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Date: Mon, 1 May 2017 13:39:31 -0400
From: Ronnie <lakesinclairsstories@gmail.com>
Subject: "Not what I thought escape meant" Chapter 108

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"Not what I thought escape meant"
Chapter  108


The night had been full of surprises.  Max was still emotional about the
sign.  Zeb was horrified having to face Joe's daughters and Kevin and Mark
still unsure of the offer for Mark to live at the ranch.

Clean up was fast and everyone had made it to their respective homes.  The
night was a huge success and now everyone could focus on their individual
Christmas plans.    The oldest ranch hand had taken his usual position on
the picnic tables.  Enjoying his cigarette and fresh coffee was only part
of the night.  The sounds coming from both Austin's duplex and now Kevin's
brought a smile to his face.  His attention was drown to Zeb's truck flying
in the driveway to the ranch house.

Watching closely he saw Zeb jump out of his truck and run to the door.
Falling to his knees trying to get the door open, the older man watched as
Zeb scrambled back to his feet and into the ranch house.  "Damn little
bitches." He whispered as he put out his cigarette and placed his coffee
cup on the table before getting up and heading towards the ranch house.

Carl and Max had arrived home and finally relaxed.  Max had taken a shower
and prepared himself for what he had hoped would be a fun evening with his
husband.  Carl had also showered and they lay naked on the couch watching a
movie.  Carl lay on his back on the couch and had pulled Max up to lay on
top of him.  Both men watched the movie with  the occasional moan from Max
as Carl had reached down and inserted on finger inside Max's ass.  It was
not so much sexual as it gave both men the feeling of love and safety.  Max
lay with his head under Carl's chin facing the television.  Max's cell
phone began to ring.  "What's up brother in law ?" Max said as he retrieved
the phone from the coffee table and answered it.

"Slow down,  calm down and tell me what is going on." Max said raising up
from Carl's chest.  Carl has stopped moving his finger in and out of Max's
ass but still had it lodged inside.  "No I haven't seen him or heard from
him.  What happened ?" Max asked.  "What ?" Carl whispered.  Max's
expression let him know that he himself was not sure.  "Calm down Joe.  I
am sure that he has not gone far.  We will go find him.  Did you two have a
fight ?" Max asked.  Max's expression changed from concern to anger.  "Oh I
see.  You stay calm.  We will find him.  You just handle things at home."
Max said.  As he placed the phone on the coffee table.  "Your nieces." Max
said.  "Those two little bitches are your nieces now too." Carl said in an
angry tone.  "Remember you said that when I get a hold of them." Max said
pulling up off the couch with a slight moan and the empty feeling from
Carl's finger coming out.

Carl dressed with his cell phone to his ear.  "We may need you to come
over."  Carl said.  Apparently the party on the other end asked what was
going on.  "Those two little bitches.  I am headed to Joe's and Max is
headed to look for Zeb." Carl said before laying the phone down.  "Who was
that ?" Max asked as he walked out of the closet pulling his jacket on.
"Mary.  I told her we may need her help." Carl said.  "Well you go to Joe
before he does something stupid.  I will go looking for Zeb." Max said.
"You know I love you baby." Carl said.  "Remember that when I get through
with those two girls." Max said and smiled.

The older ranch hand opened the ranch house door slowly.  The front room
was empty but he could hear sickening sounds coming from the bathroom.
Stepping into the bathroom door he could tell that Zeb had already vomited
everything from his stomach and had a severe case of dry heaves.  Quickly
moving back into the kitchen the older man took a couple of bottles of
water from the refrigerator and returned to the bathroom.  Reaching over he
touched Zeb on the shoulder which caused Zeb to shout and jump to the other
end of the bathroom and curl up against the shower wall.  "Calm down
buddy.  Here, drink some water.  It may not stay down but it will help with
the dry heaves and you need to stay hydrated." The older man said reaching
out once again to place his hand on Zeb's shoulder.

Max saw the light on at the ranch house and Zeb's truck out front as he
headed out of the driveway.  Carl was right behind him and after seeing Max
take a short cut across the yards he saw Zeb's truck.  "Well I can calm Joe
down.  I know where Zeb is." Carl thought.    As Carl pulled up in front of
Joe's house he wondered what was going on.  The front door was wide open
and he could hear shouting as soon as the diesel engine shut off.

