Amanda’s Patient Hunks

by Eileen Green

  Amanda placed her hand on top of his on the table. “I’m so proud of you. You handled yourself well. You’re really growing up.”

  Jasper blushed at the compliment. The two lived in the same house, but rarely had conversations due to his lack of speaking, so she wasn’t used to seeing too many reactions from him.

  “Have you been talking for a while, or was today the first time?” she asked, finally taking a chip and nibbled on it.

  Jasper sat back in his chair. He was silent for a long time, as if he was trying to think of what he was going to say. When he did speak, his voice quivered, his emotions on the edge.

  “Dad had been acting weird for several days. He moved his recliner to the front window, and he posted himself there. Whenever Mom got too close to a window, he would yell at her and tell her to get down, or the insurgents would get her.” Jasper played with the bottle of soda she had gotten for him. “I wasn’t allowed to go to school, and I had to stay in my room. He told me I couldn’t talk because their equipment might pick it up. The morning everything happened, Dad called us into the living room. He said he had seen the enemy in the field across the street from the house, that they had their weapons aimed at the house.”

  There was no field across from their house. Two houses sat directly on the other side of the street.

  “I was trying to play with my cars, but Dad told me to stop. He had a strange look in his eye as he rubbed his hand back and forth on his shotgun. His pistol was sitting on the end table, close so he could get it if he needed to. Every time I tried to do something, he raised his hand and acted like he was going to hit me. He kept telling me to be quiet. Mom was crying and kept telling Dad he needed to go to the hospital.

  “He yelled at her. He said that the enemy had gotten to her and brainwashed her. That she was making noise to distract him. Then, he turned to m-me…” Jasper’s voice cracked as tears ran down his face.

  Abigail’s heart splintered again as he broke down. She skirted her chair around until she was sitting next to him, and she wrapped her arm around his shoulders. “You don’t have to…” she began.

  His body tensed. “No. I have to.” He slipped his hand out from under hers as he rubbed both hands over his face, as if trying to hide the tears. Soon, he went on. “The pistol was in his hand, and it was pointing it at me. He said that I needed to die, that both me and Mom had to die. I was so scared, sis. I knew as I stared at the hole in the gun that I was going to die, and so was Mom.

  “When I tried to say something, he told me to shut up and never speak again. I kicked at his chair, just to prove he couldn’t tell me what to do. But he yelled at me again. The gun shook as his finger sat on the trigger. I pushed myself away from him, and I got to my feet. It was only a second before the gun went off. I could feel the bullet whiz past me. I made it to the laundry room, and I hid on the side of the dryer.

  “I could tell he got up because I could hear Dad’s boots on the hardwood floor. He came through the kitchen and was coming into the laundry room. I tried hard not to make a sound, but I guess he could hear me breathing. He said he could hear me, and when he found me, he was going to kill me. Mom must have heard, because she came running into the kitchen, yelling at Dad. She said that he needed to leave me alone, and again she told Dad he had to go to the hospital.”

  Tears were streaming down Jasper’s cheeks. His body shook at the memories he had to live with for the past six years. At first, everyone had thought that he wasn’t home when the shooting took place, but apparently that wasn’t the case. He went on.

  “When Dad didn’t stop coming toward me, it sounded like Mom hit Dad with something. Dad yelled at her, call her an unpure infidel. I heard her scream. I peeked out from the side of the dryer, and I saw that he had the gun at Mom’s head. The gun went off and…there…every…” Jasper took a deep breath. He shook his head. “I don’t know if Dad came around at that point. He was looking down at Mom as she fell to the floor when he let her go. He said, ‘Oh, God!’, and before I knew it, he was falling to the floor after he shot himself. He had told me not to make a sound. I guess I still wanted to make him proud of me, for I was afraid to talk after that. I’m sorry I’ve been such a burden to you.”

