Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2022 16:39:32 -0500 From: William Marshal Subject: Saving Jordan: 19-23 Saving Jordan: Chapter 19-23 Chapter 19 "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" Jordan yelled. "Is that anyway to treat your father?" Case Allison said. "How did you get out of prison?" "They let me out. It seems that the judge decided the government failed to cross its T's and dot its I's. So the conviction was overturned. Well, at least until they decide whether they want to retry me. Isn't America great?" "Fine asshole, what do you want?" Jordan asked. "Well it seems like you have a pretty good gig here, so I thought you might want to share with your old-man." "Fuck off asshole. I never want to see you again....." Peter heard Jordan yelling and went to see what had him so riled up. He instantly recognized Case Allison and pushed a number on his phone to alert the security company there may be a problem. "Mr. Allison," Peter said, "I am Peter Jenke." "I know who you are." Case said, "You're the fag with his cock up my son's ass." Peter winced at the crudeness and hurtfulness of his remark, but didn't back away. "Look Mr. Allison. I think you have hurt your son enough. You should just leave." Just then a car from the security company drove up and two large men wearing uniforms got out. Case said, "You think you can scare me off with rent-a-cops? I just got out of prison and need a place to stay until I can make some connections." "Wait right there," Peter said, and then looked at the waiting security men and said, "If he tries to get into the house, kick his lying, thieving ass to the curb." Peter then walked back into the house. A few minutes later Peter returned with ten one-hundred dollar bills. He handed the money to Case and said, "This should get you by for a while. Don't come back, and leave Jordan alone." Case grabbed the money and said, "I can see my son anytime I want," Case said. "So pervert, if you want me to stay away, you'd better keep a stack of Benjamins handy." He then turned and walked back to the street. When he reached the security guards, he said under his breath, "Fucking mall cops." When Case was gone, the guys from the security company collected information for a report and an upgrade to the security system. Facial recognition software would be added to notify the company anytime Case was in the area. Because the company provided security to several of Peter's neighbors and local businesses, the company would be able to expand its surveillance to the neighborhood. Peter closed the door and he and Jordan were alone. Jordan broke down into tears. Peter pulled Jordan into a comforting hug and let him sob it out. Finally, Jordan asked, "Why did they let him out? Why won't he just leave me alone?" Peter rubbed his back and said, "I don't know," but as he said it he thought it was time to get some answers. It was time to call David Orville, but first Jordan needed his attention and led Jordan to the Medicine Lodge. When they moved into the house, there was a wine cellar on the lower floor. It was massive, and Peter wasn't an enophile. One evening they had Daniel Sprecht and Steven Webber over for dinner. As they were showing them the house, Peter made the remark that the wine cellar was really a waste of space since the only thing in it was three bottles of average quality wine and a case of Old Milwaukee. Later that evening, Steven caught Peter and said, "If you are serious about not wanting that wine cellar I have a suggestion for it." "Sure," Peter said, "What do you have in mind?" Steven had been seeing both Jordan and Andy, to help them work through their trauma. "I was thinking of a safe room. Not like the zombie apocalypse kind of safe room, but an emotional safe room. I love your house, but it is wide open and very bright. It doesn't really have what I would call a nook or a snug. Some place where you can just go to think or to cry." "I think I know what you mean." Peter said. "As a kid, whenever we moved to a new post, one of the first things I did was find my fort. Sometimes it was just a closet, but it was my secret place." So, Peter hired Whisper Moon O'Shea to design and build what she called a Medicine Lodge. Whisper Moon was an odd mix of artisan, spiritualist, and entrepreneur. Her mother was Cheyenne and her father was Irish, and she attempted to blend both tradition into her life and work. In high school, Whisper Moon took a wood shop class, rather than home economics, as a statement of feminist nonconformity, but what started as a protest turned into a passion. She made and sold handcrafted furniture, which was often decorated with Native American and Celtic motifs. Peter had become familiar with Whisper Moon while in college when her work was exhibited as part of an exhibit entitled, "The Power of Traditional Symbology" sponsored by the Art and Anthropology Departments. When Peter contacted Whisper Moon about the project and explained why he wanted it, she was intrigued, and agreed to meet. After talking with Peter, Jordan, Andy, and Amber, she agreed to take on the project. The result was the Medicine Lodge. Originally, the door to the wine cellar had clear glass to show off the previous owner's collection, but Whisper Moon installed an etched glass that allowed only vague images of what was on the other side. She said the door represented the veil between this world and the spiritual world, a veil that thins in sacred spaces to allow us to glimpse the supernatural. When Peter opened the door to the Medicine Lodge, soft lights illuminated the room. On the wall across from the door was a daybed snuggly fitted into a nook. Upholstered cushions lined the walls. Above the cushions at the head and foot were shelves for books, puzzles, fidget spinners, stress balls, stuffed animals, sketch pads, colored pencils, etc; and, above the cushions on the back of the nook were a series of locked cubbies, one each for Andy, Amber, Jordan, and Peter. These were places to keep journals and other private thoughts. The rest of the room was spartan. The only furniture was a table made from the trunk of an ancient walnut tree. The trunk had been split and the live edged turned to the middle and filled with a swirling blue resin that looked like water. The result was what appeared to be a river running through the table. The table sat in the middle of the empty space and was softly lit from both the top and the bottom and caused the blue acrylic to glow. On the table was a crystal bowl filled with chocolates. As Peter led Jordan across the room to the nook, he said, "Play Jordan one," and soft instrumental music filled the room. Peter sat down on the bed and leaned back on the cushions. Jordy curled up and used Peter's lap for a pillow. The two sat there without talking, and Peter gently stroked Jordan's hair. Peter lost track of time, but he realized it must be just after one because Andy was calling for Uncle Pete and Jordy. After