Max opened the door to the ranch house and could hear talking coming from
the back of the house.    As he walked down the hall he recognized Zeb's
voice but it took him a minute to realize who the other was.  Stopping
short of the door he stood and listened.  "I been round them two since they
were born.  Now Amanda is more like her Dad but for the sake of God and the
devil together that Ashley is just like her mother.  That bitch tried to
rule this ranch from the day she walked on it.  Joe's Mother and Father
tolerated her because of Joe.  I saw Mrs. Rexlan cry like a baby when she
found out that bitch was pregnant." The older man said.

"Ashley was so ugly.  She was screaming at me, calling me all sorts of
names.  She told me that Rexlan ranch was her birth right and she would see
me gone even if it was in a pine box." Zeb said.  "She is just a misguided
young woman.  I don't think she is a teenager anymore but I assure you that
Joe ain't going to let them get between you two.  Hell they ain't been back
to the ranch since Mrs. Rexlan died.  Hell they didn't want to be here then
but their Mama thought that she may have left them something in the will."
The older man said.  "I just don't want to be any more trouble for this
family.  I will gather my things tomorrow and move on." Zeb said.  "The
hell you will." Max said as he walked into the room.  "Take Zeb to our
house if you don't mind and wait there." Max said talking to the older
man.  "I will not do that.  If you don't mind I will be fine right here."
Zeb said.  Max looked at the older ranch hand.  "Don't worry I will knock
him out if he tries to leave." The older hand said laughing.

Carl stepped in the door to see that it had been pushed open so hard that
the knob was embedded in the sheetrock behind the door.  Joe, Mary and
Ashley were all trying to out shout each other.  "WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON
?" Carl shouted almost shaking the furniture.  "Oh My God.  You call in
another fudge packer.  For your information my Mom sent us here to get back
our birth right and stop that guy from stealing what is ours." Ashley
said.  "Yours ?  And what the hell do you think is yours ?" Carl said.
"Rexlan ranch for one.  This house and the land for another." Ashley said
firmly.  About that time Max stepped in the front door.  Hearing most of
the conversation as he walked across the yard he walked in and straight to
Joe.  Pulling his money clip out of his pocket he pulled a one hundred
dollar bill out and handed it to Joe.  Joe looked puzzled as he looked at
the bill.  "Shake my hand." Max said.  Joe looked at Max and reached his
hand out.

"Now for your information your Uncle Carl and I own Rexlan ranch.  As of
about ten seconds ago I bought your father's house and land, so now I own
it too.  Now what the fuck do you think you are entitled too."  Max said.
"My mother dated a lawyer and he said that we were entitled to the ranch."
Ashley said.  "Honey when you learn like your mother should have that most
men will tell you anything you want to hear just to get between your legs
then your life will be a lot easier."  Max said.  "Oh like you show up and
let my uncle fuck you up the ass and you take everything he owns and
everything my grandparents worked hard for.   "WHAP", then  a scream rang
out.

Ashley turned and balled her fist at her Aunt Mary.  "Think twice little
girl. You hit your Aunt Mary and I will go to prison because I will beat
your ass." Joe said.  "She hit me.  You all saw it."  Ashley screamed.
Amanda started for the door.  "And where the hell do you think you are
going ?" Carl asked.  "I don't have a problem Uncle Carl.  I just want to
go sit on the porch." Amanda said.  "Mom said you would wimp out." Ashley
said.  "It is always you and Mom.  Hell you and Mom both spread your legs
for any man that you think will give you what you want.  I have had enough
of the Rexlan whores." Amanda said.  "You bitch." Ashley said as she headed
towards her sister.  Max just stuck his foot out causing Ashley to trip and
land face first on the floor.

"I will show you all." Ashley said as she jumped to her feet.  "The first
time I ever met you was tonight.  When Carl and I rewrote our wills I made
sure that you and Ashley were included.  By the time your flight lands
taking your sorry ass back to your Mom that will be changed.  I pay my
lawyer cash not pussy.  He has his own so I get a real lawyer."  Max said.
"You can't do that." She shouted.  "You want to listen to me give him the
instructions over the phone ?" Max said pulling out his cell phone.

