Once Henry got all the horses back into their stalls and had given Jet a time out, he arrived back in time for everyone to leave for the fair and Barn Dance.
Deciding they would walk, they began walking towards the trail that would lead them to the fair.
Glancing towards the stables, Henry saw Jet's tongue going for the lock on his stall door.
"Jet, No! Now get back in your stall or I'll go and close the door to your run."
They could see Jet quickly walk back away from the door. That made them all laugh as Henry muttered about his kids being easier to raise than that horse.
Brian asked him. "They have runs attached to their stalls?"
Nodding Henry replied.
"Yeah, an Indoor one so they have plenty of space to move about and not feel cramped. The roof can be opened if the weather is right. The place is air conditioned and their TVs seem to work better with the roof closed."
Brian raised an eyebrow at that. "They have TV's?"
Henry laughed. "Yeah, They enjoy reality TV for some reason and some instrumental music."
"Maybe we should get that for our horses, what do you think Justin?"
"Yeah, it sounds good I think we will be sitting out there with them watching movies."
Mary added. "I do that sometimes and it's actually really relaxing."
Jenny and Gus asked if they could as watch TV with the horses sometime; so they all agreed to go watch TV with them when they could.
Jenny skipped over to Brian taking his hand in hers. She looked up at him to him smiling down at her.
"Are you looking forward to the fair Uncle Brian?"
Twirling her around making her and laughing he replied.
"Yeah it's going to be lots of fun. Your great Nana told me that all the carnival rides will be there and the games that are suitable for all ages. So, if they have a big ferris wheel will you come up in it with us?"
"Yeah, and I bet we will get pretty pictures from up there nearly in the sky."
Lifting her above his head making her squeal with laughter. "Like that?"
"Yeah, like that uncle Brian."
Gus laughed at their antics. "Dad, they are so funny aren't they."
Justin laughed. "Yeah, they are like a comedy act."
Mary and Henry agreed. They all laughed as they continued on their way to the fair and the Barn Dance. The sounds and music from it could now be heard.
The closer they got the more excited the kids got and the big kids as well of course.
Mary walked with her arm linked through Justin's.
"I wonder what charity they will be collecting for this year. Last year they collected for a family who lost half their house to a house fire. They got all sorts donated money, building supplies and help to rebuild. The Franklin home got a full makeover it was truly wonderful."
"That's a brilliant idea, they should do stuff like that at every fair."
Mary agreed with her grandson. "That would be ideal it would certainly help many people."
Finally they reached the gates and the posters were up for the charity, this year they were collecting for Erin Evans. She needed wigs, human hair ones, as she suffered from Alopecia so the community wanted to help.
Mary nodded at the posters as the other joined them.
"That is a good cause, Erin is such a sweet little girl. I'm sure she will be here dancing away in the purple wig she saves for dancing time."
Gus who was standing by Justin's side tugged on his arm.
"Dad, can I give them some money to help her. She needs it way more than I do, so can I?"
Looking at Gus with pride Justin glanced at Brian and getting a nod even though Justin knew he didn't need Brian's approval to make the decision.
"Of course you can Gus. How much would you like to give?".
Biting his lip Gus then spoke. "Half of my spending money, I don't need to buy much."
Giving Gus a hug and a kiss on the head Justin whispered.
"You are so good, you know that. Go ahead I'll stand back here while you make your donation."
Giving Justin a hug Gus stepped forward.
"Hi sir. Can I donate some money to help Erin, please?"
The young man at the gate smiled at Gus.
"Of course you can, I'm Peter. What's your name?"
"Gus, I'd like to donate some money for Erin if that's okay?".
Peter smiled.
"That is okay, that's so kind of you. The box is just there by the booth, you can put it in there yourself.".
Nodding Gus thanked him as he walked over, pulling out his money out of the wallet his Daddy bought him Gus pulled out $50 and placed it in the box.
Right at that moment Erin arrived to give Peter a cup of coffee and a bottle of water so he wouldn't get thirsty. "Here Peter I got you these."
"Thank you Erin, you gonna save me a dance later on?"
Nodding with a big smile on her face. "Sure will."
Her attention turned to Gus. She thought he was the most handsome boy she had ever seen.
"Hi, I'm Erin, what's your name?".
All the adults and Jenny watched the exchange with amusement.
Gazing at the beautiful young girl Gus replied his cheeks turning a shade of pink as he did.
"My name is Gus".
Erin smiled swinging her hips side to side.
"That's a cool name. Would you like to on some of the rides with me?".
Glancing at his dad getting a nod in return,
"Yes please Erin."
