Finding Absolution by Carol Lynne Page A

falling in love with Van. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but there had been times when he’d felt trapped by his responsibilities. Never had he thought he could take care of the farm and his grandpa and still have room for love, but somehow his dreams had come true.
    After two hours of sweeping and stocking the shelves, Jon was finally relieved of his duties as Judy arrived to start her shift. “I’ll probably get the last of the green beans in today, so once they’re gone, they’re gone,” he told her.
    With a wave, Jon was back in his truck on his way to the farm. He’d been putting in extra hours in the fields, hoping to get most of the vegetables in before Van came. In less than three weeks, he’d once again be able to lie in Van’s arms.
    Jon looked down at the gooseflesh that had broken out on his skin at the mere thought. Yep, he was a horny fucker, but he never felt fully satisfied after phone or video sex with Van. He needed the real thing.
    Parking the truck at the barn, Jon decided to go in and have a cup of coffee with his grandpa. He’d followed Van’s advice and had started really talking to his grandpa about his feelings. Never would he have thought it possible, but he felt even closer to his grandpa. Chalk one up for Van.
    “Grandpa,” he called, walking into the house.
    When his gaze landed on the unused bowl and spoon, he called again. “Grandpa?” Jon knocked lightly on Bill’s door and waited for a response. “Are you feeling okay?” he asked as he stepped into the room.
    Bill was lying on his back with his eyes open, but made no move to respond. Jon’s breathing hitched as he moved to stand over his grandpa. He reached a shaking hand out and placed it on Bill’s chest. “Grandpa?”
     
    * * * *
     
    Between heats, Van walked away from the gathered crowd and tried again to reach Jon. He’d already left four messages on Jon’s cellphone and three on the house answering machine and he was starting to panic.
    Once again, Jon’s recorded message sounded in his ear. “It’s Van again. I’m worried about you. Please call me as soon as you get this.”
    Van hung up and stared at his phone. The calls were expensive, but he’d continue to try until he finally reached the man he loved. The fact that Bill wasn’t answering the house phone scared Van more than anything.
    “Any luck?” Kai asked, walking towards Van.
    “No.” Van ran a hand through his hair. “Something’s wrong. I feel it.” Bile rose in his throat as he mentally ran through various scenarios. With shaking hands, he gave his phone to Kai. “Would you do me a favour and call a few of the bigger hospitals in Sheridan?”
    “I can do better than that,” Quade said, joining them. He pulled up his contact list and pressed a button. “Hey, Ryan, it’s Quade. I need you to do me a favour.”
    Van walked away, unable to stand there and listen. It didn’t take him long to make a decision. “I’ve gotta go,” he told Kai.
    “I know, but let’s wait until Quade finishes with Ryan. Maybe it’s something simple like a storm came through and knocked out the electricity.” Kai rested his head against Van’s shoulder.
    “You should go get ready for your next heat,” Van reminded his student.
    “Not until we find out what’s going on.” Kai kissed Van’s cheek before walking back to Quade.
    Van was far enough away that he couldn’t hear Quade’s side of the conversation, but he knew the moment his friend received bad news. Quade’s eyebrows drew together and he reached for Kai.
    Fuck! Tears stung Van’s eyes as he waited for Quade to get off the damn phone and tell him something.
    “Bill Porter’s in the ICU at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Ryan said he’ll drive up there to be with Jon until we can get there,” Quade said, ending the call.
    “Me, not we. Kai’s got a tournament to win.” Van took his phone from Kai.
    “No I don’t,” Kai argued. “You’re family and that trumps a fucking