Ross tried desperately to catch his breath before answering the phone.  His
cock had just started exploding deep inside Landon when his cell phone
rang.  "Hello ?" Ross said and lay his head in the crook of Landon's neck
catching his breath.  "Sure.  What you need ?" Ross asked.  "You think that
is a good idea ?" Ross asked.  "Oh o.k. if they are going then I don't have
a problem.  What time ?" Ross asked.  "Sure, give us a few minutes to um,
clean up, and we will be right there." Ross said.  "Oh don't worry we were
just finishing up.  That's why it took a couple of extra rings so you
didn't interrupt.  I still got to erupt." Ross laughed.

"What was that ?" Landon asked.  "That was Uncle Max.  He asked if we could
take the girls to the airport tonight.  Apparently they showed their ass
and Zeb left." Ross said.  "Poor Zeb." Landon said.  "They found him and he
is alright.  Carl just wants the girls off the ranch tonight.  Let's grab a
quick shower.  Mary and Daryl's boys are going with us so nothing could be
said.  Pack a change of clothes.  We can get a couple of Motel rooms there
and take the boys to do some last minute Christmas shopping before we come
back tomorrow." Ross said.  "Do I need to go to Zeb ?" Landon asked.
"Nope, you need to pack that pretty ass in some jeans so you can come with
me.  Oh yeah I want you to go commando too." Ross said as he leaned down
and kissed Landon as he slowly pulled his cock from Landon's ass.

"Mary I hope you don't mind.  I just volunteered your boys to ride with
Ross and Landon to take the girls to the airport." Max said.  "Wise
choice.  I will go get them ready." Mary said.  "Can I speak to you for a
minute ?" Amanda said from the doorway behind them.  Carl walked out onto
the porch.  "Dad can you, Aunt Mary and Uncle Max come too ?" she asked.
"What do you have to add ?" Carl said with a grumble.  "Nothing Uncle
Carl.  I like Zeb.  I was so thrilled that Dad was happy and had someone to
love him.  All of this was Mom and Ashley's doings.  I will go pack my
stuff but I hope I am allowed to visit." Ashley said.  "Do you want to
leave ?"  Max asked.  "No but I see I probably need too." Amanda said.

"Do you promise that you aren't here to cause problems ?" Max asked.  "I
promise.  I hope I get the chance to get to know Zeb better.  He is funny
and I really like him.  Besides I have never seen Dad so happy." Amanda
said and started to walk off.  "Why don't you come stay with us for a few
days then.  Give your Dad and Zeb a chance to calm down." Carl said.  "No
she is staying with me and Uncle Daryl and honey you can stay as long as
you like but your sister has to go." Mary said.  "She is my daughter.  She
can stay here." Joe said.   "Shut up Joe." both Carl and Mary said at the
same time.

The argument was finally settled and Mary had won.  Amanda was coming to
her house for the remainder of the visit.  The easiest part to settle was
that they all agreed Ashley was leaving.  Ross and Landon had arrived by
this point  "Here.  Take my vehicle, you will have more room." Max said
handing his keys to Ross.  "We have plenty of room in the truck." Ross
said.  Quickly changing his mind and taking the keys when he saw the look
on Max's face, Ross quickly turned his attentions to Amanda.  "Do you need
me to get your luggage ?" Ross asked.  "She is staying with me and Aunt
Mary.  Ashley is the only one leaving." Daryl said.  "Well point the way
and I will get her stuff." Ross said.

As Ross loaded the luggage Mary came across the yard with her boys.  "Where
is your duffle bags ?" Ross asked.  "Duffle bags ?" Mary asked.  "Oh we are
going to stay in town.  Landon and I are going to get the boys a room and
we are taking them shopping tomorrow before we come back." Ross said.  "I
am not so sure about that." Mary said.  "Oh lighten up Mama if I am willing
to trust them with my vehicle over night you can surely trust them with
your boys." Carl said.  "I am not even going to ask how you think those two
examples can compare." Mary said.

"Good.  About time you just hushed and cut that umbilical chord." Carl
said.  "I am not in the mood little brother." Mary snapped.  "You are
suppose to save that statement for Daryl, not me." Carl laughed.  "Alright
you two.  I think we have had enough drama for one night." Max said.  "What
time is her flight ?" Landon asked.  "No clue." Max said.  "Um... Does she
have a ticket ?" Landon asked.  "Nope.  Drop her off at the terminal and
she can find her own way home." Max said.  "Are you sure?" Ross asked.
After seeing the look in Max's eyes again.  "What ever you say.  The boys
are back with their clothes so we are heading out." Ross said.  "Here.  Pay
for the rooms and the shopping with this." Carl said handing Landon a
credit card.  "Don't question me because I won't give you the look.  I will
just slap you one good one." Carl said laughing.

