Carlos Hazday

Take a look at the comment @spikey582 left in the forum thread about @Mann Ramblings approach to romance. He's taught me everything I know. I haven't killed anyone off in a while.... Just saying.

@chris191070 Hell no! And its 8 books plus the two short stories. IF there's a wedding it better happen sooner. Even though they probably won't get written, I do have 5 more books and 6 more short stories outlined

@spikey582 One day I should compile all the raunchy, sexist, filthy comments he leaves me while editing. The man has me laughing my butt off. Why do you think we get along?

Careful... your invitation to the wedding may get lost in the mail

Hush! @Defiance19 just gave me crap because I surprised the heck out of her. I think Owen's kiss was all the answer CJ needed. Just wait until they get home after dinner, Ritchie's waiting for them to watch a TV show. Now you have a better idea of how long it takes me to have a chapter ready for publishing!

@Defiance19 Thanks, Def. And happy VD to you too. Surprised? You can chastise me when we see each other in April LOL

Thanks, bud. The reaction has been what I expected and more. I'll have CJ whipped back into shape being his usual foul-mouthed, sarcastic self soon

@chris191070 I may have had moist eyes myself a couple of times while writing and editing the scene. I rarely tear up during romantic moments, usually it's been during one of CJ's speeches, but after writing this every time I hear THEIR song I smile and the tears threaten to erupt.

I wonder what chapter this one replaced... CJ's a bit more impetuous than Owen, I agree the Aussie may have waited a bit longer. We'll hear why CJ chose this moment to do it. You're correct in thinking the recent visit to Australia and the conversation with Geoff and Pam Liston may have helped spark his decision. Think about it, they've known each other for over three years and been 'boyfriends for over two; it was time to poop or get of the hell off the toilet. From a writing point of view, the hints I've dropped have been subtle, I did want this to come as a surprise to the readers. And also in real life, I turned the speech off soon after it started but what I heard was enough for me to need fresh air that day too, I just didn't have the Cuban cigar to smoke on the patio.

Now that I think about it, I have Aussies as one of the main characters and one of the primary supporting cast members. I also used an Aussie (Nick Youngquest) as the initial basis for Brett's descriptions. OMG, I need to enter an Aussie Recovery Program!

Apologies for not answering sooner. I saw small print and had to wait until my attorney, Owen Liston, reviewed it to make sure everything was fine. LOL Sorry but this was an early release of this Friday's chapter, but we'll have a new one in just 10 days

Love the eloquence! I really do, it tells me you approve! Thank you!

@spikey582 Every time we bantered over the past year I had to bite my tongue. I don't do romance but you kept holding that virtual gun to my head insisting I could do it... Aside from her usual duties, I asked @Kitt to read the initial version of the scene to ensure I was on the right track. She assured me it was romantic without being sappy and the way it was written it fit CJ's personality. Then there's Mann. When I told him I wanted to time the publishing of the story so I could publish this chapter on Valentine's Day he said something about increased sugar levels and the fear of diabetic coma.

@BlindAmbition Did you notice you got mentions in the last two chapters? JP keeps popping up. I think they're both looking out for each other. CJ was ready to rip into Ozzie's parents while in Australia and now Owen wants to ensure CJ has a proper college experience. They were meant for each other. Glad you liked it, m8.

@Sweetlion They may want to get in touch with you when they start interviewing wedding planners! I don't want to give away too much of what I'm thinking for the wedding, hell for all we know it may not happen! You'll have to stick around to find out if, when, where, and how it happens.

Just Say Yes... Damn! Now I'm gonna have to work really hard to top it. That may be difficult with this book but maybe the next one. Thanks, Wes.

LMAO! I've been playing the proposal song for the past few months (since I wrote the first draft of the chapter) and like it more every day. I thought CJ did a good job using it as the soundtrack. I think it affected DC even more than the rest of us. I remember standing on packed snow watching Jimmy Carter get sworn in and the crowd was gigantic. Trump's may have been smaller than most recent ones, but the city still comes to a standstill. His words were so different from anything we've heard before they shocked anyone who's ever watched an inauguration.

As I've already said, it's fun when I can surprise readers. We already know how loyal CJ is and Ozzie's parents found out in the previous chapter. I think CJ's been planning this for a couple of months.

Yep, we have a wedding to plan. You think either one of them will dare wear white? As for when and where and where to live we'll start finding out details next week.

LOL - Next up: The families react and a couple of frivolous events to keep everyone in a good mood.

Thanks, Dugh! That picture I ripped off the internet but I'm planning on either dinner or lunch at Martin's Tavern when I'm in DC in April, I'll take a few more pictures then and share them.

Thank you! I wanted to surprise readers and I think it worked. Some may have been expecting a proposal sooner or later but we know CJ does things on his own timetable. I'm sure you'll be getting a Save-the-Date announcement in the near future. You're one of those who's been with me from the start!

@spikey582 I suspect one the reasons CJ and Ozzie fit well together is the influence of their parents. Neither set's willing to ignore reality by sticking their heads in the sand and I can see how some of that has rubbed off on their kids. Yeah, I'd say Owen's going to be around for the foreseeable future.

I was watching Olympic Games coverage last night, men's half-pipe competition. I rooted for Shaun White and was happy to see him get gold but while Scotty James did his runs, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi kept going through my mind. Glad he medaled too. Ozzie's definitely made me root for Australia. In the previous response, I reminded everyone I don't do romance. I don't EVER do cliffhangers either.