Change of Heart - 7. Chapter 7

The ride to Uncle Joe's and Aunt Mellie’s was spent in a somber mood. Paul had definitely surrendered any levity when he watched Jeff donning his hidden holster. He had been impressed that the bulge of the subcompact Sig Sauer P320, 9mm version was barely noticeable. The holster would have never worked in tight fitting jeans but, as Jeff demonstrated, it was no problem dressed as he was. Jeff practiced several draws. Each quicker than the one before. It would be easy for him to imagine Jeff as a cowboy gunfighter. Several snide comments came to mind but were summarily dismissed. It just wasn't the right time for humor. He noticed Jeff was continually scanning their surroundings from the moment they walked out the door. Even now, driving on this virtually empty, farm to market, road Jeff never let his eyes rest on any one thing too long.

Paul jumped when Jeff cleared his throat to speak. “Babe. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Listen, before you came down for breakfast, Uncle Raymond called to let me know he and some of his team arrived late last night. They're set up in a motel in town. I asked him to come stay with us, but he insisted he needed to be with his team. He wants to bring some of them out later today. Uncle Joe has apparently agreed to feed us all supper if you're up for it? If you're willing, one of the guys is qualified to teach the required firearms safety in order to validate your license to carry (LTC). According to your documentation, you’ve had a license for three months. Don't ask. Uncle Raymond has some powerful contacts. Uncle Joe is willing to provide a handgun and holster for your use until this shit gets straightened out. All you have to do is pick one you're comfortable with and get qualified. Ilya, our head of security, will provide the training.”

“I’ll be glad when we get to know each other well enough that each new conversation doesn't spark a dozen more questions. Who exactly is this Uncle Raymond and what exactly does “validate" a license to carry mean, and you have a security team?”

Jeff could hear the tension in Paul's voice. He reached across the console, took Paul's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. “Babe, I know you are under a lot of stress. We both are. I feel like someone is trying to take you away from me after I just found you. I know it's impossible to really relax, but you're not alone in this. Me, Uncle Joe, Aunt Mellie and now Uncle Raymond we are in this with you. We won't let anything get to you two without coming through us first. I swear.”

“I think you’ll like Uncle Raymond. I’ve pretty much known him all my life. He worked summers for Uncle Joe all through high school and college. I can remember him coming to the ranch with Uncle Joe. He’d pick me up and swing me around and around and laugh like crazy while I'd stagger like a drunk when he put me down.”

“They’d sometimes come over on horseback and I'd throw a fit till I got to ride in the saddle in front of him. That was even after I had my own horse. I remember feeling so safe as we galloped around the ranch. I thought he was the most handsome, bravest, smartest cowboy there could ever be. I guess you could say he was my first crush.”

“During law school, he interned with our family's legal staff. After he passed the bar exam he went to work for the family. Now he's in charge of our legal staff and our accountants. I may have told you he has oversight concerning all financial, business and charitable transactions. It's mainly because of him that Uncle Joe can spend so much time on the ranch. He's also the reason I could have my own legal career. I’ve known about our more extensive holdings since I was a freshman in high school. Before that, I thought we were just ranchers.

“We Adams’ have always tried to keep a low profile. Most folks around these parts know little or nothing except that we have a good sized ranch where we raise longhorns, Angus beef cattle, quarter horses, and as you well know, a small herd of bison. I had just turned fourteen when I was first invited to attend biweekly meetings with my folks, Uncle Joe, Aunt Millie, Uncle Raymond and a variety of our most senior staff. I learned very quickly that my opinion held sway, especially where technology was concerned.”

“I had already learned the drawbacks of being “one of the rich kids”. I never flaunted my family's wealth. I never ran with the “rich kids”, or went out of my way to dress fancy. My school uniform was always boots and wranglers. The most expensive piece of clothing I wore, almost every day, until I was in law school, was my boots or a pair of running shoes. I only had a few good friends growing up and I don't remember if they had money or not. It just wasn't important to me or my family. It was the quality of friendship that we shared. I don't envy those wealthy individuals who have their private lives blasted all over the media. Most of the people who work for us simply know they work for an organization that may or may not be headed by someone named Adams.”