Jenny wanted to take a picture of them all at the fair entrance. Gus & Erin took off as soon as the group picture was taken.
Mary linked arms with Brian giggling.
"That is so sweet, Gus going off with Erin like that. They will be fine so don't worry."
"I'm not worried, Gus has an older head on his shoulders. I'm sure he will be back after a few rides because he wants to go on certain things with us and try to win some prizes."
Erin held Gus's hand, her sweet voice spoke as they walked around.
"Which ride would you like to go on first?"
Gus glanced around at the ones they were near.
"Um how about the swings one, it looks fun?"
Erin jumped for joy. "That one is a fun let's go".
Gus nearly tripped as she ran pulling him with her to line up for their turn. It didn't take long for them to be seated side by side.
As the ride started Erin shared a big smile with him. "Here we go, no turning back now." She finished laughing.
Gus gazed at the people and the sights around him as they rose up and started to go around. The doors made the cars, swing out so you were tilted as the ride went on. Erin squealed with joy and that spread to Gus.
"This is so much fun Erin." Gus said as best he could.
Justin, Mary and Henry stood and watched them taking pictures so Gus could have this memory captured forever. Jenny and Brian were just on their way over after Jenny won a young scientist kit at one of the games. Luckily someone had the very good idea for an on site locker system for storing your prizes. Winners could collect their prizes before they left for the night. It helped that you didn't have to carry them around all the time. This way the winners could enjoy the other rides and games available.
Brian stood next to Justin holding Jenny's hand. "Gus looks happy."
Justin smiled.
"Yeah they are chatting up a storm up there." Laughing he continues. "She is taking so fast, I don't think Gus understood half of it. You could see him trying to concentrate on every word that she said."
Laughing now Brian turned to look at Justin with a cheeky grin.
"I've been there with a certain person who shall remain nameless."
Realising it was him that Brian was talking about Justin said, "Hey", bumping him with his hip.
The ride finished and as they were getting off, Erin continued talking with Gus's hand still in hers as they made their way to where everyone was waiting for them.
Gus spotted his dad and the teasing glint in his eyes making him blush even more.
When Erin finally stopped talking to breathe she spotted her uncle waiting for her.
"Uncle Joey, are you looking for me?" Erin asked looking up at him.
Uncle Joey nodded smiling with his dimpled filled cheeks.
"Sure am, the dance is starting in a few minutes. I know that you wanted to be there for the start. You going to introduce me to your friend?"
Pulling Gus into a one armed hug Erin smiled. "This is Gus, isn't he cute Uncle Joey?"
Doing his best not to laugh as he felt sorry for the blushing boy. Uncle Joey agreed.
"Yes he is very cute"
Turning to Gus, "It's very nice to meet you Gus" ,he finished by shaking his hand.
Standing up straighter Joey asked Gus.
"Is there someone here with you? We don't want to leave you on your own."
Nodding, Gus pointed behind him. "I'm here with my dads, sister and great grandparents."
Looking to where Gus had pointed to his surprise he saw the Taylors.
Strolling over to them he shook all of their hands.
"Mr & Mrs Taylor, so nice to see you again and your family here."
Introductions where done and everyone had a good natured giggle with the kids.
Just before Erin left with her uncle she gave Gus a kiss on the cheek promising to save him a dance.
Gus stood there shocked, his hand to his cheek where she kissed him. His dads standing either side of him, both putting their arms around him.
A few minutes later Brian spoke. You ready for the dance, Sonnyboy?"
They decided to go on a few rides together before they headed over. They went into the house of mirrors where they had so many laughs as every now and then a dog would run along the mirrors and then a cat would zoom past.
The ride after that it was just Brian and Justin. Brian didn't even realize he was going on this particular ride as Justin had kept him talking as they moved along the line. Before he knew it Brian was strapped into the car. Everyone was giggling and that made him look up to see it was like Love Boat. Luckily the ride was fun and not very lovey dovey.
As soon as they were strapped in Brian gave Justin a look.
"How on earth did you get me in this thing. You know I'm not into this crap?"
Justin chuckled at the look on Brian's face. "I have my ways."
Brian folded his arms over his chest pouting a bit.
"Yeah, Chatty Cathy, kept me distracted."
The ride started and in they went. The lighting was soft and the music was surprisingly not cheesy.
Justin slipped his hand into Brian's leaning his head on his shoulder.
"It's not that bad, at least it gives us a few moments alone."
Sighing Brian placed a kiss on the top of Justin's head.
"That's true, but those statues are fucking creepy it's like they are staring at you."
That made Justin laugh as they settled in to enjoy the rest of the ride.
Just before the ride finished they shared a loving kiss that was captured for the picture they would receive at the end.
