Headstall

Some fascinating world building here. This story ranks as 10 on the satisfaction meter. It is well told, unique, and wonderfully entertaining. Give this fantasy piece a read... you won't be disappointed. Cheers!

Loved this! When I saw the word count I thought I would read just the first half, but I couldn't stop. I was totally engrossed. The pacing was superb, the dialogue and banter entertaining, and the story as a whole was satisfying. I love this world you're created. Well, done, Myr.

Thank you, @Doha !

It's lovely to hear this, Patrick. I took a different approach with this one, and you just never know how stories will be received. You'me my day, so thank you. Any chance it is worth a Story Review? Recommendation?

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Thanks for coming through for me @Nahrung !

I am sad too, Neal, but it was time to end it. I understand wanting more, and I tried to touch on all you've mentioned, but readers have taken the journey with us, and can let these boys live in their imagination if they choose. They will certainly live in mine, and I will come back to this story many times to read a chapter or two. So pleased you consider it a great story, buddy. Any chance for a Story Review? Is it worth one? I will say there are characters in this story who could make another appearance someday if I continue writing westerns Thanks for the support for those I have written. Take care.

I've been waiting for you, my dear friend! Woot! I finally got to use your title!!! I think it fits perfectly, both literally and metaphorically. Thank you for giving it to me. "Besterns"... I love it! You know, I wondered about whether "Roping the Moon" was the best title for this story, but I'm really glad I went with it. It's a romantic title from a romantic old writer. And yes, Augie did rope the moon... and if I came close to roping in readers, then all is good in the world. Another one in the books... the "bestern" books. Thanks for keeping me company, sweet lady.

If only, eh, Les? There seems to be so much hate in these times, and it makes no sense to me. It's why escaping into a love story/adventure is so necessary. I appreciate the kind words, buddy, and who knows when the next story will be. I certainly don't. I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately... maybe I'll write a short story or two next... or take some time off. Glad to hear you thought this was a great one.

Thank you, Chris! When I was a young lad living across the road from my uncle's farm (two barns), I loved watching the barn swallows building their nests up above the mows. Such incredible works of art. I would watch them for hours darting back and forth. I'm pretty sure that's where Barnswallow came from when I needed a name for the old homestead. Appreciate you and your kind words, my friend.

Anything is possible, Gordy. Happy to hear you liked the ending. Cheers!

Thanks, my friend! Characters are what make a story work, so I'm pleased you found them well developed. Endings are always difficult... I never know how they will be received. Hopefully readers will find it satisfactory. Appreciate the support.

Thanks, Harshaw, for sharing your thoughts and thinking it was well told. I'm going to miss these guys too. Any chance for a Story Review, Story Like, or Story Recommendation?

I hope that's a good thing. In some ways, I feel the same, and in other ways, it was a long process. I'll miss these guys and you readers.

I think it was important to show Willy James and Runyan make their own decisions about their house. I can see that place as looking very pretty set among the big pines with its new paint, it's full-length front porch a place for them to relax after long days. I also wanted to show how it was painted before the big house. You are so right about the importance of liking someone you love. It gets harder to succeed at love if you don't like the person. Fletcher is right about August. He has come into his own, and we can all see what a decent, fair, loving, and intelligent man he is. It is the second time I've written a foaling. So glad you were moved by it. They relied on these animals for so much back then, and they were treasured. Of course August is torn in some ways about the family he left behind. It's because he is decent, and he is fortunate he has Fletcher to balance him. He'll set these boundaries, and he'll do the right thing, because that is who he is. I truly appreciate your candor that you prefer Larkspur and those characters. It really helps me. Thank you, my dear friend. Yep... one moon roped, and a future filled with promise.

And Regis and Darnell. Those boys had an impact on me, and I think it impacted these four men as well. This story is a little bit front tilted, planned that way, and the jury is still out on if that was the right approach. Your words and support are very encouraging, my friend. Barnswallow came into my brain right at the beginning, and I wanted it to be a Shangri-La of sorts for these guys and for us. Everyone needs a little magic in their lives. "You truly “roped the moon” with this story and your readers." Love this! Thank you for saying so! Take care, Doc.

Thanks, buddy, and thanks for you lovely, kind Story Review. This story started with a lot of turmoil for all of these young men, but now it ends with peace and contentment. Traveling for all those miles wasn't the only journey. Each man has had a personal journey as well. They are all comfortable and secure in who they are as individuals and couples, and they feel the Lord is in their corner. It's the way it should be. As far as Albert, he's had a personal journey too, yet it appears he is still the same man, still trying to control those around him. We can't be completely sure, but it looks like Rob has broken free. Barnswallow started out as a dream in some ways, but the reality has exceeded all expectations. It works because of how it was set up, and because the boys work as a team in all ways. Each man takes on a share of the responsibilities, so they all can enjoy life. Thanks again, centex! I don't know yet if there will be more stories like this to come, but I thank you for all the support you've given me.

Thanks, bro! I'm not exactly ready for the end of this tale either, but it was time. Hopefully, I got all or most of the loose ends tied up satisfactorily. I'm pleased you found this one compelling... you know how I am always unsure. As always, I appreciate the support, dugh.

Gary-like! I like that, Cane! I live for happy endings. We don't know where Rob will end up, but yeah, maybe he'll find real love and it will change him, especially if he is out from under his father's thumb. It would be fitting if the son Albert banked on wants no part of him either. As for our heroes, all four have as good a chance as anyone of living a happy, successful life. Glad you liked this ending, and I hope you enjoyed our journey. Thanks for sharing, buddy.

That's what I think too, Doc. These four men enjoy what they are doing, and feel blessed every day. They have found justification and peace, things they never should have needed to, but life is often unfair to gay folk. As Dorothea said when they met her, diversity is important in farming, and they seem to have all the bases covered already. There was so much more I could have included in this chapter, like the hogs and the gardens, but there is such a thing as too much detail. That love you speak of deserved the most attention. Thanks for your continuing support, my friend. Hope you enjoyed the journey. Who knows how many more might be left for me... if any.

Thanks, Albert. I hope this final chapter gives readers everything they need from a good story. This story had really three parts... the escape, the journey, and the reward. It is a simple way of saying August has succeeded in becoming his own man, and he couldn't have done that without Fletcher and the truth he helped him face. Barnswallow is a haven for our boys, a legacy which proves over and over how much Augustus has been loved, and still is loved. It is a place love can flourish, and lives can be lived, and successes can be measured by the many. I felt this story deeply as I wrote it, and I thank you for all the support you've given it and me. I appreciate the kind words you have left here. No, their troubles are not over, but I think they have proved they have the strength to deal with anything that might come their way. Cheers!

The final chapter has posted...

Horse of a Different Color Driving past the laneway to the left in their rebuilt one-horse cart, August brought Fancy from a trot down to a walk, and then a halt. That mess of trees they’d cut down had the old Wardell farm looking like a going concern again, which it was. They’d left most of the tall pines, though, and they gave plenty of privacy to the buildings farther back, especially the house what now wore a new coat of white paint with dark green trim. He liked the choic

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