“As to your License to Carry, the state requires an approved application, a background check and a minimum of four hours of qualified instruction in order to obtain you LTC. You know Texas is an open carry state. Well, to each his own. I think it would say we were looking for trouble if we wore a belt or shoulder holster. This way…” Patting the hidden pistol, he continued, “We’re ready for trouble if it comes our way.”

Pulling into his Uncle's drive, Jeff shifted the Tahoe into park. Turning to Paul he again took his hand and asked, “Have you thought about how you’re going to tell Maria about the house? I want to be there for both of you, but I’ll understand if it's something you want to do alone.”

Paul breathed a heavy sigh and looked down at their clasped hands. For a moment he thought about how much comfort he got just from Jeff's touch. It really was like being home… like family. Meeting Jeff's hopeful gaze, Paul spoke softly, “I thought about what this might mean to her. I mean sure she’s young and in the full context of her life, I doubt she will remember much about a “house” burning down when she was five. I think it will be less traumatic and less devastating if she is surrounded by those who love her and those whom she loves. We should have Joe and Mellie with us when we tell her. Just remind me to start off by telling her that Pup is having a good time at your house.” Paul smiled softly as he watched tears gently roll down his Partner’s cheeks.

Jeff tried to hide a sniffle as he wiped away his tears. “Well, let's get inside and gather our Princess, have our little talk, and be on our way to lunch. We still have some shopping to do after our business lunch.”

Somehow the two had reclaimed some levity, “What do you mean our business lunch? I didn't see your name on my shingle Mr. Attorney at Law.”

“It may be your personal qualifications that got you the interview, but you know what they say ‘behind every great vet there is an even greater lawyer’. I’m sure your family will play a big role in sealing the deal.”

This time, Jeff led Paul into his Uncle's house without knocking. It never occurred to either man to do otherwise. When Jeff called out, “Anybody home”? He was immediately answered by a squeal of delight and the sound of hurried footsteps an instant before he was struck by hurricane Maria. She struck in his gulf region with a force of a category 2… as in ‘oh my 2 aching balls’. He could feel himself turning green as a storm surge of nausea swept through him. A painful reminder of what had, only this morning, been a new and pleasurable experience. Jeff valiantly faked a smile. Like most fathers do when accidentally struck in that most sensitive of regions. He bent down and took her into his arms and picked her up. What he really wanted to do was; cup his balls, fall to the floor and roll around until the righteous tears and feeling of nausea passed.

Paul's sympathetic grimace let Jeff know that hurricane Maria's landfall had not gone unnoticed. Paul stepped up and rubbed his back in commiseration. “You’ll learn. It's covered in fatherhood self-defense 101”, Paul offered in a compassionate tone.

Maria busily greeted Mr. Jeff with an enthusiastic hug and a sloppy kiss on the cheek. She immediately began regaling him with all her shopping adventures from the day before as if he were her long lost best friend and not a stranger she had met just days ago. Paul, with his hand still caressing Jeff's back, stood close to his two favorite people. He was impressed not only with his daughter’s complete acceptance of this man in their lives but with Jeff's obviously complete and unabashed affection for his Princess. He had not missed the fact that his Princess had greeted Jeff first. It seemed almost an afterthought that she finally stretched, still in Jeff's arms, to give Paul his usual greeting of a warm hug and a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Mellie were surprised when Jeff suggested they all adjourn to the den since they had something important to discuss. Of course, the adults knew it was about the fire, but Paul had indicated he was going to wait until after lunch to tell Maria.

They settled in with Jeff still holding Maria and Paul snugged in close by his side. Joe and Mellie sat on a loveseat across from the sofa. Paul took Maria's hand and smiled as Jeff covered theirs with his. “Honey, we left Pup at Jeff's house. We'll be staying there tonight, okay?”

It was clear Maria was about to respond enthusiastically when a look of confusion came across her pretty face. “Why?”