  Jasper turned and looked out the window into the dark night. Amanda was crying for the boy who thought he was going to die. The one who watched his mother get killed right before his eyes, and then the man who was supposed take care of his family, who was supposed to protect them, turn the gun on himself.

  When the police first told Amanda what had happened, they had found Jasper in his room. He was hiding in the closet by then. The police didn’t think he had witnessed anything, but now the truth came out.

  A hand touched her shoulder softly. Looking up, she could tell through her tears that it was Terence who had joined them. He surprised her when he moved around to Jasper’s side and knelt to face him.

  “Jasper, you’ve been through so much. I want you to know that myself and Jimmy are here for you any time you need to talk. You’re family, and we take care of our own. Can you remember that?” Terence asked hesitantly.

  Amanda watched his brother look at Terence and then nod his understanding. Now that everything was out in the open about what happened in the past, she hoped they could move on with their lives normally.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jimmy was experiencing déjà vu as he looked out on the grassy area behind the new house. They were hosting a barbeque for their housewarming, all the ménage families in attendance along with other friends. Since it was nearly two years since the last one, there were more relationships, which meant new friends.

  Storm and Austin were standing next to him as they watched the women playing volleyball. Well, they were just hitting the ball back and forth, laughing and screaming when one was hit or missed.

  Trey and Lawrence Whitaker, Angela’s other husband, oversaw watching Dubby and Amethyst Rose. Anita’s boys were running like maniacs along with Connor, Gina, and Jared’s son, Nathan. Anita’s husbands, Dave, Kevin, and James, were chasing the boys along with Terence. When they caught one, they would pick them up and swing them around, or hang them upside down by their legs. They didn’t do that with Nathan, for he only had one leg, but they would swing him by holding him under his arms.

  The other men were either gathered around the grills or were helping to set out food at Margaret, Ruth, and Glen’s instructions. Margaret and Ruth had both been told that even though they were the housekeepers for the Goodall-Lighthorses and Jimmy, respectively, they didn’t have to work. However, it seemed ingrained in them to be fussing about the food. Glen of course ran the Polson diner, and all his food was like his children. He was as picky about where his food sat and how it was set up as Ruth and Margaret. His wife, Victoria, was out playing with the women.

  Amanda was strutting around in a circle after hitting the ball over the net. The other team missed it, so that meant Amanda got a point. She was so cute out there in her shorts and loose shirt.

  It was mid-May, which brought a little bit warmer weather during the days. The nights were still chilly.

  “How’s Jo doing?” Jimmy asked, still feeling guilty about the horse getting injured.

  “She’s still having some issues, but since we can’t work her out on the ranch as before, Running Wolf is training her to be a therapy horse,” Storm answered, not taking his eyes off the fun being had all around them. “She’ll be a good horse for that.”

  “I’m really sorry that happened,” Jimmy offered for the umpteenth time since the incident.

  “As we’ve said before, no apologies needed. It did help us find out the vicinity of a pack. The wolf you saw had been taking meat back to the den he had in amongst those bushes. There was a young wolf there that had been hurt, possibly gored by that cow you saw. It was dead by the time we found it.” Austin was talking now. “The pack that has been doing so much damage is on Connor’s property. We’re going to get together and rent a
helicopter and do a night’s reconnaissance to see if we can find exactly where they are holed up.”

  “Let me know if you need any more help.” Jimmy gave a small chuckle.

  “I don’t think Amanda would let you do anything like that for a while.” Storm chuckled also. “Dude, she’s scary when she’s holding a syringe in her hands.”

  Jimmy threw his head back and laughed. “You should see her when you’re trying to get up to go to the bathroom and your broken leg isn’t in a cast yet. She has a wicked angry streak.”

  “She sure does,” Terence said as he joined them on the deck. He had been replaced by Jasper playing with the boys.

  “How’re things going with the relationship?” Austin asked.

  Since Terence and Jimmy weren’t lifelong friends or relatives, some of the other men in the “community” expressed some concern. They didn’t have a bond forged with time. So far, everything was going fine.