her leg healed, Amber decided that she and Andy needed to meet people and make friends. So, she found a job at a daycare just a couple of blocks away. She ran the kitchen and made breakfast and lunch for the kids and staff. The job didn't pay well, but daycare for Andy was included in her package, and the two of them were able to make friends with the staff and children. Andy had even been invited to a couple of birthday parties, and Amber was getting to know some of the parents that lived in the neighborhood. Amber and Andy usually came home right after Amber finished cleaning up from lunch. The kids would be taking their naps, and Andy wasn't really the best napper. Actually, Amber didn't mind that Andy didn't take an afternoon nap because he was ready for bed at nine o'clock. Instead of napping, Andy usually found Peter or Jordan to pester until they agreed to play Lego's or matchbox cars. It wasn't long, before the door to the Medicine Lodge slowly opened Andy peeked in. Peter motioned for Andy to come over to the bed. Andy asked, "Is Jordy sad?" Jordan was napping on and off, and when he heard Andy's voice he sat up and smiled. "I'm not really sad," Jordy said. "Something upset me this morning, and Peter was just taking care of me until you got home. Seeing you has made everything better." Andy smiled, and said, "Mommy calls me sunshine cuz she says I chase the dwearies away." "Yes you do," Peter said. Andy jumped up on the bed and gave Peter a hug and then Jordan, he said, "Jordy, will you play Legos with me?" "You bet," Jordy said, then gave Peter a kiss and said, "Thanks babe. If you keep saving me, I'm never going to leave." Peter smiled and said, "That's my plan." As Andy led Jordan to the door, he asked, "Do you like kissing Uncle Pete." Jordan chuckled, scooped Andy up in his arms and said, "I like it better than almost anything." "Even candy?" "Yes, even candy." Chapter 20 When Peter walked into the kitchen, Amber said, "I hope Andy didn't bother you and Jordan. I didn't realize you were in the Medicine Lodge." "Actually, Andy was just the therapy that Jordan needed. Sometimes focusing on others is the best way to deal with your problems," Peter said. "It's also a way to avoid dealing with your own issues; like the cabin," Amber said. "I know, I just don't want to see my brother and sister right now. Mom took care of everything else, why didn't she take care of this?" "Peter!" "I know, I know. That is a real asshole thing to say, but she knew Aaron, Hannah, and I wouldn't agree on what to do with the lake property. Aaron wants to keep it, Hannah wants to sell it, and I am stuck with the deciding vote." The lake property was going to be Major Billy and Audry Jenke's retirement home. Pottsboro, Texas was a small town on the Texas side of Lake Texoma. Billy Jenke had inherited the property from an uncle who'd lived in Pottsboro even before the Texoma Dam was completed on the Red River and created the lake. Uncle Amos, never married and worked in the local cotton gin from when he returned from Army service in Korea until the day he retired. Aside from fishing, Amos Jenke spent his free time at the American Legion or the First Baptist Church. Billy Jenke had met Uncle Amos at a few family reunions, the last time just before Billy's first overseas deployment, but they were never close. No one was close to Uncle Amos. So, it was a surprise when Billy got a letter from Uncle Amos' attorney saying that he had been named his uncle's heir. The letter said that Billy was Amos' closest relative in military service and he knew a career in the Army made it hard to put down roots. So, this small house in Pottsboro, Texas, on Lake Texoma was to be Billy's and his family's piece of the American dream. Over the years, Billy and Audry saved some money to expand and modernize the small house for use as a vacation home, and later a retirement home. They never got to retire there. After Billy was killed, the family stopped going to the house, and Audry found an agent to rent it out for the vacation season. For Peter, the house in Pottsboro was a mixture of emotions. On one hand, the house represented the family that was stolen from him at age nine when his father was killed in action. On the other, it was the setting for Peter's only real memories of his father. Major Jenke was deployed either in the Balkans or the Middle East for most of Peter's childhood. However, when he did get state-side furlough, the family spent it in Pottsboro. Major Jenke said the last thing he wanted was to spend time with his children on an Army base. The one thing Peter knew was he couldn't make a decision about the house in Pottsboro without first visiting it. If for no other reason than to finally come to term with the father he never really got to know. While he thought about what to do with the house, Peter sat at the breakfast bar and Amber had quietly put a cup of coffee in front of him and went off to find Andy and Jordan. She found them playing with Legos in the family room. Andy loved Legos, and he had so many that Peter once joked that Andy was responsible for supporting an entire family in Billund, Denmark, the home of Lego. When alone Peter decided to make a few phone calls. The first was to David Orville, the private detective that had helped when Amber was attacked, and Andy was kidnapped by Amber's soon to be ex-husband. Peter told Orville about the incident with Jordan's father that morning. "Let me do some checking around to find out just why Case Allison is out of prison. Something doesn't feel right about this," Orville said. "I agree," Peter said. "I can't believe he's just walking around Chicago given the number of people who would like to take a baseball bat to his kneecaps." "You've got that right. There is something fishy about this. How did Jordan react?" "It was a kick in the gut. He's been upset all day. I have some business in Texas I need to take care of, and I'm thinking of taking everyone on a little trip until we get some clarity about what's going on." "I think that is a good idea," Orville said. "While you're gone, I will talk to my friends in the DA's office and the CPD. Someone has to know more about why Allison is out on the street." After finishing the call with Orville, Peter contacted the agent renting the Pottsboro property. October was a slow month for rentals, and there were plenty of days available to spend checking out the house and coming to a decision about what to do. Finally, he sent his brother and sister an email telling them about his plans and suggesting they find a time to get together to hash it out. Peter found everyone in the family room and said," Amber reminded me of some unfinished business with my brother and sister in Texas. So, I need to make a trip down there and thought we could make it a vacation. Amber, can you get some time off?" "It should be no problem. The daycare owner's mother was doing the cooking before I took the job; she said she would