A Decision for Jarren - 22. Chapter 22

Lex and Ian were right on time the next morning, both wearing happy, sated grins as Jarren slid into the backseat of the rented SUV. They stopped for breakfast at a nice little diner and Jarren got a huge cheese danish for Nash. Treats had been limited, the dietician promoted lots of fruit and vegetables, insisting that proper nutrition promoted faster healing. Granted, she had a point, but come on, a treat now and then wasn’t going to cause a setback. Besides, Nash would hopefully be getting sprung tomorrow anyway.

Nash was in high spirits when the three men stepped into his room. His doctor had given him the all clear to get the hell out of there the following day and he was ecstatic. Three weeks in a hospital just sucked. Jarren was happy too, and showed him just how much with a searing kiss that had them both hard as a rock when they broke apart after Lex cleared his throat about a dozen times.

Jarren could have sworn he heard Ian whisper to Lex “And I thought we had the lock on wild monkey sex!”

“OK you two horny bastards, there will be time for that later, like when you’re alone.” Lex admonished.

Reluctantly Jarren pulled away, not so discreetly adjusting himself in his now tight jeans. He shot Ian a glare when the man snickered. Damn it, he couldn’t wait to get Nash alone. It had been way too long and he was fucking horny.

Jarren had brought a notebook so they could keep track of what they needed to do. He had already written ‘Call John’ at the top of the page. He handed the notebook and pen to Nash as he pulled his phone out of his back pocket.

It was after nine o’clock and Jarren knew that John should have finished dropping off all the kids at their schools. He always had kids of varying ages and the school system staggered the start times in order to utilize the buses efficiently. Middle school had the latest start time at 8:45 and with Liam in a wheelchair that meant John usually dropped him off by eight-thirty.

Jarren eagerly waited while the call connected. The second that John picked answered he started babbling “They’re going to do it! They said yes! When can we start? What do we need to do?”

“Jarren? Slow down. Take a breath.” John listened as Jarren took a deep breath. “That’s better. So I take it your friends have agreed to foster Liam if we can get the transfer approved?”

“When. When we get the transfer approved.” Jarren insisted.

John chuckled. “Of course. When the transfer is approved. Let me make some phone calls and start the ball rolling. Jarren, you will probably need to consult with someone up in Massachusetts who is familiar with family law. It will make the process easier.”

“That won’t be a problem. You know the saying ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’? Well we know someone.” Jarren said as he looked at Lex, who was already speaking with his dad Ryan. Ryan Carson was an attorney with a prestigious law firm in Boston. They specialized in family law.

“Call me whenever you find out what we need to do next here on our end, or up north.” Jarren said as he ended the call.

Lex put Ryan on speaker when Jarren was finished talking to John. Ryan was quick to congratulate them and then got down to the nitty gritty of what would need to be done. He said that Lex and Ian would need to petition the Georgia State Division of Family and Children’s Service department for approval to transfer Liam’s case to their Massachusetts counterparts, which is what John was setting up for them. He then recommended that they transfer it at the state level, rather than the county level. That way Ryan’s firm could request the transfer hearing to take place in a Boston court. Ryan knew all of the judges and could petition accordingly. His firm was familiar with all of the individual quirks the judges had.

He told them that it might take a couple of weeks for approval to go through, but he was optimistic that they shouldn’t have any problems. Lex and Ian were already approved to foster another child and were more than willing. Ryan told them that they shouldn’t have any problem even though Liam was classified as special needs due to his amputations. Keon, technically had fallen into that category because of his extensive scarring and his self esteem issues resulting from it. Liam’s physical limitations would probably necessitate some modifications and Jarren and Nash had already told them that they would look into what Liam would need temporarily as well as long term.

The call ended with Ryan promising to do everything he could to expedite matters on his end. It was almost time for Jarren’s appointment and John still hadn’t called back. He left his phone with Nash and promised to come back as soon as he was done.

Jarren’s appointment went well and he was given the all clear to resume limited physical activities. His driving ban was lifted, but the doctor did advise him to limit his nighttime driving as it may trigger headaches. He was still restricted from working for another eight weeks, which he had expected to be the case. He and Nash would need the time to move and get settled, and hopefully start the process of getting their foster license and doing whatever renovations would be necessary.

When the doctor asked if he had any questions, Jarren had only one, “When can I, uh, resume, ummm, bedroom activities?”

