Headstall

Um... are we celebrating? Woot! Hey, @weinerdog

Lol. Awesome, Doc. Coughing really sucks, doesn't it? Even worse are the sweats and chills for me... okay, maybe not worse, but bad. I can't seem to regulate my temperature, but I am recuperating, and I hope you do too... ASAP. I doubt I will be attending any dance parties for a while, though. Take care of yourself.

Lol. Well, the man was a carpenter, so.................. may................ be.

OMG! This is priceless! If I made you feel like this I am well pleased, J J. Camp-tastic is right. Sorry they didn't kiss for you, but it wasn't in the cards. Thank you so much for the laugh and the support, my friend. Cheers!

Yeah, there is that talk Lucas never got the chance to have with Jubal. The doc is a no nonsense guy, but he's got a good, caring heart, and has a great sense of humor too. He knows Jubal needs rest... that he has been pushing himself beyond normal limits, all over his concern for Lucas. I'm pleased you liked that interaction. That said, there is no guarantee Jubal will rest. He is just as likely to be a man on a mission, getting work done for Lucas... like the loft. Nice to get a Yippee from you, my friend. This chapter made me happy too, and I thank you for the support.

Jeez, Mags! You are incredibly perceptive. All of this was part of my writing this chapter... you even got the 'crash' and Reid understanding it. And for delaying his visit to give Jubal more time alone with Lucas. To me, that spoke volumes about how the man has changed. No one else commented on Lucas commenting again and again on knowing it was Jubal's hand he was feeling, and that it meant it might have helped bring him back, that he might even have heard Jubal's prayers... and it might have helped him fight through those iffy times. Human contact is its own medicine. He was obviously more aware than anyone realized. I mentioned Coolie Davis, just for the purpose you mentioned of showing how the town folk appreciated Jubal and his being there for their friend. I won't confirm any thoughts on Billy... but with that part, we were reminded that Jubal doesn't trust his own instincts, and sometimes needs to be led towards clarity, since past overtures have not gone so well it seems. Love this... and love your engagement, my friend. Thank you.

Nope. No kisses. Sorry, Albert. Glad I could make you happy, though. The week will go quick, right? Thanks for all the nice support, buddy.

It's nice to see you happy, Sherye! Happy as a tick on a fat dog. Yeah, Jubal will likely push himself to get more work done on the farm. Lucas won't be home for days, so hopefully Jubal will eventually get some good sleep. Thanks so much for this, my friend.

Hey, Terry. I really missed hearing from you you last week. I know you were busy. Glad you loved this one. It was a real joy after some dark ones. No, you're probably right. Jubal is unlikely to take it easy. He's on top of the world after this chapter, and yeah, I see you caught the slip. The farm feels like home to him. Billy might just have hero worship for the sheriff, but who knows. Jubal knows his gut feelings have been wrong before, so he doesn't trust his perceptions... that would be a hard thing. Talk happens fast in a small town, so it's possible there has been some speculation about Jubal's devotion to Lucas. It would be a real shame if it spooks him. Thanks, my friend... I appreciate your support as always.

Current heartthrobs, eh? Getting the horses safely moved is the most important thing. Thanks so much for your kind support at such a busy time for you. It means a lot, my friend. Good luck in your new home.

Sorry I missed this. Thanks, Johnny! This story has been very rewarding so far.

It is, Man. All I want is to feel reasonably normal again. It has been a long stretch, and I am not having fun at all. I keeping saying 'maybe tomorrow', but... maybe tomorrow.

Thanks, Leo. You have a great week too. You know I can always squeeze out a little more agony, don't you. But, I'll try to be nice for a while at least. Yeah, if Lucas has feelings for Jubal beyond friendship, it might be best he takes some initiative. Just like with Billy and Reid, Jubal doesn't trust his gut feelings at all. Fear can have a tremendous power over us. Cheers, my friend.

Thanks for this, Man. Word will spread like wildfire in that town, and folks will be happy one of their own is on the mend. I agree with all of what you say... Jubal's fears will be tempered by Lucas's need for him. Still, we know just how fearful Jubal has learned to be over hiding who he is, so it will likely have some effect. Has he built confidence in himself? That's a hard question to answer, but yeah, it's really what he needs. He hasn't gotten any bad 'vibes' from anyone, so maybe he can trust he hasn't stirred any controversy. I'm behind a chapter in your new story, but I will catch up soon. Thanks again, dear friend.

Yeah, it was a bit jarring, but he dropped his guard for those days, and now he is wondering if he gave away too much. I really feel for the man. I think you might be right, Doc. If Lucas didn't need him, he might be liable to run again.

It was my pleasure to give us all this. Jubal deserved to have the pressure taken off him, but now those other fears seem to be creeping back in. Still, there is nothing but joy in this one. Thanks, Doc.

I love making a man happy, centex! This was a truly joyous chapter for me to write. I agree that Reid has warmed up to Jubal, and respects his position as Lucas's friend. As far as Billy, Jubal had a gut feeling, but it is one he has no faith in... should we? Is there a story there other than infatuation? Hmmm. Farm work is never ending, and I think Jubal pointed that out to Lucas, and it calmed him. He is not alone in this, and he was able to relax knowing that. Jubal too, can relax, knowing the man he loves has his future back. Thanks, my friend.

Yes, Jubal is one happy cowboy, Johnny. I felt his joy as I wrote this chapter, and I hope all readers feel it too. I'm not sure he liked being ordered not to come back until the next day, but he really does need to look after himself. The fact is, he almost fainted again, and yeah, that was partly happiness and relief, but he's been through a lot. Beautiful sights and sounds coming from Lucas Hell yeah! He proved how tough he is too. Thanks, buddy.

So do I, Albert. I didn't cough much during the night, but now I'm having trouble catching my breath, I'm coughing so hard.

Excellent interview @kbois and @Cia... thank you!

Hey, all... through a lot of coughing, I managed to get the latest chapter of Bearpaw posted...

Holding on Tight Jubal was leaning back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, his stretched out hand still connected to his friend’s. Dawn was close, and he was thinking about what needed doing at the farm. He’d for sure replace them broken panes, and he had the back door to build and hang. He was plenty glad he’d gone ahead and finished the thing they’d been planning to do when Ronnie Prescott’s bullet found Lucas. No doubt he’d be pleased it be done. Thinking on the lof

Well... maybe just a little.

Lol. It's what I do, Bruce. Happy to hear you're feeling the tension.

Yeah, they all understand, but I really wanted to be there. I am taking care of myself, staying warm and hydrated. Thanks, Bruce.