Once Ross had left with his crew they returned inside the house.  Joe had
settled enough to realize exactly what had just happened and the words that
Zeb had said were coming back to the fore front.  Joe was visibly shaking
but there were no tears.  The look on his face was no longer rage but
fear.  Max walked up and placed his hand on Joe's shoulder.  "Calm down
Joe.  Zeb is fine and we will fix this." Max said.  "The last thing he said
was that he could not come between me and my family.  He loved me with all
his heart but he had to say goodbye." Joe said.  "We all say a lot of
things in the heat of the moment.  If he was really running away for good
we would not have found him so easily." Max said.  "Take that from an
expert.  You see how long it took me to find Max." Carl said.  Just the
thought finally brought Joe to tears.

"Aunt Mary can you carry me to see Zeb ?" Amanda asked.  "You need to talk
to your Dad about that.  Don't be upset if he says no." Mary said.  Amanda
walked in and walked up to her Dad.  "I am sorry about what happened.  Can
I go and talk to Zeb ?" Amanda asked.  "NO." Joe shouted.  "Hold up Joe.
What do you want to say to Zeb ?" Max asked.  "Don't you think you and your
sister have done enough ?" Joe shouted.  "Shut up Joe.  Ashley is gone.
This is Amanda.  Now what did you want to say to Zeb ?" Max asked.  "I
wanted to say I was sorry for how my sister acted.  I really like Zeb.  I
just want him to know that Ashley and I don't think alike and that I would
really appreciate it if he gave me and my Dad another chance." Amanda
said.  "Do you really mean that ?" Joe asked.  "Yes Dad.  All I want is for
you to be happy and in love.  I can see the way you two look at each other
that you love each other.  Yes I will admit I was surprised to hear that
you had fallen in love with a man but that doesn't matter to me.  You being
happy is all that matters.  I use to blame you about the divorce but I have
lived with Mom enough to know that you had to escape with your life."
Amanda said.

"That may be a good idea." Carl said.  "I will take her to the ranch
house." Mary said.  "NO.  The only way she goes is with Max and if she says
one word out of line you have my permission to snatch a knot in her ass."
Joe barked.  "I will behave Dad.  I promise." Amanda said as he got on her
tip toes and kissed her Dad on the cheek.

Carl did not try to argue with Max when he asked if they wanted him to go
but was left standing in the living room at Joe's.  Mary and Daryl were
able to calm Joe to a degree but he was still very anxious.  "Enough.  I am
going to go get Zeb." Joe said standing quickly.  Carl stood in front of
him.  "Max is there.  Give them a few minutes." Carl said.  "Brother I love
you to death but if you don't get out of my face I will rearrange yours for
you." Joe said standing nose to nose with Carl.  "Just promise me you won't
run in  there and make matters worse." Carl said.  "Don't worry if he goes
in like a bull in a china shop I am sure that Max will put him in his place
real quick." Daryl said.  "Well I am riding with you then." Carl said.

"Just let the dust settle.  Don't make any rash decisions just yet." The
older ranch hand said as he sat on the edge of the bed.  "I am too damn old
to do this all over again.  This whole family is too nice.  They don't
deserve this and I can't live with being the cause of it." Zeb said.
"Where would you go ?" The hand asked.  "Back to Texas for starters I
guess.  I can find work there somewhere." Zeb said.  "You can't go.  That
would kill my Dad." Amanda said from the door.  Zeb's body froze.

The older ranch hand stood from the side of the bed.  "The old saying,
threes a crowd." he said as he walked past Amanda and into the hallway.
Max stood in the doorway waiting to see what would happen.  "He is your
father and I would never come between you.  Just promise me that you and
your sister will visit him more often." Zeb said.  "That was all Ashley.
Well my Mom and Ashley.  I have never seen my Dad so happy.  You two love
each other very much.  Everyone can see that when you two look at each
other." Amanda said.  "I have never loved anyone as much as I love your Dad
but I also love him so much that I am walking away so that I do not cause
problems with him and his children." Zeb said.  "I wish you would stay ?"
Amanda said.  "I love your Dad to death but I have enough respect for
myself to not stay around just to be a punching bag." Zeb said.

