Headstall

Fortunate indeed, Chris. It would have been a whole different story if Rob had see the entire thing. Luckily, Fletcher showed patience, wanting nothing to shade their first time as lovers. Thanks, buddy!

Just when I'm at home doing nothing.

I liked that phrase too. We all want that person who does that for us... sanctuary... you said it perfectly. Fletcher is torn, but as you say, he has that solid background to rely on. It shows the stark difference between the two fathers. Fletcher immediately wants to talk to his father, while August really only wants to avoid his. I did worry about how it would look to readers that Fletcher wanted to wait, but it is what I saw him doing. He wants what he sees and his parents and in his betrothed sister. He wants there coming together be about hope and love and not marred by fear of a dangerous, vindictive man. Why can't he want that... not something hurried and touched by anything other than the love they feel. I think you make a great point about Albert. I find it hard to believe he loved Lorraine, not if shortly after he found a real love with August's mother. I suspect it was more of a power move to win Lorraine from Roland. he lost, and that is something he can't handle. Too f'ing bad. August's conniving inspired me. He learned a lot about manipulation from his father over the years... he's clearly paid attention. It worked in his favor too that Albert doesn't see him as bright. I truly don't understand a father who doesn't know his children, but I remember seeing those kind of fathers all the time in my youth. And yeah, the existence of a new wife helped too, though to what degree I'm not sure. I think his hate for the Crawleys trumps everything. Still, now that it's settled, fingers crossed, he has a powerful distraction to keep him busy. He already puts her above Rob, and Rob should be concerned. Maybe Virginia is a witch, or maybe she truly loves Albert. Who knows... his first wife loved him... so stranger things have happened. Thank you, my lovely friend. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with all of us. Cheers! Gary.

Greetings, muggles.

We all can see why August has come to hate his father. The man has issues... like that he couldn't see a reason for his sons to be at this wedding. WTF? And that he will throw one of his sons out if his new wife wants it. Where is his loyalty? He expects it from his sons, but he gives none in return. He found it satisfying that his own brother had failures in business? Imagine being that hateful and bitter. You're right that August was epic in this chapter. The pressure he was under was incredible, yet he weaved a story out of thin air and had his father eating out of his hand by the end. Yes, he was desperate, but he didn't show it. He was methodical and determined... love was at stake. We know little about Virginia... she could be calculating and evil, or she could really love Albert. Like you, I certainly wouldn't mind if she was the former. The one surprising thing was how agreeable Albert was about the team, wagon, and harness... I mean, as far as Albert knows they are all worthless to him, but still, it was out of character for the man. Did bringing up August's mother have an effect on him? Thanks for this, my friend. Your support and enthusiasm is appreciated. Any chance you could leave a Story Like and Story Recommendation on the front story page? They bring readers in and that makes me happy. Here is the link to the front page...

That someone was probably a smartass.

Like the speculation, Doc, but she comes from a respectable family. Supposedly. Her father sounds rich... he brought her a dress that impressed a man like Albert. Yeah, I don't think August should waste any time getting clear of his family... and stepmom. Poor Rob. He he. Wonder what his life will be like? Thanks, buddy. Cheers! G

Love an honest man.

Or... like Mondays? I save mine for special occasions... though I barely remember those.

Sounds to me like there'd be plenty. Just saying @Jason Rimbaud

Lol. You do you, Doc! Going commando happens to be my daily practice.

@Phredd2 Welcome to the Paddock. It's kind of like a circus funhouse around here.

Yeah, I am upwards. If I was a tree I'd be a Douglas fir. My hands are full with a farm (no horses left--just mowing and stuff now) four kids times 2(2 live in the downstairs apartment), 4grandkids, I cat, one dog, and a house that is way too big... of yeah... and the writing thing.

Duly noted. The bathhouse special plus Medical Kevlar. *checks my closet*

Oh, sweetie, no. Fossils got nothing on me.

Hello, Les! Thank you so much for this. Sorry for the delay in gittin' them nekkid again, but patience is always rewarded. August was a rockstar, wasn't he? He was cornered, and for the first time had something well worth fighting for. I can imagine Fletcher would be proud of the courage and intelligence he showed. Albert is not an easy man to fool. I can't begin to express how happy it makes me that you think this one is as good as my other westerns. Yipppeeeee! Cheers, my friend.

