Headstall

That didn't exactly sound convincing, but O... kay....

Hi, all!

Virtuous? Lol. I don't assume that a'tall, my friend. I got this feeling some of you would run me right over with a herd of wild horses to get to the next chapter sooner. Am I wrong?

Thanks, Terry! It's a fine place to write about, and until Reid showed up it was like they were the only men in the world. There is no doubt the haircut and shave were intimate. I like how they are relying on each other, and even though it might have had some challenges, it was good for Jubal to do. There is a natural ease between these too, even if they do hold things back. I must admit I did like how that whole scene played out. Jubal has it bad. There's not much I can say about Reid and Lucas. There is something going on there, and it would be up to Lucas to say what it is. It could be as you say, or something entirely different. The only thing we are really sure of is that Reid annoys Lucas at times... and that Lucas has an attitude Jubal sees and feels. I do agree Lucas is a patient man... Reid might be too, but what we are seeing is a possessiveness of his friend. There is a journey ahead. I love all the speculation... but whatever Reid is, Lucas is his own man. Awesome comment, my friend. Appreciate the engagement.

Good point, centex. Barbers didn't need certification, they only needed to be good, and it sounds like Jubal is. I don't see him being cooped up all day, though. Appreciate your words on the descriptive dialogue. It makes me happy to hear. It sounds a place that suits Lucas... his need for privacy, and a place where trees can be part of the farm... especially apple trees. Stallions are often not right with their herd. Mostly, the pick high ground and keep watch, and once mares are bred, they are seldom seen unless the herd is moving or migrating, or there is a predator. But yeah, he could be an obstacle to their plan. Did I just describe Reid? Maybe so. Does he see Jubal as a threat? He certainly acts possessive of his Luke at times... maybe his showing up is a reminder that he is watching? LOL. I can't answer your last question, but it is a good one. Thanks for the encouragement, buddy.

Hey, VBlew. In the Old West, men were often thrown together in different ways, especially cowboys. It is a fascinating culture that developed, and men learned to rely on each other for certain things. Each was responsible for his personal stuff, though... his laundry, repairing clothes, gathering and cooking food sometimes, repairing tack, etc... so whenever you could get a hand with something, it was likely welcomed. Haircuts were one of those things, but shaving was usually a personal thing. So yeah, it would have been intimate, even in those times. You're right that it takes trust to let someone at your throat with a straight razor. It seems both men enjoyed it. In some ways we could see Jubal as stunted in his personal growth. Trauma can certainly make you put up walls. He doesn't really have them with Lucas, at least not tall ones, but he doesn't want to make a mistake. I feel sorry for the man, but I do understand that instinct for survival, and burying feelings... even choosing to interpret things a certain way. Thanks for this, buddy. I'm glad you liked the tour of the farm. I always fret over boring readers, but it doesn't seem the case.

Aww... thank you! I never doubted that for a second. You really are the best, my friend.

Yeah, Reid keeps popping up and causing tension. Will he cause more than tension? Hmmm. The answer might be interesting. Thanks, sweet lady. I'm glad you liked it.

Lol. I'm assuming you are talking about Reid. Um... I sure hope you don't mean me.

I'm going to try to find the time to read this.

That's what I thought. As far as that comb, it is made from a deer antler... it is actually called a beard comb. The hair combs have the teeth closer together, but I thought you might like this one.

I'm doing okay... had some bad chills today, but am staying warm and taking it easy. Finished my antibiotics, so it's a matter of time I think.

Hey, Sherye! Lucas is a looker for sure, and Jubal is smitten, even if he can't show it. Happy you enjoy the banter that happens between these two. We can never overestimate the value of an easy friendship. With Reid, it is hard to say. We don't see him often, and when we do he does seem a little possessive of 'Luke'. Could be jealousy, od possible just concern for a friend. Thanks, my friend. See you next Monday.

You haven't been told a lot yet, my friend. That's why writing is so much fun for the author. Happy you're here, and liking the atmosphere. It is different than my other westerns, and I'm pleased you found it so. Lots more journey ahead... and a double chapter next Monday.

Lol. No... you don't. Not yet. Great reference... six shots or five? To tell you the truth, I've lost track. I don't usually count my shots.