Dr. Mayfield grinned and said “As long as you don’t have headaches you are cleared for take off young man. Just don’t overdo it.”

Dr. Mayfield once more went over the do’s and don’ts and what to watch out for. He assured Jarren that all of his records could be transferred electronically once he found a new doctor in Massachusetts, which he said to do as soon as possible. He should have another follow up in four weeks as well as another MRI then. Jarren promised to take care of that first thing when he got back home.

Jarren speed walked as best he could back to Nash’s room. He heard laughter as he reached the door and found the three guys cracking up over a meme that Cassie had sent Lex, knowing he was with Jarren and Nash. It showed a harried looking dad holding up a little kid who had crayons sticking out of both nostrils and smiley face stickers plastered all over his body. ‘This will be u’, is what she wrote. Jarren smiled at her antics.

“Hardly. I think Liam is beyond the crayon up the nose stage. At least I hope he is.” he commented.

Nash reached over and pulled him down for a kiss. Settling his forehead against Jarren’s he relayed his conversation with John. “John, as we speak is at the courthouse filing the appropriate paperwork for us. He is hoping he can use his charm with a certain lady clerk to get us on the docket sometime this week. So keep your fingers crossed.”

Jarren kissed his nose and said “All toes and fingers will be crossed. What’s next?”

“Next we have to plan our move. I think you and I can manage in the bungalow for a week or so if needed. I can’t stand the thought of not being here when the case goes to court. I also think that once it’s approved, Liam should finish out the school year here. They’re done right before Memorial Day, so it’s only a few weeks. I’m also thinking that you and I can fly to Massachusetts, get Lex and Ian’s house wheelchair accessible and when school is out we can fly back to get Liam. We can work on your house while Liam is with Lex and Ian.”

Jarren looked at Nash and told him “That’s a great plan except for one thing. I don’t fly. We had a horrific flight coming back from Florida when I was a kid. The plane bounced and rocked so badly that even the flight attendants looked scared. I thought we were going to crash. I haven’t been on a plane since, and I don’t want to be on a plane ever again. I’m not sure I can even get on one, just thinking about it makes me sick.”

Nash looked troubled. “Jarren, I don’t think I can tolerate being in a car for more than a few hours right now. It’s at least seventeen or eighteen up there. That would make it a four or five day trip. That’s too much right now for me.”

“Shit.” was all Jarren could think of to say. He knew Nash was right. He didn’t think his head could take being in a vehicle for that long either.

Lex cleared his throat to get their attention and said “What about a private plane? You’d have it to yourselves and they don’t rattle around as much as a big jet, at least I’ve never been on one that jolts around like the big planes do when they hit turbulence. “

Jarren started to protest but Lex cut him off. “Jarren we can afford it. It’s not like I charter them everyday, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever chartered a plane and this trip was the first time I’ve done it for myself. The other two times have been when I’ve brought Cassie’s mom to visit from Seattle. She’s afraid to fly too. Cassie usually makes sure she’s loaded up on Paxil or Zoloft or some other shit too. You can always see if you’re able to take some anti-anxiety medication.”

Jarren’s head was starting to ache from information overload. Nash caught the way his forehead furrowed and called a halt to the discussion by saying “Let’s table the offer for now. Thank you guys for extending it. We can decide when the time comes, if that’s OK? I think Jarren needs to rest a little.”

Lex and Ian took the hint and said they would go grab some lunch and head back to the hotel to ‘rest’ too, or maybe do some sightseeing. One of the chairs in the room was a recliner and Jarren sat down and put his feet up, closing his eyes and let himself process all that had happened so far. Nash just watched as the man he loved drifted off into a light slumber. After a little while of watching Jarren, an aide came in quietly and set his lunch on the rolling tray next to the bed and left. He wrinkled his nose at the sad looking ham sandwich. Ugh, you would think after three weeks they would know that he didn’t like bread. Lunch was always the worst of the three daily meals. He peeled the ham and semi-wilted lettuce off the soggy bread and tried to eat that. Nope, not going to happen. The soup was tomato. Not really his favorite, but edible for the first two bites, after that it was a no go. Jarren roused when he opened the cellophane wrapper from his two chemically preserved chocolate chip cookies. One bite was all it took and he placed the cookies under his napkin.

