours, he called us. When we first arrived on the scene we thought we had 3 dead bodies, later we were told by hospital personnel that Mr. Newsome suffered a massive heart attack.”

Jack sat listening, trying to comprehend all the information he was being fed.

“How’s he doing?” Jack asked.

“Not good, barely hanging on.”

“Shit, how is Lureen handling it?”

“She doesn’t know, we haven’t told her. We didn’t know how she’d react and we thought since she was asking for you that maybe you could tell her.”

Jack thought for several minutes as the detective allowed him some time to process everything. “Alright, when can I see her?”

“Right now. I’ll need to take you to another room to see her. It’s an interrogation room with a one-way mirror. Since she’s being accused of murder we’ll need to observe and listen in on the visit. Her lawyer will be present with us, only you and Mrs. Twist-Hughes will be in the visitation room.” Jack nodded, got up and followed Detective Myer out of the room.

They walked down a few more hallways past rooms packed with people sitting at desks and phones ringing like crazy. Finally Detective Myer stopped in front of a door where another gentleman was standing.

“Lance.” Jack said, acknowledging the other man.

“Jack.” The man nodded.

“You two know each other?” Detective Myer asked.

“Lureen and I were married, Detective, Lance was our lawyer.”

“Oh, of course.” Detective Myer said, feeling embarrassingly un-detective like.

“Anyway, this is the room we will be in observing your visit with your ex-wife. That door,“ he pointed to the next door down, “is the room the two of you will be in.”

The detective opened the door, Jack stepped in. “I’ll have them bring Mrs. Twist-Hughes over, have a seat.”

The door closed, Jack decided not to sit but, instead, stood looking around the room. He found the room similar to the first one he was in, except the atmosphere here seemed much colder. There was a table with 2 chairs on opposite sides and a box of tissues on the table. He saw the mirror on the wall and walked over to it. He got up close trying to see through it but couldn’t. He stepped back and walked around the small table. The door opened and Detective Myer stepped aside to allow Lureen to step in. She looked awful! She had no make-up on and her hair was pulled back off her face and she was handcuffed with her hands behind her. Jack stepped forward and she threw herself at him burying her head in his chest and sobbing. Jack put his arms around her then asked the detective if the handcuffs were really necessary. The detective thought for a few seconds then removed them. He nodded at Jack, went out and closed the door.

Lureen’s arms went around Jack as he held her and she continued to sob.

After what seemed like a long time Jack got Lureen moved over to the table. He pulled the two chairs side by side in order to keep his arms around her.

“Come on honey, sit here.” Jack gently lowered Lureen onto one of the chairs, but still held onto her. He got himself in the other chair, only then did Lureen ease her crying a bit.

She looked up at Jack. “Oh Jack! Our baby! You have to take care of our baby!”

“I will Lureen, I’ll take care of him until this mess is all straightened out.” Jack responded.

“No,’ Lureen choked, “I’m going to have Lance draw up the custody papers, I want you to take Bobby back to Colorado and I want you to swear you will take care of him!”

“I will honey, I swear I will.” Jack tried to soothe her.

“No, you don’t understand! Bobby is going to need you to help him now. He is going to have so much to deal with!” Jack detected a strange urgency in Lureen’s voice.

Jack put his hands on her face a pulled her up so he could look at her, “Yeah Lureen, he is.”

Trying to gain some control of herself, Lureen grabbed a tissue and tried to wipe her face. “I’m not just talking about what I’ve done, there’s more you need to know.

Jack looked at her, “More? Okay.”

She wished she didn’t have to tell Jack the horrid truth, that she could spare him this pain.

She looked at him, “This is going to be difficult.” She felt the sorrow rise up in her, much like she felt when Bobby told her what the creature had done to him.

Jack swallowed hard and looked into Lureen’s eyes, he had a bad feeling, “Just tell me Lureen.”

The tears welled up again. “He hurt our baby Jack. He touched him and did terrible things to him!”