  They had moved into the new house two weeks ago. The construction company worked long hours seven days a week to get it finished. There had been a last-minute change to the bonus area above the garage where Jasper would have his own private suite. Jimmy was going to miss having that pool table he wanted, but they could add on to the house in the future.

  “Everything’s going great. Terence’s moms house sold quickly, so we’re still going through furniture and boxes in the garage. Amanda didn’t have much in the way of furniture, so she left it all at her place. She’s subletting to Genny and a couple of her friends. That way they can split the rent and not have to buy stuff.” Jimmy turned toward Storm as he leaned up against one of the posts of the pergola.

  Danny, Benny, Ozzie, Tyler, and JC wandered into the yard from the side of the house where the garage was, with their wife, Erin. She was beautiful, and she was no longer skittish around people. Her abusive ex-boyfriend was locked up in prison in a mental ward, with no chance of freedom. To see her smile and the joy she had brought to his ranch hands was contagious.

  Amanda came jogging up to Jimmy and stepped up onto the deck. He towered over her, so he gathered her in his arms and gave her a searing kiss. When he was finished, she moved over to Terence and got a kiss from him also.

  She looked at Jimmy, a serious look on her face. “How are you feeling? Are you doing all right?”

  He smiled down at her, always the nurse or doting woman. “I’m fine. I’m not doing any extreme sports today.”

  “Good,” she said as she winked at him. “It’s time to eat. Come on!”

  Terence and Jimmy were led over to the tables. Jimmy gave a whistle that got everyone’s attention. People began to make their way over, but only after the kids charged in. Anita and her men tried to corral them and let them know they needed to wait.

  Raising the bottle of beer he held, Jimmy toasted the crowd. “I’d like to thank everyone for sharing this joyous time with us. Six months ago, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. When I lost my wife and child six years ago, I thought my life was over, and I was letting it drag me down into a dark place. After the wedding in December, I knew I had to change my life.” He pulled Amanda over to his side. “Trying to capture this young lady was like pulling teeth. However, it wasn’t meant to be until we found Terence as our partner. I wanted to do this at Easter, but someone laughed at me. Turned out Easter was also April Fool’s Day and that she would probably think it was a joke.” Everyone laughed.

  Jimmy handed his beer to Jasper, as he and Terence went to one knee. He continued, “This house is our new home, and Terence and I would like to ask Amanda to live in this house forever with both of us, as our wife.”

  Amanda gasped as did other women in the crowd as she looked down in surprise at the men. Terence took over as he stated, “You came with a family of your own, and Jimmy and I promise to help with raising Jasper into the man that he will soon become. You have done a wonderful job with him, but you shouldn’t have to do it all on your own. The four of us will be a family, until you bless us with children of our own, and our family will grow.”

  In unison, the two men asked, “Amanda Jenkins, will you marry us?”

  A squeal emanated from their woman as she did a little dance and then threw her arms around both of their necks. “Yes! Yes! Yes, I will marry you!”

  * * * *

  Amanda was still in shock as she said good-byes to the last of the revelers. The deck out back had been cleaned up and all the food packed away in the fridge in the house and the one in the garage, even though they had insisted on food being taken home with people. It had been a good day of visiting with friends and sharing their new home and their engagement.

  As she closed the door, the house was quiet after all the people were gone. The house was their home, but she did like it filled with people. However, now, she wanted one thing.

  Jasper had gone home with Anita and her brood, spending the night with them so he could enjoy a horseback ride in the morning with some of the ranch hands on the Circle G. The three of them were alone now, and as she turned to go back into the living room, she found Terence and Jimmy standing at edge of the room.

  Both men looked hungry, and not for food. Their eyes were darker, and their noses were flaring as they breathed raggedly. As if acting as one, they both reached out their hands for her. She took them and let them lead her to the master bedroom, which was off to the left.