If Cassie failed, then that gives me pause. Okay... phat I like. Should I be honored? You're not going to stalk me are you? No... no pics. I'm done with those. No stamina? What a shame. There are pills for that. Monday... I ain't scared. Yee haw!

Trust me, I do it right when I do it. I just prefer sharing more than liquids... I prefer a meal. You make a good point. At some point I will dive into the filth you concoct... will I need water wings or a full wetsuit?

My humor might be just as warped as yours, buddy, but don't expect me to put that in writing... oh! Wait... ooops. I love banter, and I don't take offense easily... unless you tell me my ass is fat. Intriguing? Now see... I can read between the lines, and you are loving my story. Whoa! Keep that belt in place till Monday... don't promise something you can't deliver. Fair enough... it will get romantic, and if you're not man enough to handle it I'll understand. I also like a man who accepts blame. It will be a YOU thing. See you Monday with my boots on and ready to kick some ass. Cheers!

He he. I love slowly revealing who a character is. August definitely had it in him, though I doubted he believed that himself. And yeah, he definitely got one over on his pa... there is no question in my mind, but who knows... Rob is going to have to behave himself with this pretty new wife moving in. I can see him in the bunkhouse in no time. August also did some great bargaining after his pa accepted his plan. A team, a wagon, and a harness. That's more conniving that worked out beautifully. His mother has been dead for ten years, so I doubt there is much of anything left that was hers. I think the biggest surprise for readers might have been that Albert truly loved his first wife. It's clear losing her affected him. Thank you, my dear friend.

Hi, Neal! Glad you liked it. I'm sure August will tell Fletcher everything. He's over the moon right now. Lol. Who knows what Albert will do, but he certainly is feeling pretty pleased about Roland maybe looking bad to the town. He's such a petty and vindictive man. Sounds familiar doesn't it? And yeah, he can't leave a gloating voicemail. Thanks, friend.

Hey, centex! Albert doesn't think August is 'bright' but we just learned otherwise. He beat his father at his own game... conniving. Fletcher and August recognize how fortunate they are to have gotten past all the noise between their families. They are able to speak their love, and I believe that is empowering. Just accepting who we are is incredibly empowering, and they've gone one better. All Rob ended up seeing was them talking, and he probably thought that was enough. He should have looked a little closer or watched a little longer. Now he will have anew rival to deal with, a pretty one who Albert appears smitten with. What August did, spinning that tale, was so satisfying to write. He accomplished the impossible. And yeah, we found out why the feud started... Albert's pettiness and inability to control himself. He did find love though, and I believe he considered himself fortunate for that. Unfortunately, he holds a grudge like no other. Thank you, my friend. Hope you are enjoying the journey. Cheers. Gary.

Lol. Ah, Jason, you have a knack for making me laugh. Sorry you had to take your pants off for nothing. My Stepfather used to say to my mother before bedtime... "Is there any reason to take my socks off tonight?" I would run so I didn't have to hear the answer. And yes, I am a romantic, but they won't be waiting to get married first. As a matter of fact... . Writing the manipulation... the conniving against the master... was really fun to write. The dialogue just flowed out, and in the end I didn't have to make many changes. August is a lot brighter than his pa gives him credit for. He beat the pants off (don't be naughty) his father and his father has no clue what he did. He's not even really suspicious... at least he doesn't seem so. Woot! Glad you're sticking around despite the c-blocking... see you next Monday. I'll try to satisfy you... as much as I can from this far away. Cheers! G

Thanks, Patrick! It was a really longerer chapter. Glad you liked that. Everything seemed to fall into place for August... though he had to be quick-thinking. The fear and uncertainty in the first scene has given way to real hope... real possibilities. It was as much as they could ever hope for, and the new focus on a new wife cinched it. Yeah, poor Rob. He might have just lost his place as Daddy's darling. Appreciate the support. Thanks for sharing, buddy.

Thank you, Albert. Back in those times, you might go years without finding another like you if you're gay, and marriages were often arranged in a day, or immediately upon meeting. Fletcher and August at least have the benefit of knowing each other a long time. Still, August is surprised how quickly things have changed. It feels natural to be tender and vulnerable for both of them. I loved writing what I call the ambush scene. Albert is a domineering force, and Rob was right, August played him like a fiddle. He had to, if he wever wanted to break free and be with Fletcher. I believe Albert's pettiness helped the situation, as did the new wife. Appreciate the very kind words, my friend. There might have been a little magic in this one. Cheers!