Jack’s mouth instantly felt like it was crammed with cotton. As he pulled his face back from hers, “What? What did you just say?”

“Jack, I wish I didn’t have to tell you this but it’s important that you know. You need to help Bobby.” She began crying again.

“Lureen, how do you know this?” Jack asked, feeling himself beginning to tremble already knowing the answer.

Lureen choked, “Bobby told me -“ She barely got the words out before Jack came up out of his chair sending it backwards on the floor.

“OH MY GOD!” Jack wailed “OH MY GOD, that filthy sonofabitch!” Jack was moving around the room like a mad man now, cursing and shaking.

“Jack! Jack!” Lureen kept repeating, trying to emotionally bring Jack back. Never had she seen such a look on the face of any human, ever, except maybe if she’d seen her own reflection the night Bobby disclosed the awful information to her.

That night, after she had finally gotten Bobby to sleep, she bolted for the bathroom, throwing up everything she had eaten that day, followed by bile and finally came the dry heaves.

When she was sure she could not retch anymore she stuffed a washcloth in her mouth to muffle her screams and sobs. She spent most of that night in the bathroom, thinking and planning what was going to happen.

Jack felt like he needed to hit something, he was in a rage. He went to the mirror and began pounding on it and yelling, “Myer, why didn’t you tell me? You said it was over another woman! That bastard hurt my son….he hurt my son!” Lureen rushed to Jack, grabbing at his arms and saying “Jack, Jack, they didn’t know, I didn’t tell anybody! I didn’t tell anybody!”

Jack crumpled to the floor, Lureen went down with him and put her arms around him “I needed to tell you first.” she said, “I needed to tell you first!” she rocked Jack as they sobbed together uncontrollably, there on the dirty police station floor, for their little boy.

A couple of hours later Jack and Lureen were sitting side by side at the table, in the interrogation room drinking coffee that had been brought in. Jack had told Lureen about her father and another round of tears followed, again.

Detective Myer came into the room with Lance and another man.

“Mr. Twist, Mrs. Twist-Hughes…” Detective Myer began.

“Mrs. Twist, Detective, I’ll no longer be using the Hughes name.” Lureen stated as she looked at Lance. Nodding his understanding, Lance made a mental note to submit paperwork for a name change.

“Oh, um, okay then, uh, Mr. Twist, Mrs. Twist, this is Ron Sims.” The detective introduced the other man. Jack and Lureen looked at the man, Jack cleared his throat, stood and shook the mans hand, “Nice to meet you.”

“You too Mr. Twist.” Ron Sims said.

“Ron is a Psychologist who does work for us here, when the need arises.” The detective said. “I thought perhaps the two of you might like to talk with him for awhile.”

Lureen and Jack looked at each other. “Might be a good idea.” Jack quietly said to Lureen. She nodded in agreement, turned and looked at the men, “Yes, okay, that would be fine.”

“Alright.” Lance interjected, “But only about Bobby, not about the murder. Our firm is still in talks about how to handle your defense.”

“Talks? What does that mean, talks?” asked Lureen.

“We can discuss it later Lureen.” Lance said.

“No, I want to know now Lance. What talks?” Lureen, who was standing now, insisted.

Lance sighed. “Lureen, the assumption was that you killed Hughes because he had committed adultery. We now know that isn’t the case, which completely changes how we will handle defending you in court. A jury will look more sympathetically on you for having killed your husband for what he did to your son, rather than if he had had an affair.”

Overwhelmed by everything and trying to get it clear in her mind, Lureen asked,

“You mean everyone will know I killed Hughes because of what he did to Bobby?”

“Yes, of course.” Lance stated.

“But they can’t do that!” Lureen cried. Jack stood next to her.

Lance was stunned. “But Lureen, they need to-”

“No! I will not have it! I will not allow it to be spread all over the papers that he violated my child! The bastard’s dead and I don’t give a shit about his good name, but I will not allow this to be made public! Bobby will be scrutinized by everyone we know or everyone he comes in contact with for the rest of his life.”