I love all the details, though I have to be choosy in what I share. A story can get bogged down if it's overdone. Throughout history, humans have seen the possibilities in everything, and yeah, nothing was wasted. Our ingenuity has served us well as a species. I'm so glad you liked the description of "Gold Rush Farm". Again, it was important not to overdo it... but rather to give a real sense of the place through both narration and dialogue.

Lol... yeah, I did. Sweet turn of phrase? Thank you! Jubal is falling hard... if he lets himself. Reid's timing is not the best, that's for sure, so yeah, that fire flared up some, and I ain't talking about the grouse stew. He stopped short of saying how fine as fuck Lucas looked, but a reader might discern a further meaning. Is he trying to stake a claim? I really don't think that has occiurred to Jubal because he is more concerned about his secret being known. Romantic rival? Are we going there? Yep, next week, double chapter... in "As The Bearpaw Turns". Thank you, dear friend. Feeling a little poorly again--just a blip--but I'm trying.

Absolutely, but will recognizing the difference mean anything to Jubal other than his initial pleasure at hearing those words from Lucas? To tell you the truth, I fretted a bit over soothing after I wrote it. I was channeling Lucas at the time, but then after I questioned whether it was something he would say. My conclusion was yes.. Lucas is an open person, at least when he is dealing with Jubal. I feel like he is building trust with his new friend in the only way he knows... so I'm really happy you noticed and commented on it. I also appreciate your take on Reid. He has done nothing to make us dislike him, other than stick his nose into things. At his core, I believe he is decent, and I'm pleased you feel that. And yes, I see the Mitch similarity. He certainly would have to make some sort of choice as a sheriff. It was not an open and accepting time, and we already know Bearpaw is a god fearing town. As I said to someone else, anyone losing Lucas would likely have regrets. But... maybe there is only concern for his friend... I can't say much more about your perceptions and speculations other than I enjoy hearing them. As I've said before, there is still a long way to go in this story, but I am loving the engagement so far... and no eavesdropping... patience is a virtue. Thanks so much for this awesome comment, my friend.

Thanks, Ford, and I like your optimism about Lucas and Jubal. Appreciate the support of my writing too. It's a good feeling to have my westerns work well for readers. I enjoyed writing a better tour of the farm as well. Next week the wait will be more worth it, my friend... twice the words.

Thanks, Kris. Writing the dynamic between these two is really fun. I thought the banter made the intimacy that much more special... and I wonder if Lucas doesn't, to some point, understand the impact he has on Jubal, especially after this. Has Reid been spurned? It's too early to tell if that's what it is, but there are indications it could be. It has Jubal wondering, but is he on the right track? He seems worried that his attraction to men is being found out, and that will only draw him further into himself. It's a good point that Reid could be feeling regret... from what we've seen of Lucas through Jubal's eyes, he is a man of many qualities. So, yeah, not someone you would want to lose if you ever had him. Your fear about how Jubal will react to this continuing tension is a good one. What ever is going on, Jubal has that tendency to run, and yes, internalize. As far as Vincent, another good point. Vincent was Jubal's lover, but he was also his friend... Lucas has filled that hole, but I don't think Jubal sees him as another Vincent. Very perceptive thinking here, buddy. I appreciate it when readers delve int the characters.

Et tu, Man? *sigh* I could tell you what was said, but...

You guys are incorrigible. No eavesdropping!

That, sir, is not allowed. The writer says so! Besides, Jubal lives by a code, as curious as he might be. And also, bad can be good... very good.

Lol. You'll get plenty more next week, buddy. Is it mean to say I like tormenting readers just a little? Just so you know, Jubal doesn't need a haircut. I'm sure plenty of readers would like to be a fly on the wall of that cabin, but where's the fun in that? Thanks for your kind encouragement as always, dear friend.

Yes, most definitely, Doc. I've given haircuts and beard trims before... I'm pretty good with clippers. Yeah, there is tension... tension between Lucas and Jubal... and tension between Lucas and Reid. Jubal has learned to not trust his perceptions, but we readers see more than he does. I think that filly comment flew right over his head because he won't entertain any possibilities. It's hard to dissect Reid... his is being pushy, but why? He's nice to Jubal, but even Jubal can see he is hiding something. It's not that he is being fake, I don't believe, but something has him bothered. Despite trying to stay cocooned, Jubal has still learned to read Lucas--and could to a point even form the beginning--so I think we can trust that Lucas is plenty annoyed with Reid showing up. The thing is, why is Reid still hanging around? Thanks, my friend. You'll have a lot more to read next week.