The last ride they went on before heading to the dance had them being handed plastic ponchos and told to make sure they were properly fastened. Brian was about to pull out because he didn't want to get his Hugo Boss Jeans wet, but the look on the kids faces stopped him. So he put on the poncho and got on the ride. He was very glad he did as it was the wettest ride but most fun ride in the entire park. Brian had to admit even though he got slightly wet he felt like the kid he should have been when he was a kid. Looking at the big smiles on all their faces made it worthwhile.
Jenny held his hand and Gus's as they made their way to the bins to put their wet ponchos in. Giggling she looked up at Brian.
"That was the best ever and I wasn't scared going up high in the log and then zooming down in the water", looking to Gus she carried on talking even faster as she was so high on excitement from the ride, "You minded me really good Gus, you held me so I wouldn't fall out."
All Gus could do was smile as she kept talking as they walked.
There collected the photo at the end and along with the other they had taken and placed them in the storage locker.
It was at the locker that Brian finally got a chance to ask Gus how he enjoyed the log ride.
"So Sonnyboy, did you enjoy the log ride, even though it was really wet?"
Smiling up at his dad Gus replied.
"Yeah, I loved it and I'm so happy you came on with us and that you sat behind me holding me. We should do it again sometime. I loved hearing you laugh."
Brian hugged his son tight.
"I loved laughing and we will do it again. I promise you that, might take you to some theme parks in England. They have a few good ones from what Kevin at work was telling me."
"Really, wow that would be so cool! Thank you Daddy."
Kissing the top of his son's head. "Anytime Sonnyboy, anytime."
Seeing the others waiting for them, Brian told Gus.
"We better make our way to the dance, because we are getting the stink eye making everyone wait".
That made Gus laugh until tears streamed down his face so they made their way to the dance.
Henry and Mary held hands as they walked watching the antics of the boys and the kids, Henry smiled. "They really are having fun aren't they?"
Mary returned his smile.
"They sure are, it's so great to see after everything Justin has been through."
Hugging his wife and kissing the side of her head Henry agreed.
"Yeah, and now he has Brian and those kids in his life."
The music hit them as soon as they all reached the entrance to the barn dance.
It looked beautiful, lights were strung around the field and crisscrossing above the dance floor. Long tables of food were scattered around the area. Inside the barn was the huge stage where a band was playing a mixture of music with something to suit everyone's taste.
Brian looked at the stage and the band that was playing. He was very impressed, when the first notes of a song dear to him and Justin started. He looked at Mary nodding to the kids. Silently asking if she would watch them.
Giving him a nod and a smile Brian took Justin's hand in his, guiding him to the dance floor.
An equally big smile spread across Justin's lips a they began to dance to the song. The lyrics so powerful and beautiful. The singers voice fitted perfectly. Little did they realize a circle formed around them as the beautiful song went on. The two men were lost in their own world.
Song.
I'll always remember the song they were playin'
The first time we danced and I knew
As we swayed to the music and held to each other
I fell in love with you
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Would you be my partner every night?
When we're together it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
I'll always remember that magic moment
When I held you close to me
As we moved together, I knew forever
You're all I'll ever need
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Would you be my partner every night?
When we're together it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Would you be my partner every night?
When we're together it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
They danced forehead to forehead and once in a while looked into one another's eyes with a smile on their lips. It was the most beautiful moment anyone had seen in a long time.
Henry took Mary's hand in his while his other hand rested on Gus's shoulder.
"Reminds me of our wedding dance. Do you remember?"
Mary leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered with a contented sigh. "I do, I sure do."
When the next song started it was a rock in roll number and they all ended up on the dance floor laughing, dancing and singing along to the song the band where playing.
Justin spotted the craft tables and other stalls selling things and made his way over while Brian chatted with people they met at the Barn door.
Justin stood at a table with some of the most beautiful works of art he had ever seen. There were not just paintings, but tiles that had amazing work on them. Neck scarfs made out of all different types of materials and knitted crafts as well. Looking to the young lady behind the table he asked. "Did you create all of these?"
Smiling she stood and greeted him.
"I did, I love making things. It's sorta my after school and weekend hobby to relieve the stress of studying and stuff. I find it relaxing."
Justin was amazed.
"You do this as a hobby, I can you tell you that you have an amazing talent. I can already see galleries signing you up for shows if they saw your creations. Have you ever considered doing this for a living, Miss um what's your name?"
The girl blushed
"I'm Jessie, I um thank you. I was thinking of becoming a vet or something I never thought I was good enough to do this for a living."