“But Lureen, you’re looking at a much lighter sentence, if you serve any time at all, if we present your actual motive, for the killing, to a jury.” Lance said, trying to make her understand the consequences.

“Oh, and is a jury going to take my word for what he did to Bobby?” Lureen asked.

Lance looked down and appeared to be trying to choose his words carefully.

Lureen turned to Jack with pleading eyes, “Jack!”

Understanding, Jack looked at Lance, “Would Bobby have to testify?”

“Probably, yes-” Lance began to answer.

Jack choked on a sob and Lureen began yelling, “No! Absolutely not! This is not going to happen! My son is not going to sit in a room full of strangers and be forced to tell all the gory details of what that animal did to him! You have no idea what it did to him just to tell me!”

“But Lureen--” Lance tried again.

She turned and looked at Jack for help, “You agree, right Jack? We don’t want this for Bobby do we?”

“Lureen, you got to know I wouldn’t want to put Bobby through that, but you could spend years in prison, maybe the rest of your life.” Jack was at a loss as to what else to say, knowing there was no good resolve for the situation.

Defeated, Lance said, “Okay, you have the final say, I’ll take your decision back to the firm.” He then left the room.

Lureen put her head on Jack’s shoulder, he put his arms around her and together they cried again.

Detective Myer excused himself and left Jack and Lureen alone in the room with Dr. Ron.

<><><><><><><><>><><><><><>

As Jack left the jail all he wanted was to call Ennis, hear his voice, but he promised Lureen he would check on L.D. before he checked into his motel.

Bobby was staying with neighbors of The Newsomes, the Johnsons, who had a son Bobby’s age. The boys have known each other since they were babies and they get along well.

Jack and Detective Myer planned to meet at Lureen’s home the next day so Jack could pick up Bobby’s things. Jack would then go to get Bobby from the Johnson’s.

As he rode the elevator to the cardiac floor he reminded himself that he needed to keep it together, there was still so much left to do. As he exited the elevator he saw Fayette Newsome sitting in a tiny waiting area. She looked small and older than Jack remembers, no doubt because of the events of the past couple of days.

He walked over to her, “Fay.”

The woman looked up with swollen eyes. “Oh, hello Jack.”

He sat in the hard chair on her left and carefully put his hand on her arm. “How are you doing? How’s L.D.?”

Keeping her eyes down she spoke quietly, “I just signed papers to have him removed from the machines that are keeping him alive.”

Jack exhaled, “I’m so sorry Fay.”

“If it’s his time to go there’s nothing else to be done.” She said.

Quietly Jack responded, “I suppose.”

“I can’t believe all this is happening. I’m losing L.D. and Lureen. Not that I blame her for wanting Hughes dead, but men cheat on their wives all the time. It’s not like it’s something new. She should have thought about it before she reacted, look at what it has caused.” She didn’t sound angry, just sad.

Jack told Fayette that he had seen Lureen and she was doing as well as could be expected. He asked if she would like him to stay with her. She thanked him but told him it wasn’t necessary, that her sister was there, in the restroom, she wouldn’t be alone.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack settled into his room, stripped down to his underwear, turned the bed down and sat and reached for the phone and called home.

“Hello.” Ennis answered.

Jack froze the second he heard Ennis’ voice. All the shock and pain of the day began surging through him like a locomotive through a tunnel.

Barely loud enough to be heard Jack said “Ennis.”

“Jack?

Yeah, I’m here.

Jack are you okay?” Ennis asked from the phone on the wall in the kitchen.

“No.” Came the answer.

Then Jack broke down, hysterical, crying like he hadn’t cried ever before in his entire life. Not even like he had at the jail with Lureen. This kind of crying was saved for the person who means more to you than anyone or anything in the world. The one who is always there for you, who knows your deepest fears and your strongest desires. The one you know you can count on no matter what life throws your way.

