Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2017 20:01:33 +0000
From: Sonny Malone <rhyolite221@outlook.com>
Subject: Uncle Rick's Rhyolite Ranch Chapter 5 (Revised)

This following is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance to persons living or
dead is purely a coincidence.  No resemblance (s) of any actual person or
character or act is intended. While there is no sexual contact in this
story, please be aware of the rules in your community for reading this or
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This work of fiction is the property of the author, Sonny Malone and should
not be reposted or reproduced without his permission.  Email always welcome
and should be addressed to rhyolite221@outlook.com

Copyright (c) 2017

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Uncle Rick's Rhyolite Ranch

Chapter 5

Cody started the morning off by softly knocking on Jason and Daniel's door.

Jason smiled at the morning ritual.  "Come in Cody."

Cody opened the door slowly and peeked his head in.

"Its okay, Cody.  Come in."

Cody opened the door more and stepped in the room.  "Good morning, big bro
Jason.  It's time to wake up."

"Hey good morning, little bro.  I think Daniel is still asleep.  Maybe you
can gently wake him."

Cody walked over to Daniel's bed and carefully shook him.  "Daniel, time to
wake up."

Daniel stirred, turned and faced Cody with a smile.

"Hey, little bro, I'm awake."

Cody giggled.  "Oh good, I don't have to jump on you and tickle you awake."

"Not this morning, little man.  That might hurt.  You can give me a gentle
hug before I get out of bed though."

"Only if you promise to get up after the hug."

Daniel opened his arms and Cody gave him a tender loving hug.

"Okay, now you have to get up."

Cody, wiggling his fingers, gave an evil grin to Daniel and left the room.
Daniel grimaced and slowly sat on the edge of the bed.

Jason winced.  "Is there anything I can do?"

"Thanks, I need to get up and take my pain pill anyway but I may need help
in the shower."

After doing his morning bathroom rituals and shower, Daniel slowly made his
way out of the bedroom, down the hall and to the kitchen.

Henry smiled as Daniel slowly walked to the cabinet where he kept his pill.
"How is your head feeling, Daniel?"

 "Right now I have a headache but the pain pill should help in a while."

"If there is anything I can do just let me know."

"Thanks, Henry, I appreciate that."

He took his pill and headed back to the bedroom where Jason was waiting for
him.  Jason helped him undress and into the shower.  Jason gently scrubbed
Daniel in a loving, caring manner complete with kisses and then scrubbed
himself.  After showering Jason dried them both off with a towel.  They
made their way out to the bedroom where they dressed for the day and headed
to the kitchen for breakfast.

Brandon was waiting for them.  "Hey boys, have a seat.  I'm scrambling some
eggs and frying some hash browns for you.  Daniel, how is your head feeling
now?"

"It still aches a little but the pain pill is helping, Brandon.  I think it
will be a while before the pain goes away completely.  Thanks for asking
though."

Jason and Daniel joined a hungry Cody who was seated at the table and
poured themselves freshly squeezed orange juice.  Brandon served their
eggs, hash browns and toast, all looking delicious on the plates.  The boys
made short work out of their breakfast, not even pausing to talk.  Jason
and Cody rounded up the empty dishes and put them in the dishwasher just as
Uncle Rick walked in and sat next to Daniel.

"Boys, the sheriff called.  He's on his way here to interview you about
what happened at the grocery store the other day.  His office is
investigating the incident and wants to ask you all some questions.  Are
you up for that, Daniel?"

Daniel nodded.  "I expected they'd get around to that."

"Daniel, how much of that day do you remember?"

"Well, I think I remember everything until there was a bang."

"Do you know what happened to your dad, Daniel?"

"Did he get killed?"

Uncle Rick nodded.  "Yes I'm sorry, Daniel."

"Uncle Rick, my dad was filled with so much hate. I lost my father the
night he was going to send me away. Since then I've just been scared of him
being a crazy man.  I feel sorry that he was so gullible to what the bishop
told him and that caused him to act like he did.  But he asked for what he
got."

A few minutes later Sheriff Waite arrived and knocked on the door.  Uncle
Rick met him at the door and invited him in, showing him into the living
room.  They all sat down and the Sheriff asked them about the events in the
grocery store parking lot.