“Well last night Jeff and I had dinner at the diner and when we came back home the house was on fire. Jeff saved Pup and I saved some of your things before the fire got too bad. By the time the firemen and the fire trucks from town got there it was too late. So we will be staying with Mr. Jeff for a while.”

Everyone was on edge, waiting for Maria’s response. Looking up at Jeff, her eyes clouded with tears as she offered her heartfelt thanks, “Mr. Jeff, thank you for saving Pup. I don't want him to burn up like daddy sometimes burns dinner.” The faces of her family were struggling trying to hold back the tears and the laughter. “Daddy can sleepover with you, but where will I sleep?”

“Princess, you can have your own room and we can paint the walls any color you like and we can get a bed with a canopy just like in a fairy tale, if that's what you want. We have to go shopping again to get you lots of new clothes for you and your daddy.” Jeff could see the spark of excitement in Maria's eyes as she thought about her fantasy bedroom and new shopping adventures.

“Ok, but can you come with us shopping, Aunt Mellie. You make shopping fun. Daddy just wants to buy stuff and leave.” Maria glanced pleadingly between Paul and Mellie.

“Paul dear, why don't you let me take Maria into Abilene tomorrow to shop for clothes, while you get some last minute Christmas shopping done on your own.” A subtle hint that she figured most all of Maria's Christmas presents were lost in the fire.

Paul and Jeff gaped at each other as they silently communed on how really unprepared for Christmas they were. Jeff recovered first. Staring at the larger than life Christmas tree, he wished he could telekinetically transport it to his own living room. He suddenly realized he could do the next best thing. Gently shifting the Princess into Paul's lap he explained, “I have to make a couple of urgent phone calls.”

Slipping into the hallway he called Rosarita. Learning that she had no plans for the day, he breathed a sigh of relief. Explaining that the house had to be decorated for Christmas within the next few hours, he gave her carte blanche. Jeff told her where the ornaments and decorations were stored and directed her to use the household credit card to buy anything she felt they needed, no questions asked. He further told her to hire whatever help she needed for the job. If she got into a bind she was not to wait until the last minute to call Jeff's Uncle Raymond for help. Making sure she got the number correctly, Jeff hung up and made a quick call to Raymond so he was on standby to offer assistance.

Joining the others he was just in time to hear Aunt Mellie state in no uncertain terms, “...And we’ll hear no more about it.” Jeff had heard that tone of voice more than a few times growing up. It usually meant that he was treading on thin ice and if he knew what was good for him he had better pay attention. Aunt Mellie was usually easy to get along with, but cross her at your own peril. Once she made up her mind on a course of action, there was little chance she would reconsider.

Jeff was torn, he wanted to immediately side with his partner, no matter what. That was where his loyalties and his heart lay. At the same time, his Aunt had to be the sweetest person he knew, aside from Paul. So he resumed his seat next to Paul and took his hand in what he hoped was a supportive gesture. Paul gave him a weak smile of gratitude. Apparently, Jeff's presence quelled whatever discussion had been going on. He decided it was a convenient time to leave for their luncheon appointment.

Aunt Mellie fetched a medium sized leather suitcase in which she had packed “a few” clothes Maria had here in her dresser and closet. Mellie said it was enough to see her through four or five days without doing laundry. She reminded Paul and Jeff she and Joe would be over early in the morning to take Maria shopping in Abilene. Whereupon Joe said, “There’s five more acres in the lower forty I got to plow.” Jeff laughed, Joe looked serious at Mellie and Mellie looked at as if to say, “We’re gonna talk about this.”

As they were walking out Joe pressed an envelope into Paul's hand, “Son, this may be the first, but it won't be the last time friends reach out to help you. Let us help you and Maria in this time of tragedy. Don't let pride be a stumbling block for expressions of love and friendship. Y’all are good people, let good people help you.”

