Headstall

No promises, J J, but I do try to keep my friends satisfied. I agree they are becoming like family, and there is always strength and safety in numbers. Reid is a good man, and as Sheriff, a good man to have as a friend. I think this new level for Jubal and Lucas is beautiful too. I am so happy for Jubal. He has been through the fires of hell, yet he is still a loving, caring, and strong man. They fit well together. Thanks, buddy. See you Monday.

@FanLit is very adept at getting her point across. She should be a writer.

Yes, and who knows how much he might have saved as a cowboy. He doesn't seem to be a drinker, so it's possible he did have some savings before reaching Bearpaw. Sheriffs weren't wealthy as a rule, though crooked ones could likely do all right. Reid is lucky he has the offer to use any tools Lucas and Jubal have, as well as Dinah and the wagon. He won't have to outlay a huge amount of money to get the farm going.

Beautifully put, my friend. He has returned the the man he was with Vincent, except now he is stronger, smarter, and not having a time limit on this love with Lucas. No matter he doesn't hold it against Vincent, knowing he was going to marry one day had to have eaten at him. So... in essence, he really is a more beautiful version of who he's always been. Lucas gives him faith, and with it, fear can no longer rule him. I remember him saying at one point that the instincts to run were really strong... yet now those instincts are gone. That generous gesture to Reid does indeed speak to the man Jubal is, and I bet Reid's measure of the man went way up after that. He even got Reid to agree to take it by holding him to his saying he would owe Jubal forever for saving Lucas. That is a cocky, confident thing to do, and Reid couldn't turn the loan down after that. He outsmarted the sheriff.

Why thank you, my platonic friend. I strive to be delightful. I do love that part you quoted. Glad you appreciated it. Seriously. It was meant to be a touch poetic. Lucas and Reid have always been friends, but I get your point. As a couple, they have his friendship, and that was something up in the air until recently. I like you way you see Reid, then and maybe now, but could it be he is changing. Is seeing first hand what Jubal and Lucas have going to make him reevaluate what is important to him. Could be interesting for sure. Hmmmm. I've kept Billy in the background, letting us see him sporadically, but he is a fascinating side character to me. Absolutely, he is brave to declare himself to his pa, and that must have been a life changing thing to do. We don't know what William Senior thinks, but the fact he treats him well is probably a good sign. Could be too that he tolerates him, and that could be for appearances. Who knows. I don't know if bachelor's corner will apply for anything other than appearances, but would Reid purchase land if he didn't see the life his friends have? He's been a rover type for a good part of his life, so whatever his motivation, I think it will be good for him to have his own place. To me, he is sending a different vibe. Lol to testosterone drawing the wildings back. Thanks, dear friend... you never disappoint.

Jack a what? Sounds like a relative.

Wait? What?

Well... the end is near after all, and I might as well look hot... and grim....

Yes, things are definitely looking up. Thanks, Sherye. Happy I could make you day. Bearpaw has made its way into my heart, and so have these characters.

I prefer to think I look like this...

Hey, em. Happy to hear that. Safety can not be overrated. To feel safe, especially as a gay man in these times, is just about priceless, as is sharing that safety with someone you love. Lucas and Jubal have wormed their way into our hearts, and we get to share in what they are building. All the fear and trauma may not be forgotten, but it is relegated to the past. I enjoyed watching reader's reactions to Reid, and how they slowly changed. Developing his character was a great challenge and joy for me. I hoped/knew we would all love him in the end, and believe in who he really was... a man big enough to know and respect love when he saw it happening, and not do anything to assuage his ego.. Thank you, my friend.

Thank you, Darryl. It means a lot to hear that. I never know how chapters will be received, especially ones with these elements of intimacy, but this kind of validation is what keeps me typing away. Cheers and be well, my friend.

Aww... sorry, Albert. Don't cry or I'll cry.

Thanks, buddy! I agree with you about Reid. He's in their corner, and accepts that he lost to a different man. When it isn't right, there is no sense trying to change that, and he's a smart and caring man. You always have kind words for my writing, and I appreciate that more than you know. As far as Billy, who knows what will happen there. For right now, Jubal and Lucas are on their way to building a great life. Cheers, my dear friend.

Yeah, there is a lot of love in this one, Craig, and friendship too. I get why you felt the nervous jealousy... maybe Reid is trying to capture some of what Lucas and Jubal have by owning land. And I agree that is healthy. Where Billy might fit in is a question for down the road, but for a man like Reid to settle down on land, well... that is a big deal. Maybe he is catching up to Lucas, and better late than never. We all go through stages in our life. I never thought I would have four kids, and now I couldn't imagine a life without them. Jubal is a revelation to both Lucas and Reid. I think we all saw his strengths, but he is still a revelation to us as well. It is a joy to see him so confident and nor worried that his mask might slip. Appreciate the support as always, my friend.

Thank you for saying so, Leo. I always try my best to give us something that touches us and lets us escape to another world for a time. Bearpaw has become such a place, just like Larkspur. There is a lot to be mined from this time period, and it has become a great love of mine. Happy you liked this chapter plenty, and I appreciate your kind words and support.

Yes, money well spent for them. Thanks, Parker. Pleased you enjoyed it.

Sacre bleu!

It's cold here too, but I think I'm better off than you right now, Mags. Thank you for saying this. First of all, I have a genuine interest in all sorts of things to do with the subject matter, but research still has to be done. I do my best to get all the details right, or at the very least, not be wrong about them. Research isn't infallible, but common sense plays a part to, and I've absorbed a lot of stuff through my numerous years. You've made your day with your appreciation for my efforts. I strive for an authentic feel, especially to my westerns, without overloading the readers with unimportant stuff that will bore a reader to tears. So, if I'm told I get that balance right, I am a happy author. Cheers!

Yes, and my bookmark said they were marketed commercially until 1839, but didn't become common for a few years after that. On the frontiers, folks had to be innovative, using the materials at hand. Wire screening could probably be ordered into Bearpaw and towns like it in the 1850s, but burlap would have done the trick while using a common fabric close at hand. I love that spirit of recycling. I do it all the time... always thinking what I can use something for that I have no need for anymore. For me, it has nothing to do with cost... and my younger daughter picked the habit up from me. Nothing trashy, though.

They can afford the fine. Probably figured it into risk/reward. Our data paid for it anyway.

Less fun that way. I'd like to see the face of anyone snooping browsing history and seeing 'two-peckered rabbit'.

Let there be light... yeah, I get that, my friend, and it is awesome to hear. Buying the land was a natural progression for them as a couple... not necessary, but definitely a smart move. I always knew Reid was a decent man, but it's understandable his nose was out of joint when Jubal showed up. But, he's one who takes his lumps straight up, and now we see he's a good guy after all. It must have been hard for him to live in back of the office, never far away from the job's demands. I like too, that he cares so much about his gelding, worrying over him getting sick again. I used to have my horses at a boarding barn when I was in my teens and early twenties, and I hated when sickness went through the barn. Every time a new horse came in it seemed we had some sort of outbreak. We were always sterilizing mangers and water buckets. Glad you liked this one, dear lady. Thank you for always being there with your support.

It wonderful to be wanted, spyke, but the end is near.