fill in whenever I needed time off." "How about your Jordan?" Peter asked. "My schedule is clear until I start college classes in January. Besides, it would be awfully lonely around here without this little hooligan to play Legos with," Jordan said as he play-wrestled with Andy. "Great, I'll rent an SUV, and we'll make it a road trip," Peter said. Chapter 21 Peter rented a Chevy Tahoe for the drive to Pottsboro. Since they could take as much time as they wanted, Peter decided not to drive the distance in just one day. As they loaded the Tahoe, Andy was a bundle of excitement. From the moment the decision to take a trip was first suggested, Andy was ready to go. He had Jordan help him pick out toys for the trip, and he and Amber spent a couple of hours deciding on what clothes to take. Andy was particularly happy when Peter said to remember to pack a swimsuit, since they were going to be staying at a hotel with an indoor pool. For Jordan, the trip was already good therapy. The short notice on the trip meant that there were plenty of things to keep him busy and his mind from dwelling on his father's unexpected appearance. Jordan loved to bake, and cookies were his speciality. So he spent time baking and packing several of Andy's favorites for the trip. Of course he also made Peter's favorite cookie, a creation he named `Pete's Sweet and Spicy Gingerdoodles.' In fact, one day, Peter was complaining that Jordan's "baking fetish" was going to make him fat. To which, Jordan replied, "I think I'd love a fat daddy." Peter laughed and said, "I was hoping to put that off for a few decades. You should really just open a bakery and call it `Belly Rolls'." While Peter didn't think much about the comment, Jordan did. He got online, found a college with a culinary program, and mid-year would be starting on an Associates degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. While not the typical dream for a prep school lax jock, it was Jordan's dream. Peter insisted that they leave early, so they could get out of the city before the traffic got heavy. Even though most morning traffic was coming into the city, Chicago was a major hub for the distribution of goods to the nation, and hundreds of trucks would soon be on the road. Plus, Peter loved finding out-of-the-way places to eat, particularly to eat breakfast. Peter drove and Jordan had shotgun. Amber and Andy were in the back and soon both were asleep. "Are we taking this trip because you're afraid my father might be up to something," Jordan asked. "I suppose it was prompted by your father's sudden visit, but Amber reminded me that I have unfinished business with my siblings that I have been avoiding. So, that's why we are going to Pottsboro, Texas of all places." "What's in Pottsboro?" "My father's dream, and my only memories of him." Peter went on to tell Jordan about the family vacation house, and the argument he and his siblings were having over what to do with it. "So you see," Peter said, "Aaron and Hannah are really brother and sister. They share the same story, they sometimes fight, they are best friends, and they love each other. I am just and add on. I'm sure they would say they love me, and in a way that is very true, but they don't have the same connection with me as they do each other. So, it's awkward that I am the one with the deciding vote. Usually, they would just decide, and then tell me how things were going to be." "Why don't they agree?" Jordan asked. "I think because it has different meanings for each of them. My father did a lot of the remodeling of the house himself, and Aaron was his helper. So for Aaron, it symbolizes hours of bonding with dad. Hannah was always a city girl. So for her, it meant summers away from friends and the things she liked to do. Pottsboro was just a small hick town near a big dirty lake." "So how do you feel about the house?" Jordan asked. "I don't know. That's why I have to see it before I can make a decision." Two hours after leaving home, Peter pulled the Tahoe into the parking lot of Cafe 110 West in Odell, Illinois. "Okay sleepy heads," he said to Andy and Amber, "it's time to get some breakfast." Cafe 110 West was a typical small town cafe. The crowd was a mix of regulars and people passing through and the waitress looked like she belonged on the set of Mel's Diner in the TV sitcom `Alice.' "Oh this one's a little cutey," she said, and pointed to Andy. "Andy smiled and said, "Thank you ma'am." The waitress laughed and said to Andy, "Have you ever had Pigs in a Blanket?" "I don't think so. What are they?" "They are sausage links wrapped in pancakes, and dusted with a little fairy tale dust. I recommend them to all my boyfriends. They taste really good with butter and maple syrup." "That's what I want." Andy said. She then turned to Jordan and said, "I bet a big athletic stud like you is eyeing that Country Breakfast. It starts with a bed of fried potatoes, then a homemade biscuit, on top of that we pile sausage patties, two eggs, cheddar cheese, and then drown it all in homemade sausage gravy." "You've sold me," Jordan said "So, what can I get the Mr. and Mrs," the waitress said to Peter and Amber. "Oh, we're not married," Amber said. "We're cousins." "Cross the state line into Missouri, and that won't stop you from getting married," the waitress laughed, and Peter, Amber, and Jordan joined in. Andy just looked confused. When they climbed back into the Tahoe, Andy insisted that Jordan sit in the back with him and read stories. Peter and Amber spent the time talking about family, their youth, and Andy. What Peter had missed out on was a male mentor. Even before he was killed, Billy Jenke was mostly absent, and Aaron was either at college or starting his career. Peter told Amber that he and Jordan had talked about it, and they were determined that would not be true for Andy. The boy's father might be out of the picture but Uncle Pete and Jordy were going to do everything they could to fill the void. Amber brushed away a tear and said, "When you were younger, you were distant, even with me. You seemed determined to be self-reliant, even when you most need someone in your life. I remember one time after dad, mom, and I visited, we were on the way home when dad put a Simon and Garfunkel CD in the player, and `I Am a Rock' played. The song ends: `I am a rock. I am an island. And a rock feels no pain. And an island never cries.' Mom said that could be your anthem." Now it was Peter's turn to wipe away a tear. "Obviously, I've changed," and Peter wiped away another tear. "The truth is that the first crack happened the night I couldn't let Frank send Jordan back into the cold. Then, when you and Andy gave me a family again--well." Tears were now streaming down Peter's cheeks and he had to pull over on the side of the road. Once the Tahoe was stopped Peter got out and walked to the front of the SUV. Amber started to get out, but Jordan, who was quietly listening from the back seat said, "Let me." When