Chapter Twelve

~ Xander ~

Wright was doing amazing for his first week officially working. Xander hadn't been too sure about what he would be able to do, but he was pleasantly surprised at the work he did on the fields. He and Tracy fixed up the space of yard between the main house and guest house as a bird sanctuary of sorts. The bird bath that had been abandoned for years was scrubbed and filled with fresh water daily. He'd also hung a new bird feeder and he had plans next week to plant new flowers and build some bird houses. While Xander woke up each morning to help with the horses, Wright would get dressed and spend a half hour making sure everything was filled and then made them breakfast so by the time he finished with the horses, he had a hot plate ready for him before he went on to his other tasks for the day. It was a nice routine and Xander was finding himself looking forward to their easy mornings. He made sure to be the one to prepare breakfast the mornings he didn't have to get up with the horses. His dad had done the same with his mom, insisting they were an equal partnership. Xander also didn't want Wright to feel like he was expecting it like his dad had.

The one thing that Xander noticed, though, was how Wright avoided the barn as much as he could. He would walk around the barn and talk to the horses in the paddock, but he avoided the tack room altogether and kept a good distance from his older brother or any of the workers if they had a rope or something similar in their hands. He'd had his consultation on Wednesday and for now, the therapist decided that they would talk twice a week. Monday before noon and Friday evenings. He used Paxton's laptop, but Xander wanted to go into the city and get him his own. He knew he didn't like having to ask for things, as much as Xander loved when he finally spoke up about what he wanted or needed.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Patrick asked. Xander shook his head, focusing back on the task at hand. He was charting a few details for the cattle, making notes of which of their calves were growing well and which were on the smaller end. They still had a few months before they were weaned but it was looking to be a successful birthing season. "How are my babies?"

"Cute as ever," Xander said with a smile. The babies were cute, but he knew they'd either be raised for meat or further breeding. He couldn't afford to get attached to them. "But I was just thinking about going into the city this weekend. Maybe meet up with a few friends I haven't seen in a while. I want to get Wright a laptop so he doesn't have to keep bothering Pax for hers."

"That's a smart idea," Patrick said. "I know she doesn't mind sharing, but I think he'd appreciate it. Everything going okay with him?"

After he froze up on Monday, Patrick had been giving him tasks that didn't involve the barn. He and Xander talked about letting him take over keeping up with the grounds around the FFR homes. The residents were all nice and they were joining the July Fourth celebration they had for tomorrow. Two of them were the same age as Wright. As much as Xander wanted to keep him safe and locked away in their house, he knew that Wright didn't have any friends his age. Paxton was the closest in the family, but he needed other people to talk to, to go out with and enjoy life as a young adult.

"I'm running to the butcher's tonight to get all the meat for the cookout tomorrow. You want to tag along?"

Xander rolled his eyes. He looked over at his brother as he checked off the last item on the list and handed him the clipboard. His brother was smiling, smug as can be. "You know Friday is date night."

"And yet he still says they aren't together." Patrick tried to mimic Xander's voice, but it was horrible and they both laughed. They walked out of the overhang where the animals came for shelter and food and saddled up on their horses. It was a nice day and the grounds were dry so they took their time riding back to the main house. It was about forty minutes on horseback from the pasture where they kept the babies. Patrick continued to poke and prod, asking questions that would not be asked if anyone else was within hearing distance. They still had about fifteen minutes before the house would come in view when he finally turned semi-serious.

"What's on the agenda for date night tonight?" Patrick asked after Xander's second time threatening to shove him off his horse. He'd been giving him nothing but crap for random things, the typical big brother. He loved his family. They knew when to be serious, but also knew when to laugh and poke fun.

"He has an appointment so I'm going to cook dinner. I think it's just going to be a night in since we have a long day tomorrow."

Xander might have planned a night in, but he had ideas for how they'd pass the time. Wright was not-so-patiently waiting, dropping hints to Xander any chance he could. They would have dinner, watch a movie, and go from there. He'd made good on his promise Monday after supper with the family. He had Wright on his stomach, his tongue leaving a wet trail down his back. He'd played with his ass, kissing, rubbing, nipping. When he finally gave Wright what he was begging for, his tongue was only in him for a half minute before he came. Xander finished himself on Wright's ass. He cleaned him off and then they went to bed.

