Headstall

Did you pee a little when you screamed?

I have those same boots but that's another story.

I'm binge watching "Wednesday" today. It's fun. I had an awesome walk in the woods with Cookie despite the heat. It's way cooler in there.

Hi, Neal! Good points. Honestly, I don't believe Roland cares what people will think. I also don't believe an argument between father and son will be detrimental to Roland's reputation like Albert thinks it will. But yeah, his close friends might check in with him. I expect Roland will stay tight-lipped, though. He won't take any chances of anyone learning the truth The planned confrontation should be fun, right? Getting one over on Albert is something Roland looks forward to. Thanks for the support, buddy. Please leave a Story Like and Story Recommendation on the front story page if you wouldn't mind. Here's the link to the story page...

I actually hope readers don't notice a thing about inverting. It was more for me and trying something a little different. I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. As far as Virginia and the marriage, here is another take. We learned in this he is capable of truly loving someone (Maureen) so it is possible it has happened again. He's been lonely, and I think grieving for a good part of ten years. He doesn't have the emotional maturity to handle that grief well, but maybe meeting Virginia was what it took. Sorry, but as confusing as he is at times, I believe I know him. He's not a nice person at all, but I think this could be love. On her end, we have no way of knowing what made her agree to marry him. A great and beautiful woman like Maureen loved him so.... Love the speculation, though. I agree. Time's a wasting, and the longer they wait the more we can expect something bad to happen. Out of sight, out of mind for Albert. That staged argument should be fun. Lol. That's what I thought Jason might mean about Arrow. Turns out he's a deeper thinker than I gave him credit for. With the stories we heard from Fletcher about Albert in a previous chapter, it would make sense the ranchers have plans to put an end to Albert running rampant. Albert is a wealthy man, though, and we all know what wealthy men get away with time and time again. If Rob ever lowered himself to visit Barnswallow, it would have to be with his tail between his legs. Thanks, buddy, for sharing your thoughts and calling it a superb chapter. Cheers! G

Lol. Sorry you didn't get the memo, Doc. Maybe next Monday there will be a reason for unbuckling... Hope you enjoyed it anyway. Jason found it very romantic... I think he had tears.

Thank you, my lovely friend.

Ah, now I get it. Clever... it makes sense in a weirdass way. I guess I should be happy you don't call him Felcher.

Look at you being sweet as sugar. I get "Month' but I don't get "Arrow'. Really glad you like August. He's growing into his strengths from what we've seen so far. Fletcher is a typical Crawley... industrious and kind and caring (I picture you saying,"Ewww"). All kidding aside, you really are kind to say that about the first chapter. I mean you said it... I... was brilliant. I'm going to use that if you get too naughty. I always attempt to start off with a bang so to speak. Opening chapters set the tone, and is a writer's biggest tool (ahem) for a multi-chapter story. I'm glad you wished I had extended that for a few more chapters... it means I did my job. That said, I think I told you once that this story was a little inverted for me. I won't explain it, but I enjoy changing things up as a writer, and I'm curious to see the what the overall response will be by the end. If I ever stop wanting to learn it will be time to quit. Thanks, buddy.

Hi, Parker! Hope you are well and not in the heat where you are. It's been miserable here. The journey is getting closer to happening... and of course there will be some fun. Cheers! G

Thanks, my friend! Happy you liked it. The road ahead looks clear for the boys but we shall see. I think in this chapter we the contrast of the two families, and the contrast especially between Albert and Roland. Even though we see glimpses of a nicer Albert, I don't think we can trust it or his motivation. Giving August a couple of things for his trip doesn't change the fact he's a heartless bastard capable of evil. Roland may have put August on the spot, but you're right... it was what a good father does. Thank you so much for the support! Cheers! G.

I guess I was speculating. We can all have out moments. Just because you write one hard story doesn't mean you don't get all mushy when the curtains are drawn. I'll keep speculating. Plus, there are witnesses.

Depends on your interpretation of spoiling. Next week is a shorter chapter, but it's a good'un. August woke up with bells on. He couldn't wait to get the day started. Can't say I blame him after the night he had. I guess even evil men can love. Actually, I know that to be a fact. Maureen sounds like a really special woman. I think Albert was truly happy, and it turned to bitterness when he lost her. Yeah, that conversation was weird. We could see Albert looking at his youngest differently. Maybe he is finally seeing his real worth? And yeah, he's been lonely for a wife. I'm sure a man as wealthy as Albert had his dalliances from time to time. He does travel a lot. The initials comment was jarring, in that we could see Albert and August shared something, and it probably held some importance to Albert. Seeing so much of Maureen in August has been hurtful to Albert. That clearly wasn't always the case. While I agree that line was jarring, I found it somewhat poignant too. Virginia seducing Rob? You know, she could well be a classy lady. Lol. How true. The roping the moon line could have been said by Boone or Coy, but most likely Boone. Well... maybe Coy. I love how Roland suggested a public tiff with Fletcher. That is one epic father right there! As far as any Rancher plan, you get another . Yes, we are all seeing August has grown up in a very short time. Love changes folks. Thanks as always, my dear friend. You got suggestions for a really sore neck? I've tried heat and cold.