Jordan got to Peter, he pulled his boyfriend into a caring hug and held him until he regained control of his emotions. Peter gave Jordan a kiss and said, "Thanks babe; I needed that. This is going to be a harder trip than I thought." "I'm here for you," Jordan said. "It's my turn to be strong for you. No matter what you need, let me give it to you." Peter kissed Jordan again and then smiled. When he was ready to get on the road again, Peter asked Amber if she would drive. Peter had listed her as a driver on the rental agreement since Jordan wasn't yet 25. Amber took over driving and Jordan sat in the front passenger seat. When Peter climbed into the back seat, Andy unbuckled his seatbelt and moved to the center position so he could sit close to his Uncle Pete. The emotional release took its toll and soon Peter was asleep. When they eventually stopped for gas and to take a break, Amber said, "Peter, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to dredge up the past." "Don't be sorry," Peter said. "This wound has been festering for years. Cutting it open is the only way I'm going to rid myself of its poison." They arrived in Tulsa in the late afternoon. After checking in, Jordan found a restaurant he thought would be fun to try, Ollie's Station Restaurant. The place had a railroad theme and included a model train running around the main dining room. Andy was so excited he could barely sit still long enough to eat his Choo-Choo Burger and fries. Andy said, "I want some electric twains." "I don't know," Peter said, "You might still be a bit young for electric trains, but I bet you are just right for some Thomas the Tank Engine trains." Andy eagerly nodded his agreement. He had recently started watching Thomas the Tank Engine and loved the show. Of course when Peter watched the show with Andy, he had to smile at the irony of George Carlin, famous for his comedy bit about the seven dirty words you can't say on TV, playing the friendly conductor in a children's TV program. After dinner Peter and Jordan took Andy down to play in the pool. A college softball team was staying at the hotel. When Jordan stripped off his T-shirt the girls wasted no time starting to flirt with the well built and handsome stud. It amused Peter to watch the girls play for the attention of a boy whose only interest was a guy's cock and ass. After dropping Andy off in Amber's room, Peter teased Jordan, "Are you sure you don't want to go back down to the pool and your fan club? I bet you could hit for the cycle tonight." "They don't have anything I want to hit." Jordan said. "That's good, because I need some of Dr. Jordan's emotional healing." One of Peter's friends and his partner had attended a seminar on sensual healing for gay men. While Peter didn't buy into the spiritual philosophy underlying Tantric and other Eastern massage techniques, he did feel that human touch was a missing component of modern life. After doing some research, Peter found a Thai massage program that offered its training online. Before suggesting the idea to Jordan, Peter ran it by Steven. "There currently isn't a lot of scientific research in massage as a psychological or emotional therapy. I suspect that has to do with a Western bias against much of Eastern medicine," Steven said. "But, intuitively, it make a certain amount of sense, particularly with someone like Jordan who has suffered from physical and sexual abuse." When Peter suggested the idea to Jordan, he was very enthusiastic about the two of them taking the classes together. So, when Whisper Moon converted the wine cellar into the Medicine Lodge, Peter asked her to create hidden storage for Thai yoga/massage matts, oils and other supplies. She agreed, as long as she could also stock it with traditional Native American healing therapies. The plan further expanded when she convinced Peter to install a sauna/sweat lodge in a wasted corner of the backyard. Whisper Moon's blending of traditional healing practices with an urban space was written up for a couple of organic and natural healing publications, and part of the reason the space was named the Medicine Lodge. While Peter and Jordan wouldn't have the atmosphere and resources of the Medicine Lodge, they had made it a practice of traveling with the oils and lotions for a therapeutic and sensual experience. Over the months they had massaged each other, Peter and Jordan had developed personal rituals and styles. For Jordan, undressing was very important. Peter once asked him why the act of undressing was so significant. Jordan had to think for a few minutes. Then he said, "When I undress you. or you undress me, or we slowly strip for each other, there is a connection. When I unbutton your shirt, or you pull my cock out of my underwear, it is like the first time every time, there is respect and appreciation. When I was a hooker, that didn't happen. Clothes were just something standing in the way of what they were paying for. I suppose it's the difference between unwrapping a gift, and ripping open an Amazon package." Jordan slowly began to remove Peter's clothes; then he removed his own. The hotel room had a wall to ceiling mirror. Jordan faced Peter to the mirror and then stood behind him, his body pressed against Peter's. Jordan was taller with broader shoulders than Peter, but since Jordan had become his gym partner, Peter's chest and arm had toned and taken on definition. Peter had always focused on cardio, but Jordan had inspired him to take weight training more seriously. A hotel bed is not the ideal platform for a good massage, but Jordan was determined to make the best of it. Since starting with massage, Jordan had developed a routine he called Vitruvian Delight. He spread Peter on the bed as if he were Leonardo DaVinci's Vitruvian Man. Jordan straddled his lover and massaged Peter's limbs, first legs, then arms. As Jordan worked, the tension in Peter's body melted away. Jordan seemed to have an intuitive sense to where the tension was trapped. Eventually, Jordan began to use his entire body to massage Peter. Jordan's body enveloped Peter in a safe and sensual embrace. As Jordan worked, Peter's needs switched from emotional healing to sexual satisfaction. Peter grabbed Jordan' head and pulled him in close, then whispered in his ear. "I need you." Jordan began to slowly kiss down toward Peter's cock and ass with a combination of massage and kisses. When Jordan arrived at Peter's cock, he slowly swallowed it and began a different type of massage. Jordan buried his nose in Peter's pubes and slipped a finger down toward Peter's tight ass. When he reached the canyon that led to Peter's waiting hole, Jordan slowly followed it until he felt the soft pucker. He gently massaged it and Peter relaxed to let Jordan's fingers explore. After a few minutes of Jordan massaging his hole, Peter was ready to welcome Jordan's hard cock. Slowly, centimeter by centimeter, Jordan slid into Peter. Peter moaned and tightly wrapped Jordan's waist