Patrick broke the silence after another minute of riding. Xander would never get tired of the views from the ranch. He liked living in the city, having a place of his own, but the ranch would always be home for him. While he wasn't saving lives daily here, he forgot how much he missed the physical work. "Do you remember last year with the Fourth of July celebration?"

Xander thought back to it. He'd been dating another man at the time. He was similar in build to Xander, tall, broad, muscles for days. He was a businessman through and through, loving the city. He would visit the ranch with Xander a few times a year, but he hadn't been a big fan of the animals or mud. Or fresh air, apparently. Patrick always bought fresh meat from the butcher for the celebration and would cook it all day in prep for supper during the fireworks. They didn't set the fireworks off themselves, but the neighboring ranch did. Past the other ranch, continuing away from the city lights, was the small town of Fairwind, with one main road, storefronts that needed updating, and a sense of family that cared for the residents. It was a closer drive than going into the city and had the basics that they needed. There was a farmer's market every Friday and Saturday mornings in the town square. Wright had gone with Tracy that morning and loved it.

"I'm assuming you aren't bringing this up because of how good the food was," Xander said.

"I'm not," Patrick said. "I'm talking about the fact that you spent most of the evening on the porch, instead of sitting at the table with your friends and family. You opted out of the trail ride and then ended up leaving before ten."

"I'm aware of what happened," Xander said. He'd moved back to the ranch in January, but the months before that had been strained. They'd had a fight the night before. It was one of the rare holidays that they both had off. Xander missed their party the year before, but Greg, his ex, wanted to go out to a bar with his friends. It was one of their biggest fights, with unfair words shouted between both of them. Greg said that he should come before his family since they were living together. Xander pointed out that he spent most weekends with his friends when he picked up extra shifts. It was a back and forth and eventually, Xander suggested they both do their own things. It was weeks of his ex holding it over his head that he sacrificed his time to be with Xander's family. "Why are you bringing it up?"

"This year is going to be different," Patrick said. "I held my tongue because I could see you were working hard to keep anyone from noticing, but I could see. You weren't yourself that day and for the months after. You never let more than a month go by without coming out to visit us and I think you went two months last summer."

"I know," Xander said. He stared at the space between Benito's ears as they continued on. He didn't like these memories coming up. Patrick was not one to go down memory lane like this, not when he knew they weren't good memories. "I threw myself into work after that, pulling doubles a lot."

"I'm not trying to make you feel bad about it," Patrick said. "I just want you to know that I can see a difference with you since Wright arrived. You moved back here and worked your ass off, like you had something to prove. But now, you're smiling and finishing work at a normal time. You're sleeping better, too. Don't even deny it. The amount of coffee that Tracy makes in the morning has been cut in half."

"I don't drink that much," Xander said. His argument was only halfhearted though because he did love his coffee in the morning. But now, Wright would usually make him a cup while he got dressed.

"Sure you don't," Patrick said. He laughed and reached over to shove Xander's shoulder. "What I'm saying is, I think this last month has been good. I like Wright. The whole family does."

"It's hard not to like him," Xander said. "I don't know what it is about him, but he's great. He's perfect."

"He's a hard worker," Patrick said. "Has he talked to you about what happened Monday?"

Xander nodded. He knew his brother was leading the conversation somewhere and this was it. It wasn't just curiosity though. He knew his brother better than that and he was genuinely concerned about it. "He did," Xander said. "His dad is a real piece of shit, Patrick. The things he did, for no reason. He had all the right in the world to be scared of the tack room. I know you talked about him working with the horses, but we might have to hold off on that."

"I'm not going to pry for details, but I need to know that he's going to be safe if he's working here. That's my only concern with whatever is going on. I can't have him out there, or near the animals, if there's a chance he's going to freeze and possibly get hurt."

"I understand," Xander said. "And that's why I'm telling you that you should hold off, for now, on any jobs that require rope. That's what freaked him out. He's working through it, though."

