Jared's ancient Taurus dies not in a blaze of glory but with a pathetic wheeze and a tiny shudder by the side of the road miles and miles away from any kind of civilization. He puts his head down on the steering wheel and inhales shakily, talking himself out of crying. He knows it's just the hormones but combined with everything that had gone down with Chad days earlier and not having anywhere to go but back to his momma and dad who were not happy about his decision to keep the baby, husband or no, it's just all too much to take.

So when the car dies, Jared feels like curling up by the side of the road and joining it.

He gives himself five minutes to have a miniature breakdown, desperately trying not to hyperventilate. When his five minutes are up, he wipes a hand down his face and rubs a hand over his belly, where the baby is apparently turning somersaults on his bladder. He grimaces and gets out of the car gingerly, making his way over to the front of the car, popping the hood.

He steps back as smoke billows out in huge black clouds, coughing, one hand covering his mouth, the other cupped under his belly. He waves the hand that had been covering his mouth around a little and sighs as the smoke dissipates, letting him see the charred remains of his engine block in the glaring mid-day Texas sun.

He doesn't know what to do. Chad had taken Jared's cell, stating that since he paid the bill, it belonged to him. There wasn't anyway Jared could walk anywhere, even if he wasn't in the condition he was in; the sun was too hot and he only had two small bottles of water with him. He felt the urge to cry filling up his chest once more and viciously swallowed it down. His momma wasn't expecting him until late tonight so she wouldn't send up the alarm until god knew when.

He is so screwed and he finds himself laughing a little, the edges of it hysterical as he leans against the passenger side door, staring at the green grass beyond the low fence that borders the field on the side of the road. He looks up at the sky when what he thinks is thunder starts rumbling in the distance but can't see a dark cloud anywhere.

Just then, he spots a dark figure on the horizon, coming closer and closer with every one of Jared's increasingly panicked breaths. He realizes that what he heard was hoof beats in the same instance that he also realizes that he's all alone, with no way to defend himself and hugely pregnant. If this person is out to do him harm, he won't stand a chance.

The figure finally comes closer and Jared can make out a white Stetson and dark denim covering muscular legs, a brown plaid Western-style shirt stretched across a broad chest. Strong hands tugged on the reins of the beautiful chestnut-colored horse as the man comes to a stop just on the other side of the fence.

Jared's breathlessness suddenly has nothing to do with fear.

The man swings up over the fence and tips back his hat and Jared feels his eyes go wide and his jaw drop. Here was Adonis in cowboy form. Jade eyes dotted with bits of gold sparkled at him in the sun, lined with full lashes that would cause his sister to go green with jealousy; beautiful features sprinkled with cinnamon colored freckles and a gorgeous full mouth wearing a large, welcoming smile.

"Havin' a bit of trouble?" the stranger asks, voice warm and whiskey rough. Jared feels himself shudder as he straightens away from the car, one hand still protectively cupping his belly.

"Uh, y-yeah, it's dead and I am just... so utterly screwed on every imaginable level," he finishes, feeling the sharp tug of hysteria pulling at him again. He swallows, hard, not wanting to lose it in front of this stranger out on some back country road.

The stranger takes one look under the hood and nods as if to confirm Jared's suspicions. He looks back up at Jared, smiles again and Jared feels his knees go weak. He tries to blame it on the heat and his condition.

He doesn't even believe himself and he damn well knows it.

The stranger takes a step closer, one hand held out like Jared is a skittish horse and Jared realizes that's probably exactly what he looks like. He's been fidgeting the entire time the guy has been standing there and has to look as nervous and as vulnerable as he feels, though he's loathe to admit it, even to himself. He tries for a smile but knows it falls a little flat. He sniffles and holds out a hand.

"I'm Jared," he says and tries not to embarrass himself when the stranger takes off his work gloves and shakes Jared's hand, firm and strong.

"Jensen, Jensen Ackles. This is actually the edge of my property, the Circle A Ranch. I have a phone and air conditioning up at the main house. I swear I'm not a psycho or a killer," he says, face sincere and open and Jared laughs, believing him. "Why don't you get your things together, I'll call my foreman Jeff to come down and drive you back up to the house, then we can figure out how to get you where you're going, alright?"

Jared finds himself nodding, thinking his own personal guardian angel doesn't have wings but a sparkling smile and a white hat.

...