in a leg lock as the massage of his prostate pushed Peter into a cloud of erotic bliss. Repeatedly Jordan, brought Peter to the brink of climax, but then backed off, denying the final crescendo of orgasm. Each near climax, stripped Peter of a wall of emotional and sexual defense. Never before had Peter needed another person's touch, another person's love, as he did in that moment. Finally, Peter stepped off the edge into an emotional and sexual catharsis: all his feelings fought to escape at once: pain and pleasure, love and hate, fear and security. Finally, Peter collapsed back into his pillow drained and returned to the path to emotional healing. Jordan began to pull out and Peter asked, "Where are you going?" "I can...I mean, I don't need..." Peter kissed Jordan and said, "But, I need you to. You're not finished until I decide you are." Jordan smiled, and slowly slid back into Peter. "Now," Peter asked, and kissed Jordan, "Do you love me?" Jordan nodded. Then Peter continued, "I need to feel your love. Do you understand?" Jordan smiled and began to slowly and deeply make love to Peter. Jordan tried to extend the massage, but Peter clenched and unclenched his sphincter while gently kissing Jordan and playing with his nipples. Peter knew that Jordan could not hold out when his nipples were teased, and soon the boy was filling Peter with a healing dose of cum and love. Chapter 22 The next morning, Peter woke feeling totally renewed. It was amazing how much better the world seemed after sex and a good night's sleep in your lover's arms. Peter slipped out of bed for a shower and was soon joined by Jordan. "How are you feeling, babe?" Jordan asked. "Never better. Thanks," Peter said and gave Jordan a soft kiss. After packing and loading their luggage back into the Tahoe, Peter and Jordan went to see if Amber and Andy needed any help with their luggage. Amber opened the door in a robe and exclaimed, "My heroes! Can you guys take Andy down for breakfast, so I can finish getting ready. He is just too excited." Jordan immediately scooped Andy up and said, "Come on cowboy, let's go see what's for breakfast." "Cowboy! I'm not a cowboy. I'm a constwuction worker. I'm going to build stuff." Peter said, "You two go ahead. I need a few minutes with Amber." The two boys headed off to find where the breakfast was being served, and Amber said, "Those two are perfect for each other." "Yeah," Peter agreed, "Andy had done so much to focus Jordan and give him a role. Steven said that becoming a big brother had done more for Jordan than a hundred counseling sessions could ever do." "How are you this morning?" Amber asked. Peter smiled, "Let's just say, Jordan does more for me than a hundred counseling sessions?" "Stop, you're making me jealous." "You know," Peter said, "whenever you want to start dating, Jordan and I will take care of the hooligan." "Oh, I know, but I think it will be a while before I want to get serious." "I know, but when you're ready for dinner and a movie with someone, we will be there to support you." Amber gave Peter a hug. Then Peter said, "I don't know when my brother and sister are coming to the house, but I want you with me for that conversation. I think Jordan would find it awkward and you at least know them." "I understand. Are you expecting problems?" "I don't know what I'm expecting. I just don't really know them anymore. In fact, I never really knew them." Amber kissed Peter's cheek and said, "Whatever you need cuz, but now I need to take a nice long shower and get dressed." Peter smiled and said, "Yeah, I'd better go see what trouble the children have gotten into." Jordan and Andy had already filled a plate with eggs, bacon, and a waffle and picked out a table. Peter grabbed some biscuits and gravy, potatoes, sausage, and a cup of coffee. Sitting down, he said, "So Andy, how did you sleep last night?" "Good. I didn't wake up one time, Uncle Pete." "Neither did I. I think swimming wore me out," Peter said as he gave Jordan a wink. "Today won't be as long of a drive." Jordan went back for more food, and Andy said, "Jordy sure is hungry." Peter was on his second cup of coffee, when Amber joined them. While Amber ate, Peter excused himself to make a call to Orville. "It's strange," Orville said, "it's like they wanted to let him go. From what I have heard, the D.A. sent a rookie assistant to the appeal hearing totally unprepared. Neither have they appealed the ruling or refiled the charges. The only restriction is Allison has to wear an ankle monitor and report to a parole office once a week." "Do you think we can get a restraining order to keep him away from the house and Jordan?" "Aside from the time Allison came to your house, has he been back, or have you seen him hanging around the neighborhood." "No." "Then you don't have grounds for a TRO based on stalking. So unless Jordan was abused, I don't see getting one. Even if Jordan would say he was abused as a kid, the Judge is going to take a look at him and his father now and conclude Jordan isn't really at risk." "I figured that was the case. However, I will have the security company keep an eye out. If they can document him in the area, maybe we can convince a Judge he's stalking Jordan." Orville added, "I will try to find out which company is providing the monitoring equipment. Maybe there is someone willing to give me a peek at his GPS log." "Thanks. I don't know when we will be back to Chicago, but I"ll keep you informed." "Good," Orville said, "I will keep pushing to see what I can find out here." After he finished his phone call, Peter found the rest of the crew. They already had Amber's and Andy's luggage loaded and were ready to go. The drive was a little over three hours, but they needed to stop in Denison, Texas to pick up the key from Peggy Harrington, the rental agent. The house had started life as a manufactured home, but upgrades and additions had turned it into something quite more substantial. The only real clue to its beginning was the long narrow layout that gave it the appearance of a shotgun house. Peter's father had replaced the metal siding with cedar and the roof was repitched and covered with standing seam metal roofing common in rural Texas. However, the best part of the exterior were a series of tiered decks. The lot was steep, and the decks provided spaces for outdoor gathering and relaxation. Also, while the house sat privately nestled in a grove of trees, the lower deck provided a great view of Lake Texoma. While the outside of the house was in good shape and attractive. The inside was dated and needed some TLC. There were two bedrooms and one bath in the house. There was also an outdoor shower for washing off after a day of activity on the lake. At some point the original carpeting had been replaced with laminate floors much better suited for a lake home, but they were showing their age and needed replacing. What didn't need replacing or upgrades was the A/C. If there was one thing required for