Daniel explained the sequence of events as he remembered them. Sheriff
Waite took notes and asked about Daniel's family history.  Daniel described
how his father and the Bishop of the church were going to send him to the
asylum and how he ran away.  He told of the events when Daniel's
Grandfather died his father hunted for Daniel to get him to sign over his
inheritance to him.  Occasionally Sheriff Waite interrupted to ask
questions to clarify his understanding of the situation.

"Daniel, where is that check you endorsed?"

"I put it in my pocket after the deputies came and my dad wasn't looking.
It must be in there.  I can see if I can find it."

"Would you, please?"

Daniel went to the bedroom to look for the check.  He found it in the front
pocket of the jeans he wore the day of the shooting and went back to the
living room, handing it to Sheriff Waite.

Sheriff Waite looked at the backside of the check and saw Daniel's
signature on the back.  He then turned it over and gave a surprised
expression.

"Son, did you look at this check?"

"No I was too scared.  I never had a gun pointed at me before and I saw the
same hate in his eyes as the night he was going to send me to Cedarline
Institute.  I just did what he told me to do."

Sheriff Waite held up the check to let Daniel see the amount on the front.

"What?  That's crazy. I thought Grandpa was poor.  I didn't know he had
that much money."

Cody grew restless.  "Well, how much is it?"

Daniel read out loud the amount from the front of the check.  "$6,525,000."

"And your dad was willing to kill anyone for that I guess."

Jason shook his head.  "Sorry, I know he was your dad but what kind of an
ass would kill his own son, even for that much money?"

"A sick greedy fanatic, unfortunately.  Sheriff, is this check legitimate?"

"Well, I'm no lawyer or banker but initially it looks legal and legitimate,
yes."  Sheriff Waite turned to Uncle Rick.  "Would you and Daniel get a
copy of this check to me as soon as you can?  It can be used as evidence.
Oh, and I'd recommend you deposit this as soon as possible.  Being endorsed
anyone can cash it."

Uncle Rick looked at Daniel with concern.  "Daniel, do you feel up to
driving to town to open up an account at the bank, get them to copy of the
check for Sheriff Waite and deposit the it?"

Daniel nodded in agreement.  "Thank you, Uncle Rick.  That sounds like a
smart thing to do. Sheriff, I'm also really worried about my brother, Erik.
He is 13 and was living with my parents the last I knew.  I don't have any
way of contacting him and I'm afraid maybe my father has done something
horrible with him."

The sheriff nodded and made an additional note.  "Daniel, we'll coordinate
with the Milford County Sheriff's Office to check out the situation at your
parent's place and look for your brother."

Sheriff Waite stood to take his leave.  "For now, hang tight and we'll be
in touch.  Oh, and Rick, we towed the Dodge truck to the station.  The
forensic team is examining it for evidence.  We'll release it to you once
the investigation is complete.  It should be just a couple days more."

"I understand, Sheriff.  We can use my Ford truck for ranch business for
now.  Thanks for all your help."

Uncle Rick walked Sheriff Waite to the door and returned to join the three
boys.

"How are you boys doing?  Do any of you need to get anything off your
shoulders?"

"Daniel thanked Uncle Rick for being so concerned.  "We'll be okay, Uncle
Rick.  After we come back from town I'll take it easy like Doctor Hinton
recommended. I better not do anything that would make my headache worse but
I want to get back to doing chores as soon as I can."

Cody looked at Daniel with an annoyed look.  "Doctor Hinton told me not to
have you do work, Daniel.  You're supposed to relax.  Don't make me tickle
you."

Daniel laughed.  "I promise I'll obey Doctor Hinton's and Doctor Cody's
orders.  No tickle attacks today, please."

Jason spoke up.  "Cody and I can help do Daniel's chores until he's up to
it again."

"Yeah, Uncle Rick.  Jason has been helping Daniel and me with a bunch of
stuff so we can take over until Daniel feels better."

"Thanks, boys.  Daniel lets you and I go to town.  Don't worry about any of
your chores or work around here.  We'll all pitch in and be fine."

"Thanks, Uncle Rick.  I'm ready when you are."

Uncle Rick and Daniel drove to town and opened an account for Daniel.  The
account officer heard about the incident at the grocery store parking lot
and was happy to make a copy of the check for Daniel to give to Sheriff
Waite.  Feeling better about the check being safely deposited into Daniel's
new account Uncle Rick and Daniel delivered the copy of the check to the
Sheriff and then drove back to the ranch for Daniel to rest.

