Love Means_. Freedom - Andrew Grey

of excitement in Stone's voice.
"Yes. A specialized one, but a business nonetheless." Preston was curious what Stone was leading up to.
    "A lot of farmers are people who've run things the way they have for years, and now they're having problems. So maybe you could work with them to help them be smarter about their money and how they run their businesses--sort of a financial planner for farmers." Preston didn't know what to say, except he wished he'd thought of it. "You could help them manage their money, help make sure they don't borrow too much, and maybe help them negotiate better rates with the banks... you know, stuff like that."
    Preston was about to ask how Stone got so smart, but he knew. He grew up on a farm and knew the good and bad. "It could work. We can talk to Geoff about it later and see what he thinks."

    "We?"

    "Yeah. If I do this, I'll need to do it with you." The delight in Stone's eyes was matched only by the way he showed that delight. An hour later, Geoff's voice on the stairs calling them to dinner finally roused them from the bed.
    The next morning, Stone was all smiles at breakfast, and Preston couldn't help returning his silly grin. "Now, you take it easy for a few days," Adelle warned lightly as she placed a huge plate in front of Stone. "I know you're hungry. Damn hospital food's bad enough to make anyone sick," she mumbled as she got more plates.
    The phone rang once, and they continued eating. Stone shoveled it in like he hadn't eaten in a month, and Adelle looked on, grinning. The woman showed love with food and you reciprocated by eating.

    "Stone, you have a call. Take it in the office if you'd like," Geoff said, as he took his place at the table next to Eli. Conversation circled about the day's chores and preparations for spring.
    "If it ever shows up," Robbie grumbled.
"How could you possibly be cold?" Preston asked with a wicked smile. "You've got at least two shirts and a sweater on."
    "I checked the Internet. It's seventy degrees in Mississippi," Robbie replied as Joey leaned close to Robbie's ear and said something, making Robbie blush. "Nah. I never would, you know that. But you gotta admit it's cold," Robbie added softly.

    Preston turned away from the lovebirds and changed the subject. "I need to find a place to live and I was wondering if you know of anything. I want a place close by."
    "I think there's a place for rent a ways up the road," Geoff replied between bites. "But you know you're welcome to stay here." "Thanks." Preston was truly grateful. "But I don't think you need me in your house. Besides, after living with my folks, I think we need our own place." "Our?" Geoff asked sheepishly. "I'll ask around."
Preston looked around, wondering what was keeping Stone. His food was getting cold.
Pushing his chair back, he grabbed his walker and followed a low voice into Geoff's office.
Stepping into the room as Stone hung up, Preston saw he was visibly upset. "What is it?"
Stone looked lost. "It's my dad." He seemed dazed.
"What's he done? He's not trying to hurt you somehow, is he?" Preston could feel his temper rise.
Stone shook his head slowly. "Won't be doing anything again. He died."

    "YOU didn't have to do this." Stone looked out the window as the scenery passed in a blur.
    "Yes, we did. You're family," Geoff replied from the driver's seat, as Stone felt Preston hug him closer. "We all know this is going to be hard for you, and we wanted to be there."

    "But what about the farm?" Stone turned away from the window as Preston tugged him close, hugging tightly, protectively. "The guys can handle things for a few days with Joey. Robbie canceled all the lessons and therapy sessions for the next few days, so just relax and don't worry about anything except getting through the meetings with the lawyer and the funeral." The truck bumped as Geoff flew over the roads.
    "This isn't a race, Geoff," Eli said from the narrow back seat.
"Sorry." Geoff slowed down, but Stone paid no attention and let himself be comforted.
    Preston had been doing that every chance he got for the last few days, and Stone let him. He needed him, and he could hardly believe how Preston had been there for him.
    The miles of highway flew past, and before Stone wanted, they were pulling into the farm.
Geoff turned off the engine, and they sat there breathing a collective sigh. "What first?"
    "Mr. Halloran should be coming today to pick up the livestock." That had been the one thing Stone had been able to do