Love Means_. Freedom - Andrew Grey

came, tasted like when he couldn't hold back. But this wasn't the time. Stone had to know that he could trust Preston, and he figured the best way to do that was to take time and be patient, something he'd never done before--and maybe that was the problem. "Merry Christmas, Stone." And it was, the merriest one he could remember. He moved his hand away, but kept it firmly around the man he was coming to care for.
    "ARE you ready to go?" Geoff asked, leaning against the front of the truck as Stone came down the steps.

    "As I'll ever be." He really wasn't sure about this. He wanted to get Buster, there was no doubt about that, he just wished it didn't involve seeing his father. Approaching the truck, he pulled open the door and climbed inside. "You don't have to do this."

    The driver's door slammed closed, and Geoff looked over at him, his expression steely. "I know I don't. This farm is a family, and like it or not," Geoff said, now smiling, "you're a member of it, and we help and support one another."

    Holy fuck. These people he'd met a few weeks ago considered him family and treated him better than his own had ever done. "I don't know what to say."
    "You don't have to say anything. Now let's pick up Preston so we can get going." Geoff started the engine and pulled the truck, with the horse trailer behind, out onto the road. "Have you got the bill of sale?" Stone patted his backpack on the floor between his legs. "Good. And I know that Adelle packed us enough food to last for three days."
    "That she did." He patted his full stomach. "I think she's trying to fatten me up."

    "When she first got here, I swear I put on ten pounds in a month. Eli's a good baker, but she can cook, and her fried chicken and cornbread are sent from Heaven." He mimicked Robbie's southern accent as he stole his phrase.

    The truck bounded down the country road and approached the main highway, and Geoff turned toward Ludington. It didn't take long and then they were pulling into Preston's driveway.
    As they pulled up, the front door opened and Preston glided outside, followed by his mother.
Geoff stopped the truck and turned off the engine, both of them getting out. "Do you boys have everything you need? I can make you sandwiches," she offered, her smile genuine.
    "No, thank you, we're good," Geoff replied, and he shook her hand, introducing himself while Stone got Preston out of his chair and into the truck. "Mom, I'll call you later and let you know what's going on," Preston called from the cab as Stone got in and Geoff walked around the truck. As Geoff started the truck, Preston waved and they pulled out of the driveway.

    "Your mother seems like a nice lady," Geoff commented as they made their way back to the main road and then out toward the highway heading north.
    "She is. I couldn't have made it through everything that's happened since the accident without her." Preston sighed as the truck rocked over the road. "I just don't think she's really happy. My dad's gone a lot and she spends a lot of time alone." He fell into silence, thinking of his mother as the hum of the wheels invaded the cab. As they made the turn to head north, the mood finally shifted, and all three of them began talking about nothing and everything.
    Stone smiled to himself as Preston's hand slid into his between them. "You're wearing the watch." Preston smiled at him when he saw the Christmas gift he'd given him.

    Stone leaned against Preston. "And I see you're wearing your present too." He ran his hand on top of the denim fabric on Preston's legs. "I thought the Wranglers would be good for riding."

    Preston's hand slipped away and wound around his shoulder, pulling him closer. They'd both been surprised and pleased with the thoughtfulness of the other's Christmas gift.

The truck continued along the highway, passing through Traverse City and Charlevoix.
    Stone felt the fear and nervousness rise with each passing mile. His stomach began clenching, and he thought he was going to be sick. "Geoff, could you pull off?" The truck lurched and stopped. Stone opened the door and stumbled out, managing to make it to the edge of the road before losing the contents of his stomach. Still bent over and heaving, he felt a hand on his back, and as the spasms stopped, he saw Geoff standing next to him. Straightening up, he felt Geoff's arms slide around him, and he was pulled into a hug, a hand soothing his head and a soft voice in his ear. "It's okay. It'll be okay."
    When