a rental home in Texas, it was good A/C. The main bedroom had a nice queen bed, and the second bedroom had two sets of bunk beds. Add in the sleeper sofa and eight people could actually stay at the house, if they didn't mind making reservations to use the bathroom. Best of all, the house was very clean. The rental agent had a good reputation for well maintained properties, so her clients were loyal and often rented the same property year after year. Once all the luggage was unloaded. Peter said, "Let's go find some dinner and then do some grocery shopping." Before heading out, Peter made sure the grill had plenty of gas and would light. Jordan did a quick Google search and found a burger and BBQ drive-up in Pottsboro that wasn't far from the grocery store, not that anything was far from some place in Pottsboro. The smell of smoking briskets was all the reviews Hamm's 54 needed. Jordan got his first taste of real Texas BBQ and was hooked. After eating, it was off to the local grocery store for provisions. Peter and Amber were in charge of shopping for meals, while Andy and Jordan took a cart and went on a quest for snacks, soda pop, and ice cream. "You know, it was dangerous to let those two shop for the snacks," Amber said with a smile. "True, but part of the fun of going to the lake is getting to eat the junk you can't at home. One of my favorite memories of dad, well one of my only memories, was sitting on the deck eating peanuts salted in the shell. He had a beer and I had an orange crush, and we were watching the sun set over the lake." Amber let loose of the cart she was pushing and gave Peter a big hug. While she was still hugging Peter, Andy ran up, "Mommy, is something bad?" "No sweetie, nothing's bad. Peter was just telling me a happy story. Tell Jordy that he needs to pick up some Orange Crush." "Orange Cwush, what's that?" "It's a very yummy soda pop," Amber said, "Oh, and tell Jordy to also get some peanuts in the shell." "Okay, mommy," and Andy ran to give Jordy the instructions. Peter filled the cart with burgers, steaks, brats, bacon and sandwich fixing. Amber looked at the cart, and said, "Well, I guess it's up to me to bring some balance to what we will be eating." She then steered the cart to the fresh fruits and vegetables. Before leaving, they hit the bakery and dairy aisles, then Peter picked up some beer. At the checkout, the cashier said, "Wow, you guys are going to be enjoying the lake." "How, do you know we are at the lake," Jordan asked. She said, "You guys are too fit and trim to be eating like this everyday. So I figure this is vacation food. Plus, when I was outside getting a customer some ice, I noticed Illinois tags on Tahoe." "You could be a detective," Amber said. "No," she laughed, that's my son's area. He's a Texas Ranger, and I don't mean he plays baseball." After loading the groceries in the Tahoe, they headed back to the house. When they pulled up, Peggy Harrington was sitting on the front porch. "Howdy," she said, "I was just on my way home, and I want to make sure everything is alright. Also, when an owner is staying, I like to see if they notice anything is wrong or needs attention." "Everything seems to be fine, although the place could do with some updating," Peter said. "I will talk to my brother and sister about that when I see them. However, I haven't been here for years, so I can't really tell you if something is amiss. Frankly, I didn't even remember mom still owned this place until we were talking to her attorney." Peggy helped unload the groceries, then she and Peter did a walk-through. After a bit, Peter asked, "What is the fair market value of this place?" "I don't really know," she said. "My husband and brother are the realtors, and I handle the vacation rentals. I'll have one of them email you a ballpark number, but to get a fair market value, we would need to have it appraised." "I see." "Are you looking to sell?" the Peggy asked. "I don't know, that's why my brother and sister are coming up while we are here." "Well, whatever you decide, we would like to help you with it. This has been a good rental property over the years." "Thanks," Peter said. "I'll keep you informed as to what we decide. On a different topic, is there a place to rent a boat?" Peggy handed Peter a card for one of the marinas on the lake. After dinner, Peter lit the fire pit located on the lower deck, While the days on Lake Texoma were still in the 70s and 80s, nights were beginning to cool. It wasn't long before the rest of the gang joined him to watch the sunset while enjoying peanuts and Orange Crush. Once the stars and Moon were out, Amber asked, "Andy, are you sleepy?" He nodded, then gave Peter and Jordan each a goodnight kiss on the cheek. When they were alone Jordan straddled Peter, who was reclining on a chaise lounge. Jordan said, "I want you to fuck me." "The walls in the house aren't very sound proof," Peter said with a smile. "I don't think Andy is ready to hear you screaming fuck me harder, daddy. Fuck me." "I wasn't thinking of doing it in the house." "Here?" "Yes," Jordan said and gave Peter a deep kiss. As his tongue explored Peter's mouth, Jordan began to undress him. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Peter asked. "I took a walk around the area," Jordan said, "This deck isn't visible from any of the neighbors. So just relax." "They might not be able to see us, but they can hear us." Jordan pulled two pieces of leather from his pocket that he had cut from an old belt, and handed one to Peter. "I see that you have been doing some plannniiiing,: Peter barely was able to say as Jordan swallowed his cock to the hilt. Soon Peter was rock hard and leaking pre down Jordan's throat. Peter had to push Jordan off. "Fuck, you're going to make me cum," Peter said, breathlessly. Jordan stripped off his own clothes and stood astraddle Peter, the moonlight illuminated their hard bodies. Peter gently massaged Jordan's soft and sensitive testicles, and the boy tilted his head back, bit down on the piece of leather, and moaned. From where it came, Peter had no idea, but Jordan produced a bottle of lube and began to slick his ass and Peter's cock. When he was ready, Jordan gave Peter a deep kiss, slipped the piece of leather between his teeth, and impaled himself on Peter's waiting cock. Soon the sounds of crickets and frogs were joined by the muffled moans to two lovers. Jordan rode Peter hard, and soon sweat was dripping down onto Peter's chest. Jordan had no intention of getting Peter off quickly. This was going to be a long, and at times, frustrating fuck. Three times, Peter got close, but Jordan denied him the final release. Finally, Jordan leaned in and said through clenched teeth, "Fuck me hard!" Peter was a beast thrusting up into Jordan. Jordan's prostate was being pounded and sweat and precum were dripping down onto Peter. Then like he was struck by lightning Jordan's body spasmed and he sprayed cum onto Peter's torso. Seeing his lover