Hearing those words Paul got choked up. Rather than engage in another potentially embarrassing discussion Paul simply accepted the envelope that obviously contained a sizable stack of cash. Joe pulled him into a warm bear hug and patted him on the back. Stepping back he added, “Don't forget supper’s here tonight. Y’all come back anytime but I figure to serve at seven so don't be late.”

Mellie and Joe stood in the doorway, arm in arm, watching as they drove away.

“What was that about the ‘plowing the lower forty’ ?”

“I think that may be a line from an old song. It means Uncle Joe has something more important to do. It usually pisses Aunt Mellie off no end. Just as it did today.”

Paul nodded, “Did you get to make your urgent phone calls?”

“Yeah, operation decor de holidays is well underway and should be completed prior to our arrival.”

Paul admittedly was curious as to how much was in the envelope. Untucking the flap, he was surprised to see the stack was made up of one hundred dollar bills. “$5,000.00 in cash! Jeff, I can't accept this! This is probably worth more than all the furniture and clothes in the house. Besides, it was their house… I guess… uh, your house. It was because of me that the house burned down. I should be giving y’all money.”

Paul went to lay the envelope in Jeff's lap, Jeff defensively jerked his right hand down to protect his battered balls. Focused more on driving, he actually smacked his own balls while trying to protect them. Despite the pain, Jeff's only outward reaction was a silent grimace. Paul smirked as he forgot about the money and asked, “Do you still ache?”

Jeff gave Paul his best, “Eat shit and die, motherfucker!” look.

That only made Paul laugh out loud.

Jeff then began to stare straight ahead with his lower lip sticking out.

“Please don't pout. It's not very becoming of my big, strong, handsome cowboy.”

From the backseat, “Mr. Jeff, why are you pouting? Daddy says pouting doesn't help nothing.” Accusingly she grilled Paul, “Daddy what did you do to Mr. Jeff? At school, Tommy stole Lisa’s cookie at snack time. She pouted.” Daddy, you was right, pouting didn't help anything. I made him give it back.”

Paul gently corrected, “You mean, ‘Doesn't help anything’ honey. ‘Doesn't help nothing’ is a double negative. It isn't proper English. Otherwise, you are correct, pouting doesn't help anything. Also, you should say, ‘Daddy, you were right, not ‘Daddy you was right. But actually, I was teasing Jeff. He wasn't really pouting. He just looked like he was.” This last was said with a really broad grin.

The pout was washed off Jeff's face with a smile. He handed the envelope back to Paul saying, “Here, might as well use it, they’ll never take it back.”

Christmas became the dominant topic as a little girl was reassured by two loving adults that indeed Santa would know where to find Daddy, Maria, and Pup.

The Lakehouse came into view just as they came around the last rise. Jeff decided it was by no means imposing, but it was a handsome home. To the right of the deck, which extended into the water, was a large speedboat covered with a tarp resting on a floating dock. It was pretty obvious why they referred to it as ‘the Lakehouse’.

By the time he had parked in the drive two handsome men and a little boy, about Maria's age, were waiting for them. They entered at the side of the house, through the kitchen door. Warm welcomes and introductions all round left the group in the great room surrounded by enticing aromas coming from the kitchen area.

Maria got everyone settled in the living room area and brought out freshly made lemonade for everyone. She promised the children lunch would be ready in twenty minutes, but assured the adults it would be fine if it was delayed.

T.R. Led the four men into a spacious, smartly decorated office. Jeff admired a wall hanging; a collage of Bob Segar album covers. The two admitted to a mutually enthusiastic appreciation of the man from Detroit’s music.

David picked up four individual folders from the desk. “We weren't sure how you two are used to handling these matters so we made an extra copy for you Paul. Handing two folders to Paul, he continued. If you would be more comfortable in the living room Jeff, we would certainly understand.”

Handing one of his folders to Jeff, Paul stated flatly, “He’ll stay here with me and look over this extra copy. We’re in this together.”

Jeff's smile lit up the room. Everyone seemed to relax and the next half hour was spent reviewing and making minor changes to the contract. Jeff commented when he saw a change that could benefit Paul, otherwise, he kept quiet.

