Chapter Six
The sky was a riot of orange and pink and deep, deep blue as the sun crept toward the horizon. Jack yawned and shook his head to keep himself from falling asleep. He was almost there. Almost to his new home. Home. It didn't matter the location. His home was Ennis. The fact that it was a beautiful log house, an established business, and in what seemed to be a nice town, was just a bonus. A smiled crossed his face as he thought of the object of his affection–the soft blonde hair that curled just right, eyes the color of honey or chocolate (depending on his mood), a body that was tough and lithe from years of hard work, and hands that could work magic upon his body. He started to lose himself in his adoration of the temple of Ennis and then glanced down guiltily to Bobby sleeping on the seat next to him. His head was on a pillow and he was tangled in the cowboys and horses quilt Lureen had gotten for him last Christmas. Bobby stirred, kicking Jack in the knee, which effectively cooled the ardor Jack had been feeling. Damn, I shoulda made him take his boots off, he thought, rubbing his knee. He patted Bobby's leg soothingly and put his concentration back on driving.
Goosedown was less than twenty miles away. Jack pulled in the driveway just as the sun sank out of sight. Ennis came out of the house when he got out of the truck and met him in front of the garage. Ennis took him in his arms and Jack clung to him, a jumble of conflicting emotions. Joy and grief, sorrow and relief warred in his heart. He didn't realize he was crying until he heard Ennis soothing him. He pressed his face into Ennis's neck as Ennis held him close, one hand running up and down his back, the other on the back of his head.
"I'm sorry, Ennis," he finally choked out.
"What are you sorry for?"
"Everything."
"Bullshit, Jack. You don't gotta be sorry fer anything. Lureen was your wife, your friend, and your son's momma. I'd think you were a heartless bastard if ya didn't grieve none." He drew back from Jack to meet his eyes and said softer, "And I know you ain't a heartless bastard, darlin'. You've got the biggest heart of anyone I know."
Jack looked down, his throat closed up, and the tears threatened to fall again. "Oh, Ennis," he whispered.
Ennis held him until he stopped trembling, then stepped away. "Where's this little boy I keep hearin' so much about?"
Jack sniffed, wiped his nose on his sleeve, and went around the truck, saying, "He fell asleep a while back."
Ennis noticed the trailer. "Jesus, Jack, didja bring the whole state o' Texas with ya?"
Jack paused before opening Bobby's door. "Nah, it's mostly Bobby's stuff. I couldn't decide what t'bring 'n what t'leave, so I brought it all."
"We can unload it tomorrow or the day after, maybe get Tyler t'help us then." The next day was Sunday and Kelly and Tyler were both off, now that Ennis was here to take care of things.
"What about Jim?" Jack saw Ennis's jaw clench tightly.
"He don't work here no more."
"What happened?"
"Well, seems he don't wanna work fer no 'fuckin' faggots', so he quit." Ennis turned his head and spit, "I'm afraid he might be trouble, Jack," he added, then said, "Well, we can't do nothin' about it tonight and you look like you're about t'drop, darlin'. Let's get you and Bobby inside. You hungry? Kelly left somethin' called a 'hotdish'. Looks like a casserole t'me. It's real good, though."
"Yeah, I'm hungry," Jack replied as he opened the passenger door to lift Bobby out. His pillow fell on the ground, so Ennis picked it up. Then his blanket was dragging, so Ennis picked that up, too, and followed Jack. They made a funny little train up the porch, through the entryway, the kitchen, the living room, and into one of the downstairs bedrooms. Ennis slipped ahead and pulled back the covers. Bobby didn't even wake as Jack undressed him and put him in one of Ennis's clean t-shirts, because he wasn't sure where he'd put Bobby's pajamas. Jack tucked him in, brushed his hair off his forehead, and kissed him there.
Ennis smiled at him from the doorway. "He sure looks like you, bud."
"Ya think so?" It seemed to please Jack.
"Yeah, I do. He's a handsome little devil, just like his daddy." This drew a smile from Jack. They walked to the kitchen. "You sit down, I'll get you a plate."
