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great Jason. You've done a wonderful job."
    Not only had Jason painted the new latch, but the door, too. Gobs of wet paint trailed down the door and puddled against the base and the dirt. Travis wondered if he would even be able to open it once it dried.
    Jake stood several stalls down, pouring a newly opened bag of grain into a barrel. "He's a natural."
    Travis glanced at Evan, pleased to see him smiling and not making a fuss about the mess. When he thought to let Jason paint, he never thought the kid would take it to the extreme. "Look at all the work you're saving Jake and the others."
    "Jake even said that we might be able to build me a tree house in that big tree next to the house." Jason waved the paintbrush as he talked and a large splat of paint landed on the front of Travis's shirt. Jason froze and his eyes went wide as he watched it drip down his shirt. "I'm sorry."
    Travis quickly pulled his shirt free from his pants to stop the paint from dripping down his belt buckle. "It's okay, Jas. This was an old shirt." He smiled down at the boy as he worked the buttons on his shirt and slid it off his shoulders. "Now what was this about a tree house?"
    Jason glanced at the shirt, seemed to take a moment to compose himself, and then looked over at Jake. "He said him and the other hands might take some of that old wood and build me a tree house. Said I could sit up there and draw or read."
    "I think that's a great idea. I was wondering what to do with that old wood." He tried to push his own fear of heights from his mind, hoping Jake and the others really would do most the work so he wouldn't have to climb. "We can talk more about it later tonight. First I wanted to introduce you to my friend Evan. He is going to be coming around off and on. If he needs anything, can I count on you to help him?"
    "Sure, I know all about this place." Jason set the paintbrush back in the paint can and stood. "Are you staying for dinner with us tonight, Evan? We got lots of steaks."
    "I'm sure your Uncle has other things planned. Maybe another time, but thanks for the offer." Evan smiled as he glanced at Travis.
    Wanting to be as open with Evan as he could and let him see Jason's daily life here with him, Travis was more than willing to let Evan stay as long as he wanted.
    "We have no plans. If you would like to stay, you are more than welcome." Travis shrugged. "Give you a chance to see how we do things around here."
    "I don't want to be in the way." Evan looked between Jason and Travis.
    "You won't be. As long as you don't mind getting splashed when he is in the pool you should be fine. We have plenty of food." Travis brushed his hand down his bare chest. "You staying around tonight, Jake?"
    "Nope. I got a date." Jake grinned.
    "You getting married, Jake?" Jason ran toward him.
    Careful to avoid the mess of paint all over Jason, Jake grasped his shoulders, stopping him before he could get too close. "Heck no. Just a date. Taking someone out to dinner, maybe a movie."
    "Oh. My mommy and me used to go on dates all the time then." Jason smiled.
    The memory of his sister and Jason together sent a pang of sadness through him, and he swallowed back the emotion. Glancing over at Evan, he was surprised to find the man watching him. He shifted uncomfortably, a wave of awareness flowing through him at finding the other man's eyes on him.
    "Why don't we run out back and use that hose to wash off some of that paint, then we will get you inside and clean you up the rest of the way." Jake swatted Jason's butt playfully as he nodded to the back door of the barn.
    "Thanks, Jake." Travis watched Jason run off before turning back to Evan. "You really are welcome to stay. I want to do everything possible to be as open and transparent as I can. I love Jason and want the best for him. As far as I'm concerned, if it helps the case, you can move in tonight and watch everything."
    Evan laughed, not used to receiving such a welcome invitation. "That will help. I'm used