Once the revised contract was printed out, T.R. encouraged Paul to have his attorney look it over before he sign it. Paul, with a grin, said, “I sure will.” He then handed the final contract to Jeff asking, “What do think?”

Jeff, with a studious expression, barely glimpsed at the document before immediately handing it back to Paul, saying, “My considered opinion is, sign it.”

David and T.R. stared questioningly at each other, then the light came on. They burst out laughing as they realized, Jeff was indeed an attorney. Maria was called in to notarize all copies. She explained that she'd got her commission originally while working at a used car lot and just kept in current because she liked the idea and occasionally it came in handy for friends and family.

Lunch was Pollo Asado, a Tex-Mex salad and macaroni and cheese (from scratch). The more senior Maria explained that with mac and cheese on the menu she was pretty sure the kids wouldn't walk away hungry. She began asking about Maria’s likes and dislikes concerning food. Casually she asked the men about allergies and if there were foods they hated. She admitted that she liked strawberries but didn't care for any other berry with seeds. She insisted everyone should have a hot breakfast, even if it was oatmeal with fruit. Slowly Jeff began to realize they were being interviewed and indoctrinated regarding life at the lake house. He would have thought it was funny except he still feared Paul just might actually take them up on their generous offer.

After a hearty meal, everyone helped clear the table. The children helped Maria clean up the kitchen while the four men moved to the living area.

Once there, David began with, “Paul, everyone at work heard about the fire. Immediately Juanita went about collecting money.” Handing Paul an envelope containing a small stack of cash. “We rounded out what they collected. There's $700.00 in there, along with a note everyone signed. She also wants your clothing sizes so she can get some things together for you all. Better get Jeff's sizes too. They didn't know about you two, but they’ll be fine with it. They just want to help.”

Paul grinned at the thought of Jeff wearing some strangers cast off clothing. Then remembered that through the years he had purchased a goodly share of his wardrobe from thrift stores. He and Sandy had bought baby items as well as clothing from yard sales. Paul knew all too well wearing used clothing didn't say a damn thing about one’s value as a human being.

David continued, “But first let's show you where you’ll be sleeping. All the bedrooms have ensuites with queen sized beds so they’re pretty much the same. A little different decor, maybe a different view. You’ll see.”

Paul watched Jeff's face as David explained about the rooms. He could see the tension, even if it wasn't obvious to anyone else. “Uh… David, T.R., we appreciate the offer but I’ve decided we’re moving in with Jeff. He has a house on the ranch I was living on and he has kindly asked me, uh, us to live with him.”

T.R. Looked confused, “David told me last night that you two were life partners, just like he and I. Now, you tell us you're just now moving in with him. I don't get it.”

“I was practicing law in Chicago. I came home for the holidays, met Paul and we fell in love. We were on our first date when someone set fire to his house. His car was parked in the drive so we think someone may have been trying to kill him. It's possible that the three of us could have died in that fire.”

“Now, he has agreed to move in with me and I hope this is the beginning of a lifetime together. So we, I think I speak for Paul here.” Looking to Paul for approval, he got the nod, and continued, “We are very grateful for your generous offer to share your home. It's obvious that when you learned about me, you didn't hesitate to expand that offer without ever having met me. You two were willing to invite a stranger into your home based on the kind of man you knew Paul to be. To me, that speaks volumes about the man I love. It also shows how kind and decent you folks are. I know you three already think of each other as friends. I think we can all become the best of friends and I look forward to getting to know you. As a potential friend, I would like to invite you two to a party my Aunt Mellie and Uncle Joe Adams give each year on the Friday before Christmas.” Without looking behind him and in the same conversational tone, “That invitation includes you and D.J., Maria.”

Undaunted, Maria replied immediately, “Thank you. We'll all be there. I hear it's great food and great fun.”

The four men burst out laughing. A little later Jeff and Paul expressed their thanks for the great food and good company."

Despite being encouraged, even pleaded with to stay (D.J.) they loaded up and headed to Walmart.