Twenty minutes later, Jeff arrives in a beat up white Ford pick-up and loads Jared's meager belongings into the bed, smiling kindly underneath a salt and pepper beard. Jensen assures Jared he'll meet him at the main house and Jared smiles, the heat and the past week catching up with him as he climbs in the cab with Jeff as Jensen mounts up and rides off with a wave.

Jared rests his head against the window as Jeff pulls away and Patsy Cline starts crooning about being crazy in love and Jared thinks to himself he knows how she feels - being in love will make you do insane things. Like believing your boyfriend when he tells you he'll take care of the condoms, not to worry. He sighs and closes his eyes, pushing Chad as far from his thoughts as possible.

He dozes off during the ride, misses the huge arch that declares they are entering the Circle A Ranch and doesn't wake until Jeff shakes his shoulder gently. Jared stretches and gets out gingerly, catching sight of Jensen striding away from what he assumes is the stable. He finds himself smiling and puts a hand against his lower back, trying to rid himself of the dull ache there that is his constant companion.

He takes in the sight of the sprawling one story ranch house, with gray clapboard siding and pristine white shutters, each window bearing a cheerful box full of spring flowers. There is a long, winding porch complete with wooden rocking chairs and a porch swing and Jared feels his heart ache at how just looking at this place, one can tell someone loves it very much and that it's very much a home in every sense of the word.

Jensen finally makes his way to Jared's side and takes off his hat, swiping a tan forearm across his forehead, freckles standing out all over his skin. Jared drags his musings from the house and has to bite his tongue and remind himself he is heavily pregnant and in no condition to find out whether Jensen tastes as good as he looks.

"Why don't you come on up to the house. Samantha has dinner on and she's just been itchin' to mother someone so she can't wait to get her hands on you. Jeff'll take your stuff in to one of the guest rooms. Figure you could use a home cooked meal and a clean, soft bed for the night before we figure out what to do with your car situation, alright?" Jensen drawls smooth and dark as molasses.

Jared nods and follows behind Jensen as they make their way into the dark and cool interior of the house. He feels a little overwhelmed as he takes in the spacious and homey-looking living room, with a large chocolate-brown leather sofa, across from a stone fireplace that looked well-used. There were what Jared assumed were family photos on every table and quite a few on the wall. The walls were painted a warm and inviting shade of yellow, pale and watery... like early morning sunlight. The room was obviously lived in, with books strewn on the scarred wooden coffee table and soft chenille throw blankets on each chair and the couch.

Jensen leads him down a long hallway and Jared tries to take in as much as he can, knowing he will probably never have a gorgeous home like this and wishing for one with every fiber of his being. He feels the baby kick and rubs a soothing hand over his belly, deciding there and then that no matter where they end up, it will be home. And they'll be a family, more of a family than he ever had growing up.

They finally make it back to a large kitchen, complete with a professional-grade range and a stainless steel sub-zero. There are gorgeous granite countertops and gleaming copper pots hanging above an island that has two places set, both with a large glasses of milk. Jared's stomach rumbles at the smell of honest-to-goodness home cooked food, reminding him he hasn't eaten since breakfast, a cheap greasy burrito at McDonald's that the baby had violently disagreed with. An older woman, maybe a few years younger than his mother, comes around the island and immediately envelopes him in a hug and then pulls away, smiling from ear to ear.

"Oh, you are a handsome one. Jenny here wasn't lyin'. Look like you could use some coddlin' too. Well, you'll get that here and then some. Now, come on, sit on down and I'll get your plate." She bustles around the kitchen with an air of authority and Jared feels instantly at ease with her as Jensen washes his hands and then comes to sit beside him, his Stetson finding a home on the counter. He wonders about the handsome comment but lets it go for the time being, the smell of the food and Jensen's nearness wreaking havoc with his already whacked-out senses.

Jensen leans over then to whisper conspiratorially to Jared. "That's Samantha, Jeff's wife. She likes to come across tough as nails and no-nonsense but truth is? She's a big ole softie. Real pushover."

Jensen winks at Jared and Jared wants to slide off of the stool. Thankfully Samantha chooses that moment to set steaming plates of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, complete with warm biscuits oozing with butter in front of them. Jared feels his mouth water and picks up his fork as Samantha playfully smacks Jensen upside the head before setting his plate down.