convulse with sexual release was all it took, and Peter's throbbing cock could not be denied. Grabbing Jordan's thighs, Peter shoved the boy down on his cock and filled him with cum. When the last spurt was finally planted deep inside Jordan, Peter pulled him down, and held Jordan tight. Peter took a deep breath and filled is nostrils with Jordan's sweaty, sexual aroma, which caused his cock to twitch one last time. The two lovers lay together, as a cool breeze gently blew on their naked bodies. Around them were the sounds of the night, and above them a cloudless starry sky. It wasn't until they began to feel the chill in the night air that either even stirred. Finally Peter said, "We should go to bed." They stopped at the outdoor shower to rinse off before going inside. They didn't wait for the water to warm up, and quickly showered with cold water, dried off, then ran into their bedroom. Under the blankets, they cuddled together for warmth. When finally warm, they fell into a contented slumber until awakened the next morning by an excited boy ready for his first time fishing. Chapter 23 "Uncle Pete, Jordy, it's time to wake up," Andy said as he jumped onto the bed. Jordan was suddenly wide awake, as Andy unintentionally planted a foot on Jordan's balls. While Jordan tried to catch his breath, Peter laughed uncontrollably. "What's so funny, Uncle Pete." Peter wondered the same thing. It was a mystery why another guy getting smacked in the testicles could produce both a sympathetic cringe and amusement. Peter said, "Jordan is just being dramatic. Why don't you go see if you can find cartoons on the TV, and I will make some breakfast." "Jordy, do you want to watch cartoons?" Andy asked. Still read in the face, Jordan nodded, and Andy ran off to the living room. When Andy was gone Jordan rolled over and said, "If I didn't know better, I'd think he does that on purpose." This wasn't the first time Andy had racked Jordan. "That's just the price you have to pay for having such large and sensitive balls. Are you going to kiss them, and make them feel better?" "Sorry babe, you're just going to have to walk it off. I've got to get breakfast started." Peter went into the kitchen to start breakfast. Amber was pouring a cup of coffee, and said, "I'm sorry about Andy. He got up before I did. I hope he didn't interrupt anything." "No harm done," Peter decided not to mention Jordan's condition. "However, I will put bedroom locks on the list of things for Peggy to fix. Are you sure you don't want to go fishing?" Peter asked with a smile. "Oh, I'm very sure. I will very much enjoy sitting on the deck and reading my book. Will you be coming back for lunch?" "No. We'll see how the day goes, but I think we'll eat lunch at the marina. I'm also taking along snacks and drinks." "What do you want for supper?" "I was planning on steaks, but I don't know what else." "If you cook the steaks," Amber said, "I'll make the rest of the meal." "That's a deal." Peter and Jordan loaded the boat with a cooler, bait, and fishing equipment. Peter had been surprised to find fishing gear still stored in the small shed at the back of the property. He almost cried when he pulled out the little rod and reel that his father gave him on his first fishing trip. Peter knew he had to take Andy fishing, if for no other reason than to relive that memory. After finding the equipment, Peter stripped off the old line, cleaned and oiled the reels, and rewound them with brand new lines. He didn't know if the fishing would be any good, but half the fun for a kid was reeling in the line to check if the worm was still there. At the marina, Peter asked about the fishing. "What are you wanting to catch?" the guy running the marina store asked. "I'm taking my nephew fishing for the first time. I remember as a kid my father would take me fishing for bluegill." The store owner smiled, "There's no better fish for starting out a kid than bluegill. They hit the hook hard and have plenty of fight for a kid. If you promise to keep it a secret, I'll tell you where my honey hole is." "Cross my heart and hope to die," Peter said. "Me too," Andy added, drawing a laugh from the owner and his regular customers. Peter found the honey hole and dropped anchor. The wind was blowing just enough to push the bluegill into a little cove. Peter baited Andy's hook with a worm and helped him cast it into the water. "Okay," Peter said, "Do you see that red and white bobber on the water?" Andy nodded. "So here's what will likely happen. The fish will come up and tease your line, and the bobber will do a little dance in the water. However, we don't reel it in yet because the fish hasn't taken the bait. After playing with the bait for a bit, the fish will decide to just grab it. When that happens, the bobber will be pulled under, and that's when you want to give the rod a little jerk to set the hook." Andy nodded and focused on his bobber floating a few feet from the boat. Peter looked at Jordan and asked, "Do you need me to bait your hook." "Very funny," Jordan said and showed Peter his tongue. Peter said, "Ick, who knows where that thing has been." Jordan smiled and blew Peter a kiss. "Uncle Pete! Uncle Pete!" Andy yelled. "I think I got one." Peter knelt beside Andy and talked him through landing his first fish. It was a nice bluegill a little bigger than Peter's spread open hand. Peter took the fish off of the hook, and showed it to Andy. "Do you want to hold the fish?" Peter asked. "Yes," Andy said, nodding his head. Peter showed Andy how to hold a bluegill. "When you grab hold of a bluegill, you start at the mouth and slide your hand back to pin its fins against its body. That way you won't injure it and it won't stick you with its fins. So, I will hold the fish, and then you stand in front of me and hold it too. Jordy will take a picture." Andy was just plain cute in the picture. He was wearing a baseball cap, a life vest, and an ear to ear grin. Peter planned to have the picture printed to hang on Andy's bedroom wall. "Are we going to keep him?" Andy asked. "Well," Peter said, "I thought today we would let the fish go. Is that okay?" Andy thought for a minute and said, "Yeah, he needs to get bigger." After Peter released the fish, Andy asked, "Does getting caught hurt the fish?" "I'm sure it does a bit," Peter said, "Those hooks are sharp. However, the thing about fish is they don't have long memories, so he's probably already forgotten about it." Peter rebaited Andy's hook, and was glad Andy didn't ask about the worm's fishing experience. The honey hole earned its name and soon everyone on the boat was catching fish. They moved along the shoreline looking for more coves full of bluegill and were in luck all morning. The highlight of the morning was when Andy hooked a nine inch fish. The fish put up a good fight, and Peter had to give a bit of assistance. None-the-less, it was Andy's fish and he was very proud. A little after two in the afternoon, the guys pulled