We fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Chapter Eight
I did my best not to wake Alexander as I got dressed in the pale dawn light. He stirred when I placed a kiss on his forehead.
“I’m just headin’ back to the ranch,” I said softly.
“That time already?” he asked sleepily.
“Nah, it’s early yet. Get some sleep, darlin’. I’ll see you later today.”
“M’kay,” he mumbled, although it was mostly muffled as he buried his face in the pillow.
I couldn’t help but smile. I ran my fingers through his hair one last time before I turned and made my way out the front door.
My breath came out in plumes and I had to scrape the frost off my windshield before I could drive, but I was still the happiest I’d been in years. I didn’t know what the future held, but for right now I had Alexander, and that was all that mattered.
My good mood didn’t last though. As I pulled up to the house my heart sank as I thought about Ruth. I didn’t know what to do. I knew that there was no hope for salvaging my marriage. But a divorce could cost me the ranch. Hell, probably would cost me the ranch. I sighed and shook my head as I made my way up the front steps. I just couldn’t think about it anymore.
I was surprised to find Ruth waiting for me when I opened the front door. I was even more surprised when she hauled off and slapped me hard enough to make me see stars.
“Christ, woman! What the hell is the matter with you?” I said as I put my hand up to my cheek. It stung like a son of a bitch.
“Where the hell have you been?” she shouted at me.
I stared at her in disbelief.
“Well? Answer me!” I wouldn’t have thought it was possible for her to make her voice any louder, but damned if she didn’t pull it off. It was the last straw.
“Now hang on, let me get this straight. You kick me out of the house, my house, for days on end and now all of a sudden you wanna keep tabs on my every move?”
“I asked you where the hell you’ve been,” she said in a low, dangerous tone.
“Out,” I said, brushing past her. Suffice it to say that that answer did not make her happy.
I ignored the rest of her rant as I changed into my work boots. She followed me, continuing her tirade all the way to the front door. I shut it in her face and headed for the stable. I saddled up Jasper and rode out toward the back forty. Alexander wouldn’t get here for about another hour. Normally I would have worked around the stable until he got here, but I wanted as much distance between me and that house as possible. She’d probably figure out where I’d gone. There was work to be done, but I was too angry to deal with it.
The ride out to the back forty in the cold cleared my head a good bit. And sure enough, about an hour and a half later, Alexander showed up riding Winchester.
“Tryin’ to hide from me?” he asked flippantly.
“Not from you,” I said with a wry smile.
“Ah,” he said. “Gotcha. Bad one, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s not…you know…because of me…is it?”
“No,” I told her. Well, I thought, that wasn’t entirely true. But he didn’t need to know that. Fights like that one had been pretty commonplace before things with Alexander had started. “Nothin’ to worry about, darlin’.”
“Ok…” he said, although he seemed unconvinced.
“It’s nothin’. Really.” I reached out and put my hand against his face. He leaned his face against it and put his hand over mine.
And just like that, everything was alright again.
Chapter Nine
The next few months were like a dream. I still felt a little conflicted sometimes about the situation with him and Ruth. But I found that I wasn’t willing to give him up. I couldn’t. If this was the only way I could have him, then I’d take what I could get. He rarely stayed the night at my house. More often than not we made love in the stables or out near the back forty once winter gave way to spring.
It was fine like that for a while. But everything changed in May. It was a clear, sunny day as I drove toward the ranch with a sense of growing dread. I was about to have a conversation I did not want to have. But it had to be done.
I found Daniel still at the stables. He smiled as I approached, which made me feel even worse.
“You’re late,” he said. There wasn’t any anger in his tone though. “That’s not like you. Everything ok?”
“I was sick,” I told him. Concern washed over his face.
“Hey, if you need the day off—“
“Daniel, I have to quit,” I blurted out. He looked hurt and I hated it. But I was about to make it a thousand times worse.
“What…but why?”
“I've decided to move back home,” I said. “I can't do this any more.”
“Alexander, I don't understand.”
“Listen,” I replied holding up my hands in front of me. “I know we've had to keep this a secret, even if you weren't married. I get it. People around here aren't to keen on our type. I know that. But I know there are places in the world where people like me can live. Actually live and be open about things. I don't want to hide anymore, Daniel, and I can't ask you to give up the Ranch. Not for me. So as of today I resign my position, I guess. ”
Neither of us said anything for several minutes.
“You can't mean this,” he said at last. His voice sounded like he could not comprehend what was happening, and his expression wasn't far off from that either.
“I do mean it. I love you, but this is no kind of life.”
“That’s not funny.”
“No, it’s…I know it’s not funny.” I said after a long pause.
“I’m gonna have to ask Ruth for a divorce,” he said resolutely.
“Daniel, you’ll lose the ranch,” I protested.
“Doesn’t matter,” he said, shaking his head. He walked over and placed his hands on my shoulders. “This changes everything. You're right, and I should have seen it sooner. I've been an absolute fool.”
I couldn’t find any words. I stood there in shock. I knew how much the ranch meant to him. He wrapped his arms around me and I could not stop myself from leaning into him returning his embrace. “We’re gonna get through this.”