"Quit fillin' this poor boy's head with your crazy notions, Jensen Ross. You ain't too big for me to put over my knee. And you know I will," she finishes, raising an eyebrow menacingly. Jared chuckles around a mouthful of mashed potatoes when he catches sight of Jensen slowly turning pink from the collar of his shirt to the tips of his ears.

They settle down and begin to eat in a companionable silence, Samantha puttering around on the other side of the island, chopping vegetables and keeping up a steady stream of conversation about some of the hands and stories about Jo, her's and Jeff's daughter who is away at school. Jared finds himself listening avidly, curious about these people's lives in a way he rarely is. He tends to keep to himself and after everything Chad had done - breaking him down, destroying his self-esteem and self-worth, alienating him from the few friends he had and then hitting him - he found that coming back to bite him in the ass. But he just found it so hard to reach out and trust people after being hurt like that.

He puts his head down at the thought of Chad and finishes his meal like that, withdrawn and quiet. Once Jensen is done he pushes his plate back with a satisfied groan as he rubs his stomach and complains that Samantha is trying to fatten him up. He looks over at Jared and smiles, standing up and offering Jared a hand.

"Let's go back to my office, we can have a talk, figure out where to go from here, alright?" Jared wipes his mouth and nods, takes Jensen's hand and awkwardly gets up, cursing his screwy center of gravity. He catches Samantha's soft smile out of the corner of his eye and wonders what that's all about. But the thought is fleeting when the rough, wonderful sensation of Jensen's palm against Jared's registers and he feels heat gather low in his abdomen and wants to blush.

Jared lets go of Jensen's hand once he has his feet under him, then follows him back another hallway, this one shorter, to a decidedly masculine room, dominated by a large mahogany desk, covered with a computer and mounds of paperwork. The walls are lined with shelves filled with books ranging from Tom Clancy thrillers to books on animal husbandry. Jared takes notice of a framed degree from Texas A&M University, conferring a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness upon one Jensen Ross Ackles. Jared gingerly sits in one of the large leather chairs facing the desk while Jensen smiles sheepishly and attempts to straighten the desk up.

"Sorry 'bout the mess. I've been crazy busy the past few months and haven't had a time to clean in here for awhile." He settles himself back in his chair and props his feet on the desk, well-worn boots covered with a layer of dust. He folds his hands together over his stomach and smiles at Jared.

"So. Just what are you doin' out this far in a piece of shit car when you're about ready to give birth?" His smile is kind and so are his eyes but Jared knows that lying will get him nowhere so he goes with the truth.

"Well. I left my boyfriend, the baby's father a few days ago. Or well, I threw him out after he hit me," Jared notices how even though Jensen doesn't move and his faces doesn't lose the look of concern, every line in his body goes rigid with tension. "And since I didn't have a job and Chad was never too good with payin' the rent anyway, the landlord evicted me. I didn't have any friends in the city that weren't Chad's first so I was on my way to my momma's and daddy's place down in San Antonio - not that they're happy about my 'problem' as they like to phrase it. Like I'm the first person to ever have a baby by themselves."

Jared feels his face heat a little when he realizes how fast he's talking, the relief of finally being able to unload on a person who was genuinely interested in his welfare making him a bit talkative, more like he used to be, before Chad.

Jensen smiles again, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, can't say as I agree with them. Havin' a baby is a brave thing to do even if you are with someone who loves and respects you. Takes a helluva lot of guts to do what you're doing and by yourself, well, that takes a special kind of person." He sits forward, swinging his feet back down onto the floor. "So. Why don't I have your car towed into town, see what, if anything can be done and then, we'll go from there, alright?"

Jared twists his hands together, feeling his stomach turn. "I-I don't have any money, Jensen. And my parent's won't give me anymore. My momma didn't even want to send me the little bit of money she did so I could get home." He feels tears threaten and bites his lip.

Jensen nods. "Had to swallow your pride huh? Tastes real bitter goin' down, don't it?"

Jared huffs a tiny laugh out and nods. "Yeah. My parents aren't really bad people just.. Well. My dad's a workaholic and not real interested in anything besides that, not even his own wife, let alone his kids. Momma's an alcoholic and only worried about the next party and how having a gay son is going to impact her social calendar. I left home when I was right out of school, not even eighteen. They didn't kick me out but they made it abundantly clear that 'my kind' wasn't welcome in their house. I still talk to my baby sister often but it was hell to have to call them up and ask for help. Crow ain't a favorite food of mine."