"All my Mom has ever wanted was prestige and money.  She never cared who
she hurt or who she took advantage of including me and my sister.  She has
gone as far as tried to use us to get this ranch.  Ashley fell for it and
is just like her.  I was mad at my Dad for a long time after Mom accused
him of many things.  Since I have gotten older I realize that everything
she said was just a plot to get what she wanted.  Ashley is gone and I am
sure that when Uncle Carl and Uncle Max get through she will never come
back." Amanda said.  "I am sure she stepped on the wrong toes if she pissed
off Max." Zeb chuckled.  "Yeah he seems to be a tough one." Amanda said.
"Alright you two." Max said still standing in the door.

Realizing that Amanda had no plans of verbally attacking Zeb, Max went back
into the main room where the ranch hand waited.  "How was he ?" Max asked.
"Boss man, he says he is going back to Texas.  He said he never meant to
cause problems." The ranch hand said.  "Let's just let things cool off.
Those two needed some private time.  If at the end of this he wants to go
back I will support his decision but I pray that he changes his mind when
things calm down." Max said.    The front door flew open and Joe stormed
into the room.  Carl was close on his heels but it was apparent he had no
success at calming Joe.  "Where is he ?" Joe growled.

"Calm down Joe and give those two a few minutes.  They have to find common
ground too." Max said stepping in front of Joe.  "GET OUT OF MY FACE before
you get hurt." Joe growled.  Carl took a step forward to defend Max.  Max
held his hand up to stop Carl.  Never flinching or loosing his stance in
front of Joe, Max looked dead in his eyes.  "I love you more than a brother
Joe Rexlan and I am here to help.  If you want to go in like a bull in a
china shop and wave your dick around go ahead but you will go through me
first.  Agreed that I may not win but I guarantee you that the Rexlan
family jewels will be swollen for a month.  If Zeb did stay after your rant
there would be no sex  for a month.  I can promise that one." Max said.
"Why are you such an asshole." Joe said changing his tone.  "Well somebody
has to be with you two hard headed Rexlans." Max said.

The two men's faces were close enough that they could have kissed.  "It's
rare for any man to stand toe to toe to me and tell me I can't do
something." Joe said.  "Count this as a rare moment then.  I listened for a
few minutes.  They are doing fine.  Just give them a chance." Max said.
"Are you going to move your husband out of my way ?" Joe said to Carl never
breaking eye contact with Max.  "He is a smart man.  He values his family
jewels." Max said.  "Then you wouldn't have sex for a month." Joe said.
"Oh he could watch.  I have a dildo so I would be fine." Max said not
cracking a smile.  "Dauuuummnnn." The older ranch said  laughing.  This
caused Carl and Joe to both laugh.

"You got a tough nut to crack here Carl." Joe laughed and leaned over and
hugged Max.  Max could feel Joe's entire body trembling.  "It will be
alright Joe." Max whispered.  "But he left me." Joe said trembling even
more.  "No Joe.  He loved you." Max whispered.  "You don't leave someone
you love." Joe said.  "Joe I can promise you from experience that it takes
more love to leave than it does to stay." Max said.  "That makes no sense."
Joe said.  "Zeb loved you enough to walk out of your life so that you could
have a relationship with your daughters.  He loved you enough to hurt
himself so that you were not hurt anymore and you and your daughters could
have a relationship again.  That my friend is unconditional and true love."
Max said.  "You really think that ?" Joe whispered.  "I know that Joe.
Remember I have been there." Max said.  Joe did not reply but just squeezed
Max even harder.

The men chatted quietly for a few minutes.  Joe was still visibly
trembling.  Amanda walked back into the room and walked straight to her Dad
and wrapped her arms around him.  "Is everything alright ?" Joe asked.
"Yes Dad.  If I had any questions before I don't anymore." Amanda said.
"What do you mean ?"  Joe asked.  "Dad, Zeb loves you with all his heart
and soul.  It took guts for him to walk away.  I understand now why he did
it and I think he understands now that it was not him that it was Mom and
Ashley." Amanda said.  "I could kill your Mom." Joe growled.  "Let it go
Dad.  As long as you stay mad at her she has won.  Just let it go and let
her drown in her own misery.  Ashely too." Amanda said.  "You know I have
always loved you." Joe said.  "I know that now Dad.  Well I have for at
least a year.  I overheard Mom telling someone about how she had lied to us
for years because it was all a part of her big plan." Amanda said.  "I need
to talk to Zeb." Joe said.  "Give him a few minutes Dad.  He was in much
worse shape than you.  He needs a few minutes to pull himself together."
Amanda said.

