MacGreg

Indeed, don't we all... Thank you, tim.

Val, I didn't know that about you and the horses! Thank you for sharing. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Didn't mean to be shocking with the ending (OK, maybe I did...) There has to be some reconciliation and release of the heartache and angst that's been embedded in Travis for so long. You've been great to support this story from the beginning. I really appreciate it! Cheers - Mac

Graeme, you really touched on some truth here. The vast majority of people that Travis is in regular contact with are not necessarily on his side. It's been a lonely life for him, and Ben - despite their times of butting heads together - has been a beautiful distraction for him. Thank you for reading and responding so astutely. Cheers - Mac

We've all had an Uncle Ed in our lives, haven't we? Or some variation thereof. Thanks for your kind words about the scene in the meadow. Travis and Ben deserve just some quiet time alone... even if they've been working their tails off all afternoon. Writing that gave my own mind a short reprieve. Thanks as always for the review. Cheers - Mac

Your questions are certainly thought-provoking, droughtquake. A rapist, a homophobe, a naive young girl, an outraged cowboy... there's a lot going on, for sure. Next chapter might answer some of your questions. I won't leave things hanging unbalanced forever, I promise. Cheers for the comments - Mac

I do love the show-don't-tell style you're using with this story, Gary. You're revealing just enough about Kellar and Tobyn without delving straight into long explanations of the history of shifters and what the entire mystery is about. It's much more about character development and revealing the connection and attraction forming between the two men. There is something sweet, something wholely natural (or supernatural...)forming between them. As the readers, we know that more will be revealed as we travel along with you. It's a fantastic ride.

I enjoyed the metaphor of Ryan out-skating Erik, just enough to keep Erik huffing and puffing to catch up without completely leaving him behind. A bit like a cat-and-mouse game. I think that Ryan is enjoying the chase Erik is giving him, even if he hasn't fully recognized that within himself yet. If Erik were to altogether disappear, I believe that Ryan would be genuinely crestfallen (and maybe even heartbroken). I agree with Timothy's assessment that Erik seems a little oblivious to the deeper resonance that Ryan is experiencing throughout all of this. Or, maybe he's just better at balancing his emotions. At any rate, another great chapter. Cheers - Mac

Hey Graeme, thanks for the review. You are quite right that there will be doubts and questions in Ben's mind as he continues to process Travis' "side job". He hasn't begun to really think it through yet, he's just been acting on impulses. He knows he wants Travis, but right now that's about all he's focusing on. You're right, deep down there's insecurity and still a lot of emotion that he must work through.

You're right, Ben having flirtatious girls hanging all over him making propositions no longer holds interest for him. He has one focus right now, and that, of course, is Travis. Although no one is jumping up and down with joy over the relationship, Audra is at least trying to find some middle-ground, which is hugely important to Ben. Perhaps eventually Bryan will come around, too. Thanks so much for your comments on this chapter, Graeme. Greatly appreciated. Cheers - Mac

The white-faced, rust-colored Hereford turned in an uncomfortable circle, drawing in a deep, cautious breath before lowering herself to the ground. Her quivering legs bent ungracefully beneath her pregnant belly as she descended down into the grass. Once situated, she remained still for a long moment, her large, dark, watery eyes staring off into nothingness. Beyond her, the wide expanse of meadow and mountains provided a picturesque backdrop to this otherwise unceremonious calving. The late

there's no better place for gazing up at the stars than from the gutter

Thanks, Lisa. Hope you've cooled down a bit (and your computer, too...) The tenderness Travis has expressed is genuine, and you're right, Ben wasn't expecting it, but he's happy to receive it. Certainly, Travis' situation with Jack hasn't permanently been resolved - only temporarily put behind them. Thanks for the great review. Cheers - Mac

Hey Geron, thank you for such an in-depth review! I appreciate your analogies of the rough ranch exterior in contrast to Travis' interior, and the mirror-like similarities you mentioned between Ben and Travis. They may seem worlds apart on the exterior, but inside, they have some similar feelings. Frustration, loneliness, angst. You are right that they're both in need of something... maybe each other... but neither of them can see that yet. Thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate you continuing this story. Cheers - Mac

You know the tune that sets me free... That's what it's all about. The connection that cannot be undone. Love this poem, tim, and the images it evokes and the heat it exudes and... damn... the title alone - "boy" - got me worked up before I even started reading it. What a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Good for Michael... and for you.

To me, this story isn't just about Maurice finding renewal in a new friendship. It demonstrates finding renewal in life. To get past the past, to forgive ourselves and others, to take a step outside of our comfort zones, to overcome hesitations and obstacles that hold us back from being happy, to breathe in fresh air and feel a liberation of spirit. Setting the scene in the park was a perfect move; the air, the sun, the melting of snow, the children coming out from winter hibernation to play once more, like Maurice coming out of his grieving hibernation. So many beautiful metaphors to this story, and people can relate to them in some fashion or another. For instance, each of us has experienced grief, each of us has lost a loved one along the way, each of us has felt the passage of time, each of us yearns for human connection. Maurice represents us - the readers. And in that, we feel a connection to you - the author. Thank you for this wonderful piece. Cheers - Mac

As always, I love reading your reviews, Def. Thank you. Yes, not an easy moment for Travis in the reveal, but the fact that Ben was not immediately judgmental to him made him feel all the closer to him. Travis' physical tenderness stemmed from his heart tenderness. Thanks for reading. Cheers - Mac

Hi Def, thank you for coming back around to read and comment on this chapter. Yes, Jack recognized Ben. I think I need to make that clearer, but I don't want him coming right out and saying, "Hey, you're Ben Mansfield!" I prefer the silent shock better.

Val, this was a wonderful poem, full of nostalgia and warm feelings. I was reminded of my own childhood, as I'm sure many readers here would agree (and have expressed in their reviews already). For me, I did not have sweet grandmothers who made fluffy pancakes and homemade fudge or other goodies that I could lick the bowls and spoons of, but I do have fond memories of being at my grandmother's house and admiring her collections of antiques, playing hide-and-seek with my brother, falling into big piles of leaves that we raked in autumn. For me, it was watching Lawrence Welk with my grandmother. Sad, but true. I much prefer the humor Carol Burnett and Friends. Thank you for sharing this piece. It made me feel good.

Thank you so much, Def! I appreciate your satisfaction with the story as it stands - not a lot of explanation or backstory. You perceived it just as I'd intended it to be perceived: a moment in time. Cheers - Mac

Thanks for sharing your insights, Larry. You grasp the feelings of the poem well.

AC, thanks for sharing your comments on the poem. I could feel/hear the cold rain smacking as you described it.

Thank you, tim. Unfortunately, I will have to wait a long, long time. But still, there are visits, floating in and out. I appreciate your comments.

Parker, thank you for the kind words on this. It's a very personal poem, and I'm glad that it touches others, as well. Patient and urgent... great descriptions, thank you.

Thank you, Gary. I appreciate your thoughts on it.

Thank you, Val. xo