Jensen nods, then gets up to sit on the chair right beside Jared. "Alright. I don't think you're the kind of person who likes to take a handout." Jared nods and Jensen smiles. "I can respect that. So. How about this? Your parents obviously aren't supportive of you and your choice to have this baby and you don't really wanna go back there, am I right?" Jared nods again and Jensen continues.

"Okay. I have a proposition for you and you don't have to answer me right now, I'm just gonna let you think on it overnight. My dad passed about six months ago, sudden-like and the runnin' of the ranch fell in my lap. Not something I wasn't expectin' eventually, just not... yet." Jared nods, feels his chest clench in sympathy as he watches Jensen clear his throat. "I'm still tryin' to get things in order here and I'm actually in need of someone to do my books and help me run the business side of the ranch - you have any experience with computers or work like that?"

Jared feels dumbstruck as he nods. "Yes, sir, I used to work on a ranch during summer breaks back in school and I was an office manager in Dallas before I got pregnant."

Jensen smiles wide and slaps his hand against his leg. "Okay. I realize it's all a bit much but you'd get paid a fair wage, plus room and board here in the main house - which is just me right now. Samantha and Jeff have a little house out back. I could help you get back on your feet, set up a little nest egg for you and the baby and this way, you wouldn't be all alone when the time came to have the little critter."

Jared nods, body numb with shock. "But... why? Why help me? You don't know me from Adam."

Jensen eyes go a little soft. "We all need a little helping hand now and again. You seem like an honest type of person, Jared. Just a little down on his luck, that's all. And it's not completely altruistic on my part." He makes a gesture to encompass the entire office, in various stages of clutter and disarray. He looked back at Jared, eyes twinkling. "I am in dire need of some help here."

Jared found himself smiling back, nodding. "I-I don't have to think about it, Jensen. I'll do it, I'll take the job. You're right, I don't wanna go back home and this... you have a gorgeous house. I'd be honored to live and work here." He pauses, takes a deep breath to try and control the tears that threaten at his sudden good luck, after years of nothing but heartache, broken promises and let downs. "I'll do a great job. You won't be sorry."

Jensen beams and stands up, nods once. "No, I don't think I will be."

...

Two weeks into their arrangement and Jared feels like he's finally making some headway with Jensen's office. He'd started by sorting things into piles by degree of urgency in which they had to be attended to. He's already worked through the most urgent stack of papers and had started work on the second, with a few left. After that, he was going to start working on developing a more efficient filing system and updating the business software on the computer.

Then all that was left was straightening out the books.

Jared realizes, as he sits on the floor in the middle of the office, surrounded by papers and files and various other office supplies, that he should feel overwhelmed. As he rubs at the dull ache in his lower back though, all he can feel is a deep sense of satisfaction and an urge to do his best work.

It's a feeling he hasn't realized he'd missed.

Just then, Jensen swaggers in, covered in dust and sweat and still managing to make Jared's mouth water. He smiles and hunkers down beside the pile, picks up a few random papers before speaking.

"Makin' progress?" His cheeks are pink and so is the back of his neck and Jared wants to soothe it, rub aloe into it and then press soft kisses against the hot skin. After a few seconds, he realizes he's been staring while Jensen was waiting for a response.

"Uh, um, yeah. Slow but sure. Gonna take awhile but I have a plan. Wanna make sure I do things right. Once I get everything caught up it'll be real easy to keep up with the day to day operations."

Jensen nods, puts the papers back down where'd he'd found them. "Good, good." He pauses to smile again, looking a bit tired. "Listen, why don't you knock off for the night? Samantha's gonna have supper ready in a few and this stuff ain't gonna go anywhere until tomorrow mornin.'" He straightens and holds out a hand to Jared. Jared takes it, awkwardly getting to his feet, feeling his face heat with a blush but thankfully, Jensen doesn't say anything, just squeezes Jared's hand so briefly that Jared's not sure it really happened.

They head out to the dining room, where Samantha has set out a roast with all the trimmings. Jared takes one look at the food, which so far has been one of his favorite things about living and working at the Circle A, and feels bile rise in his throat. He barely makes it to the powder room right down the hall before he vomits, the meager lunch he had coming back up. As he heaves, he is distantly aware of strong hands smoothing down his back. He rests his head against the cool porcelain a moment after he's done, before slowly getting up.