They didn't say anything else the rest of the way back to the barn. It was a nice day out and it was set to be the same tomorrow. He was excited for the celebration, to see some of his family that could only visit for holidays. His aunt and uncle lived on the other side of the state, manning their own farm. They focused on crops instead of cattle and had some chickens. They usually traded fresh meat between them once a year. Like Patrick, they made a good name for themselves and were second generation for ownership. His whole family worked hard and were well blessed with the lives they had.

The sight they came back to made his whole body warm and he took a minute before dismounting to watch. It was a full house, everyone outside enjoying the weather. Extra cars that he recognized as Brett and Wylon's and William and Clark's were parked side-by-side. Wylon was holding their son in his arms. He was only four months old, a child born to a mother in prison somewhere in another state. A friend of a friend knew Brett and Wylon were looking to adopt and got them in contact with the right people. Clark was sitting on the porch steps, watching as Wylon and William cooed over the baby. Brett and Wright were sitting on the swing, their heads close together as they talked to each other. Paxton was running around in the grass with a little girl. Her laugh and high-pitched screams reached his ears from the barn.

"That's what we do this for," Patrick said. Xander looked over at him with a smile. He understood where Patrick was coming from. Coming back from a long day and seeing all the people, family and found family, happy and laughing. Anything was worth that. They finally dismounted and spent the few minutes getting the horses settled and in their stalls for the evening.

Xander rested his hat on the railing when he walked up the steps and toward Wright. He smiled and stood to meet Xander a few steps from the swing. "How was your day?"

"Even better now," Xander said. Wright, without hesitation on the fact he was sweaty, wrapped his arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. "How was yours?"

"Boring and I loved it." Wright let him go but didn't move away from him. "I finally caught the birds using the bath after lunch. Then Brett and them came over and we've just been hanging out."

"Sounds like a perfect day." Xander smiled. "And I don't want you to miss anything, but we have a date to get started."

"A date?" someone behind him, maybe William, asked loudly. Xander had the pleasure of seeing Wright's face pinken and he looked down at the porch floor. "When did this happen?"

"It's been happening," Paxton said. She walked up with the little girl on her hip. She looked vaguely familiar and assumed she came with Brett and Wylon. "Since, like, day two of him being here."

"Day two?"

"That's being a bit dramatic," Xander said. He had all eyes on him now. He looked at Wright, at a loss for words.

"I think it was day three."

"You are not helping." Xander brushed a hand through his hair and turned back to William. "It started because he was being stubborn and wouldn't take it easy, so we compromised. We would go on walks around the ranch if he listened and took it easy and wore his sling."

"And this turned into dates?" Clark asked that question.

"Fridays kind of turned into unofficial things," Wright said finally. "I'm stubborn and wore him down pretty quickly."

"Stubborn is an understatement," Xander said. Wright punched his arm playfully. "And as much as I would love to continue being harassed by people who weren't even born until I was in junior high, we do have to go."

"You know you were in high school when I was born, right?" Wright said, leaving a crowd of laughter behind them.

Xander didn't want to think about it that way. He was aware of the age gap, focused too much on it sometimes. But there was no denying whatever they had. He was falling fast and he knew it. Hoped that after tonight, Wright would understand too.

"I didn't cross a line, did I?" Wright asked when they were in the guest house. Xander locked the door behind him and kicked off his boots. "With the age thing?"

"No, it's fine." Xander turned to look at Wright. He was standing in the middle of the kitchen with his hands down by his side. "It doesn't bother you, does it? The fact that I'm closer to forty than twenty?"

"Not at all," Wright said quickly. He stepped toward Xander and smiled. "I actually really like it. Older men are kind of my thing when it comes to what I find attractive."

Xander smiled. He'd told him that before, of course, but he liked hearing it. Having to remind himself that this wasn't just a messed up situation. However they met, he knew they were building something special together. He hoped that tonight solidified that.

"Okay, so get ready for your therapy and I'm going to shower and start dinner." Xander leaned down and kissed him quickly before turning him around and smacking his ass to get him out of the kitchen. He jolted but turned around and smirked at him.

"Do it again."