"I'm Justin by the way, it's nice to meet you Jessie. I can tell you that you really do have talent and I want to buy a few of your works to bring home to my family. I can see what would be perfect for each member."
Jessie blushed even more at his words.
"It would be a joy to do this for a living, creating things for people really makes me happy."
It then clicked in her head where she recognised him from and not just from the The Taylor's ranch. "You are Justin Taylor right, the artist?"
Nodding he replied. "I am, you've heard about me?"
Laughing lightly, Jesse explained.
"Yeah, we studied you at school in art class, you are pinned on our blackboard as someone to inspire us. We are booked on a school tour later this year to see one of your shows. I feel so embarrassed I didn't recognise you right away, I am so sorry".
She finished by putting her face in her hands.
Justin had a big smile on his face as he reached over the table and patted her on the shoulder.
"It's okay, so how many in your class that's coming to my show?"
Taking her hands off her face Jessie answered him.
"There are fifteen and then there will be our teacher and two volunteers to look after us. The teacher booked us into a hostel or something…?"
It was then that Brian appeared. "Who is staying in a hostel, aren't those flea pits?" That made Jessie laugh.
Justin jabbed Brian in the side with his elbow
"Brian, Jessie here, her class and their teacher with two volunteers are coming to my show next month. It is then that are staying in a hostel."
Turning his attention to Jessie, Justin asked. "Which night are you coming to?"
"The opening night, the teacher said it would be a good experience to see one."
Brian answered before Justin could say anything.
"Opening nights are great." He handed her his card. "Have your teacher contact me. I'm not letting all of you stay in a hostel. I'll make sure you have better accommodations."
Jessie looked at the card in her hands then up to Brian.
"Thank you sir, that is so kind of you."
Smiling at the young girl he replied. "It's no trouble really."
Gus and Jenny appeared talking a mile a minute about a really cool kids' bucking bronco that they wanted to go on but an adult had to be with them. So they said their goodbye to Jessie. Jessie said she would look after the purchases that Justin made.
Gus and Jenny held Brians hand as they pulled him along as fast as their feet could move. All Justin could do was laugh as he followed them.
Mary and Henry took a break from dancing to get a drink and some chicken wings at the makeshift bar watching everything around them. They laughed when they spotted Brian being dragged nearly off his feet by the kids.
They joined the boys at the corral where the bronco for the kids was. They could see Jenny and Gus in the queue chatting excitedly to each other.
Henry nudged Justin with his elbow. "You want to go have a go?".
Laughing he replied. "I'd love to, but I don't think I'd pass a child".
"Hmm I don't I know." Turning to his wife. "Whatta you think?"
"I think you are still cute as a button and could pass and I'm sure I can persuade Sadi to let my handsome Brian on as well". Kissing Brian's cheek. "I mean look at that cutie pie and his baby soft skin how could you not let him on."
That is how both Brian and Justin ended up going on after Jenny and Gus much to everyone's amusement. The winner out of all them was Gus who lasted until the bronco stopped.
The rest of the night at the event was filled with laughter, playing lots of games and dancing. Gus did dance with Erin and they promised to be pen friends which made them happy when the boys exchanged his email with Erin's mom so they could make it happen.
Mary noticed they were all just hanging on as they were so tired so she suggested they call it a night. So they collected the stuff they had won and bought and made their way back to the cabin.
Gus and Jenny fell asleep holding hands in the back of the car, pulling up to the cabin Henry turned to talk to the guys. "Would you like a hand bringing them in?"
Justin replied, "That would be great thank you, maybe just grab all our stuff while we carry them in."
The combined effort of them all they had the kids in bed without even waking them up.
Mary and Henry stood in the doorway to the kids room with smiles on their faces, Mary spoke with fondness in her voice. "They sure enjoyed themselves didn't they?"
Running his fingers through his son's hair Brian replied.
"They did and we did. I never got to do anything like that growing up, so again thank you."
Mary teared up again and quickly made her way over hugging him from behind placing a kiss on his head.
"We loved sharing this with you. We hope you come back to do it all again; maybe bring more of the family? There is plenty of room for them all."
Reaching behind him he returned the hug.
"That would be great just be prepared for them." He finished laughing.
More hugs were given and Justin couldn't help feeling that this was how family life should be, supporting each other and not afraid to say I love you.
Once Mary and Henry left Justin took Brian's hand in his pulling him in for a loving kiss, before whispering against his lips.
"Let's go for one of our special showers before bed. Two days left so let's enjoy it."
Brian returned the kiss and let himself be lead to the shower, shedding clothes once they reached their room. The shower was everything he had hoped for, the love making was perfect it was them, just how they liked it before getting into bed and falling asleep wrapped in each other's arms.