Mark Arbour

Thank you for that, and I'm so glad you're at the keyboard, pounding out some stories! That's fantastic! When fans bitch about characters, it's actually quite flattering, because it means you're invested in them. I sometimes find myself playing devil's advocate (like I did with Wade) just because I know what's coming, and what's really going on inside his head, and I don't want you all to get too put off by too much negativity. After I post a chapter, I'm always really excited to get and read reviews or forum comments. I probably check back for those as often as you check for updates!

When I took the story in this direction, I had the same kind of disappointment, and a few of my team members voiced their displeasure as well. I think they had to end up in Boston, since Wade had the house all built out, etc., but it was tempting to move the others to Chicago. It's one of my favorite cities.

Thanks for that feedback. That was really nice! I try to maintain the right pace in a story...sometimes I'll chide myself for being either too quick or too slow. But it's fun. :-) I think couples that communicate do better (obviously), so if that takes the form of fighting, it's probably better than nothing at all.

I'm glad you liked the story! I think Matt will be a great Dad unless he's got a kid that's really into sports. I can see him being a bit too competitive.

I'll respond with two words: THANK YOU!!

I'm glad to hear you're excited about the upcoming stories. Thanks so much for your kind comments. I really wanted to end this on a happy note, even though it was tempting to drag it out over a few stories. It's funny, because for me, and for some of the readers, having Matt and Wade separated was just a bit too painful.

Thank you so much! For me, writing is a release, and an escape, so I guess I'm more productive when RL is challenging. The quantity I get to take credit for...the quality I owe to my team. I'm not seeing Tiffany as a narrator, but we'll definitely see more of JJ.

I'm glad I can not only live up to your fantasies, but exceed them. Thanks so much!

I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. I know this was tough for you, especially when things looked dire for Matt/Wade. I think most relationships go through a crucible, or multiple crucibles, but the past year for Matt and Wade would be really tough to beat.

Thank you so much! I think that I avoid too much saccharin because I'm basically a prick, but that's just my theory. ;-)

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

DomLuka is always a good place to start.

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the ending. I think that as many cliffhangers as I throw at you, it's nice to at least have some closure at the end of the book. By the way, I've posted a projection on the next two stories here: http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/33861-what-happens-next-in-cap/page-5#entry476965

I thought I'd use this thread to give you a bit of a teaser on what to expect with the next few stories. The books in the past have been either epic (like Paternity, Millennium, and 9.11) or transitional (like Flux and Poor Man's Son). The next story is titled Streak, and will most likely be classified as a transitional story. It's hard to say, though, since I haven't finished it yet. Barring some major disaster, you can expect that to publish on August 8, 2014. I envision the story after that (which I have not started on, nor have I named yet) will likely be a more epic tale.

The next book will employ multiple narrators. The primary people we will hear from are JJ, Zach, Wade, and Brad, with a little Will thrown in to spice things up.

:wizard: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :wizard:

Thanks so much for the review, and for noticing that my mind is, indeed, quite twisted. You're right about that. The verdict is still out as to whether Matt and Wade will be more like JP/Stef or Brad/Robbie, but if I am successful, they'll be different from both. I try not to do the same thing over again. There were two major life events at work on both Wade and Matt. The first, as you noted, was the tragic loss of a parent. The second is that pivotal change from undergrad to real person. Wade made that change to real person after Riley was born, while Matt made it after he graduated. I think that Matt's path from a school/career point is pretty easy to discern. I suspect that, as you said, by the beginning of 2003 he'll be at Boston University, and back on track with his education. You will see more of Alex.

I'm glad you liked the ending, and the story! My personal experience suggests that graduation from college sparks one of the most major changes in life and attitudes. I think Matt and Wade have shown us that. :-)

Good call. I think that Wade and Matt are soul mates, and Matt called it pretty well when he said that neither one of them was going to be happy without the other. That doesn't mean the relationship has been (or will be) smooth sailing, but it does make it somewhat inevitable.

I've never been much of a fan of monastic orders, so I guess that's subconsciously showing through. The frustrating thing about this is that I've had this chapter done for a while, and I've probably re-read it at least 10 times, and I never caught it. Ugh. I'm glad I made you dance! :-)

There is no need to apologize for bitching. We see these characters going through various contortions as their lives develop...sometimes they handle them well, while other times, not so much. Of all the characters, though, Wade was the most likely to get his act together on his relationship with Matt; it was inevitable that his logical mind would ultimately join with his emotions to reach the right conclusion.

Thanks so much Jim!

I'm glad you're happy, and that the CAP world is happier, but don't get complacent. Things in that world are rarely consistently happy. ;-) Or consistent at all.

True things: I am a bastard, and it is your birthday. I hope it's a happy one!

Yes, I noticed you were MIA. WTF? :-) Glad to see you posting!