Love Means Courage - Andrew Grey

climbed the stairs to get Geoff. “I’ll see you in time for lunch, and don’t spend too much time on the tractor today.” He disappeared upstairs before Len could say anything in response.

    Leaving the kitchen, the screen door banged closed behind him. Len strode across the yard to the barn to get his work day started. After making sure all the horses had water and hay, he began the daily ritual of cleaning stalls.

    The slamming of car doors announced the arrival of Fred and Randy, and they met in their usual spot and talked about what needed to get done. Randy reluctantly agreed to split the tractor duties with Len, and everyone got to work, with Len taking the morning and Randy getting tractor duty in the afternoon. Then everyone got to work.
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    LEN drove the tractor back to the farm, parked in the drive before shutting it off, and headed right into the house. Cliff was already pacing, wandering from room to room, and stepping over Geoff’s toys.
    “Cliff, it’s not the end of the world.”
“I know. I’m just nerved up.” Even his voice sounded nervous.
    “Keeping busy will help with the nerves. Go make lunch, and Geoff and I will pick things up in here.” Len started the cleanup games with Geoff, and soon he was running around, picking up his things, with Len chasing him around the room. Once the toys were picked up, Len gave Geoff a few he could play with, and the toddler began running the trucks over the furniture.
    Len went onto the kitchen to make sure Cliff was doing okay.
“You need any help?”
“I’m almost done.” Len could tell he was still nervous.
    Slipping his arms around his lover’s waist, Len planted a kiss near the base of his neck. “Just be honest with them and remember that what you’re doing takes courage.” The sound of closing car doors drifted in through the open windows. “Remember they’re your family and they love you.” Len let his hands slip away. “And try not to get frustrated.” Len backed away. “Oh—” He replaced his hands.
    “Remember that I love you, no matter what.” Len backed away just as the back door opened. Dan and Vikki came in, and Dan helped her into a chair.
    “Would you like something to drink?”
“God, yes.” Cliff got a tall glass of iced tea and set it on the table in front of her. “Thank you.” She gulped from the glass. 184
Andrew Grey
    “Thank God I’ve got just a few more weeks.” She held the glass to her forehead. Dan took a chair next to her and Cliff put a glass in front of him as well.

    “Aun’ Ikki.” Geoff raced into the kitchen, and she bent down slowly and gave him a gentle hug. “You fat.” To her credit she smiled. “I’m going to have a baby.” His little eyes got wide as he stared at her tummy. “Like me?”

    “Yes, but not quite as big.”

    He turned his head from side to side, his little mind puzzling.

    “How do you get it out?” All the adults began to laugh, and Vikki gave him a hug and sighed with relief when Cliff put Geoff in his chair and gave him his lunch.

    The back screen door closed, and Mari walked in carrying a dish of salad, setting it on the table before giving her siblings hugs and settling in a chair. “How are you feeling, Vikki?”

    “Like a balloon ready to pop.”

    Her husband’s hand slipped into hers. “She’s only got a few weeks, and we’re trying to keep her as comfortable as possible.” He rubbed her belly like a proud papa, and Vikki smiled back at him.
    Cliff brought her a glass of tea as well and started getting lunch on the table.
Mari got up to help. “So what is it you wanted to talk to us about?”
    Cliff took a deep breath and sat at the table between Mari and Vikki. “I’m expecting Janelle, but she seems to be running late.” Just then a car pulled in, and a few moments later, Janelle walked into the kitchen, a sour look on her face.
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    “I asked you here because I have something to tell you.” Len leaned against the counter on the other side of the kitchen, not wanting to intrude on the family gathering, but Cliff motioned for him to join them. “I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to come out with it.”
    Janelle’s voice cut him off. “You’re going to tell them in front of Geoff?”
“Of course.” Len turned specifically to watch Mari and Vikki.
    “I’m gay and I’m going to build a life with Len.” Cliff turned to look at him. “If he’ll have me.” Now that