back into the marina. It was time for lunch and Andy was getting tired. In the little marina cafe, Andy showed some of the locals the pictures of his fish and they were notably impressed. For lunch, Andy picked a corn dog and tater tots. Peter and Jordan each ordered a club sandwich. Back at the house, Andy couldn't wait to tell his mother about his fish and show her the pictures. Peter sent copies of the pictures with Amber and her parents, and Andy's grandfather gave the boy a call to congratulate him on the fine catch. Eventually, Andy couldn't stay awake any longer and fell asleep on the couch. Jordan carried him to the bedroom and put him to bed. Peter and Jordan decided to do a little exploration of the area. The truth was Pottsboro wasn't much, but Denison and Sherman were just down the road, and Dallas/Ft. Worth was just over an hour away. In Denison, the birthplace of Dwight Eisenhower-- although he grew up in Abilene, Kansas --they found several bars, coffee shops, and a winery. Peter wasn't much of a wine connoisseur, but he knew Amber liked wine. He bought several different bottles to see what they were like. On the way home, Peter asked, "What do you think of the house and this area?" "So far, I like it. I grew up in the city and my parents were never big on the outdoors. Aside from an occasional ski trip, my father didn't visit places without five star hotels and concierge service. Come to think of it, he even had that when he went skiing." "My sister wants to sell the house, and my brother wants to keep it. I am the deciding vote," Peter said. "Have you decided how you're going to vote?" "Maybe." "Maybe?" Jordan asked. "Before I decide, I need to know if I am willing to risk the emotional investment." "I see," Jordan said. "I am sure there are memories here, and maybe a few ghosts." "It's not that..... It's you." "Huh?" Peter pulled the Tahoe into a parking lot. He turned off the ignition and leaned back against the headrest. "I can't believe I am deciding to have this conversation now and in a strip mall parking lot....Fuck, this isn't how I had this planned." Jordan sat quietly, unsure of where the conversation was headed. Finally, Peter said, without looking at Jordan, "I like to think it was fate that I happened to be coming home that cold night last December. But maybe it was just chance...I don't know. I also know that you might just be feeling indebted to me, that if things were different in your life, you wouldn't give me a second thought. No matter how hard I try, I can't separate the circumstances of our coming together from what I want in a relationship." Tears were streaming down both Peter's and Jordan's cheeks. Peter turned to Jordan and said, "There are no strings attached, your answer won't change how or where you live, but I need you to be honest with me. I love you. I can't imagine what I would do without you in my life. I want to create a home and family with you. Today, I was imagining coming here with you, Andy, and Amber. Making our own special family memories. Am I being delusional? Do you love me?" Now Jordan was sobbing, and Peter didn't know what to do. All he could think of was how badly he was fucking things up. Finally, Peter got out of the Tahoe and walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. Jordan slid out wrapped his arms around Peter's neck and said, "I love you more than anyone I have ever known. I love you not because you saved my life, but because you saved my soul. In high school I was an arrogant ass. When you took me off the street, I was an empty shell. You not only made me a person again, but you made me a better person." Peter kissed Jordan, and with tears pouring down his cheeks, he said, "You have no idea how much I wanted to hear you loved me, or how much I was afraid to have this conversation. So, as long as I am taking crazy chances, I have one more question: Jordan Allison, will you marry me." "Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" Jordan screamed, to the astonishment of several people in the parking lot. Peter and Jordan were so emotional that neither of them were able to drive. At the end of the strip mall was a small bakery and coffee shop. The bakery was closing in fifteen minutes so Peter thought they would just get some coffee and a pastry and be on their way. However, when the middle-aged woman saw that redness in Peter's and Jordan's eyes she asked if something was wrong. Jordan said, "No, he just asked me to marry him." "Congratulations...I guess." "I know, we don't look happy," Peter said, "but we are. More than you can possibly know." The woman smiled, and told the two to have a seat. Then she locked the door, turned off the open sign, and walked into the back of the bakery. When she returned there was another woman with her. She said, "My name is Rose, and this is my partner Angie. We've been together for 15 years and married for two." The four sat, drank coffee, and talked. It was getting close to 4:30 when Peter said, "I suppose we'd better get back to the house. We're in charge of the steaks." Rose and Angie gave them final congratulations and said to come back anytime. When Peter and Jordan walk in, Amber immediately knew something was up. Peter tried to play it cool, but Amber said, "Peter Jenke, I can tell when you are keeping secrets. Either you tell me or....I don't know what, but it will be terrible." Peter laughed then said, "Jordan and I are getting married." Amber jumped up and down and gave each of them a kiss. "What are we going to tell Andy?" Jordan asked. "The truth," replied Amber. "He's a smart boy, and he absolutely adores the two of you. We are not going to make him think there is anything wrong or shameful about your relationship, and that means being honest with him." Peter said it was time to start the steaks, but Amber said, "Nothing doing. Those ca wait until tomorrow. You two need to go out and celebrate." "Okay," Peter said, "but you and Andy are going with us." Amber started to protest that this was their special celebration, but Jordan said, "No, this is a family celebration. You and Andy have to be there too." So, Peter and Jordan grabbed towels and headed for the outdoor shower, while Amber got Andy ready for dinner. In the shower, Jordan kept reaching for Peter's cock, but Peter rebuffed all his advances. Finally, Jordan crossed his arms and said, "As your fiancé I claim the right of Prima Cockta: the right of unfettered access to my betrothed's manhood." Peter laughed, "I see how it is. I give you a ring for your finger, and you put one in my cock." Jordan smiled and said, "Hey, we can get matching Prince Alberts instead of engagement rings." "Not on your life, buddy. I was thinking more of matching watches or bracelets. Now let's get ready. I promise tonight we will seal the deal." "Yes we will," Jordan said and gave Peter a kiss. I hope you enjoy Saving Jordan. If so check out my other stories. 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