Jack held the phone and laid down on the bed cradling it to his ear, trying to reach through the phone lines for Ennis.

“Jack, it’ll be okay, whatever it is, it’ll be okay.” Ennis was beside himself!

His Jack was distraught and needed him and he wasn’t there for him.

Jack continued to cry as Ennis hung on the phone gently repeating “I’m here Jack, it’s going to be okay.”

After what seemed like an eternity Jack finally calmed down. He spoke quietly, “Ennis?”

“Yeah bud.”

“She didn’t kill him because of another woman.”

“No?’

“No. She killed him because he hurt Bobby. He touched him, did awful things to him.”

“Oh my God, Jack!” Ennis could feel himself stiffen.

“I’m glad he’s dead,” Jack went on, “I just wish I had been the one who’d done it.”

“Jack, Bobby’s going to need you now, to take care of him, help him.”

“Yeah, that’s what Lureen keeps saying.”

“You bring him home Jack.” Ennis said firmly.

“I will, thanks Ennis. I need to go, I’m exhausted. I’ll fill you in more later, okay?”

“Sure Jack, and Jack?”

“Yeah.”

“I wish I was there with you.”

“Me too Cowboy, me too.”

They said goodnight. Jack hung up the phone, pulled the covers over himself and fell asleep almost instantly.

Ennis hung up the phone and sat there, at the kitchen table, trying to digest what Jack had told him. ‘That creep touched Bobby? Did things to him? Fuck, what kind of human being does that to a child?’ Obviously, Ennis knew, something that wasn’t human at all. He felt himself beginning to come apart, he stood quickly, picked up the kitchen chair he had been sitting on and threw it across the room. It hit the front door with a loud bang and crashed to the floor breaking off two of the legs.

He stopped himself, muttering, ‘Can’t do this, need to keep it together. Jack’s going to need me.’ He then went and picked up the chair, along with the pieces of legs and moved them from in front of the door. He would take it out to the workshop tomorrow, right now, he just needed to get some sleep.

Laying down in their bed, Ennis felt hot stinging tears of anger and sadness well up in him. How, he wondered, do we possibly make this better?

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack’s motel room phone rang about 7:30 am. He was sound asleep. “Hello.”

“Jack? This is Detective Myer.”

“Um, yeah detective.” Jack tried to sound coherent.

“Jack, I just came into the office and had a message waiting for me.”

Jack was still out of it.

“Jack, L.D. Newsome died around 3 this morning.”

Jack was awake now. He sighed, rubbed his eyes. “I’m not surprised. I stopped at the hospital and saw Fay last night. She said they took him off all the machines that were keeping him alive.”

“I was wondering about telling Mrs. Twist.” The detective said.

Jack thought for a moment. “Better let me tell her. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

In the interrogation room Lureen cried. “I can’t believe this is happening.” She said. “I wanted Hughes dead, not daddy. What have I done?”

“Honey, there was no way for you to know this would happen.” Jack said, trying to comfort her.

“I bet mama hates me.”

“Of course she doesn’t Lu, she’s in shock right now, that’s all.”

Lureen thought about that then asked, “Jack will you tell Bobby about his granddad and take him to the funeral?”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

“And will you tell mama that I’m sorry and that I love her?”

Jack brushed his finger over her cheek. “Yeah Lu, I’ll tell her.”

They stood and Jack gathered her into his arms. Quietly she said in his ear, “Remember, you must be sure to get all of Bobby’s things from his room. Get everything out of his dresser. He’ll need everything that’s in them when he goes to stay with you.”

Jack nodded as he held her, “I will.”

They pulled apart, Lureen squared her shoulders, looked Jack in the eye and said, evenly, “I know it’s not going to be easy for you and Ennis to raise Bobby.”

Jack was stunned, he just gaped at her, not knowing what to say.

She looked at him tenderly and put her hands on his upper arms. “Oh come on, you didn’t really think I didn’t know, did you? It’s alright, just take good care of our son. Tell him often how much I love him.”