He feels himself flush when he turns and sees it's Jensen standing there, worry written all over his features, realizes that Jensen was the one who'd stroked and soothed him while he was ill. He attempts a smile but knows it has to look more like a grimace and lets Jensen settle him on the toilet seat before he gets Jared a small glass of water from the tap. Jared drinks it, slowly, and feels the nausea recede. He closes his eyes and rubs a hand across his big belly before opening them and smiling sheepishly at Jensen, who obviously is concerned..

"You alright, Jared?" he asks, one hand hovering above Jared's shoulder like he's not sure if he should touch or not.

Jared nods and stands, knees a little shaky. Jensen puts a hand under his elbow and guides him out into the hallway where Samantha and Jeff are standing, both as worried as Jensen is. Jared gives them a weak smile and doesn't even put up a protest when Jensen leads him back to his bedroom instead of the dining room. He climbs in between the sheets with a low groan, the ache in his back still throbbing like a bad tooth and he grabs his body pillow, trying to get comfortable. Jensen lightly touches his arm after laying a throw blanket across Jared.

"Listen, you've been working too hard and with the baby... Why don't you take a nap and Samantha'll put your plate in the fridge so when you wake up, you can eat. And take it easy tomorrow, I don't wanna see you in that office, alright?" He looks sternly at Jared and Jared nods, a warmth pooling in his chest at the knowledge that these people care and worry about him. It's still such a foreign concept to him. "Alright. You holler if you need anything. I'm right down the hall."

His boots make hollow thumps against the braided rug as Jensen makes his way out of the room, closing the door over so that only a sliver of light from the hallway spills across the bed and Jared's legs. He feels sleep weighing him down and closes his eyes, knowing it probably won't last; he hasn't slept a full night in months because of the baby. But he knows better than to not sleep when the opportunity arises.

He's out like a light within minutes.

…

Jared wakes hours later, the room dim and the soft light from the hallway still spilling in. He stretches as well as he can and notices the dark indigo painting the sky outside and realizes he slept longer than he had expected. He rolls to his side to slide out of bed when a wrenching pain grips his abdomen and he curls up in a ball, hands wrapping around his middle as he clenches his teeth. It passes after a minute and he exhales, feels the sweat on his brow and on the back of his neck.

He thinks maybe he needs to throw up again so he gets up gingerly and stands. He barely takes one step towards the door before he realizes that his problem is so much worse than just an upset stomach. He grabs onto the oak nightstand by the door and props himself up, nudging the door open enough so that he can yell weakly for Jensen.

Jensen is by his side within minutes and Jared pants a little as he explains that he's in labor and probably has been since this morning. He has to pause once to huff and puff his way through a contraction and after he's done, Jensen picks up the phone on Jared's small desk and calls Samantha and Jeff, ordering them to pack Jared a bag and meet them at the hospital.

Jared barely even registers the worn gray sweatpants hanging low on Jensen's hips or the thin Aggies tee. Jared grits his teeth as he climbs into the cab of Jensen's gleaming Silverado with some help and holds onto the door with one hand once it's closed and they're on their way. He clutches Jensen's hand with the other, squeezing tighter with each pain.

The only thing that he's aware of during the frantic drive to the hospital is the soothing, repetitive sound of Jensen's voice as he assures Jared everything'll be okay and that Jensen won't leave.

...

Two days later, Jared smiles as Jensen makes his way into his room with a smile and a large teddy bear. He blushes when Jared eyes the toy and sits it in the corner of the room, before approaching the bed and tugging his hat off of his head as he watches the tiny bundle in Jared's arms wriggle and squirm.

Jared looks up and smiles. "That bear for her?" Jensen nods, sheepishly and Jared chuckles quietly as the baby coos in his arms. "Two days old and she already has you wrapped around her finger. Pitiful."

Jensen laughs and reaches out, runs a gentle finger over the downy skin of her cheek. Brooke turns towards him and Jensen smiles, bright as the sun. "Can't help it. She's a charmer."

He pulls the metal chair over to the side of the bed and sits down, turning his hat over and over in his hands as Jared holds Brooke and marvels at how this tiny person came from him. She has a dark shock of hair the same shade as Jared's and his nose and mouth. He isn't sure what color eyes she'll have but it doesn't matter.