Xander rolled his eyes and pointed toward the bedroom. His therapy only lasted for an hour. The therapist, according to Wright, was fitting him in after hours because she wanted to get started sooner than later with talking. He loved that Wright was open about it, keeping Xander in the loop. He would have respected his choice to keep it private, but he liked that he trusted him.

He was planning on making a parmesan chicken dish tonight. Wright had mentioned how he wanted to try making it, but his dad was not a fan of parmesan so he never did. They had it a couple weeks ago and Xander was sure Wright went into a food coma afterward. He would limit what he ate because the last thing he needed was him falling asleep. His shower was quick and he grabbed his clothes while Wright sat on the bed with his earbuds in. He got dressed in the bathroom and started on dinner after. He didn't cook full meals often; living in the city and working a lot he typically just grabbed food on the way home and then moving back to the ranch, Tracy made it a point to cook enough for everyone most nights.

He was placing slices of fresh parmesan on the chicken when Wright walked into the kitchen. "It smells amazing in here," he said. He leaned against the counter and folded his arms over his chest. He looked extra soft and cuddly in a long sleeve shirt and shorts. He'd been wearing it outside, but in the privacy of their home, Xander didn't have to keep his distance. His eyes were a little red, but he was smiling. Xander finished putting the cheese on and slid the chicken back into the oven to cook a little longer.

"How did it go?" Xander wiped his hands on a dish towel before opening his arms for Wright to step closer. He acted immediately.

"It was hard," he murmured. "But I know it will be for a while. We got through a lot, talking about my mom and when she left, the anger I still have over that. But we ended the session talking about the good things. Mostly this place and how I really enjoy the work I'm doing outside."

"I'm glad it's helping," Xander whispered. "How about you go and take a shower and I'll finish up here? Should be ready in about fifteen minutes."

"I took one earlier," Wright said. "I can help you finish prepping."

"I think you would be better off prepping something else," Xander said slowly, hoping that he both understood what he meant and that he wasn't crossing a line. Wright was clear about what he wanted, but Xander still worried that he'd change his mind. Wright pulled back with eyes wide and a bright smile.

"Seriously? Tonight?"

"If you're ready for it," Xander said.

"It's about fucking time," Wright said, nearly bouncing on the balls of his feet. "I've been ready for this."

"Slow down, okay?" Xander placed his hands on Wright's shoulders and stilled him, chuckling a little. "Take a shower, clean up nicely, and we're going to eat dinner first. And clean that mouth, too. You're too sweet for it."

Wright smiled but he stared up at Xander with serious eyes. "I do it because I can. I wasn't allowed to, before. I promise I don't do it around anyone but you. It isn't as a way for me to appear older or anything. It just sometimes slips out."

Xander could hear the earnestness in his voice and he felt bad. He'd meant for it to be flirty, mostly. But he could see where Wright was coming from. He was an adult, though, and Xander couldn't actually- wouldn't dream of it, really- control him and what he said or did. He brushed a hand through his hair and smiled. "I'm sorry, gorgeous. I didn't mean anything by it. You can say whatever you want whenever you want. I was trying to make a joke."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"No, no. It's all good." Xander leaned closer until his lips were brushing the outside of his ear. He held Wright's head with his left hand and let his right travel down his back, toward his butt. "Now why don't you go take that shower and think of me slipping my fingers, my tongue…" Xander took a deep breath, pausing and gauging Wright's reaction to what he was saying. The intake of breath and the way he was shaking slightly under his touch gave him all he needed. "My cock inside you all fucking night?"

Xander laughed when Wright sped out of the room and down the hall. If he'd been a cartoon, he was sure there'd be a cloud of smoke trailing him. He turned back to the last of the prep for dinner and had everything plated on the table by the time Wright came back.

"I don't think you're being obvious enough," Xander said with a laugh. He wrapped Wright in his arms and hugged him tight. His hair was still wet and he wasn't wearing anything more than one of Xander's shirts that fell mid-thigh and a pair of cheeky briefs. It was the total opposite of the jeans and button up Xander was wearing.

"I wouldn't want anything to hinder your plans for tonight," Wright said innocently. He bit his bottom lip and Xander fell just a little more for the young man. He was so earnest and sweet. Xander had to remind himself that this would be Wright's first time.