Jack swallowed hard and nodded.

She tried to smile but couldn’t, “Thanks Jack, for everything.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek then knocked on the door signaling she was ready to go back to her cell.

Detective Myer came in with another officer who handcuffed Lureen and took her away.

Detective Myer looked at Jack. “You ready to go to the house and get Bobby’s things?”

Jack sighed, “Yeah, let’s get this done.”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Maybe it was Jack’s imagination but he was sure he could feel death the second he walked under the yellow tape and through the front door. Detective Myer lead the way up the solid wood staircase, helping to carry boxes Jack had brought. As they got to the top Jack couldn’t help but look down the hall to where he knew their bedroom was. The smell of blood was evident and he felt his stomach turn. The detective opened the second door, Jack followed him into Bobby’s room. They threw the boxes on the bed, the detective went over and opened a window. Jack was thankful for the breeze that blew the curtains back as it entered the room.

As he left the room the detective stopped and put his hand on Jack’s shoulder and squeezed it. “I’ll be downstairs. Just yell for me when you’re done and I’ll come help with the boxes.” He said.

“Okay, thanks.” Jack replied.

Jack looked around his sons room, full of everything any 10 year old boy could want. He went to work quickly, not wanting to drag this out. He grabbed some clothes from the closet and some things from around the room. On Bobby’s dresser, in a wood frame, was a beautiful picture of Lureen. Jack grabbed it and put it in a box.

He then began pulling dresser drawers open and taking out pj’s, socks and underwear and tossing them in a box. When he got to the third drawer and pulled out some t-shirts, there, underneath, was a document size envelope with his name on it. He reached in and took it out, under it were two photo albums.

Jack took out the albums, sat down on Bobby’s bed and began to look at the pages. The first album was Bobby’s baby book. It was full of pictures of Bobby beginning from the day he was born until now. It also had important information in it…. like when Bobby took his first step, what his weight was each time he saw the doctor and what his first words were. There was even a lock of a dark curl in an envelope from when he had his first haircut. Jack felt himself smiling at the memories.

The second album was mostly of Lureen from the time she was a very little girl, some with L.D. and Fay. There was even a picture of her in her red cowgirl hat and riding outfit she wore on the day she and Jack had first met. Toward the back of the album there were pictures of Jack in them too, from the years they were a family.

Jack opened the envelope, inside were two smaller envelopes. One had his name on it, one had Bobby’s name on it. There was also a tiny sealed brown envelope and a loose sheet of paper.

Dear Jack,

If you’re reading this you are here to take Bobby home with you.

I wish there could have been another way to make things right for our son, but there was not. It needed to be done.

Enclosed you will find 3 envelopes. The one with your name on it tells, in detail, everything Bobby told me about what was done to him. You need to know these things so you can help him.

The one with Bobby’s name on it tells him how very much I love him and will always love him. I also mention that I hope someday he can understand why I had to go away.

You read it Jack, and decided when Bobby should have it. Maybe when he’s a teenager or when he’s grown, I’m leaving it to you.

In the tiny envelope is my wedding ring set from our marriage. I thought perhaps, one day, Bobby might have a special woman in his life he’d like to give it to.

The photo albums are for Bobby also. I want him to remember me and I want him to be able to look back and see how important he was to us and always will be.

Well Jack, that’s it. Stay strong for our son.

Jack took a deep breath, a breath full of understanding why Lureen felt she had to do what she did. Now he understood why she was so insistent on him being sure to get everything out of Bobby’s dresser. He put the letter and three envelopes back into the larger one and laid it inside Bobby’s baby book. He then put both albums in the bottom of one of the boxes, throwing clothes on top of them. He walked out of Bobby’s room and stood at the top of the stair. “Detective !”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack was anxious to see Bobby as he walked up the sidewalk of The Johnson’s home. He rang the bell, seconds later the door opened. “Hi Lynn.”

“Hi Jack, come on in.”