And I believed him.
Chapter Ten
I fingered the edge of my hat nervously as I waited in my attorney Herb’s office for Ruth and her lawyer to show up. To say that she hadn’t taken it well when I’d asked her for the divorce was an understatement. I was not looking forward to this meeting.
“Showtime,” I said under my breath when I heard her approaching in the hallway. Herb gave me a reassuring nod and I drew a deep breath.
Ruth’s attorney was a severe looking blonde with sharp blue eyes. I’d be willing to bet she wasn’t an inch over 5’ 3”. I’d also be willing to bet she could mop the floor with anyone who crossed her. Ruth was doing her best to pretend I wasn’t in the room. I was pretty sure that there were glaciers that were less icy.
“Mr. Williams,” said the attorney.
“Ma’am.”
“Marsha Swann,” she said as she gave my hand a curt shake. She had a grip like a vice.
“Please, have a seat,” Herb said, gesturing to two empty chairs.
“Thank you,” Marsha said as she seated herself.
“I’ll stand, thanks,” Ruth said coldly as she stared out the window.
Marsha turned her attention to the manila folder she had brought with her. She passed it to Herb.
“I think you’ll find my client’s demands quite reasonable,” she said. “I feel certain that we can settle out of court.”
I narrowed my eyes. If Ruth thought I’d sell off the ranch without a fight, she had another thing coming. But I held my tongue as Herb flipped through the pages of the document. He cleared his throat when he reached the end of the document.
“Is this…are you serious?”
“Perfec
tly,” Ruth said without shifting her gaze from the window.
“Alright,” he said disbelievingly.
I almost didn’t want to know what those papers said.
“Well, Daniel,” Herb said. “This seems…reasonable. Very reasonable.”
“Ok,” I said. I braced myself before asking, “What is she asking for?” It felt odd talking about her as if she weren’t in the room.
“Nothing, really. Personal effects. Several pieces of antique furniture. Her vehicle, of course.”
“And?”
“And nothing. That’s it,” he said, holding his hands up.
I was completely taken aback. “The ranch?”
Ruth said something under her breath, but I didn’t catch what it was.
“I’m sorry?”
“I said I don’t want your damn ranch,” she snapped. “I want the family we were supposed to have. I want Colton back.”
I winced at those words. There wasn’t a damn thing I could say to that.
“I hate you,” she said. “I hate you for making me this way. It's your fault, you know. Colton was taken from us because of you and your perversion. Don't think I didn't know. All those years, finding those magazines out in the barn. I've known longer than you have. So no, I don’t want a damn thing to do with you or your God-forsaken ranch. You can just go right to hell. And take your little fag with you while you’re at it.”
“That's got nothing to do with any of this ,” I said. The lawyers both looked on in confusion and shock. No turning back now.
She didn’t reply except to sneer, turn her back to me, and walk out of the room.
Chapter Eleven
December came faster than I could have imagined. I held Alexander’s hand as we walked into the county clerks office. The last time I had felt this nervous was in the delivery room with Ruth. I couldn’t help but remember the eerie silence, the unnatural stillness of Colton when he had come into the world. I would never have told Alexander, but I was terrified. I had no idea what would come next. We walked through the hallways our footsteps the only echoing sound until we reached the correct door.
“Ready?” I asked.
“Never been more ready,” Alexander replied.
I squeezed his hand and we stepped through the door.
“Well, Daniel Parker,” Mr. Jansen, the county clerk greeted me with a perplexed smile underneath his full mustache. His eyes skittered down to our clasped hands with curiousity. “What can I do for you today?”
“We would like to apply for a marriage license,” I said. My voice sounded more confident that I felt, but I kept steady.
Mr. Jansen paused, his fingertips resting on his chin with a thoughtful tap. The tension hung in the air, thick like the air before an arriving thunderstorm across the plains.
“Well, I guess you're in the correct office for that, I reckon'.” he said.
“I reckon so,” I replied.
Finally his face cracked into a huge grin and he pulled out a small form. “Just fill there here out and let me be the first to congratulate you two.” .
A few moments later Alexander and I stepped back out into the hot sun. I felt like I was walking on air, and I imagined by the grin on Alexander's face that he did too.
“So,” I said. “How do you feel about kids?”
“I've thought it might be nice to adopt, I think,” he said.
We headed off down the sidewalk hand in hand. I didn’t think it was possible to love anyone so much.
Room for a Third
Chapter 1
Many times, high school friendships die away with time as people go down different avenues and take on different lives that are not compatible with one another. Often they drift away, the friendship weakening day by day until it is severed completely, and people who were once best friends for life are no more.
This, however, was not the case for Alexandra and Steve. They had been great friends throughout high school and even now, at twenty-seven, they were tight knit. They spoke on a daily basis and supported each other through the ups and downs of the roller coaster that is life.
So when Steve’s life took a turn for the worst, he turned to Alexandra for help. She, of course, was eager to help. When he lost his job, she was there to help him financially, and when he lost his home to a foreclosure, she was there with open arms, ready to take him in.
