Tears in his eyes

As they left the makeshift courtroom in the Diamond Dust Saloon Brett grabbed Jalen and pressed his face into the older man’s chest. “I can’t believe this is happening to me.” He sniffled.

Jalen held Brett close and stroked his hair. “It’s okay.” He soothed.

Brett continued to sniffle. “I never thought this would ever happen. I thought I was happy, but after this….”

Jalen stroked the dark curls. “It’s not so bad is it?”

Brett shook his head. “Here I believed when I first rode up into town I was a dead man, now I’m a free man!” He nearly crumpled the papers in his hand that gave him his release from his probation as he snuggled into Jalen.

Jalen smiled. “You worked hard to turn things around and you deserve this.” He was glad he had been able to convince Judge Graham to let Brett off his probation early.

“I never dreamed when I came to Diamond Springs I’d not only be given a second chance, given probation and not being sent to prison, but also appointed Deputy of the town and now…released from my probation! I’m a free man.” The younger man shed tears of joy and Jalen shed tears of joy as well as his young outlaw said quietly, “Best of all I met you and have you in my life. I love you Jalen. I’m even more happy if that is at all possible.”

Jalen smiled holding his partner, “All things are possible.” He kissed Brett tenderly and then putting his arm around his shoulder escorted him outside.