Carl and Max had walked outside with the older ranch hand.  Carl's phone
beeped.  Pulling it out he text back fairly rapidly with a mad look on his
face.  "What now ?" Max asked.  "Nothing.  That was Landon.  They were
almost at the airport and he wanted to know what time Ashley's flight was
so they would know how long they had to wait." Carl said.  "Well ?" Max
asked.  "I just said to put her and her shit out at the curb and tell her
Uncle Carl said find your own damn way home." Carl said putting his cell
phone back in the belt clip.  "Are you sure about that ?" Max asked.  "Well
what would you have told them ?" Carl said with a smirk on his face.  Max
stood there for at least a minute.  "No better answer ?" Carl laughed.
"I'm thinking." Max said.  "Another date to mark on the calendar." Carl
said.  "What ?" Max said.  "My husband has nothing to say." Carl laughed.
"I'm still thinking. " Max laughed.

Amanda came out and asked if someone would carry her to her Aunt Mary's.
"I will be glad to sweetheart." Carl said hugging his niece.  "I am sorry
that Ashley ruined you guys evening." Amanda said.  "That's on Ashley, not
you." Max said as he hugged her next.  "I am glad that you are allowing me
to stay for a few days.  I miss the ranch." Amanda said.  "Sweetie you are
welcome on this ranch anytime you want to come." Carl said.  "Before I
leave I would like to talk to you guys and Dad about the program for
autistic kids." Amanda said.  "You think we are crazy don't you ?" Max
said.  "Oh no.  I think it's amazing and if you will allow me to I would
like to be a part of it." Amanda said.  "Let's get through the Holidays and
we will show you our plan and see if you see an area you want to work in."
Max said.  "Thank You Uncle Max." Amanda said, smiling and hugging Max
again.

"Can I come in ?" Joe almost whispered from the door.  Zeb just buried his
face in the pillow.  "Baby I am so sorry about what happened." Joe
whispered.  "You didn't do it Joe." Zeb said.  "I still should have
protected you." Joe said.  "That's just it Joe.  You should have been more
concerned about your family crumbling.  I refuse to be the reason you and
your daughters do not reconnect. "  Zeb said.  "Baby all of that had
nothing to do with you.  You were just the one that Ashley could attack."
Joe said.

"That is what Amanda said." Zeb said.  "Their mother is a gold digging
bitch and she has turned Ashley into one also.  Luckily Amanda was able to
see through her.  Ashley is not happy with me when I am single and even
less when I am with someone.  She just wants money. " Joe said.  "Do you
really feel that way ?" Zeb asked.  "Babe I know it. I had hoped when she
came for the Christmas party she had finally grown up. Apparently she has
just gotten more evil." Joe said.  "Are you sure it's not my fault ?
Finding out your father is gay can be tough." Zeb said.  "Gay never crossed
her mind.  Just money.  I promise." Joe said.

"Can I ask how it went with Amanda ?" Joe asked.  "She was really nice.
She asked if I minded if she came to visit some." Zeb said.  "And ?" Joe
asked.  "I told her that she had to talk to you becau..... becau.....
because I was not sure that I would be here." Zeb said.  Joe moved quickly
to the bed and lay down pulling Zeb tight to him.  "I know you are upset
and I understand why but please baby don't do anything harsh.  I love you
with all my heart.  I love you more than I have ever loved anyone before.
Please tell me that you will stay." Joe said pulling Zeb to his chest.
"Just go home and talk with Amanda and then we can talk later." Zeb said.
Joe could feel Zeb trembling.  "She is staying at Mary's.  I am staying
right here with you." Joe said and leaned his head down and kissed the top
of Zeb's head.


Max had come back into the house and stood in the door and watched Joe just
hold Zeb.  Joe looked up and slightly nodded.  Max turned out the remainder
of the lights on his way out of the house and locked the front door behind
him.  "If things go crazy and you are out here please call me." Max said to
the older ranch hand.  "Sure thing Boss." He said.  Max quickly hugged him
tight.  "I can never thank you enough for that sign and for being the
person you are." Max whispered.  "Ah shucks Boss.  Just doing the right
thing is all." He said with a slight sniffle.