Jarren looked at the sad tray and stood up. “Pasta or pizza?” he asked. The cafeteria always had both choices available on the lunch buffet.

“Lasagna if they have it, otherwise pizza. And salad please, with that sesame dressing. Thanks Hon.” Nash said.

Jarren yawned, stretched, then stood up to give Nash a quick kiss. “No problem. Hon.” he replied, emphasizing the endearment with a smirk.

The cafeteria did have lasagna and Jarren brought back two pieces and a big salad for them to share. The quick cat nap and food had managed to dispel the headache that had tried to start. After lunch they worked on a list of things that would need to be done before moving. Most of the things applied to Nash as he had been in the area for several years. Jarren only had his clothes and a few personal items. Nash’s house had come furnished so they didn’t have to worry about that. They needed to arrange to have his personal belongings shipped up north. He had a full wardrobe plus some personal items and his most prized possession, a box of mementos from Julia’s life. Change of address needed to be taken care of, utilities were going to need to be scheduled for shut off once they had a date firmed up. There was always a myriad of little things that had to be taken care of before you moved and both Jarren and Nash knew that a list would make it easier.

Nash had therapy at two o'clock and Jarren went with him. The therapist took some extra time to show Jarren what he could do to help Nash when he needed it. Nash was managing his new reality quite well, but there were still some things he need assistance with.

It was nearly four-thirty before John called back, he had to pick up all the kids from school and that had occupied two hours of his afternoon. He said he had good news and his lady friend had been able to shuffle the docket and get them a slot the following day at three in the afternoon. She apparently owed John a favor after he had helped her with an emergency placement several months back.

Nash told him that would be perfect as he had been assured that he would be released before noon. Now it was just a matter of hurry up and wait. Dinner was much better than lunch and the aide had an extra tray that she brought in for Jarren. The chicken had been baked with an herbed coating and the meat was juicy and tender. Baked potato and a mixed vegetable medley completed the plate. Dessert was a lemon tart that was delicious. Nash commented that they needed to have the dinner chef train the breakfast and lunch chef.

Lex and Ian showed up at seven. They had done a little sightseeing and had enjoyed walking around downtown. They had strolled through Centennial Park and explored the CNN tower. They skipped the World of Coke and the aquarium, as they didn’t have time. They thought it might be a good idea to take a long weekend one of these days and bring Keon. They stayed until visiting hours were over and Jarren told Nash that he would be back first thing in the morning.

At some point Andre had brought his truck over to the farm and now that he was cleared to drive he wouldn’t have to rely on other people any longer. Nash’s truck had been totalled and the insurance company had already cut him a check to cover the cost. Grant, their lawyer had advised Nash to deposit the money into an escrow account which he had set up and not touch the funds until a settlement was reached. Jarren was glad that both he and Nash had enough cash reserves to get them through until at least the end of the year.

Jarren had spoken at length with his Dad and Bill Dalton had readily agreed to meet with Nash and see where he would be the best fit for the company. Bill was taking Jarren’s recommendation for Nash as manager for contractors and suppliers seriously. In the short time that they had been a part of the plantation renovation, Jarren had seen firsthand how talented and knowledgeable Nash was when it came to dealing with suppliers and contractors. Andre had also spoken to Bill at length and gave Nash a glowing recommendation.

Jarren was grateful that they would be able to show steady, well paying employment when the time came to start their foster application. Ryan had advised them to get it started as soon as Nash established residency in Massachusetts. Getting a Massachusetts driver’s license and bank account were at the top of the list of things they needed to do when they got up there.

Tuesday morning Jarren arrived at the hospital at seven. Dr. Bryant was in with Nash going over the discharge instructions. The staff, knowing how anxious both men were, did everything they could to expedite the process. Renee had stayed past the end of her shift and Kaitlyn was there as well to see them off. Jarren had gotten both nurses a gift card for a spa near the hospital. They deserved to be pampered for a few hours as they were both incredible nurses. By ten o’clock Jarren was wheeling Nash out to the truck, Kaitlyn following with a bag full of Nash’s personal items. Nash was able to easily transfer himself from the chair to the passenger seat with no help. Jarren stowed the wheelchair in the truck bed and secured it with a bungee cord. The ride back to Nash’s bungalow was quick and soon Nash was hopping up the two stairs to the door with the help of his crutches and a reassuring hand on his lower back, which just happened to graze his ass as well.