He loves her more than he ever thought it possible to love someone else in his life.

He looks up from the study of his daughter's face when there is a knock on the door jam and smiles when he sees Doctor Gamble, the sweet and understanding doctor who had delivered Brooke. She continues to smile as she approaches Jared's bed, chart tucked up under the arm of her white coat.

"How're you and the little princess doing today, Jared?" She asks, eyes and smile kind.

"Good, real good. Fed her all on my own this morning." He grins, feels a little ridiculous how afraid he'd been to do that one small task by himself.

Doctor Gamble smiles. "That's good. You and Brooke are both doing great so we think we're gonna send you home tomorrow. Long as you take it easy for a week or two." She glances over at Jensen, whom she had assumed was the baby's father. While in the midst of labor pains the other night, Jared had done nothing to dissuade anyone of that notion; Jensen was footing the bill for everything anyway. And as much as it pained Jared to admit it, his situation at the Circle A Ranch was only temporary until he could get back on his feet. "Dad, you make sure to wait on Jared hand and foot, make sure you help with the feedings and changing the diapers, alright?"

Jensen nods, and Jared watches as he swallows, eyes boring a hole into Brooke.

Doctor Gamble smiles. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow morning before you're released. Jensen, you be here bright and early and make sure you have a car seat all set up for the little one."

Jensen nods again and smiles as he watches the doctor leave the room.

He gets up once she leaves and starts to pace. Jared frowns and watches as Jensen closes the door completely before coming to sit on his bed, not meeting Jared's questioning gaze. In the two weeks since Jared had come to work for Jensen, they'd developed a camaraderie, maybe even had started to develop a friendship, found that they shared the same sense of humor and a love for John McClane, among other things. Jared felt at ease with Jensen like he never had before with anyone in his life, not even Chad. Chad, who he thought was The One. Jensen's behavior was odd and Jared found himself wondering if he'd changed his mind, didn't want Jared around anymore now that the baby was a reality.

He feels anxiety settling in a cold knot in his chest as Jensen tentatively takes his hand, finally looking up. Jared holds onto his hand tight, clutching Brooke a little with the other, She squirms and Jared loosens his grip a bit as Jensen smiles, nervously.

"Jensen... is-is everything alright?" He finds himself asking, voice a bit weak.

Jensen took a deep breathe. "Yes and... no. I.. aw, hell, Jared. I kind of lied to you. A lie of omission but I still feel like sh-crap." He says, glancing at Brooke at his slip of the tongue. "My father died and left me the ranch. It's been in my family for generations but see, my daddy well. He was a bit worried about me settlin' down and gettin' married, carrying on the Ackles name. So one of the conditions of his will is that in order for me to keep the ranch from going to auction is that I have to be married before the one year anniversary of his death, if I wasn't already married at the time of his death."

Jared wasn't sure where he was going. Felt his breath catch when Jensen's green eyes looked intently into his own. "I want to marry you, Jared. It'd be in name only but we'd both benefit. You need a fresh start and I need a wife. We'll stay married for a year and then quietly get divorced. I'll make sure you and Brooke never want for money ever again. I gotta be honest, Jared," he pauses and smiles wider. "I am head over heels for that girl. It'd be my honor to help y'all out. And I don't want you to think of this as charity - you'd be doing me a favor I could never repay. I'd get to keep my ranch, my home and keep getting to do what I love."

Jared sputters for a moment. "I-I don't know what to say, Jensen. This is... it's a huge... I understand that that's a strange condition to keep your ranch and that your father only had your best interests at heart but don't you think you should try and fight this in court first?"

Jensen grins wryly before he responds. "Already tried that. Spent six months fightin' it. Only have a little over five months left now and I'm considerably poorer. When I met you by the side of the road that day... I had no idea you'd be the answer to my prayer. But you are. I'll understand if you say no but I won't lie and say I won't be disappointed. Because I will be." Jensen traces a finger gently over the back of Jared's hand. "You and I are friends and that's more than I'd hoped for when I realized I'd have to find a wife."

Jared still feels dumbstruck. "Jensen... We are friends but... Don't you want to find someone that you could love and marry them? Instead of just marrying for a year and then getting a divorce... I... Are you sure?"