For the next few days Jason and Cody worked together around the ranch
diligently doing Daniel's chores in addition to their own.  Meanwhile
Daniel was restless and bored.  He was healing quickly from his gunshot
wound but was still too sore to lift more than a few pounds.  He joined
Jason and Cody doing whatever light work he was able to help them but being
careful not to cause any strain.  Jason and Cody made sure Daniel didn't
over do it.

After one full morning of work in the south pasture Jason, Cody, and Daniel
headed to the ranch house for lunch.  As they approached the house they
heard a vehicle driving up the road.  They turned to see Sheriff Waite
drive his Bronco into the driveway and park.  He stepped out of the truck.

"Hello boys. Daniel, how are you doing?"

"Hi Sheriff Waite.  I'm getting better, thanks."

"I'm glad to hear that.  I came by to give you all some news.  Is your
Uncle Rick around?"

"Yes, sir.  He should be inside."  Daniel motioned for him to join them and
they went inside the house.

Uncle Rick met them at the door.  "Come on in, Sheriff."

"Thanks, I wanted to give you an update."

They all stepped into the living room and sat in one of the comfortable
overstuffed chairs while the other sat on the couch and love seat.

Sheriff Waite looked at the boys and Uncle Rick and began.  "As you know
our office initiated an investigation of the incident that occurred in the
grocery store parking lot with Daniel, Cody, Jason, and Daniel's father,
Robert Bunch.  In addition to receiving statements from you boys we
interviewed several individuals who witnessed the event.  Daniel, We also
enlisted the help of the Milford County Sheriff's office to investigate the
case and to interview your mother, brother, Bishop Foutz and several church
members.  Daniel, I know the first question on your mind.  Erik is
okay. I'll talk more about him in a few minutes."

Daniel nodded in relief.

"Daniel, Sheriff Campbell up in Milford County visited your home and talked
to your mother.  He said she became angry, uncooperative, and evasive so he
took her in to the station for questioning.  During her interrogation she
became infuriated and out of control. In a tirade she confessed to being
involved in a scheme with your father designed to extort your rightful
inheritance. She is being held in custody and so far has been charged with
being an accessory to attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit
extortion. She also implicated Bishop Foutz in a racketeering scheme with
Cederline Institute.  He's been taken into custody and it appears several
members of the church were allegedly involved as well.  The Sheriff's
office there is continuing the investigation."

"Sheriff, that doesn't surprise me.  My mom always did what my dad and the
church told her to do.  She did nothing to keep my dad and Bishop Foutz
from sending me off to the institute.  You said Erik is okay.  Can you tell
me where he is?"

Sheriff Waite looked at his watch

"Excuse me for a moment."

He picked up his hand held radio.  "Chaparral-Five, Chaparral-One."

"Chaparral-Five, go ahead."

"Chaparral-Five, what's your 10-20?"

"I'm just pulling into the driveway now, Sheriff."

"10-4, I'll meet you outside."

The sheriff put his radio back on his belt.  "Lets all go outside to meet
my deputy."

Daniel looked confused as he stood along with Cody, Jason, and Uncle Rick
to walk outside with the Sheriff.  Another Sheriff's car pulled into the
driveway and stopped.  The sun reflected off the windshield obscuring from
view whomever was inside.  Deputy Harris stepped out and approached Sheriff
Waite.  The two talked for a moment and Deputy Harris nodded, walked around
to the passenger side of the Sheriff's car and opened the front door.  Out
stepped a young blond-haired boy holding a backpack and small duffle bag.

"Erik!" Daniel screamed as he ran to him with tears in his eyes, gave him a
big hug.  "I've been so worried about you.  I can't believe you're here.
Are you okay?"

Tears formed in Erik's blue eyes as he hugged Daniel lovingly.  Daniel set
him on the ground and he wiped his tears.  "I'm fine.  Daniel, I have
missed you so much.  I've been so worried. Are you all right?"

"I'm doing fine, well, except for getting shot in the head, but that's
healing."

Before they continued their reunion Sheriff Waite spoke up.  "Boys, you'll
have time to catch up but we need to go over a few things first.  Rick,
after they took the boys' mother into custody Erik was left alone.  They
were going to call family services to come round him up but then Sheriff
Campbell remembered our request to find Erik and we coordinated to bring
him down here to be with Daniel.  Would you be willing to have him stay
here at the ranch?"

