Love Means Courage - Andrew Grey

he turned around and dressed before leaving the house as quietly as he could. Len went to the barn and got to work. Because of the holiday, there were extra things to get done.
    “Len, are you in here?” He stuck his head out of the stall he was working on and saw Cliff carrying Geoff, still in his pajamas, head resting on his daddy’s shoulder, eyes only half open.
    “Morning. Just finishing here.” Cliff walked to him and adjusted Geoff so he could lean forward slightly and give Len a kiss. “Mari called. My sisters should be here in a few hours.”
“Okay. I’ll make myself scarce while they’re here.” Len wasn’t about to interfere in what he saw as a private family matter. “I want you there, Len.” Cliff shuffled his feet. “That is, if you’ll….” He floundered for words.
    “I’ll be there, if that’s what you want.” Cliff put a hand on the back of Len’s neck, drawing him into a hard kiss. “I want you with me forever.” Len returned the kiss, the words still ringing in his ears. Had Cliff meant what he thought he 212

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    meant? His questions died away as Cliff deepened the kiss, possessively ravishing his mouth before lightening the kiss and stepping away, keeping his hand on Len’s neck, fingers lightly stroking his skin. “Come inside in a while, and I’ll have breakfast ready.” “Okay.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say, so he watched Cliff’s back as he left the barn, Geoff sleepily smiling at him over his father’s shoulder.

    Putting away the tools, Len went to the loft and dropped the hay he’d need through one of the trap doors. Back downstairs he stacked the hay near the stalls before slipping off his gloves and walking toward the house.

    Geoff was already in his seat, and Cliff was just about ready to dish up the hearty pancake breakfast. “How are you going to handle things when your sisters get here?” Len asked.
    Cliff brought the food to the table and poured glasses of orange juice. “I think I’m going to let Mari and Vikki do most of the talking. They’ll probably be more effective than I will. Besides, it’ll be easier for me to keep my temper in check, because I know I’ll start yelling at her. What about you?” Len took a few pancakes from the stack before adding butter and syrup. “I’m going to sit in the back and keep quiet. I’m there to support you, but this is largely a matter between you and your sister.” Geoff reached out toward Len’s plate.
    “Hang on, Geoff. Yours is coming.” Cliff put a small plate on his tray, and Geoff picked up his baby fork and began shoveling in bits of syrup-covered pancake, grinning as he chewed.

    Cliff passed the sausage with a slight tremble in his hand. Len noticed but didn’t comment, knowing it was Cliff’s nervousness, and maybe a touch of anger, escaping. Len ate heartily, but Cliff 213
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picked at his food and fussed around Geoff, making sure he didn’t make too big of a mess.
    When they were done, they worked together to clean up, both the kitchen and Geoff before going outside. Cliff ran a hose to the basement and attached it to the wash sink, and Len used it to refill Geoff’s pool, while the little prince himself watched with delight and only Len’s vigilance kept him from jumping in, clothes and all.
    “Simmin, Wen, simmin.”

    “Once it warms up just a little bit more.” Len signaled to Cliff, and he turned off the water and unhooked the hose. Len scooped Geoff off his feet, swinging him in his arms. “Wouldn’t want you to be cold.” Len blew a raspberry on Geoff’s tummy, and he retaliated by blowing one on Len’s cheek.
    Their playing was interrupted by two cars pulling into the driveway. Mari got out of her car first, and Vikki wedged herself out of the other one, followed by Janelle, who’d driven—probably so she could make a getaway, if she had to. Cliff came out and met them at the door, ushering everyone inside. Mari helped Vikki while Janelle lingered behind, staring daggers at Len.
    “Come on, Janelle.” Vikki did nothing to conceal the annoyance in her voice as she waddled inside.
Janelle said nothing but made her feelings very clear with a sour look and walked inside. Len followed, carrying Geoff.
    By the time he joined the group, they were settled in the living room. Len handed Geoff to Cliff and took a chair near the back of the room where Cliff could see him.

    “We all know why we’re here, so I’ll just