"I can't sit–I been sittin' in that truck fer two damn days. I need a beer. You want one?"
"Sure."
They sat at the kitchen table, Jack with a plate of hotdish in front of him. "How'd things go with Alma an' yer girls?" he asked.
Ennis told him, with some amount of disbelief, how well Alma had reacted.
"Shit, I wasn't expectin' that. I thought she'd give ya a worse time."
"Me too. I'm glad she didn't. I was pretty worried she wouldn't let me see the girls ever again. I asked for time at Christmas and in the summer and she agreed."
"Did ya tell the girls about us?" Jack asked hesitantly.
"I was gonna, but it was so hard on them just to know I was movin' away. I thought it might be better to wait–let my leavin' sink in before hittin' them with somethin' else. I'll tell 'em before their first visit." He looked away, sighed, "I don't know if it was the right thing to do, to wait, but it's what I did." Pause. "Have you told Bobby anything?"
"No. I haven't had the words or the energy yet. I'll tell him tomorrow. I ain't livin' a lie no more. Not fer him or anyone."
"I think that's best, Jack. He'll be here with us every day, after all. Let me know what ya need from me. If'n ya wanna tell him together or if ya want me t'stay away for a while, give ya some time alone."
"Thanks, bud. I don't know how I'm gonna tell him, yet." Jack yawned hugely.
Ennis stood up, held out his hand, "Come on, darlin'. You're exhausted."
Jack didn't argue, just took the hand that was offered and followed him up the stairs to their bedroom. Once inside, they stripped down to their boxers and slipped between the sheets. Ennis pulled Jack into his arms and kissed him, slow and deep. Jack's arms went around Ennis and pulled him even closer. Their legs tangled together as the kiss deepened even further.
"God, I missed you," Ennis breathed, touching his forehead to Jack's, his heart pounding.
"I missed you, too, baby." Jack ran his hand down Ennis's side onto his hip and leaned in to meet his lips again, kissing softly before moving down to his neck, sucking gently as he went. Ennis arched his head back, moaning softly and tightening his legs around Jack's, bringing them even closer. Ennis knew Jack was tired and he should let him sleep, but he could feel Jack's arousal, as evident as his, separated only by the thin cotton of their boxers. Ennis ground his pelvis into Jack's and met his lips again.
Moments later Ennis untangled them and pushed his boxers off. Jack did the same and turned over to reach for the box on the night stand. Ennis grabbed him from behind and pulled him backwards. He kissed the back of Jack's neck, then the sensitive spot between his shoulder blades.
"Ennis . . . Jesus . . ." Jack sighed.
Ennis used some of the lube Jack handed him, smoothing it over himself, then pushed into Jack from behind, slowly, holding his hips steady. That was apparently too slow for Jack, because he reached back for Ennis and surged backwards. Ennis grunted with surprise and pleasure, moved his hand to grip Jack's hard length and began to slide his hand in rhythm with their bodies. Their legs spooned close, their feet laced together, they moved as one, Ennis curled around Jack and Jack arching back, reaching back, hanging on.
Jack turned his head to kiss the arm that cradled his head, put his free hand out to entwine his fingers with Ennis's and squeezed. Felt his desire reach new heights at the sight of their hands melded into one. Their rhythm was flawless on this night, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, but always in tune. Their bodies were slick with sweat, the scent of musk heavy in the room. Ennis kissed Jack's neck, his back, his shoulder, and finally felt Jack shudder, felt the hot wetness on his hand, felt his whole body tingle with electric energy and then become heavy with release.
They lay still, threaded together, from their hands to their feet. Ennis slid out of Jack and Jack felt like a part of himself slipped out. He curled up tighter, pulling Ennis with him, around him. He fell asleep this way, feeling safe, protected, and loved.