"Of course, Sheriff.  He's welcome to stay here as long as he likes.  We'd
love to have him here. And it only seems right for Daniel and Erik to be
together, especially after what they've been through."

Erik and Daniel were over the moon being brought back together.  Daniel
gave Uncle Rick a big thank you hug.  Uncle Rick pulled Erik in and hugged
both boys.

Sheriff Wait was pleased to know Erik would have a good home here on the
ranch.  "We'll keep you apprised of any developments in the investigation.
Also, it's likely there may be a trial once the investigation wraps up.  If
so the boys may be called upon as witnesses."

"I was thinking that might happen.  Let us know, if you would, Sheriff.
Thanks for everything."

Sheriff Waite and Deputy Harris returned to their vehicles and drove off.

Daniel suddenly realized he hadn't introduced everyone.  "Erik, this
wonderful man who has been hugging us is Uncle Rick, the owner of the
Rhyolite Ranch and my legal guardian."

Uncle Rick shook hands with Erik and gave him another hug.  "Welcome, Erik.
We're really happy you're here.  Daniel has been worried sick about you. "

"Thank you, Uncle Rick.  I've been worried about him too."

Daniel smiled at his brother.  "Erik, this is Cody.  Cody, this is Erik."

Cody smiled at Erik and gave him a big warm hug.  It's nice to meet
Daniel's real brother."

Erik had a confused look on his face as he hugged Cody back.  "It's nice to
meet you too, Cody."

Daniel laughed.  "Cody has adopted Jason and me as his brothers here on the
ranch.  This is Jason, his other adopted brother, and my new boyfriend."

Erik beamed at the thought of his brother having a boyfriend and hugged
Jason.  "Jason, it's nice to meet you.  I'm so happy for Daniel and you.
Wow, it looks like I went from having one brother to having three brothers
and an uncle."

They all laughed.  Jason offered to take Erik's duffle bag and Cody offered
to take Erik's backpack.  They made their way into the ranch house.  Once
inside Erik looked around at the tall ceilings and wood beams covering the
large living room, the overstuffed couch, love seat and chair that
surrounded the magnificent fireplace.  "Wow, I've never seen a house like
this before.  This is enormous."

After Uncle Rick excused himself to go make a phone call, Cody, Jason and
Daniel showed Erik the rest of the house.  Cody offered to have Erik sleep
in the other bed in his room and Erik accepted.  They set his bag and
backpack on the second bed in Cody's room.  Cody beamed at the thought of
having Daniel's brother share his room.  He and Erik talked about all the
cool games they could play and things they could do together.

After Erik settled into his new room he joined Daniel in the living room
while Cody and Jason headed out to do chores.  The two brothers had much to
talk about.

Erik asked Daniel to tell him what happened that last night the two
brothers saw each other.  Daniel told of packing as much in his backpack,
climbing out the window as quietly as he could, and riding his bike as fast
as he could, hiding in the mine, riding to the airport the next morning and
flying out with Dylan to Chaparral.  Daniel asked Erik what happened back
at home after he left.

"Dad came out of our bedroom and demanded that we join him in prayer.  He
asked the lord to ensure the people at the Cedarline Institute would
exorcize the devil out of you.  He asked the lord to make sure you didn't
make any trouble for them and that you return a normal boy without
homosexual urges, as he put it.  He went on about protecting the family
from the evil that had found you and delivering you back safely.  Mom
started crying and carrying on about how the devil could take her son away
from her and punish her by replacing him with a perverted sinner.  After
that there was a knock at the door.  Bishop Foutz and President Thomas were
there to pick you up and take you to Cedarline.  They came in and Dad
walked back to our room to get you.  When he saw you weren't there he got
really mad.  He came back in the living room, grabbed me and asked me where
you went.  I told him I didn't know.  He was so mad he was spitting at me
and shaking me.  He slapped his hand across my face and demanded I tell him
where you went.  I swore to Jesus Christ I didn't know and he dropped me
down to the floor.  He went to the door where Bishop Foutz and President
Thomas were waiting and told them you were gone.  They were really mad.
They talked about losing their money because of "that queer sinner".  They
all drove off in Bishop Foutz's car looking for you.  They didn't know you
took your bike so they didn't think to look very far.  They were gone for a
few hours.  I was in my room when they came back and let Dad out in front.
He came in the house and started a big argument with Mom.  He blamed her
for you being queer.  They kept yelling at each other for another hour and
finally went to bed."

