Doha

As easy as Bastien attaches, I believe Lawrence has attached to Bastien in a way that is both abnormal for him and unexpected. They could easily feature in each others’ futures. I still can’t read Anton well, but I believe he is more good than ominous but would not hesitate to respond viciously if Bastien is hurt or threatened. As for Abe, he is a nobody, getting off on being a somebody. Vile little creature.

Another super chapter as they prepare for the worst. Thank you for the brief descriptions of Jake and Mannly - it just brings together what we have been envisaging from the clues given in the text so far.

Actually when we think about some of the nursery rhymes we learnt, they are gruesome, and yet I will sing them with my own grandchildren when the time comes 😜

A real breakthrough is about to take place. And I’m so glad I can simply turn the page and keep on reading. As for Mills and Boon, @sandeman, I predict that by the end of this story, Mannly will “gaze into Jake’s warm brown eyes, his hand resting on the firm chiseled chest, and know that their love will last for ever”.

It is quite possible that Bill has set up a trust for his grandchildren, chiefly Tag as the heir.

Bill Yoder was a financial genius who also had the great good fortune of hitting oil on his property. It seems his sone Zane, Tag’s father, has the business acumen but lacks the humanity. I truly hope that between Bert and Tag, something can be done to save the Fleming ranch for Eric. As for Ash and Tag, what a journey they are on. Ash is actually the perfect gol for Tag and I am certain that they will navigate a path for themselves that will be fulfilling and uplifting for them both. I love this couple and I love this story.

And in many ways, this returning to the grassroots of the industry, if only for season, will embed in Tag an appreciation of what people at the “coalface” deal with in building an empire, be it a ranch or a business or a school, ow whatever. This is excellent experience for him, even though it was not part of the plan and came about in a diabolical way.

Well done Momma Bear. Now getting Shayna to understand that she is barking up the wrong tree is another matter.

Jo is a honey. Do we know Mannly’s real name yet? I’m sure the sheriff would need it for the case.

Shayna is deluded, but she may be quite dangerous if that delusion is shattered. I hope she doesn’t do something vicious later. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned …

It’s good to see Mannly fully awake.

I’m so glad Mannly is waking up and that he and Jake are uber aware of each other. I can’t wait for them to realise that they long for each other in equal measure!

Things are coming to a head and our trio just need to hold out a little longer so that reunited, they can fulfill the prophecy. I like Skarg more and more. I have no time for the evil trees 😜

This was a fantastic chapter that combined the best of George, as a naval captain, a diplomat, a host and a lover. Herrera and he may well be onto something. Let’s see. As for Palomar, good riddance, but will he or his influence pop up somewhere at an inopportune time?

Yep, a photocopy machine is to be avoided at all costs. In the Middle East, there is a job title - photocopy boy - I kid you not. Thankfully we have such a person and so I am spared the horror of choosing buttons and fixing jams. Harry is 11 years older than James and Ellis is married. Both perhaps out of the play zone, but are we sure of this? Ellis is flirting away and James is aware of Harry. What of Spencer? Not Harry’s normal “type”, but who knows. I’m really enjoying this.