  The house technically had four bedrooms, but the remodel on the extra space above the garage made it five. The master bedroom was on the opposite of the house of the other three rooms, split by the large living room, a magnificent kitchen with a breakfast nook attached at the back side of it, a computer nook, and the utility room. An office was to the left of the front door and foyer, and the master was next to that.

  There was a large bathroom attached to the master bedroom complete with a spa tub and large shower. Tons of closet space in the form of two walk-ins would be able to hold all three of their clothes.

  A decent-size sitting room was built in the back corner of the bedroom giving the ability to have a private place to read or relax, which was Amanda’s favorite place in the house. It was windowed on all three sides with triple-paned glass, allowing plenty of sunlight. Jimmy had put in a small woodburning stove in the corner attached to the bedroom, which gave the room a homey feel. Amanda had fitted the room with a daybed, a table, and a small bookcase.

  The kitchen wasn’t overly large, but it was enough for Amanda. Because of her and Terence’s work schedules, dinners would probably still be eaten at the main house with Ruth and the ranch hands. Breakfasts, lunches, and the occasional dinners could be done with pleasure here.

  Jasper had a room all his own, private enough that he could listen to his music or play his video games loudly and not bother anyone, unless they were in the garage. Extra soundproofing and insulation had been added to the walls. Besides his own bathroom, he had a snack corner with a microwave, sink, and fridge, and dishes he would have to do himself. He had always been a clean kid, a residual of not having to have much contact with anyone, so Amanda didn’t worry about him being too messy. The one concern she did have was that he would be reclusive again. He had proved her wrong as he joined them in the evenings to watch TV or play games.

  Now, they had the house to themselves, and they had something to celebrate.

  The master bedroom was candlelit while a fire was burning in the fireplace Jimmy had thoughtfully added to the plans. It made the bedroom cozy and romantic at the same time.

  Red and white rose petals were scattered on the floor in a path that led up to the extra-large bed. The entire setup had brought tears to Amanda’s eyes. She was finding that even though they were large, muscular men, they were thoughtful and loving.

  The two men sat down on the end of the bed next to each other and pulled her closer, until her legs touched their knees. Simultaneously, they each lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, before they looked at each other and laughed.

  It was o
dd. Amanda had noticed that they both seemed to think along the same thought pattern, as if they were long-lost twins.

  “Baby girl,” Jimmy began. “You have made us the two happiest men in the world by agreeing to marry us.”

  “And we’ll show you every day how much we love you.” Terence finished his words by turning her hand over in his and kissed her palm.

  Tears started in the back of her eyes. She blinked them away. They were always so thoughtful and tender.

  She looked at Jimmy. “I wouldn’t have thought it was a joke if you had purposed on Easter, but I’m glad you waited until we could celebrate with our friends.” And then at the two of them, she went on. “I love you both so much.”

  Leaning in, she kissed Terence and then Jimmy before she pushed them both back on the bed. She stood and slowly began to pull the T-shirt she wore up her sides.

  The two men pushed themselves up on their elbows to see what she was doing. Their eyes were sparkling as they watched.

  Soft music was playing from the small speakers around the room. Her hips began to sway as she let the music settle upon her. Having an audience was a bit awkward, for she wasn’t a dancer, but with the eyes of her lovers, her men, watching her caused a fire to begin to burn in her lower belly. They always made her hot.

  Her pink shirt slipped up over her breasts, revealing the burgundy lace bra she wore. It covered her large breasts, but there was still a jiggle to them when she moved. Growls sounded from both men.

  Amanda pulled the shirt up and over her head. It was chilly outside, but the room was warm from the fireplace. Jimmy had extra insulation added to the walls and ceiling, so the room would always keep her comfortable. There was also in-floor heating in the bedrooms and bathrooms.

  Terence had insisted on helping with the finances on the house since they would be living there as a family. Amanda had tried, but had been shot down, the two saying that they took care of their woman. When she had mentioned it was her responsibility to take care of Jasper, both said he was part of the family, and therefore in their care.