Headstall

He roped the damn moon! This was a fun chapter to write... I really enjoyed the tension of the scene at the house. Roland would appear to be a man among men. Love when these characters emerge. Thanks, Doc. You're right that Albert is smitten... and distracted. Cheers! G.

There is always danger when it comes to dealing with Albert, but we did learn he has his soft spot. Maureen really helped August out here, and so did Virginia. August couldn't leave and not tell Albert where he's going... he would be hunted down. This has to appear above board, and Albert's approval, however tentative, was a necessity. August even surprised himself I believe. He out connived a conniver. Thanks, Doc!

Yep, he is without a doubt. Augie is in a real pickle... and sees no way out of it. He finally understands the extent of his father's lawlessness and cruelty, though, and forewarned is forearmed. Everything in August's life has shifted, and kudos to the both of them for having the guts to speak their truths. Fingers crossed for this young and vulnerable love. Thanks, Doc!

Kinks galore I'm afraid, Doc. More to come on that, but for now, August has an option, thanks to his wonderful grandmother. Will Fletcher have any influence on that? It is so hard for August to be vulnerable... but he's trying... at least it would seem there's been some thawing in the feud between a Cooley and a Crawley. It's nice to have your support again, friend. Cheers!

You make a good point. Sorry.

He's been reading the room for years, Doc, but now he has other things to figure out. I guess the first thing would be... who is August Cooley? He needs to sort that first, and then get some answers for why Fletcher acted and spoke the way he did. And, no, nothing will ever change for him in his own family. It must feel like it is him against the world since his ma passed. At least he had one caring parent from the sounds of it. Albert is a dick. Thanks, buddy! Cheers!

Yes, he is. He leads a miserable kind of existence, and his secret would not go over well if word gets back to his pa. Rob... well he is just a colossal ass, liking nothing more than to harass his younger brother. The big question is, is Fletcher really the enemy he sees him as? This was a hell of a way to get exposed... literally and figuratively. Cheers, my friend! Hope you stick with it.

Doc! I can't lie... I've been worried about you. Haven't seen you around much for a while, and I know losing a good friend like Geron was a shock to us all. So great to see you here. Binge away... I hope you enjoy this little tale. Cheers!

That's wonderful news. I think you are doing the right thing not going to PA just yet.

My heart breaks for you, dugh. Keep hoping, and God bless you and Mum.

Yeah, I thought so. I'm pleased you did too, Parker. It was an end befitting such a momentous day. I felt the rain really helped make the scene extra special, but maybe I'm biased. Oh to be that young and full of eagerness again. Cheers, my friend.

Necessity is the mother of invention, right, Doc? These boys are giving this some deep thought sure enough. Ingenuity was a priceless commodity back then, for gays and straights alike. Glad you enjoyed this one, and I thought some readers might get a kick out of Willy James' gun barrel idea. Thanks, buddy.

That must be scary for her and you. Remember to look after yourself too, dugh.

I'm praying for you both, brother.

Thank you, good buddy! Appreciate that, and I hope the down under is all you could hope for. Stay safe.

If you felt like you were there with them, them I am happy. Imagery is so important for the reader experience. Yeah, so far so good. I wondered what readers would think of a big storm coming... if there would be flashbacks to another western I wrote a while back. We've been figuring things out about lovemaking long before manuals were written and the internet existed. And yes, good experiences require some care. I've stood naked in the rain... more than a few times... and there is nothing quite like it. It is invigorating. Thanks, my friend.

Hi, Sherye! You've caught up! Happy to hear you found this chapter heartwarming. There has been enough early drama already, and I wanted this chapter to feel peaceful. Thanks, my dear friend.

Couldn't agree more, Kris! August deserves to have this... to share a life with a man like Fletcher. Their journey has been well-earned so far. Loneliness will eat at a person no matter how strong they are, or how much they tell themselves they can handle life alone. Thankful for your sharing and support, buddy.

I just lost my entire response to you! Arghhhh! Anyway, thank you so much for such a wonderful comment. Lion and Tiger were named by Maureen when they first arrived at the ranch. I love writing the banter when characters become comfortable with each other. It provides me great joy. The alone line you quoted really got to me when I wrote it. It's a powerful reminder of what having Fletcher now, means to August. "... memories even time cannot steal" Beautiful. As is "... ruin them for anyone else" As aways, I treasure you as a friend and am thankful for you support, lovely lady.

Thank you, Cane. Love the new avatar! Yeah, there are no manuals or internet, but love has always founds its way. I'm so pleased you see my writing/storytelling as having consistency. I really do strive for that, and spend hours and hours working on getting the atmosphere and descriptions right. I have learned for myself, the easiest thing in the world is for a writer to overdo it. That can be even worse than not giving the reader enough. Enough prattling. I do appreciate your kind words and support.

Thank you, my dear friend! Gyrate away! I wanted this chapter to give us the warm and fuzzies while being true to the journey itself. I hope you could see the trail like I do. The rain surrounding them made it feel somewhat magical to me. Cheers, and much appreciation, milady.

Delicious? Love that, centex! Yeah, they are meant to be together... I've felt that from the first river scene. There is a fine love between love and hate... isn't that what they say? That passion had to come from somewhere. Water was life... and still is for some areas of the world. Dry land was dead land back then, and they were at the whim of the weather. August knows there is no journey without healthy horses, but more than that, they are like family. And yes, they are a resource to be used by breeding them. August and Fletcher have each other, but if Willy James and Runyan have left Enniskillen, they are riding on their own with no backup. Fingers crossed for them both. Those times could be very harsh. Thank you, friend. Your support means a lot to me. It is so easy to feel discouraged sometimes. Cheers!

Glad you felt this way, Patrick. They were in a world of their own under that wagon as rain poured down on all four sides. I hope it seemed a bit magical, this little bit of self-education and sharing. We have been figuring things out since we were put on this earth. Thanks, buddy.

I appreciate the kind words, Albert. I was hoping readers would see and feel this new world for them... this freedom that has been hard-earned. In some ways it might seem it is them against the world, but that is not a bad thing. Their love and closeness is being solidified as they embark on this journey, and the rhythm of it will stand them in good stead as a couple as they settle into a routine. There is no internet or how to books, so they must learn life's wondrous secrets together. Cheers, my friend.

The chores never end. My Son-I-L and I cleaned up a downed section of an old maple, and trimmed some branches off a big elm yesterday. Now I have some broken fence boards to take care of. My mom used to say idle hands are the devil's workshop.