Headstall

Hey, Kris! Yes... Kevin! My goodness, he caused some vitriolic reactions. @Wesley8890 led the charge in hating his guts. I must admit it was the most fun I'd had in posting a story to that point. How could anyone not love Dawson? Every once in a while I will reread the Amorak chapter. I feel connected to these four men too. Definitely nicer than Kevin. Thanks, buddy!

Very beautiful.

No one expected such a bounty, but they are all thankful for it. Runyan's Ma, like most mothers, understand what's important. So glad you saw and mentioned the nuances of strength. Willy James has been finding his since falling in love, and he is willing to do the hard, unknown stuff to protect what he has with Runyan. I see Runyan as strong in mind, love, and body. He's a pillar WJ can lean on, but I don't think he needs to do as much leaning as the others thought. Even the way he deals with his parents' rejection of him is admirable. He doesn't wallow, he just give thanks for what he has. Standing up for what he wanted tells us he carries no shame or feeling of inferiority. His pride is intact despite what he's gone through. He's not the guy who was giving up when August found him outside the Emporium. Reverential? I like that. I wanted that exploration of the upstairs to just be between August and Fletcher, a chance to absorb the special family history of this wonderful home. Yeah, Runyan's folks will come around someday, and his father has learned his lesson, you can trust me on that. WJ's? I can't see it. It's a bloody shame, but not all parents should be parents, and that has never changed. As August would say, it's been a day, and now the partnerships have been cemented as they explored the farm and had their conversations, sharing the way families do. There is strength in numbers, and they all get what is at stake. Thanks, me dear friend. I love this story... even though I am writing about the Old West again, it feels fresh to me. I hope it does to you too.

I've been a very good(bad) boy.

Dear Santa... come straight to my bedroom on the 24th of December. I got cookies and cake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUM!!

I hope he'll be okay, Tink.

Hi!

First Leaf game tonight. Hello, boys and girls.

The diverse comments help make the whole experience of writing and posting so much more enjoyable for me. You readers are a clever bunch, and I'm glad you took the time to read them for this chapter. I wrote a story called "Endings", and WOW!, what an experience. The comments were entertaining, provocative, thoughtful, sometimes hilarious, and show me just how engaged the readers were. It was exactly like you said... friends discussing a movie they just saw... and not everyone agreed. That travel plan came from Fletcher's father Roland. He was insistent that none of them should be seen together in case it got back to Albert. The only flaw in it was that Willy James had no experience to help him do such a trip, but he proved all the fears wrong, being stronger than the boys might have thought he was. When a reader says they read a chapter a second time, it makes me happy. It shows engagement and appreciation for the tale. Thanks, Neal. Much appreciated. Gary.

Y'all are perverts.

Thank you, Chris! I must admit I do love writing about houses.

Hi, Patrick! Maybe August should have known his grandmother wouldn't pass on a ruin, but the fact is, he was kept from her by his pa. He understands now though, that her love is unconditional, and she has always had his back. I love that he expressed that to the other men. There is a bond forming before our very eyes, and it's beautiful. As far as Runyan and Willy James buying land, that could happen, but there would be no need to. They are secure where they are, and I can't see that changing. I am feeling better. Trying to be positive that the infection won't come back like it did a week ago. Cheers, my friend.

I felt the same way, buddy. I'm glad you understand the importance of it, this freedom to be a couple who can close their door at night and be alone. It is a priceless thing. Working closely together, each couple will need their own refuge at times. It is just human nature to nest and cocoon. Thanks, my friend.

Thank you, Milady. I love hearing this and I want all readers to feel like they are there with our boys. There has to be hiccups but they serve to make this journey more satisfying. I love that these men feel they can be honest with each other. I don't know about you, but I find Willy James a really intriguing character. He made that journey alone, and he thrived, and I see a backbone in him as he tests himself. There is nothing weak or meek about that young man. As always, I appreciate you, dear friend.

Hello, sweet Sherye! The boys couldn't be happier with what they have found at Barnswallow. I think Runyan and Willy James will be happy wherever they end up, and they have two choices that gives them their own place. Willy James was right to speak of what he wanted. It is a better thing for all of them. Thanks, my dear friend. I hope the world is treating you well.

Thank you so much, Harshaw! As I said at the beginning of this tale, this is a different kind of story for me. The path is inverted to some extent, so hearing how much you are enjoying this is very reassuring. Than YOU for coming on this journey with me. I am enjoying it immensely. These four men have come into their own, and mean a lot to me. Cheers, friend.

I love that readers enjoy hearing about houses as much as I do. This one, despite the size, is cozy, and a testament to the love that has lived within its walls. Kudos to Willy James for not accepting the bedroom in the house out of gratitude. He knows what he wants, and in saying so, he let August and Fletcher see it was what they wanted too. Couples in love need space, and these two pairs are definitely in love. And yeah, there is the noise factor.... Thanks, buddy. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.