Headstall

Thanks, buddy. I'm trying to be patient. Um... next book? Yikes! Lol. Glad you liked this one... life is good for the boys... can it get any better? Cheers!

I've had it around eight days I think. The mucous odor I only noticed three days ago. Yesterday it was impossible to ignore.

Just returned from the doctor and a have developed a severe sinus infection now. My Doc could smell the mucous from where he sat when I blew my nose. It is really disgusting. On antibiotics and a steroid nasal spray now.

So... just returned from the doctor and I have developed a severe sinus infection with a foul smelling discharge. It's disgusting. On antibiotics and a steroid spray and should start feeling human in about 3 or 4 days.

Lol. Of course I would never do that. Well, the new family is intact and they have two supportive grans. We all have to find our community, and they have. Wherever Regis and Darnell are, they have a chance now at sharing a good life. It's funny how meeting characters briefly can leave such an impact on readers. Thank you, my friend. Glad you're happy. Cheers!

Oh how I love to get attention on this story. Thanks so much for your kind words, my friend. I absolutely loved the experience of writing and posting and conversing/interacting with readers during that time and since. Is 260 a record for a final chapter? I'm not sure, but I suspect there might be a few stories out there that have more. You're so right that readers waited on each chapter... that always blew me away. I'd never written a shifter story before, and certainly not a complex mystery, so I really wasn't confident going into this that I could pull it off. I've never worked harder on something in my life, though. Again, thank you for the praise of Morningstar. Your comment would make a superb story review... just saying... it's up to you whether you give story reviews, but each time there is one it draws new eyes to a story. Story Recommendations also help. Thanks again, buddy. You've made my rather dreary day. Cheers! Gary.

What do you think, Doc? I guess I could be persuaded... maybe...

Hi, Neal! Yeah, I chose that title because it worked, and I didn't want to give anything away to ruin the reunion. Us authors are sneaky that way. As far as Gran, she's a woman of faith and also a positive force. She was only trying to provide some comfort. You'll hear about the barn and house and homestead in the next chapter, my friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is always greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much, Chris! The family is back together. Woo Hoo!

Runyan was not thinking straight. He'd hoped Willy James would be greeting him at the homestead, possibly camped out inside, but when he saw the closed gate and no sign, his hope plummeted. So yeah, he didn't check out the surroundings. I doubt anyone thought he have been there for four days and needing to cam out somewhere. Somber is a perfect word for the trip to the homestead. It's the reason for the title of this chapter. Yeah, it looks like really good land in the area. That one farm is clearly on land that has excess water. Yes, now the boys get to explore and establish themselves at Barnswallow. Finally. Woot! Thanks, centex. I hope you continue to enjoy this story. Cheers!

Twenty more chapters? Have you lost your marbles, Doc? Will there be fun, games, and drama in the next FEW chapters? Possibly. Thanks, buddy.

Hey, Kris! Yes it does and I'm pleased you see that. Fletcher learned from his pa how not to be, and what truly matters in this world. I'm sure Willy James has his own story to tell. Cheers, and thanks, my friend.

Lol. Thanks, buddy. No time machines were used in the writing of this story. The circus would have been fun, though. It must have been hard for Willy James to get there and still be alone, and still have to sleep three more nights all by himself. The journey has given him a wealth of experience, though. He's likely comfortable in his own skin now. Glad you found the reunion beautiful.

Thanks, milady. Yep, Runyan came mighty close to needing chasing, and it wouldn't have been easy to catch him. Not sure the burned down farm is fixable, but we'll see what they come up with. The house should be big enough for the four of them. You're welcome, my dear friend, and I feel better today than I have in two weeks. Sinus pain is gone and coughing has eased some. Fingers crossed. So pleased this chapter made you happy.

Willy James had a lot of time to think on his journey, being completely alone. When we think back to him crying at the side of the store, he was in real turmoil. He's had time to put everything in perspective, and has regained some pride. He was well spoken for sure, but he didn't want to dwell... he's accepted who he is, at least that is what I take from those words. Did we not all breath a sigh of relief from Runyan? That poor man has managed to navigate his own personal hell while helping two other men who should be dead. He astonishes me as a character. But, he's only human... his words to August and Fletcher before they shook hands were honest and gave a hint of what he's always faced. No wonder he's strong. I like that you quoted Runyan... of course I worry about my responsibility to the reader. I ain't no hero. Lol. You're thinking about dessert? You can expect Willy James will have a story to tell. Thank you, my lovely friend.

Lol. Love the GIF, Albert. Year fear and hope were walking side by side in this chapter. All three men had Willy James on their mind, and it was a heavy weight thinking he'd run into trouble. It is all about the characters, and the heart they show. Runyan was a tortured man, feeling guilty for letting his man travel alone. They really are a family. Audust and Fletcher carried the same fears and the same guilt. Land is always a character in my writing. Why not, since it is a living, breathing thing, and determines so much in this kind of story. I loved writing the reunion. As you know, Albert, I enjoy these emotional scenes as much as anything else. August and Fletcher were raised by different men, yet their values and hearts mesh beautifully. The know in their hearts what's important, and it isn't the land and money. It is the new family they are building. Thanks, buddy.

Lol. I hope every reader feels this way.

This makes me so happy, Patrick! As I've said before, this one is inverted compared to other works of mine. The journey wasn't just a means to an end... it really established August and Fletcher as a couple sharing their lives, and also was a great opportunity to get to know Runyan, a man they knew, but not very well. I believe they all learned a lot about each other and truly did become family. Aww... I love when I can invoke tears. It just so happens I shed tears aplenty while writing. Had you had a great day at school. Cheers and much thanks, buddy.

Always glad when I can make you happy, Sherye! My thought is that he never went close to the gate, and never thought to leave a sign, like a kerchief tied to the gate or a strip of something. It was common practice to leave a 'calling card' like that back then. At any rate, one rain, or even strong wind would have wiped away any tracks on a hardpacked road like this one is. Thank you, my dear friend.

Hey, Doc! It worked out well after that somber ride to the homestead. The boys might have underestimated Willy James. I mean, he had farther to go and probably left a little later. None of the others had to travel east first and then loop around. His little spotted horse did the job too. Kudos to them! Thanks, my friend.

Hello, my friend. I don't think any of them really thought Willy James would beat them to the homestead. He certainly proved that a boy who lived his whole life in a town could travel on his own through wild country. Yeah, the timing was close. Runyan had blinders on... anxious to backtrack and find his guy. Because there were no tracks or a sign at the gate, he didn't think to scout the area. I'm as anxious as you to go exploring. Will the house be nice... I think the big house in town has given us a clue. Cheers!

Hey, Parker! It started out as quite a moody chapter for sure. Fortunately, Willy James must have had more moxy and toughness than the others thought. And yes, the time has come to move into Barnswallow. I must admit I do like writing about places like this. Thanks, buddy.

New chapter posted...

Dark Thoughts and Dark Clouds Driving east out of Warrensville, their moods were dampened by the absence of Willy James and concern for Runyan. They’d made a quick stop at the bank, and August left all the money where it was, still having coin from Albert in his pocket. No denying it was a fine town with good people from what they’d seen and from what the grans had told them, but it was hard to feel much joy. A couple of miles east of the big yellow house, they came upon

Thanks, buddy. Well, Harriet and Dorothea are certainly close friends. August hates lying or keeping things from his gran. Has she figured them out? Gusee you'll have to read and find out. Appreciate you letting me know you thought this was another great chapter. Cheers!