“I need a shower. I have to get this hospital stench off of me before we go to the hearing this afternoon. You need to help.” Nash told Jarren.

Jarren led the way to the small bathroom, which seemed smaller when Nash’s crutches were added. Jarren started the water and helped Nash undress, careful not to jostle him too much and overbalance him. Nash had to sit on the toilet so Jarren could pull his pants and compression sock off, along with his temporary prosthetic, then he stood up in all his naked glory, hard cock jutting out impatiently. Jarren stopped what he was doing and just stared.

Nash smirked, then winked at him and said “Clothes. Off. Now Jarren.”

Jarren was quick to obey. He stepped into the small stall and stood directly in front of Nash. There was only one way to do this. Nash propped his crutches up against the wall and then held onto Jarren’s shoulders. Jarren leaned forward slightly and wrapped his arms around Nash’s torso. Nash gave a quick hop while Jarren caught and steadied him as he cleared the three inch lip of the shower stall which now sported non-stick strips along the bottom. Jarren’s back hit the wall as Nash leaned against him. They were pressed together, chest to chest, stomach to stomach and dick to dick, both of which were completely rigid.

Nash got an evil glint to his eyes and as soon as Jarren’s hand started to head south, he grasped it, saying “Tonight. We’ve waited this long. I want tonight to be special. I don’t want to settle for a quick jerk or blow job. I want all of you Jarren.” Nash leaned close and whispered into Jarren’s ear “Every fucking inch of you. Mine.”

Jarren inhaled swiftly and exhaled raggedly. He hated waiting, but Nash was right. They needed to take their time and reestablish the amazing bond they had created. He could wait a few more hours.

It was difficult, but Jarren managed to steady Nash and help him get washed up from head to toe. Their hard-ons had mostly subsided by the time they were done, but there was no guarantee that they would stay that way. When they were both clean, Nash found it easier to get out of the shower. He used his crutches to steady himself and Jarren barely had to assist. Before getting dressed, Nash sat on the side of the bed and pulled something out of his nightstand. Jarren saw that it was one of the cockrings they had bought. He grabbed it quickly as Nash tossed it to him with a wink, and put it on while he was still soft. He hoped it would help him make it through until this evening. Once he was dressed Jarren headed to the kitchen to see if there was any food he could fix for lunch, leaving Nash to get dressed himself. Opening the fridge he was greeted with a gross stench. He quickly closed the door.

Turning around, he called down the short hall and informed Nash, “Aliens have invaded. They smell really bad. I think the lunch meats put up a good fight, but it seems they lost the battle. The aliens have infected the lunch meat and I’m pretty sure it’s green now. What a shame.”

Nash laughed. “Well that’s what will happen when you leave things alone for a month. Let’s go hit up that deli on the corner. They make a mean chef salad. I don’t want anything too heavy before the hearing.”

Jarren wholeheartedly agreed. At the deli, Jarren ordered two small chef salads and two bottles of water. They were both too nervous to eat a big meal. They took their time as they still needed to kill at least an hour before they could head over to the courthouse. Lex had sent Jarren a text to let him know they would meet them there. Nash’s phone chirped as well and Jarren figured it was the same message from Lex.

When it was finally time, Jarren helped Nash back to the truck. He was impressed with how well he managed to get around on crutches. Nash had told him it was pretty easy once his arms had gotten used to the increased exercise. The prosthetic foot helped him to balance, even though he couldn’t use it for full weight bearing. Nash was lucky, he had always been in great shape and that had contributed greatly to his recovery. Jarren too, although he was feeling a little sluggish with the forced decrease in his activity. He knew he would have to watch out or he would pack on extra pounds pretty quick, and not the good muscle pounds either. He was proud of his physique and was vain enough to not want to ruin it by abusing his nutrition intake during his mandatory activity ban.

Jarren pulled the truck into the handicapped spot in front of the courthouse. Maddie had taken the paperwork the doctor had signed to the Department of Revenue for them to get a handicap placard to use. He hung the plastic laminated card from the mirror and then hopped out to get the chair from the back of the truck. Nash preferred to use the chair for longer distances. Lex and Ian were inside waiting just past the security check. Nash had to be wanded because of the chair, but soon enough they were all heading in the direction of the courtroom John had told them was assigned for their hearing.

