Headstall

Lol. That's funny. I envision a simple wooden cross with his name written on it, along with "Murderer and Thief". Who knows, though.

Good point. He is used to coping, but this might be in a different realm for him, Doc. We all now he is deeply in love, likely for the first time since Vincent. Yeah, it surprised him, but it is now his reality. So yeah, doing chores lets him keep going, and makes him feel useful when he must feel completely powerless with Lucas laying there looking like death. He is modest to his core, isn't he? I like how you describe the emotional wringer he's been through... that about sums it up. And yeah, with everything he's been through, in the present and the past, there is no hardness to him. I'm so pleased you are seeing that tenderness he possesses, Doc. He's a special man indeed, and he deserves to find real happiness. Quick confession... Jubal has become one of my favorite characters ever. Thanks so much for taking the time to reread and contribute your thoughts once more. Means a lot, my friend.

Yeah, spyke, it was a huge mistake to make, so no wonder you were confused. I'm sure many readers were scratching their heads, but too nice to say anything. What made it worse was that I didn't even clue in until six days after posting, and that was just luck. You're right that I am very much about the details and flow of a story, and this made a mess of it. I promise you it will never happen again. I will check and double check. Lucas amazes me as a character come to life. I believe I really know him, and he would never not take care of the needs of the animals. That said, he wouldn't have left Lucas when he did if not for the doc ordering him out. I think he is almost a zombie in this chapter, moving one step at a time and trying to keep it together. Doc Vance's powders may have helped him cope just a little better. It quite likely was a variation of laudanum or some other calming agent... possible some grains of opium. What ever it was, it wasn't that strong, but it did seem to help him. That blood stain on the floor was symbolic for me. Feeling powerless is awful, and it probably felt like the one thing he could do to help Lucas... and fuel his own hope. Lucas is coming home... that is what he must believe. Yes, it is heart-wrenching. Thanks for returning and commenting, buddy. I am truly grateful.

Aww... that is so sweet. I plan to keep on freaking you out for a long long time, my friend, god willing. I hope your heart can take it.

I will accept the blame for the gnat's attack. As of right now, Lucas's fate could go either way, and this story could take different directions. Am I freaking you out, my friend?

Hey, Sherye! Thank you! I very much appreciate you revisiting and leaving a like and comment. It will be a while before we know Lucas's fate.

Bearpaw Chapter 14 Just after he left Bearpaw and made the turn home, Jubal saw a two-horse rig coming toward him. It carried Sheriff Barnes and two other men, and he groaned aloud at the sight because he was sure Reid would want to do some yammering, something he had no interest in. He couldn’t help noticing the horses were not near the size and power of Dinah as he reined her to the side to give them room. The shiny, black-painted wagon was one he’d n

Thanks, Doc. I appreciate that, and I am improving. The grief is hard, but I'm sure it will be for a long time. I hate how my brother is suffering, but my voice is back, so we... well... I can talk longer at least. I haven't coughed near as much today, and my chest doesn't hurt with each breath, so I'm much more optimistic about life. I walked out to the barn today and looked at Sky's stall... my first time sliding open her door. The bedding needs to be taken out of it, but I'll leave it for the time being. This chapter meant a lot to me as to how important it was within the story, so to make such a mistake really bothered me, but now that the sequence is corrected, I'm good. I will post chapter 14 tomorrow, and the screw up will be done with. I'm pleased to hear your thoughts, especially on the dialogue and pacing... and also it being true to the times. Research is a writer's best friend, as you well know. By the way, I really enjoyed your new anthology piece. Well done, sir. We want more. Cheers! G.

Great information for writers and readers alike, providing easy links to popular stories for those interested in the genres. Thank you.

Hey, all. Just wanted you to know I'm still kicking.

Yeah, sometimes love hits you like a punch... other times it sneaks up on you. Hey, Centex. Glad you liked this one, and felt the emotions of it. No, we don't know the Reid backstory yet, but we do see him in a different light here. His compassion for Jubal was quite noticeable, as was his feelings for Lucas. It would appear the doc is a good one, but there were limitations in medicine in those days. All we can do is hope. Thanks for the kind words and the understanding. I am doing my best to take care of me. Cheers, my friend!

