Krista

And Colt, it seems... because where he was the other night, wasn't a secret he was able to keep... apparently. I do think he is more discerning, yes. But I don't think he landed on Joel's secret. He was just picking at Joel, thinking of reasons off the top of his head. It was similar to how Davin did earlier, but Davin never breached it, and it is possible that we now know why he never did. It's because he shared the same secret and knew the weight of it. Colt doesn't, so that weight never hit him... it allowed him to list it off like he was listing items on a grocery list. He just happened to get a reaction and then made the connection. He later in told Joel that he never would have landed on it on his own. He's the first one that told Joel that maybe he could keep his secret if he fought hard enough to... in a round-about way. At least with him. Celia, possibly already has him figured out. She probably has Colt figured out as well. She seems the type that likes to be supportive and then 'told' she doesn't seek answers that people are unwilling to give. At least, for things that aren't life and death or needed to be made or told right in that moment. Less stiff... I see where that conversation went right after you made the comment.. and I applaud you for it.

They might. Which is a synonym to Maybe. And yes, it will be only possible if the guys allows that to happen. Joel is of the mind that he can't handle a real relationship. It may be due to not expecting the possibility. Then Davin seemed to dismiss the kiss as easily as it came, and he has his own worries about having that secret of his out in the open. And Aggressive. Interesting, because I do see that he is a bit aggressive with his self-preservation. He's timid in his fear, and aggressive as well. Almost like a scared puppy backed into a corner... he'd much rather all that go away and let him out without being afraid or biting anyone. It is a sad state to feel like you need to live in, but it might fit him...

Unintentionally productive. I guess the outcome and journey getting there can be disconnected a bit as long as the outcome happens. And yeah, after that kiss they both became really reactive and it stopped their progress like hitting a brick wall. Hopefully it doesn't linger and truly hinder things.

Could be like those cute, but sad little videos of young animals that don't know where their mothers are.. coming up to people are like.. "Momma?" Only to then to realize no... not Momma. I may cry watching those videos... but that reminded me of them.

Yeah, he did say that he was no longer afraid of Davin looking over and catching his eyes lingering. That was a very real concern of his before that kiss, leading right up to it, really. He was too scared to look at a perky ass and lower-back dimples with Davin's back to him completely unaware... he gave up the chance to solidify that into his brain, even. Small tragedy, really as I'm sure it is a perfectly perky ass he has going for him. And yeah, we also learned that Joel's plan wasn't even to look. It is safe to imagine that he likely could have found another gay person in his hometown. He talks of small rumors and being too afraid to ask, etc. He 'could' have found some semblance of 'community' there if he wished to, if he was brave enough. But instead, it landed wet with creek water on his lap. Literally. Must've been quite the shock. Restlessly revolting is probably how I would describe Colt too. Other than him 'not wanting' a life that seems predetermined for him, because it was predetermined for his Father. The difference being Trace lives happily in that fact, where Colt seemingly does not. And, he sees Lacey as living happily in it, but she is young, her dreams aren't fully rounded out yet... he's hoping she remains steadfast in her youthful excitement about the Ranch. Maybe she will... but he has to feel that pressure, it is possible when he was her age he had it too. I don't know what impact Sierra has on him in that regard, the orgasms probably doesn't do his mind any favors though. Celia hasn't interrogated him yet... maybe she'll adopt that as a new tactic. If she saw how well that went between Colt and Joel, because without either parent there... the little shits decided to talk. It was productive, with a lot of F-bombs she wouldn't like to hear, insults, and such... but progress was made. Unintentional as it was.

Yeah, we're fifteen chapters in and he's still firmly in that mindset. It has to boil over, right. The timer is ticking ever closer to zero. At least, he has other distractions to worry about too now though. Possibly... hopefully... maybe? Damn it Joel. 😮

I'm not sure that Colt does, because their dynamics have shifted, but he's a bit blind to that shift in the form of Boobs and Sierra. Of course there's more to her than that, not to Davin, but yeah. I don't know if Colt realizes that the dynamic has shifted, because 'he' is the shift. Usually the shift-er doesn't see it, until the new wears off that caused it in the first place. Maybe when that happens, he can see it... like I said though, I'm not sure that he does. And the rest is very possible too. 😮

*fingers crossed* A lot of that are still well up in the air. At least now, it isn't all solely on Joel's shoulders... other characters also have decisions to make. and yes, safe to say Joel is distressed with all of it erupting so suddenly around him. He went from his secret being safe in Trace's hands, to the unknown of Colt's promises, and Davin's kiss that might have scared him for an entirely different reason.... and he seems to be of the mind that he messed that whole thing up.

I think both of those are safe theories with Colt and his dynamics with his father, at least in Colt's mind right now anyway. Or, it might just be a dig from the seemingly one-sided argument the two of them had the chapter prior to this one and he's still feeling the slight of all that "listening" he had to endure from Trace that prompted the fast exit from the house. More and more evidence, yeah... they've been telling the boy this for a bit. I think Joel sees it, knows it, has heard it, and is listening. Maybe one day he'll step over that edge and allow himself to fall off that seemingly imaginary cliff. That cliff will have to become imaginary first though... and Lol.

Like the timer going off for the turkey for thanksgiving din-din, I guess. lol. That bird's been cookin awhile. Good for Colt for finally talking... I'm guessing? lol. He finally said more than one sentence at a time, progress was made there. And Davin took initiative, lets hope it doesn't blow up in his face.

Thank you. It doesn't surprise me either, being in the world you've known your whole life, then the 'idea' that you're expected to carry that torch beyond your youth... might be a bit of an undertaking that requires a pure love for what you're doing. If you don't have it, there's a prison sentence there... And did Colt figure out Joel, or did Joel give up the answer?

“Don’t ask about this morning, it will piss me off,” he said as we walked out and he closed the door behind us. “Wasn’t going to,” I offered as I followed him quickly back towards his truck. “Why’d you come back anyway?” “I was gonna change clothes, but fuck it,” he answered turning to glance at me as he dug his phone out of his pocket. At his truck, he opened the door and climbed inside. He had the truck started by the time I got to the passenger side. He pulled it into gear as I

And I don't want to see anyone placing blame on my shoulders for putting you into Shady Pines.

He'd definitely starve one, so it seems.

Aww, sorry for her family's loss. The story is completely written, so as long as we can stick to the weekly posting schedule, we'll get there. We're already halfway there as far as wordcount is concerned. And, I struggled at which 'reaction' to use for this post... because the first sentence threw me and I didn't want to put the "laughing" or "fingers crossed" ones... but the second sentence calls for both. Decisions...

Wise words, that none of us listen to...

It does put me at ease a little.

I wonder how many times this man blinks really fast, shakes his head, takes a deep calming breath... then he smiles and that be the end of it. If he can overcome bratty backtalking and moody teenagers, unruly cows, long toiling days on the ranch... all with a smile, then yeah maybe Saint of Patience. I will never fall into the light of that, mind you. No, @wildone we do not need your two cents confirming this statement. I can feel the words coming as I'm about to post this reply. So, backspace is your best friend my dear.

True. But still, the rate at which some of you people read is something I have a lot of envy. Showing so many authors love is amazing, we're all truly blessed.

Although it would be years too soon, Colt walking along with his little "foals" is so cute for an easy Halloween theme for him to do with his children.

So what you're saying is... no zombies allowed? 😮 I may need to do a lot of emergency editing then. *whistles*

For once, I may be to blame. We stayed up late last night clucking like two hens in the coop. I do not take the blame often Steven so shape up buttercup.

I am always eager and a bit terrified, but mostly eager to give y'all the next chapter.