Headstall

Hello... hello... hello

I am. Thank you, Chris. Appreciate your support, buddy.

Hey, Patrick. I believe we all feel the same at this point. It is a relief that Barnswallow appears made for all four men. They have everything they need to be successful... and happy... and safe. Isn't it nice to have something to look forward to? I am savoring the season finale of Lanterns on Crave. I'll wait till I feel a little better and then I'm going to make a cup of decaf tea and settle back. Thanks, my friend.

Lots of ups and downs... just had a coughing fit... but I am doing better. Yeah, this is a sunrise sort of chapter. Hopefully all the difficult stuff is behind them now. The boys have found more than they could ever ask for, and I think they deserve it. Thanks, Parker.

That bunkhouse is a real and unexpected bonus. It is a house, and a perfect one for Runyan and Willy James. Glad you see the honesty in their conversations as they keep strengthening their bond. They need each other... and genuinely like each other. That bodes well for their futures. I especially like that August isn't playing 'lord of the manor'. Harriet and Dorothea must be really enjoying themselves thinking about all the boys are discovering at Barnswallow. Thanks, my friend. I appreciate hearing your thoughts as always.

Excellent points, Kris. I don't think suspicion will be aroused by two men living in a bunkhouse. After all, that was where a lot of ranch hands lived. As far as the owner and his friend living in the house, it just makes sense. If they are all well liked, even is someone has a thought about the situation, they are likely not to say anything. Horses will definitely be successful, and it would seem Runyan's hats are an exceptional product. Every man needs ahorse, and every man needs a hat. Glad you're excited for their futures... they deserve to have a prosperous and safe one. Thanks, buddy.

Thank you, Gordy! It's always a balancing act to be detailed, but not too detailed. Detail is definitely needed for readers to feel a part of the story, but I don't think getting lost in descriptive passages is fun for a reader. August's brain is going a mile a minute with all the possibilities, but I think his main priority right now is for Runyan and Willy James to be comfortable and happy. I like this group. None of them are hard men, though they are strong men. Fear of their previous circumstances hasn't taken away their confidence. The future looks good indeed. Thanks again, friend.

Thanks, centex! Trust me, I am taking care, and I'm not rushing anything. Just trying to stay positive. To me, this chapter is quietly powerful. We can see a real friendship growing between August and Runyan, a solid, honest one. I believe they admire each other, and the trust we see there is real. I agree about the importance of independence. Things like hats and chickens, and maybe even turkeys, is a big part of that. Not to mention the contributions Jack the stallion will make. They are far from Enniskillen, but that doesn't mean they won't be cautious. Willy James' parents were horrible to him, but I think him being gone will settle things down. His pa will find someone else to hate on. Albert is the big question mark for me, but we have to remember he has a young wife to take his attention. What I like about the planning is that the boys are doing it together. August would never act like the boss, and that will ensure they will thrive IMO. As always, I apprciate you sharing your thoughts, my friend.

Thanks, Albert! This chapter feels like a payoff to me, for all the angst, fear, and danger these boys have gone through for the sake of loving someone. They deserve to finally feel safe... and home. Hope is a hard thing to hold onto, particularly when you are emotionally battered, but these two couples found it in each other. I'm so glad you like the atmosphere of this one. I like details in a story that are simply a part of the dialogue and understated narration. Nothing should jump out, but it is meant to be absorbed. I like it when that comes across for the reader. You're right... this is a chapter about building... families most of all. Appreciate all the kind words, my friend.

Thanks, Doc! Both couples have a real home now, separated only by a short walk. And two barns, a farmer's dream. There is no reason for anyone to be stepping on another's toes, and lots of room for diversity. Hope you liked Runyan and August's talk at the old well. It seemed an important one to have.

Great chapter name! You do come up with some good ones, like "Horse of a Different Color". I've never forgotten that one. For this story I've been using slightly quirkier ones. The family is cementing itself quickly now that they are all together for the first time. That's what this part of the story has really been about, my friend. Happy you see that. Appreciate the well wishes... it has been a real slog, and I'm hoping by our Thanksgiving Sunday(the 11th) I will be well enough for my kids and grandkids to visit. They've proposed a pizza day. No cooking. Love from me too.

That's so wonderful to hear, bro. Thank you! Runyan and Willy James deserve this.

Thanks, Patrick! Glad you felt the love through the heat.

New chapter posted for those interested...

Grouse, Chickens, and a Pry Bar A small iron gate built into the plank fence showed some age, but still did its job of swinging freely despite the tall grass. August thought about how many times his ma must have walked through it to visit or greet her friend Cliffie as a young’un. Once past it he looked back and up through the trees at their new home, and pride filled him to the brim. “What are you staring at?” Fletcher asked, waiting a few feet in front of him. “Our

Reading this chapter again felt like coming home for me. I love these guys. The trauma they have been through has been relentless, but their love is not going to be denied. Carly will have no say in it. There is more coming about this wonderful old house. Thanks, buddy.

Thanks, Patrick. I loved weaving this story together with all its intricacies and drama. Carly got beaten today, beaten badly, ant it's hard to say how she will respond. And yes, they are still so young.

She sure is, and you ain't seen nothing yet. Thanks, Patrick. I'm really enjoying reading this again. Cheers!

Lol. Well said, buddy. Carly is definitely garlic in this salad. Believe it or not, Carly is based on a real person. There are people in this world who only care about themselves. Thanks, Patrick.

Hey, Patrick! It's easy for stories to get buried, but I'm so pleased you've found this one. I've said it before... I really found my writing voice with this story, and I see it as a benchmark to my improvement as an author. Once I decided I didn't need to contain it as a short story, I had the best fun writing this one. Jared remains one of my favorite characters till this very day. If anyone needed a guy like Craig, it was Jared. Thanks, my friend.

Hello, freaks! (Spikey included)

Because it turns the little Hobbit on.

I just threw up in my mouth. You, sir, are a pervert.

Your face don't look good in panties.