Jack woke up alone in the bed, but could hear the sound of shower, so he assumed Ennis must be in there. He stretched and looked around the bedroom that was now his and Ennis's. He'd slept in here several nights, but hadn't really paid attention to the room itself. It was spacious but cozy, three walls made of the chinked logs of the house. There were two dressers against one wall, a bench at the end of the bed, and night stands on each side of it. There was a closet built into the smooth wall that separated the bedroom from the rest of the loft. Another door led to their private bathroom. The floor was smooth hardwood, covered with colorful throw rugs. A large window looked out over the surrounding field and in the distance he could see a forest and the lake he and Ennis had walked to.
Ennis came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He sat next to Jack on the bed and leaned down to kiss him. Jack smelled the mint of toothpaste and the subtle scent of Ennis's aftershave. "Mornin', darlin'." Ennis smiled at him.
"Mmm . . ." Jack put his arms up around Ennis's neck and drew him close. "You smell good." Ennis nuzzled into his neck and Jack yelped. Ennis grinned mischievously. "Your hair's wet! And cold!"
"Get yer lazy self up," Ennis nuzzled his neck again, this time kissing him gently.
"Well, if you'd get offa me, I would," Jack teased.
"I don' know if I wanna do that," Ennis continued his kissing, running his tongue up Jack's neck.
Jack was just deciding that he didn't really want to get out of bed and was reaching to pull Ennis's towel off when they froze, hearing from downstairs, "Daddy!" Their eyes met, held, and they both laughed softly. Ennis went to the dresser to get some boxers and jeans. Jack grabbed a pair of boxers off the floor and pulled them on, opened the bedroom door and looked over the rail. "I'll be right down, Bobby, just a minute." He pulled on his jeans from the night before and his t-shirt. He turned to Ennis, "You comin' down? I should prob'ly introduce you guys properly."
Ennis just nodded, tucking his shirt in his jeans. He didn't know why, but he was nervous. He wanted Jack's son to like him. He smoothed his hands down his buttons, then smoothed his hair down. Jack didn't miss it, but didn't comment either. Just said softly, "Come on, cowboy," and led the way down the stairs. He went into the room they'd deposited Bobby in the night before. "Hey, little man. How'd ya sleep?" Bobby was sitting up in the bed, looking lost in all the quilts and the oversized t-shirt.
"Good," he said hesitantly. He peered around Jack at Ennis, clearly questioning who this was.
"Bobby, this here's Ennis. Remember I told ya a little about him?" Bobby nodded.
"Hello, Bobby, it's nice t'meet you," Ennis smiled at him.
"Nice t'meet you too," Bobby replied, then turned to Jack, "Daddy, where's the bathroom? I gotta pee."
"Okay, come on," Bobby hopped out of bed and went to the door. Jack pointed next to the fireplace. "It's right there. Why don't you take a shower while you're in there? I'll go out t'the trailer and find your clothes." He showed Bobby where the towels and washcloths were and then he and Ennis went outside to the trailer. They found the suitcases Jack had packed Bobby's clothes in.
"You should have Bobby pick out which room he wants." Ennis said. "Then we can start moving some of his stuff in it." They went back inside, carrying the suitcases. Jack opened one on the table and rummaged around, looking for clothes for Bobby, then went to the bathroom, knocked, and opened the door to leave the clothes inside. He came out and told Ennis he was going to take a shower himself and headed up the stairs.
Jack was still upstairs when Bobby came out of the bathroom, clean and dressed. He stood for a moment, looking around hesitantly. He finally noticed Ennis in the kitchen and walked toward him. "Where's my daddy?"
"He went to take a shower. You want some orange juice? Cereal? Toast?" Ennis asked.
"Sure," Bobby replied, still hesitant. Ennis turned to the cupboards and got out everything he needed. Bobby poured some cereal in a bowl while he got the milk and juice out of the refrigerator. He buttered the toast and put it in front of Bobby, then got himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. They didn't speak for a few moments.
Ennis cleared his throat, "After you're done with breakfast, why don't you take a look around, pick out which room ya want t'be yours. There's the one you slept in last night, one next to it, and two upstairs . . ." he trailed off, remembering then that there were three bedrooms upstairs. He hoped Bobby wouldn't ask where he and Jack slept, not yet, before Jack had talked to him about them. He was saved by Jack coming down the stairs, looking considerably better.