John was already seated in the gallery and they joined him, with Nash remaining in his wheelchair at the end of the row. John told them quietly that there were two cases ahead of theirs. Jarren tried to sit patiently, but he couldn’t help but bounce his leg up and down in nervous anticipation. Nash put his hand on Jarren’s knee to still him and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

After what seemed like an eternity the clerk of court announced their case. John stood and approached the bench when directed. As a licensed social worker he was authorized to advocate on behalf of the children in his care. He explained to the judge that Ian and Lex were petioning for placement pending approval to transfer out of state. He also explained that Jarren and Nash would be pursuing foster approval and then adoption upon their return to Massachusetts.

Just like that it was over. The judge signed the paperwork approving the transfer and authorizing payment to the State of Massachusetts. Jarren looked at Nash with disbelief. Son of a bitch, Liam was moving to Massachusetts! Nash felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. They still had some hurdles to get over, but the starter’s gun had been fired and they could focus solely on the finish line.

Respecting the quietness of the courtroom the five men slipped out silently. Once in the hallway however, they quickly became animated. Jarren sat his ass down on Nash’s lap and smothered him with kisses. Lex and Ian hugged John and then Jarren found himself being pulled away from Nash, only to be enfolded in his friend’s embrace. Lex held him tightly and said softly, “You two are going to be amazing Dads.” Lex kissed his cheek, then released him to plant on kiss on Nash’s cheek as well. Ian and John were just as effusive with their congratulatory hugs and kisses as well.

Lex announced “This calls for a celebration! Dinner’s on me. Where’s a good steakhouse? I’m in the mood for ribeye!”

Ian consulted his phone and they decided on a place a few blocks away. John bowed out as he had to get back to the home. They had agreed not to say anything to Liam until the end of the week. By that time, Ryan, hopefully, would have the OK from the Massachusetts family court to assign Liam to Lex and Ian. Then, they could really celebrate.

The four men enjoyed a lively dinner with Nash getting to know Lex and Ian better. He was thoroughly warned about Cassie. When it came to her, forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. They lingered over the delicious meals, Lex and Jarren had ordered ribeyes, while Nash and Ian went for the porterhouse. Each couple shared with his respective partner. Lex was quick to take care of the check and Jarren and Nash thanked him for the meal. Outside they said good-bye and Jarren caught the wink that Lex directed at Nash. They were up to something.

Jarren let it slide as they got back into the truck and headed back to the bungalow. Jarren opened the door and was assaulted with the pleasant smell of cinnamon and cloves. Puzzled he looked around and saw the soft glow of a wax warmer. He knew for a fact that it was not there when they left. Nash just looked smug when Jarren looked over at him.

“Come on,” Nash dictated as he hopped down the short hall to his bedroom on his crutches. Jarren flicked the light switch and the normal glow of the lamp that usually graced the nightstand had been replaced by the soft glow from a smaller lamp now outfitted with a low wattage bulb. The bed sported soft cotton sheets and had been turned down. There was a vase of fresh flowers on the dresser, their light fragrance blending well with the cinnamon scent.

“What is all this Nash?” he asked softly.

“This is all part of my stipulation that I told you I had if we were to pursue adopting Liam.” Nash sat on the end of the bed and gestured for Jarren to stand in front of him. He spread his knees apart and as Jarren stepped between them and Nash took both of his hands.

“Jarren,” he started, “I love you with every fiber of my being. You’ve brought meaning back to my life and given me the chance to have something I didn’t think I’d ever have again. A man to love and a family. Liam is going to have two Dads who will love him to bits. As one of those Dads, I think that he deserves two people he can count on and who are in a committed relationship. I can’t get down on one knee right now, but will you Jarren Alexander Dalton make me the happiest man and marry me?”

Jarren was momentarily speechless. As his wits returned he took his hands and placed them on the sides of Nash’s face and gently turned his face upward so Nash looked directly at him and answered, “Nothing would make me happier than to be your husband. I love you Nash Hawkins.” Jarren leaned in and kissed him deeply.

Jarren deepened the kiss and Nash leaned back, drawing Jarren with him. At long last they were alone and Jarren could feel himself stiffening as he rubbed up against Nash. He was on cloud nine and more than ready to finally make love to Nash. His fiance. Damn, that sounded oh so right!