Hey, Krista! I'm honored you chose one of my stories to read. Westerns aren't for everyone, but it was something I wanted to give a shot ever since I wrote "Finding Refuge", a shorty for an anthology. I was raised on westerns, and I am a dedicated horsemen, so it was a perfect diversion during the pandemic.
It's maybe kind of weird to name a story after a dead character, but if you continue you will see the impact he has, even after death. I agree about Will being a hero type name, and as a matter of fact, there is another character in the sequel of that same name. What can I say... I'm a rebel.
Coy has watched his entire family die over the years, and the worst one was all he had left. You're right... he is Coy's connection to his mom and dad and brothers and uncle and all those better times, so he buries his head in the sand where Will was/is concerned. We meet Coy when he is at his very worst. He has a lot of growing up to do, something necessary for that time period, but he is a truly interesting character... it just takes some time to see it.
Boone has dreams, and he's had them a long time. As much as he cares for Coy, he is seeing a change is badly needed. I hope you hang in there, Krista. These two books are ones I turn to all the time when I want to escape the world for a little while. Thanks for this... cheers... Gary....