Jack poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table with them. "D'you wanna take a look around, see the horses, Bobby?" Jack asked.
"Ennis said I could pick out my room."
Jack started to say okay, but Ennis interrupted with, "Well, Bobby, maybe your daddy could show you around the farm and then you c'n pick out yer room." Ennis said. Jack met his eyes, eyebrows raised, clearly not understanding. "Why don't you go get yer boots? I think yer daddy left them in the room you slept in."
As soon as Bobby disappeared, Jack turned to him. Ennis whispered quickly, "I fergot–he might ask where we sleep, then we'd halfta explain why we're in one bedroom. You should have yer talk afore he picks out a room. Won't be so awkward then."
Jack agreed, mentally kicking himself for not thinking of it himself.
Jack stood on the shore of the lake, looking at it, but not really seeing it. The ice had begun to melt and open water showed over most of the lake. Bobby was picking up rocks and throwing them in. There was a bench on the shore, near the trail. Jack sat on it and called Bobby over.
"We gotta talk 'bout some stuff, son."
Bobby kicked his legs, which didn't quite reach the ground, looked up at his dad. His eyes, so blue and trusting, a perfect reflection of Jack's.
"Bobby, I gotta explain somethin' t'you an' it ain't easy, but it's important."
"Come on, daddy, just spit it out." He sounded exactly like Lureen.
"Well, the thing is, I . . . I . . . me 'n Ennis . . ." he paused, scrubbed his hand down over his face, "Shit."
"Don't cuss, daddy."
"Sorry, son. You know how me an' your momma, we were in love, so we got married, an' lived together? Well, me an' Ennis are in love. We met a long time ago–afore you were born–and we been friends ever since then. More than friends. I love him an' he loves me. We're gonna live together here at the farm."
"Are ya gonna get married?" Bobby asked, looking very confused.
"No, son, two men can't get married. Not now . . . maybe someday . . ." he trailed off, then said, "Some people think it's a real bad thing, two men bein' in love. They think it ain't right, that it's a sin." He looked down at his son, "You might even get teased fer it, Bobby. I'll do ever'thing I can to prevent that, but it still might happen. I'm sorry, son, I wouldn't do anything that would intentionally hurt you, but I can't help this."
"Well, how can ya love him if ya can't marry him?" Bobby asked, still looking confused.
"Son, whether you can marry someone or not is part of the laws of the gover'ment. Me lovin' Ennis, I reckon that's part of God's plan that I don' understand, but I'm thankful for it." He looked out over the lake for a moment and then back to Bobby. "But just 'cause I love Ennis and want t'be with him doesn't mean I don't love you any less. You're my son and I love you." He pulled Bobby close and kissed the top of his head, "I love you more than anythin', son. I'm so sorry your momma's gone, but I'm sure glad you're here with me. I sure am." He felt Bobby's arms go around his waist and hug him tight. Jack held him like that for a long time. He wasn't sure Bobby completely understood what he was talking about. "Son, if you have any questions, even after we're done talkin' here, I hope ya know you can come to me."
"I know, daddy. I will." Bobby looked up into his daddy's eyes. "Daddy? I'm cold. Can we go in an' have some hot cocoa?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Jack picked him up and put him on his back and galloped part of the way down the trail. Bobby giggled and held on tight.
They went in the house and it seemed that Ennis had some sixth sense, because he had a pot of cocoa on the stove, warming for them. Bobby drank some of his, then walked around the house, at Jack's urging, opening doors and taking it all in. He finally decided on an upstairs room, in the corner. Bobby wanted his own dresser (with the cowboys and horses stenciled on it), so they moved out the one already in the room and put his in its stead. Jack unpacked his suitcases into the dresser, put his own pillow on the bed, and covered it with the quilt from his momma. They brought in the wooden chest filled with his toys, his lamp that looked like it was made of rope, and the curtains that matched his quilt. When they'd finished, Ennis looked around and announced that it looked like a nine year old boy definitely lived in this room.