It's no secret I tend to like redeeming my characters when I can... if it makes sense. It made sense to get Lanny on a better track... mostly because of Janine. Candy... she really takes the cake, doesn't she? Michael is a special kind of man, and his parents get a lot of credit for that. It's what made it possible for him to forgive Lanny. Thank you, my dear friend.

This story packs an emotional wallop. Superbly told, it is well worth the time to read it. You won't be disappointed. Grief is something we all must cope with, and carrying guilt is one of the most difficult things. That said, while this story has sadness, it is not sad... just real.

Definitely got me in the feels with this one, Parker. Superbly told, it struck close to home. I liked Robert's growth after that hateful and horrible incident. If I hadn't seen that, I would have had trouble connecting to him. Holding Ed's hand was an important part of the story, and in the end the emotional punch was powerful. Cheers.

Hey, Sherye! Don't expect a quick answer, but yeah, we are all hoping a good man like Lucas wins his fight to live. Next chapter posts Wednesday, my friend.

Yeah, it was a huge mistake for me to make, Neal, and I do apologize. The story does make more sense now, and I am very happy about that. As far as the chapters, they are all already written. All I do is fine tune them, and yes, that is usually something I enjoy, but it's tough when you are ill. Thanks for the condolences... I am coping best I can. You take care too, my friend.

You know Jubal well, Doha. I think we can count on him not being able to sit around. He's a man who likes to keep busy, and yes, nothing makes him happier than to do something for Lucas. It was a difficult chapter, but so important to the flow of the story. Glad you agree. Jubal feels responsible for so much, but he's a strong man, as he proved in the Calamity chapter. Thank you, my friend. Great to hear your thoughts on this one.

Good point, but that might be considered a luxury, as in not practical. It's probably used to carry drunks to the jail in some towns.

Lol. Yeah, it might not be in their budget to purchase another carrying board. So... a close friend is a close friend... just saying. Yes, this isn't the dark ages of medicine, but there are definitely limitations. When the doc says he can't give him any blood, that shows how different it is today, where that is a routine course of action. Even having to 'force feed' to get nutrients into a body is something else that is so simple today. But, I'm glad it came across that Doc Vance was accomplished for the time period. He is prepared to perform surgery if he feels it is warranted. That's a big deal. Yeah, Lucas Rush was shared right from the beginning, but it would be easy to miss. It was why Jubal said 'clever' when he read the farm sign. As far as Lucas hearing Jubal when he talks to him, that is hard to say, but it would be nice to think so. Lol. Criminals were buried in a paupers grave yard for the most part. And as far as Gary, he has terminated the self-flagellation for the time being. Appreciate you very much, dear friend.

Great! More than once? I agree there is more transparency from both Jubal and Reid. Both care first and foremost about Lucas's survival, and I think they really find comfort that the other one cares so much. Kindred truth? Sure looks like it. Thanks for the kind words... I am pleased with this chapter... now that it is posted... and I'm happy your feelings of Reid have changed. He does deserve your empathy in my opinion. I especially like that he steps aside for Jubal. Lol... thanks for canceling his "Huber". Awww... still coughing but feeling better overall... and I love all you guys and ladies too.

Thanks, Albert. Yeah, Jubal's accurate shot came in handy, but he set it up so Ronnie didn't stand a chance... unless there was a misfire. We're all hoping Lucas survives, but there are no guarantees. Jubal has been under incredible pressure since Ronnie Prescott showed up, so it's no wonder he collapsed. He is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Actually, the next chapter posts on Monday, and if you read it I think it will be more enjoyable and make better sense. Lol. Have a drink for me too please. Appreciate the support, my friend.

Desperation is a good word. Snapping at the guy near the wagon and even being short with and annoyed at the doctor shows how desperate Jubal is feeling. He has come to realize Lucas's importance to him... even if he can't have him, he needs him to survive. Glad your feelings for Reid have changed. He is a good man, and Jubal saw that... and felt his support. Jubal's care shows in everything he does for Lucas, so of course Reid sees it... and at any other time that might be scary for Jubal, but on this night he only cares about one thing... one person. Thanks, Buddy.

I'm afraid I have run out of steam for now but I will be back after I lay down for a bit. Cheers!