Bishop Foutz called every day for the next two weeks checking if you'd come
home.  It sounded to me like he would have been paid a lot of money if they
had taken you up to Cedarline.  He was really mad that he didn't get it."

Daniel listened to his brother's story and realized he had made the right
choice to escape that night.  "Did Dad ever ask you about me again?"

"For the next week he asked me every morning before school if I knew where
you went.  I kept telling him I didn't know anything about where you went
or where you were.  I guess he either got tired of hearing the same answer
or maybe he finally believed me.  I don't know.  I'm just glad you didn't
tell me anything before you left."

"I was really worried about you, Erik.  I hoped they wouldn't punish you
for my leaving."

Tears began to form in Erik's eyes.  "I was alright but the last few months
were bad.  They became bitter and mean.  I just stayed away from home as
much as I could and did what I was told.  I kept thinking about you, hoping
you were okay but I didn't know where you were and I didn't know how to
contact you.  I just kept hoping something would happen and we'd be
together again.  Then about two weeks ago Grandpa's check came in the mail
for you.  Mom and Dad opened it and talked about going out to hunt for you.
The next day Dad left and then the other day I guess he called Mom.  I was
in my room but could hear her talking on the phone.  From what she said it
sounded like he found you.  I had a feeling he was going to do something
bad.  I didn't dare leave my room or let her know I overheard anything.  I
just stayed quiet and out of sight as much as I could."

"Well, he found me.  I was with Jason and Cody at the grocery store.  He
came up to the truck, pointed a gun at me, and told them to get out of the
truck.  I signed A.S.L. to Cody to call the police.  He and Jason got out.
They must have called 911.  Dad got in the truck and told me to endorse the
check.  He said he'd kill me if I didn't.  I was signing the check when the
deputies showed up, drew their guns and told him to put down the gun and
get out of the truck.  He lifted the gun to my head and that's when they
shot him.  He shot his gun at the same time and I got hit here in the side
of my head.  They say he died right away."

Erik listened in shock. "Daniel, he could have killed you."

"Yeah, I know.  He was desperate and would do anything; even kill me for
that money.  I'm sorry, Erik.  I know he was our Dad."

"Daniel, I stopped loving him before that night when you left.  I never
told you this but sometimes he'd come home from church meetings and start
preaching to me about how close I was to being a sinner and how one day
he'd have to make me pay through punishment for my sins.  He'd pull off his
belt and threaten to beat me if I ever disobeyed him or decided to be
queer."  When I heard Mom on the phone with him the other day I realized
just how terrible people they both were.  I'm sorry you went through what
you did with Dad and I'm glad you will be all right.

The next day after the phone call from Dad the sheriff deputies came to the
house.  They asked Mom a lot of questions and she got really mad.  I've
never seen her that angry, Daniel.  They took her away.  One of the
deputies came and talked to me.  He told me about Dad being killed and told
me you were injured but okay.  He said they couldn't leave me there at home
alone and I had a choice of either having him call family services to find
someone come who would take me in or I could chose to have one of the
deputies drive me down to Chaparral County, where I'd be turned over to
that sheriff and be taken to be with you.  Of course I wanted to be with
you and well, here I am.  I missed you so much and was so scared something
bad would happen to you."

Daniel reached over and hugged Erik.  "I'm okay, really, little brother.
We're safe here now.  Uncle Rick and all the guys here are really good
people.  They won't let anyone take us away."

Just then the back door opened.  Brandon, Henry, and Wes came in.  Daniel
stood up and introduced everyone.  Jason and Cody came in from the stables.

Uncle Rick came out of his office and noticed everyone.  "I see it's about
time for lunch.  Lets go make some sandwiches."

They all went in the kitchen where Brandon and Uncle Rick went to work
putting together scrumptious deli-style sandwiches for everyone.  They all
sat down at the kitchen table and became acquainted with Erik. Everyone was
friendly and helpful, telling Erik if he needed anything to just ask. Erik
felt welcome at the ranch.