Jack went in, Lynn closed the door and turned to him. “It’s terrible, isn’t it? How is everyone doing?”

“About as well as you’d expect.” Jack answered.

“Well we have tried to keep Bobby and Drew very busy. We’ve kept them in, not allowed visitors and not turned on the radio or TV.”

“Thanks, that was a great idea.” Jack said, grateful the Johnson’s had the foresight to keep Bobby from hearing any outside news reports or neighborhood talk.

Lynn nodded, “We figured you would handle telling Bobby in whatever way you --”

“Daddy!” Bobby and Drew were at the top of the staircase just across from the front door.

“Hi buddy!” Jack called up to him, putting on a smile.

Bobby came running down the steps with Drew close behind. Jack had his arms out, Bobby flew into them. Jack held on tight, willing himself not to breakdown.

“Daddy, you’re suffocating me!” Bobby said, his voice muffled in Jack’s chest.

“Oh, sorry.” Jack said, pulling Bobby back a bit.

Bobby laughed, “That’s okay dad, I’ve missed you too! I didn’t know you were coming, why are you here?”

Jack kept smiling as he looked into his sons face, “Well, I’m taking you back to Colorado with me.”

“Really? Yippee! Did mom say it was okay if I go?”

“She sure did.” Jack answered honestly, wishing all the questions, he knew Bobby was going to have in the future, would be as easy to answer. Then he continued, “I’ve already got your clothes and stuff in my truck.”

“Oh good, I can’t wait!” Bobby said.

Mrs. Johnson told the boys to go get Drew’s room cleaned up and to put the few things of Bobby’s that were there, in a bag she had left on Drew’s bed. The boys went back upstairs as quickly as they had come down.

When they were gone Lynn asked, “What are you going to do about L.D.’s funeral, it’s the day after tomorrow.”

“I know.” Jack said. “I’m going to take Bobby back to the motel with me tonight. We’ll stay in tomorrow and I’ll tell him about L. D. then. I plan to take him to the funeral only and we will be leaving quickly after to get on the road north.” Jack explained.

“Makes sense, “ Lynn said, “You don’t want him overhearing anything else right now. Losing his granddad will be hard enough.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too.” Jack said.

The boys came back up the hall to the steps. “I’m ready!” Bobby chimed with his bag in his hand.

Jack thanked Lynn for all they had done and she asked him to allow Bobby and Drew to stay in contact. They all said their goodbyes then Bobby and Jack went back to Jack’s motel.

The next day Jack told Bobby about his granddad. Bobby cried off and on through the day. Jack tried to keep him busy with books he’d brought from his bedroom, along with watching games shows on T.V.

Jack also got their clothes ready for the funeral the next day.

Jack had called Ennis the night before when he and Bobby got to the motel. When Bobby fell asleep Jack took the phone into the bathroom, the cord barely long enough, called home and briefly told Ennis about L.D.’s passing and his plans for the funeral and leaving to return home.

There was no time for whispered messages or words of affection. Other than the “Can’t wait to see you bud.” Ennis murmured just before hanging up.

When Jack hung up he kept telling himself, ‘I got to hang in there until I get home. Can’t fall apart, got to keep going at a steady pace here. When we get home I’ll be able to talk to Ennis, figure things out from there.’

It was a graveside only service and the weather was dreary, which somehow seemed fitting, considering all that had happened.

Just as the preacher began to speak to those who were gathered Bobby looked up and asked his dad, “Where’s mama?”

‘Shit.’ Jack thought to himself. “She’s not feeling well today, Bobby, so she couldn’t be here.” He knew he’d have to explain more later but for now Bobby seemed to accept the explanation.

When the service was over and the casket had been lowered into the ground, Bobby hugged his grandma and they cried together. Fay told Bobby he would see his granddad again someday in heaven. Jack decided, under the circumstances, to let that comment slide. Jack kissed Fay on the cheek then quickly walked Bobby to his truck where they got as comfortable as possible and headed north. Straight home and straight to Ennis.

TBC