Jensen looks down and bites his lip before looking back up and smiling, looking for all the world like a lost little boy. "Positively. I just don't have the time to date right now and I think I know you well enough to know you aren't just some gold-digger. I mean, there'd be a pre-nup but... that'd be just a legality. Aw, hell, Jared. I'm just trying to tell you I trust you. Please, at least say you'll consider this."

His eyes are beseeching and Jared bites his lip, looks down at his sleeping daughter for a moment. He looks back up at Jensen and takes a deep breath, deciding to trust his gut.

"Yes."

Jensen relaxes a bit. "You'll think about it?"

Jared nodded, smiling and chuckling a little. "Yes, I'll marry you, Jensen." He pauses and squeezes Jensen's hand tight. "I trust you, too."

...

A week later, Brooke wears a bubble gum pink dress adorned with tiny butterflies and a matching bonnet as Samantha holds her while Jared and Jensen exchange vows in the chambers of the local Justice of the Peace. Brooke is quiet and sleeps through the short ceremony as Samantha sniffles into a hankie and Jeff looks on with shining eyes.

Jared fiddles nervously with his tie during the ceremony. So much so that Jensen reaches over and grabs a hold of his hand, thumb rubbing soothingly over Jared's knuckles. He lets out a tiny breath and smiles at Jensen. Before he knows it, the ceremony is over and the judge is waiting for them to kiss.

Jared feels his cheeks heat as Jensen turns to him and cups his cheeks softly before pressing a soft, chaste kiss to his lips. He pulls back and Jared feels dumbstruck as Samantha and Jeff both rush forward to congratulate them. Jared has to resist the urge to rub his lips with his fingertips, his nerve endings still buzzing from the brief touch of Jensen's mouth against his. Jeff is busy clapping Jensen on the back as Samantha dabs at her eyes some more and hands the baby over to Jared.

He cuddles Brooke close to his chest and hopes he made the right decision.

They leave the courthouse shortly after signing the papers that make their marriage legal, pausing on the steps for the pictures that Samantha insists on. Jared feels the weight of Jensen's arm around his waist as he holds Brooke and wishes for a second that this could all be real. He shakes it off as they make their way to Jensen's truck and focuses instead on strapping Brooke into her car seat in the back of the roomy extended cab.

The ride back to the ranch is quiet. Samantha and Jeff decide to stick around in town for a bit, run some errands and so it's just the three of them. Jared thumbs the thick gold band on his left hand as Jensen sings quietly along to Garth on the radio. He turns to make sure Brooke is okay and finds her fast asleep.

He turns back around and meets Jensen's gaze. They smile at one another and then Jensen goes back to singing about two of a kind while Jared watches the gorgeous Texas landscape pass them by.

When they get back to the ranch, an old Ford pick up is parked in front, beat up guitar case leaning against the back window in the bed. Jensen's face lights up as he gets out of the truck and makes his way over to a man leaning against a post on the front porch. Jared watches with curiosity as they whoop and then embrace, the shorter man letting his cowboy hat fall to the ground as Jensen picks him up in a bear hug. They're laughing and clapping each other on the back as he makes his way over, Brooke a comforting weight in his arms.

Jensen keeps his arm around the newcomer when Jared comes over and smiles from ear to ear. He looks like the quintessential cowboy, complete with long, untamed hair and a sleeveless plaid shirt over beat up Levi's. His smile is welcoming if a bit confused.

"Jenny, boy... there a reason you're wearin' a suit and that you got a baby now?" He drawls and Jared knows it's not a Texas drawl but damn close.

Jensen smirks and lets go of his hold on the stranger to come stand by Jared's side. "Chris, this is my wife, Jared. And this little princess is Brooke. Jared, this is my oldest friend, Chris Kane. He's mostly harmless, just forgets to bathe. A lot."

Chris lets out another whoop and then it's Jensen's turn to be hauled off his feet.

"Well, shoot, son! Why didn't you tell me you were gettin' hitched! I'da dragged Steve's sorry ass down here with me!" Chris is all smiles and Jared finds himself smiling at the look of affection on Jensen's face.

Jensen was laughing as Chris sat him back on the ground. "Wasn't exactly a big production, Chris. Just a little ceremony at the J of P. Actually, that's where we're getting back from."

Chris picks up his hat, dusts it off on his pant leg. "Damn, boy... why you gettin' married in such an all-fired hurr-" He stops and eyes Brooke, drooling peacefully on Jared's tie. Chris' eyes widen and he punches Jensen in the arm. "Ah, I see. Well, damn Jenny. Least you finally did the right thing. Looks like it took ya long enough."