After lunch Uncle Rick asked Jason and Daniel to help Wes and Henry herd
about sixty head of sheep to the southeast pasture.  He also asked Cody to
show Erik around the ranch.  Cody was glad to show his new friend around
and to get to know him more.  By the end of the day Erik was given the tour
of the ranch.  Cody showed Erik how to brush, feed and water the horses.
Erik was especially interested in the horses and asked a lot of questions.
After taking care of the horses, they gave feed and water to the chickens,
retrieved eggs, fed, watered, and milked the goats, and picked lettuce,
celery, carrots, and apples to make a tasty salad for dinner.

As Daniel and Jason entered the house they smelled the wonderful aroma
emanating from the kitchen and flowing into the rest of the house.

Jason poked his head into the kitchen.  "Something smells really good in
here."

Brandon smiled proudly as he looked up from sprinkling sunflower seeds over
the salads.  "I hope it tastes as good as it smells.  Dinner will be ready
in about 20 minutes.  Would you please find Cody and see if he'll set the
table, please?"

"Sure, Brandon."

Jason found Cody and Erik in their room laughing and smiling.

"Hey guys, what's up?  Cody, Brandon asked me to find you and see if you'll
set the dinner table."

"Okay, thanks, Jason.  Can Erik help too?"

"I think that would be great, if he wants to that is."

Erik jumped to his feet.  "Sure, lets go."

Cody and Erik had the table set and ready for dinner in no time.  Brandon
had them take the bowls of salad out to the table as he brought out the
main course.  Henry, Wes, Uncle Rick, Daniel and Jason found their way to
the dining table just in time for the last dish of food to be placed on the
table.  Dinner was a delicious feast of green salads with home made
raspberry vinegar dressing, breaded chicken breasts, smashed potatoes,
glazed carrots, asparagus and home made bread.

Uncle Rick spoke up and asked for everyone's attention.  "Guys, lets take a
moment to acknowledge everyone's presence here.  We're fortunate to have
such great guys here at the ranch.  Brandon, Henry, and Wes, thank you for
all of your help around here.  You guys bond this family together.  Jason,
I know Daniel and Cody can agree your stay here has made our work a lot
easier and our lives more enjoyable.  Thank you for coming to the ranch.
Cody, we wouldn't have nearly as much fun without you and we'd have to work
a lot harder around here too.  Thank you for being such a great boy.
Daniel, all I have to say is we are very thankful to have you here.  Thank
goodness you are healing and are able to continue growing into a wonderful
young man.  Erik, we know how worried Daniel was about you.  I think we're
about to find out just how fortunate we are to have you here.  Thank you
for becoming a member of our family.  Now lets eat."

Brandon raised his hand.  "Before we do I think we need to say thanks to
Uncle Rick for all he's done for us.  With out you, Rick, we wouldn't have
this ranch and fine family.  Thank you for everything."

Everyone agreed and raised their glasses to toast to Uncle Rick.  They
passed the plates around the table, filling up their plates as they did.
They talked over their day's events as they ate the delicious food.

Cody noticed Erik had stopped eating. "What's wrong, Erik, don't you like
the food?"

Tears filled Erik's eyes.  "Yes, Cody, I like the food a lot.  This is the
best food I've had in a long time."

"What's wrong then?"

Erik wiped his tears.  "This is the first time I've sat at the dinner table
with my brother and a family made of up cool and loving people in a long
time.  I just feel really grateful right now.  Thank you so much,
everyone."

Tears came to Cody's eyes as he stood, turned and gave Erik a big hug.
Erik hugged Cody back and the two boys held each other for a bit before
Cody sat down again, wiping the tears from his eyes.

 Daniel leaned over and hugged his brother.  "I can't tell you how happy I
am that we're a family again, Erik.  I'm so glad you're here."

 Everyone agreed.

Erik tearfully thanked them and began eating again.  "I just have one
question though."

Cody looked up at Erik.  "What is your question, Erik?"

"Why do they call these smashed potatoes?"

Everyone laughed.  And Brandon explained.  "You know what mashed potatoes
are, right?"

"Yes, potato flakes that come in a box, right?"

"Well that can be, yes, but we take real potatoes, peal and boil them
before mashing them.  These potatoes weren't peeled so we call these
smashed potatoes, but I also put a little garlic in these.

Erik ate a fork full the potatoes and looked up in surprise.  "These are
really good, a lot better than mashed potatoes that Mom used to make.  Now
I know what I've been missing."

