Headstall

Damn... I missed another chance to use your chapter title! It would have worked for this one too... I swear one day I will use it, come hell or high water! I couldn't imagine a more profound and special welcome to August by a grandfather long gone. I absolutely loved writing that scene in the shed. The boys are home... and what a day they've had. Even the house itself has seemed to have welcomed them. Thank you, my lovely friend. Hope life is treating you well.

From what I know of John Barrymore, his pee was likely 90 proof.

Very well said, Doc. Writing that scene, it really felt like Brewster was there. What a lovely gift to say what words cannot. As August says, it doesn't matter what kind of loving they share, but yeah, this consummation held great significance to both men. I would say that Fletcher especially, now feels proper married. Thanks, my friend.

Never pee into the wind. One of every lad's first lessons.

Gotta love a man who can speak from the heart. I know I do. Even knowing it, you're right that Fletcher has to love hearing those words. It's lovely what you say about this. And yes, what August has, Fletcher has. If there was any doubt left that August was loved by his family, that carving should put t all to rest. He was cherished by his grandfather before he even had a chance to meet him. He can't and won't let his father and brother take away from the fact he has plenty of love surrounding him now. Love your Book of Matthew quote too. It is fitting. I live to write love, but I live to write the banter of love too, that comfortability with your partner, where you share the best parts of your humor because of that incredible trust you share. Yes, there is a grave, but all August has to do is look around to feel Brewster's presence. That is pretty special, isn't it? Since this is written from August's POV, I can't write about Willy James and Runyan's first time in a proper bed, but I think we all know it will be just as special to them as it was for Fletcher and August. Lol to cocks crowing. There will be four cocks crowing cum morn. Thanks, my dear friend. You are always such a delight... and a clever one to boot.

Thank you, my brother.

I agree the carving is the heart of this chapter. To have such a gift bestowed by a grandfather long gone is the final proof of his importance to the man. To August, while he may regret not meeting him, the carving holds as much importance now as it ever could. He will find inner strength and comfort in this. As far as the marriage bed scene is concerned, I made it as human and awkward and loving as I could. Couplings are part of life's magic, mysterious until it happens, and with a myriad of ways for it to be good. I've always said love is what makes loving so sweet. And yes, the truth is that the first time is the only time it will be the first time, and August and Fletcher understand it is to be cherished. Glad to hear you could sense the house come alive for them. You're right... they are no longer wanderers. They are the custodians of a love and a legacy. Thanks, Albert!

August was clearly shocked at such a gift from his deceased grandpa. What a shame they never met, but it doesn't surprise me that Brewster was skilled at carving, nor that, knowing he was dying, he made sure he left something special for his new grandson, something that he would find one day. I suspect Harriet knew about that carving, and left it there for August to find. Lol. The boys waited a long time for this night, and I don't think either was disappointed. I remember when I was young, some family members talking about preparing the marriage bed for a cousin who was getting married. I never understood what needing preparing, but I did understand it was an important tradition, and I've never forgotten it. I confess I've pissed out a window a time or two myself, buddy. We had a chamber pot for wintertime back when we had an outhouse. It was a different time and a different world. Thanks for your support, centex.

Hey, Kris! You're welcome. Is there anything better than young love? I just love these guys, and I think we can see how big a deal this was for Fletcher especially. Why shouldn't he have his marriage bed. Thanks, buddy... I hope this was enjoyable for you.

New chapter posted...

A Carving and a Contraption August was exhausted in a good way, the long journey and the excitement of this blessed day catching up to him, but it didn’t keep him from being randy too. Moving around the dark shed with a lantern, he inspected what be on the benches more closely than earlier. It was almost spooky in the quiet of this place, and he couldn’t help feeling Grandpa Brewster had joined him in the dim light. Just wishful thinking, he supposed. He had learned a lot abou

Thanks, Patrick! I wrote it such a long time ago, and can see all the mistakes, but I'm proud of this one all the same. Love is a hard thing to kill sometimes. And yeah, Bailey is indeed a lucky little girl. Writing about Ronnie was difficult, but it was an important part of the story. So pleased you enjoyed this... I love when older stories get some attention. Cheers! Gary.

Don't send me any rain from Sunday to Wednesday, Tink!

You're welcome.

Spikey! Stop perving out!

This 'love on the run' thriller is well worth the read, whether you're a sci-fi geek or not. Exciting from beginning to end.

Loved the pacing and the tension in this 'run for your life' piece, Chris. You must have done a lot of research because the technical stuff felt authentic to me. It merged wonderfully with the love between these two men. Kudos. Gary

Sunny morning here. G'day, mates.

So, it was determined I need a new septic bed. It was quite a surprise because there hasn't been a problem, but after having someone come in and update the concrete lids for the tank to the new plastic tower type, he saw an issue that indicated the system was slowing down. Oh well... it's only money. My bed has six weepers, while most have two or three. Have a great guy working on it now, and my back yard looks like a bomb went off. Should be done by next Wednesday.

Hello, weirdos!