Pffft. I have it on good authority you have your own little Kleenex Korner for the sappy stuff. Real men cuddle and cry.

Lol. We're all a bunch of romantics in here.

Lol. Me too. When that line came to me, I knew I had my title. What can be more romantic than hearing a cowboy would rope the moon for you. It's one of those things that can only come from a heart filled with love.

Thanks, buddy. It was certainly a long one. I used to write these incredibly long chapters when I first started, but now they are few and far between. Appreciate the support.

Didn't sound mean at all, Jason. I tried to make the retelling as different as a could, but yeah, there is a built-in trap there. August had to win Roland over, and the biggest significance for me as a writer was revealing why the story was named as it was. This very long chapter was also about the stark contrast between Albert and Roland as well as the growing confidence of August. He's proving he is more than his father always thought he was, maybe even earning some praise? He's playing his father off at every turn now. It's truly amazing , in my humble opinion, that he wasn't tainted by his raising as a Cooley. I attribute that, his innate goodness, to his mother. You gave me grief? Pffft. That weren't nothing, cowboy. Not sure I want to know where your tongue was firmly pressed. Glad you had a good break away. It's flaming hot here(not gay flaming), so I stay in my air conditioned house as much as I can. Cheers!

What, no complaining about unnecessary and wasted shedding of clothes? I'm feeling quite blessed indeed. Thanks, Jason. Hope you had a good mini-vacay. Cheers!

Thanks, Patrick! I'll take fantastic and phenomenal any day. August handled himself really well with Roland, just by being honest. I couldn't agree with Roland more that August is a measured man. He's fast thinking, he's thoughtful, and his goodness shines through despite years of towing the Cooley line. On a side note, I loved how this chapter started out, and how it progressed. Now we know where the title of the story comes from. Thanks, buddy. I love hearing from you. Cheers! G

Lol. We all thought we knew Albert, but this chapter throws a wrench in that. We learn he is capable of love, did love his first wife, and we even see something we would attribute to kindness from a normal man. Is it, though? Or is it part of his one-sided competition with Roland? Love does change people, but only so much. Losing Maureen had Albert reverting to the cold, cruel man he was before they met. Was it bitterness over his loss? Or just his nature? I will say this. I believe there is a grudging respect for August... I think August has forced him to give him credit, and just maybe we are seeing some pride from his father. So far, so good, but who's to say. Fingers crossed it's clear skies ahead for the pair. Thanks for this, my friend.

These show your gift for poetic frontier idiom and emotional clarity. August’s confession to Roland is the standout moment: vulnerable, honest, and deeply human. The contrast between Albert Cooley’s harsh unpredictability and Roland Crawley’s cautious fairness adds strong dramatic tension. The pacing is tight, with each scene raising the stakes — from Rob’s spying to August’s bold plan. If anything, a few dialogue blocks could be broken with small physical beats to keep rhythm, and trimming a couple repeated emotional notes would sharpen the flow. But overall, this chapter is textured, heartfelt, and structurally confident. Albert and Roland couldn't be more different, as fathers and as men. Thanks, Albert, for such a thorough, astonishing comment. I do strive to be as authentic with my westerns as possible without overdoing it. It requires incredible attention to detail, and a lot of unaided hard work, but that is writing for me. Any 'gifts' I may have come from this, and my dedication to my readers. I do my best to keep it real. Those suggestions contained in this comment have been noted, and are appreciated. Thanks for the support. Cheers, my friend. Gary.

Lol. I can tell you Bearpaw and this story are not connected. Albert Cooley can be a confusing character. We learn in this chapter he truly loved Maureen, so we know he is capable. But... did he see love as a weakness after she passed? I believe he was bitter over his loss, and shut out everyone who could make him hurt. Infantile, yes, but human too. Loved obviously changed him, but can it change him again? Sure seems like it. His 'gifts' to his youngest son were telling indeed, but we can't really be sure completely of his motivation. The main thing is that August is prepared for the coming journey with most all he needs. And now they have Roland's blessing. It's falling into place 'like a thrown lariat over horns'. Thanks, buddy... appreciate the support. Cheers! We don't know Virginia's age, but August says he would bet she was younger. Time will tell. This was a long chapter to piece together, but we learn a lot about Fletcher's family. He is fortunate to have the parents he does, and Roland does stand in sharp contrast to Albert.