Daniel laughed.  "Erik I don't think we ever saw Mom peel fresh potatoes."

Erik thought for a moment.  "Farm food sure tastes a lot better than city
food, doesn't it?"

Everyone laughed and Brandon said, "You said a mouth full, Erik."

After dinner Daniel, Jason, Cody and Erik did the evening chores.  Daniel
and Jason cleaned and secured the stables while Cody and Erik closed up the
greenhouse and chicken coop.

Cody offered to close the greenhouse doors on one side while Erik closed up
the other side. "One of our chores at night is to make sure the greenhouse
is closed and secure.  Last year some rabbits got in and ate a bunch of
lettuce, cabbage, and stuff.  We had to buy produce from the store for a
while after that.  So now we make sure they can't get in here anymore."

"I bet that didn't taste as good as the stuff grown here."

"Yeah, grocery store stuff is kind of tasteless.  This is a lot better."

Erik shut and secured the last greenhouse door.  "Well the rabbits won't
get our food now.  Race you back to the house."

The two boys ran as fast as they could back to the ranch house.  When they
reached the back door at exactly the same time they broke out in laughter.

Erik reached over and mussed up Cody's hair.  "You're too fast for me,
Cody.  I better run every day so I can beat you next time.

Cody giggled.  "I can run with you and we can be fast together."

"I like that.  Maybe we'll even beat Daniel and Jason in a race."

Cody beamed at Erik.  In the short time since meeting they became close
friends.  Cody was over the moon, wanting to be around Erik all the time.
They walked in the house together to find Jason and Daniel lighting a fire
in the fireplace.

Cody walked up to Daniel and smiled.  "Can we sit out here with you guys?"

"Did Uncle Rick give you homework for tonight?"

Cody shook his head.  No, I did the last homework he gave me already."

"Then yes, you can sit out here with us, Cody."

Once the fire was blazing Daniel and Jason cuddled together on the couch,
holding hands.  Erik and Cody sat together on the love seat.  Cody leaned
on Erik.  Erik beamed and put his arm around Cody holding him closely.
Jason and Daniel smiled at the cute snuggling boys.

Erik had a confused look as he watched the flames dancing on the logs in
the fireplace.  "I never thought about lighting a fire in the summer."

"Daniel smiled.  "I thought about that too, Erik.  Uncle Rick said the
ranch sits at 6,500 feet above sea level and that's why it gets cold at
night."

"That sure makes cuddling more fun."

Jason whispered to Daniel "I think Cody has found a special friend."

Daniel glanced at Cody and Erik and nodded.  "I have a feeling they are
going to be hard to pry apart."

After a few minutes Daniel noticed Jason got quiet and had tears in his
eyes.  "What's wrong, Jason?"

Jason wiped his eyes.  "I've been dreading saying anything, but tonight is
my last night here.  I have to go back home tomorrow.  I really don't want
to go but my two weeks vacation is up."

Daniel squeezed Jason's hand.  "I hate to see you go too.  I feel like a
part of me will be going tomorrow."

Jason looked up at Daniel, leaned in and kissed him tenderly on the lips.
Daniel held Jason close never breaking their kiss.  Jason soon felt
Daniel's tears on his own cheek.

Daniel looked intently into Jason's eyes.  "What are we going to do?  I
really don't want you to go."

"I promise I'll call you every day and I'll come back and stay with you
again.  Maybe you could come stay with me sometimes too.  We'll work it
out, my beautiful boy."

After a short while fire started dying.  Cody had fallen asleep in Erik's
arms with his head on Erik's chest.

Erik leaned over and kissed Cody's forehead.  "Sweet boy, it's time for us
to go to bed."

Cody mumbled something incoherent and clung tighter to Erik.  Erik smiled,
picked Cody up and carried him into their bedroom.  He gently set Cody on
the bed, covered him with the sheet and blanket and climbed in to bed next
to him.  He put his arm around Cody and held him all night.

Meanwhile Jason and Daniel went to their room, climbed into bed and clung
to each other.

Jason gazed into Daniel's eyes.  "I love you, Daniel."

"I love you too, Jason.  Sweet dreams my wonderful boy."

They held onto one another all night.



I welcome any respectful comments.  Please send me an email and tell me
what you think about the story.  Thanks!

rhyolite221@outlook.com