Headstall

Hey, Bruce. They have become a family out of necessity, but it has quickly grown into a true bond. They've had opportunity and safety drop in their laps, and I don't think they will ever take it for granted. Thanks for this. I appreciate your support of the story.

Excellent second chapter, Sherye. You've kept the reader's (my) attention and you've done it well. Fascinating story so far. Cheers!

They are moving fast, and in this chapter we see the brakes get slammed on for a few minutes. Trauma is not something that just goes away. It lurks... maybe even for decades. This was a reminder to not take anything for granted. The bottom line is that they are each what the other needs.

Thanks, Patrick. Glad you found it so. Carly ran out of options with her leverage gone, so yeah, she's back in her box. I loved writing the love these two men share. Jared is definitely a keeper.

Terrible advice.

Why would we want to? We can just ask Drewbear.

Hi, all!

Sorry to hear that, Sherye. I enjoyed your first chapter. I know it can be frustrating to get everything figured out at first.

I sent you a PM, Sherye. Let me know how it's going.

'Could'? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...........................................................

What a momentous day from start to finish. Maybe the nicest thing was they were all together before they explored Barnswallow and its added acres. This was the first day they were ever all together, and there was a lot to let settle. There is a real bond there now, one they will need to be successful. And yes, there is now a separation between the couples that will serve them well. They will share in making the farm a going concern, but each couple will have the time and place and peace to plan and live their lives. All in all, maybe it is too good to be true, but it felt right to give them this. Lol. As far as fashion, who knows? It's rather serendipitous that Runyan will soon have all the wool he will ever need at his disposal. I would say it was not only Enniskillen that was bigoted in that time. This takes place after the civil war, and new black settlements often faced incredible pressure and trauma, but there have always been folk who don't see color as something to be feared. My hope is that there are more of them in Warrensville, bacause we all know Runyan is an exceptional human being. Will Harriet help with that? Absolutely! That line you quoted is an important one for me. It gives this story accurate weight without dwelling on the horrors behind the word 'mean'. Not that it shouldn't be dwelt on... just not in this western that centers on love and romance. I agree. Willy James is on of those who soothes with an innate ease. As August muses, he is impossible to dislike, and Runyan is just a version of that in a different package. Thank you, my loveliest of friends.

Yo!

Greetings, all!

Oh, what fun. You just never know what goes on in the hidden worlds around this. Read this. It's delightful. Cheers!

Delightful, Chris. I hate being tickled, but I enjoyed this... the idea of spending a day in fairy foreplay and pixie passion had me rapt as I read about their journey to something far deeper. Just lovely, buddy.

Yes, it is different as we age. It requires courage to meet the moment, especially if we have experienced heartache a time or two. We learn to be cautious. That, my friend, is a double-edged sword. It can protect you, but it can also deprive you of something wonderful. I do hope you find it, Patrick, I really do.

Hey, Bruce! I love how invested readers get, reading every comment from other readers and showing appreciation.

Yeah, that cliffhanger. I loved writing that diner scene. Some readers thought they might be moving too fast, but really, what does Craig have at home? Carly is there, and that has no chance of being pleasant. Jared has been spending most of his time at the pond because he's so lonely. And... they loved each other since high school. Craig loved Harlan, but he spent years going to every one of Jared's games before he met Harlan. to me it felt exactly right. Thanks, Patrick!

Good! I'm glad, that comes through, Doc. They have hit a lottery, haven't they? They all think it's too good to be true. Scavengers, yeah! It's why they need to keep their good luck from Albert and Rob.

I see this as the payoff for all the trauma they've gone through. I hope that sweet feeling of safety and family comes across.

No it wouldn't, Doc. They do have to be careful, but I can see a brother of Fletcher's coming to spend a summer in the future. They'd have nothing to hide from any of them.

It's a great thought, but I'll leave that to you readers and your imaginations. I could definitely see these boys giving someone a haven in the future.

We have a great small town pizza place nearby. Everyone in my family loves it. I'm a meat lover too, Doc. Yeah, it shouldn't be long before the sheep and dairy cow arrive... and Molly the sheepdog. Herding the sheep for ten miles should be fun. Fletcher is a good son not to keep his parents waiting for news. Albert? Well... we'll hear more from him before the story ends. They are pretty isolated at Barnswallow, being at the very end of the road, so less likely to be seen, but they are smart enough to be cautious. One thing for sure, they will be well liked by any who meet them. I haven't worn my best felt cowboy hat in years(light grey)... it's safely in its box, but I've worn my Resistol straw a few times. I've actually never seen a green felt hat on the show circuit, though they probably exist now. Lol. Haven't we all looked back and thought, 'how could I have been so stupid?' Thanks, buddy.

Hi, Tink! Feeling sorry for myself. Talked to my doctor earlier and he said this sinus thing could last a few more weeks. He won't put me on another antibiotic unless I get worse.

Hi, Page.