pvtguy

That you're inspiring so many responses is proof of the quality of this story and the involvement of your readers! Well done, Gary!

Illegal, yes...but those two need to sit in a locked room, get all the negative out in the open and then start dealing rationally. That would be a job for the good Doctor to tackle, but I will admit that I enjoy the drama in the story. After all, it is a story - yet one that has a lot of material upon which to reflect, react, and digest. Just the type that I enjoy reading, Gary!

You keep the tension going! I would have cheered if Charles had chained Hank and Chase together and kept them until they finally truly talked...but that would have ruined the story! Great job! And now...next chapter please? Tony

Life always intervenes - but, in the long run, we're better for it! After all, it takes all our life experiences to make us who we are. Thank you for not just giving up and ignoring this story! Thank you for sharing your talents! I do hope life rewards you with unexpected blessings daily! Tony

While I liked your work with short chapters, I could use a few really long chapters! You're doing such a great job with this story! So much to ponder here! Tony

I'm still not convinced that Hank is a douche! He acted out of hurt, rebound, etc. I do believe that it was an immature response meant to hurt Chase or to dull his own pain. That is not to condone the action, but simply an explanation. As for Dawson, he does know Brent better than anyone at this point. Is there a chance for a renewed and better relationship? That's going to more up to Gary than anyone else, he he! As for Chase's future...Gary has the key to that too! And I am eagerly awaiting the development as I really love this story! Tony

This story certainly explains the mentality and culture post-Depression of 1929. I really enjoy each chapter! You've set up a bit of intrigue: will Spence and Claire get together?

I am so glad you're writing this story - it is entertaining but the focus on the need for assistance to the vets through projects like you're mentioning is educational as well. I love how you weave so many things into the story but do not stray from the important ideas. Tony

Chase is finally maturing. It appears that even though he was very much in love with Hank prior to the break-up, he was not independent enough and Hank was the more dominant of the pair. Now there is a chance for them to be equals and establish a much stronger relationship if Hank will deal with his own issues with his mother. I see hope whether they reconcile or simply do become friends. Great job! This is one fine story!

You do have a way with words!

Each chapter deepens my love of this story! People helping each other, making the best of each opportunity that arises. It is a very warm story! Tony

How did I miss this posting last week? Another volume in the CJ series is always a welcome event! I'm already loving the direction this is taking. I love how you integrate compelling issues into the story and this is not going to disappoint! Tony

I have waited until the end to post any comment. I read the story completely before making any comments as I wanted to see the development. It is very well written (some chapters need a bit of editing to correct grammar errors - just enough to be annoying to a grammar freak such as I, lol!) and I love the twists and turns I knew the ending before you actually made it happen - after all, would this have been a HEA otherwise or would it have been as satisfying? Absolutely not! You've crafted a story which kept me riveted from the first chapter. You've presented topics from different points of view very craftily: I especially liked the whole approach of religion vs. atheism = you showed that religion did not have to be thrown out in order to accept oneself as gay, but without any preaching! You chose to show that there is a positive message in the Bible as well as a negative. You presented characters from the very shallow to the very deep, both of whom are complicated. I really liked this story and will look for more from you!

I got to this a little late this time! Still, a great chapter and lots of wonderful comments! Just continues to show how well written this story is and how it evokes the responses! One side note: how did you know I live on Pheasant Run (actual name of my condo association)?

I love this family! The honesty, and the love is palpable! I wonder if the same values would be seen by many with today's transient values of "what suits me now" vs. true commitment to making things work with respect for each other! Great story!

You have succeeded in telling a well-crafted story. Both of you are wonderful writers singularly, and together you have melded your talents into a very enjoyable read!

Such a lovely story that covers the time from Christmas to Valentine's day in the life of a single father with a young son. It is heart warming, very well written and not at all schmaltzy!

And now we have some real drama! Keeping Peter and Eric safe has consequences. I sure hope Cosmo's wounds aren't mortal!

I know you're really passionate about Hank and I have my thoughts too, but I don't want to be too harsh. Yes, he is overreacting and, as much as we can see at this point, he is being a true ass. What do we really know about how he has been in the past? We only have Chase's description and that could well be idealized from his own feelings of guilt and inadequacy. And, it adds to the drama of the story! We only know what is assumed by Chase about Kevin. Who knows - perhaps he is also Hank's Dawson... In any case, in that we all feel so strongly only confirms the fact that this is a really well-written story which evokes such passion. Thank you Gary for giving us this gift!!! Tony

I did have the feeling Terrence would move to Gail's side...still, the drama was great! Is this definitely the end or is there more to come?

You have accurately described the conflict that some forms of Christianity create with those who aren't of their very narrow point of view, which view I would argue is not the mind of Christ as they proclaim it to be as they are quick to quote scriptures that do not come out of the mouth of Jesus but many other sources. In any case, I like that Trace is a strong voice to challenge Pate! I know I will find out how these conflicts are resolved in the subsequent chapters, but limited to just this and the first chapter, well done!

Once again, you've created an intriguing story and captivating characters. Looking for more of these!! Tony

Having grown up with the attitudes and values learned by my parents who grew up through the Great Depression and WWII, I can totally identify with how they are approaching life. Spence's desire to live in the brownstone has added benefits: he gets to see Ann! And now on to the next posting - which I hope is soon!

I am wondering about Frank: he goes to the garage after Ike leaves and tries "to understand why he felt like he was coming apart at the seams". He has given Ike "permission" to fall in love. He and Ben seem to be developing a strong relationship as it should develop with friendship as a strong base. That they haven't "consummated" anything yet, I almost felt as though he might be having some reticence. I love the style, the "story within a story", the characters and the excellent writing by you both! Tony

So much to say about the story and some of the comments, but I will reduce it to these points: 1) We don't know that Hank is seeing Dr.Chorney, but it is definitely possible. However, he apparently has not worked through his feelings about his mother as is evident by his responses to Chase. Thus, I'm withholding judgment still until we know more. 2) Chase is making progress, but he has yet to absolve himself of the guilt he feels. He wants Hank's forgiveness, but he is withholding forgiveness of himself until Hank absolves him. That is still a lingering issue he needs to work through. 3) Dawson is proving to be a real friend! As for the common friends, we only know of the one set of friends who did not seem to take sides. Chase has not pursued them either. 4) Hank is taking Rex for apparently allowing him a great place to play. Yet, it also seems another example of controlling Chase by denying him what he wants. I see it as a more overt manipulation. Another great chapter, Gary!! Tony