Jared looks between the two and realizes from the flush and sheepish look on Jensen's face and the genuine look on Chris' that Chris doesn't know the condition of Alan Ackles' will. He keeps silent, willing to silently follow Jensen's lead on this.

Jensen nods, puts his arm around Jared. "Well, you know me, Chris. Always takin' the long way around."

Chris lets out a hoot of laughter at that and claps Jensen on the shoulder. "Well, alright then. I'm gonna go get my gear out of the truck. I'm in town for a few days, got a gig. Figured I could rely on your legendary hospitality. But now, man. We gotta celebrate tonight, even if it's just out back at the fire ring." He pauses about halfway back to his truck. "Think we can get Samantha to make us some o'those ribs she's known for?"

Jensen beams. "Count on it."

Jared follows Jensen into the house while Chris gets his stuff. Jensen turns, loosens his tie as he watches Jared.

"Chris is my oldest friend but he's always on the road and playin' clubs and bars. I just haven't talked to him lately and, well, it's just easier sometimes to not talk to him about serious things. He doesn't really know what it's like to have the responsibilities I have." He sits down on the couch, slides his tie from his collar. Looks up at Jared through thick lashes. "Talkin' to Chris always helps me forget all my problems, ya know?"

Jared smiles, walks over and pats Jensen's shoulder. "It's okay, Jensen. I understand. I won't say anything."

Jensen smiles. "Figured it might be easier if people think she's mine... I, god, Jared, I hope that's not assuming too much on my part."

Jared shakes his head as Brooke begins to fuss. "Naw, it's alright. Don't worry about it." He hears Chris banging into the house just as Brooke starts to out and out wail. "I'm gonna go change her, put her down for a nap. You catch up with Chris."

Jensen nods and Jared makes his way back to Brooke's room when a thought hits him.

If Chris is staying with them and thinks this marriage is real and that Brooke is Jensen's... He's going to expect Jared and Jensen to share a bed.

As he opens the door to the nursery, he tries not to think about what the thought of sharing a bed with Jensen does to him.

...

Jared doesn't get a chance to get Jensen alone and talk to him about the sleeping arrangements until much later. Chris is in the kitchen trying to charm food out of Samantha and Jensen is down at the stable, tending to some horses. After Jared puts Brooke down for her nap, he tucks the baby monitor in the back pocket of his jeans and makes his way down to look for Jensen. When he finds him, Jensen is busy mucking out the stall of the horse Jared had seen him ride the day they'd met. He smiles when he sees Jared and straightens up, one muscled arm leaning against the pitchfork in his hand, the other swiping across his forehead, leaving a smudge of dirt behind.

"Get the little one down for her nap?" He asks, stepping out of the stall and propping the pitch fork against the wall. He tugs the worn leather work gloves off of his hands and sticks them in his back pocket.

Jared nods and shoves his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "Yeah, she went down real easy. Figure it was all the excitement of today."

Jensen nods and walks over to a table sitting right inside the door. He picks up a bottle of water and opens it, takes a long swallow. Jared has to bite his lip to keep from admiring the long lines of Jensen's throat as he drinks. "Uh, Jensen, I came down here... Chris thinks we're married..." When Jensen gives him a look as if to say 'we are married,' Jared hurries to clarify. "No, like, married, married. And if, um, you don't really wanna have to explain, then I um. I shouldn't be sleeping in the guest room. A-at least while he's here."

Jensen looks thoughtful for a minute and then nods. "You're right. I hadn't thought of that. Why don't I find one of the boys to finish this and I'll come up to the house, help you move your stuff."

Jared nods, tension forming an uncomfortable ball in his stomach. Jensen starts to make his way out into the sunshine but pauses. He turns and looks at Jared, backlit by the sun, hair glinting gold, the rays highlighting the scruff on his cheeks and chin. "Listen, there's a couch in my room, plenty big enough for me to sleep on while Chris is here. I don't want to make you uncomfortable or put you out. You need your rest, what with just havin' a baby and all."

Jared nods and follows Jensen up to the house, not sure if he should be relieved or not that he won't have to share a bed with Jensen after all.

He tries to ignore the feeling of disappointment in the pit of his stomach. It doesn't work.

Read Chapter Two of Two of Hired by the Cowboy