“Are you sure this is okay?” Steve asked, looking around the spacious three-bedroom house. Even though they were close friends, he had rarely spent any time in her home. Mostly for one reason: her boyfriend.
Greg was one hell of a man. At six-foot,two-inches and with a body ripped with muscles, he was a force to be reckoned with. In high school he was the star quarterback, taking the team to the state championships three years in a row. Now, nearly a decade later, he still kept up his athletic physique, spending countless hours at the gym.
“Of course! My home is your home.” Steve blushed a little, a bit of humility clinging to his expression as he accepted the act of charity.
In high school, he had the biggest crush on Alexandra. But then again, who didn’t? Alexandra was a living, breathing version of a Barbie doll with her long blonde hair, her bright blue eyes, and her flawless skin. She was every man’s dream girl. But of course, in the end, Greg ended up with her, and they transformed into the perfect couple, a couple that was now ten years strong.
“Thanks again, Lexi. I would be out on the streets if it wasn’t for you.” He thanked her heartily as he sat down on the couch, his suitcase by his side.
“How rude of me. Let me show you where you’ll sleep.” He nodded, following her into the guest bedroom. Alexandra left him to acclimate himself to his new surroundings, telling him to make himself comfortable as she went to make dinner.
Steve still felt a little off about the whole thing. He was on a downhill slope in his life and a part of him feared he wouldn’t be able to climb back up to a place of stability. He sighed, knowing he couldn’t live off of Alexandra’s charity forever. Soon enough, he would have to get his life back together again.
Still, as he sat down on the edge of the bed, nervousness crept under his skin, curling around his body, nearly strangling him from the inside. He couldn’t get over the feeling that Greg would hate him. In high school the men barely knew each other. Steve, one of the classic nerds, had stayed away from the well-known jock. Surely now he wouldn’t like another man living under his roof.
This nervousness clung to him the entire time he unpacked his stuff. Eventually he made his way back downstairs, where Alexandra was busy preparing something in the kitchen. She heard him and turned around, offering him a smile. “Help yourself to anything in the fridge. I’m sure you can figure out how to work the TV.” Steve blushed but nodded, going to the fridge, trying not to be rude.
Hesitantly, he grabbed a beer and sat down on the couch, turning on the TV. He flicked through the channels, trying to find something that interested him to pass the time. As he did, he stopped on the sports channel. He smiled as he saw a football game being played on the flat screen mounted on the wall. Perfect.
Steve may have been considered a nerd by most, but contrary to popular belief he was actually a really big football fan. He didn’t play, but he liked to watch and cheer on his favorite teams. As he was enjoying the game, sipping on some cold beer, the front door suddenly opened.
Greg stepped through the door. “Lexi! I’m home,” he called out, heading straight for the kitchen, ignoring the small man on the couch. Steve froze in place, looking at the giant of a man. In that moment, he felt like disappearing.
“Welcome home, babe,” she said, kissing his lips as he approached her.
“Whatcha cooking?” he asked, looking at the various pans sizzling on the stove. Whatever it was, it smelled good. Greg couldn’t help but notice that there was so much of it. Were they expecting company?
“Oh hey, can you take this out for Steve to try?”
“Steve? Who the he
ll is Steve?” he asked, looking confused. Alexandra glared at him, her hands on her hips, and a wooden spoon still in her hand, as if defending her chastising body language.
“Steve Varano. He was in our graduating class. He’s one of my best friends and the only reason I passed ninth grade math. He’s having a rough patch, so I offered to let him stay with us.”
“How come you never told me about him?” Greg looked a little suspicious, eyeing his girlfriend. He didn’t know who this man and, for this reason, he had a bad feeling about the whole thing.
“Because we don’t hang out much, we just talk and text every now and then,” she explained. “Now be a good host and go bring him this.” She pointed to the plate with a small amount of food meant for him to try. Greg frowned, but he knew his girlfriend. He wouldn’t be able to change her mind.
“Fine.”
Chapter 2
Grabbing the plate, Greg moved into the living room with a grimace on his face. He didn’t like this situation at all, but who was he to tell his girlfriend that she couldn’t have a friend over. Nevertheless, a hint of jealousy made his bright green eyes even greener with envy.
Thinking about this, he entered the living room. As he did, his eyes spotted the small man sitting on the couch. Eyeing him, he did notice something familiar about him and his innocent-looking face. From what Alexandra had said, this man was their age. Yet his bushy eyebrows and messy goatee made him look young and naïve. His messy brown hair didn’t help him look any older either.
Their eyes locked and Greg looked into the man’s hazel eyes, a shiver running down his spine, crippling him for a moment. Steve was the next to act, getting up and offering his hand. “Hello, I’m Steve. Thank you so much for your hospitality,” he said quickly, keeping his eyes downcast in an act of submission toward the stronger male.
Greg was surprised for a moment, but then snapped out of his trance, reaching forward and offering a hard handshake. A moment of awkwardness passed between them until Greg remembered to hand over the plate. Steve eyed it curiously, wondering what it was. He sniffed it, warily.
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