Mark Arbour

Actually, Will would only say that if he were a liar, because Will didn't feel that way. Will was honest and direct; he didn't rant and rave, and neither did Matt. They both said their piece, and it was done. I'm not finding fault on either side of that exchange. I don't think it's unreasonable to have different standards for siblings than for distant cousins. Will and Gathan have argued about Zach, but I don't remember where they're not close anymore, or how Will has treated him like dirt. I think this is something they disagree on. Happens to friends from time to time. Lets remember that it took Will much longer than a day or two for him to forgive Zach for sleeping with John. The incident with John happened in the Spring of 2000, and here it is, the Fall of 2001, when Will is finally, uh, friendly with Zach again. I think the counter-argument, that Will carried a grudge for way too long, is much more plausible.

Thanks! I agree with you; I think the relationship between Granger and Winkler is really sweet. There was talk about them having a sexual fling, but that is so foreign to their situation, it would just be too weird. Hopefully everyone sees that now, as their relationship has developed.

Wow. Two great reviews in one day! You're on a roll. I really like how you contrast Cavendish with Granger. I think that's pretty accurate, but I think that Cavendish is also a little more fun and playful. George is well-rounded. Sometimes I worry that he is too well-adjusted, almost too perfect, but he does have some quirks, some flaws.

And we all know how much you like your meat. (SMILE) Thanks for the review. I'm interested to see where this story arc takes me. Sometimes I feel like I'm just along for the ride.

You have to give George credit: he's a pretty trusting soul when it comes to those three. And they're pretty tuned in.

I think open relationships are hard, but I think believing in them is an individual thing. I've seen some people make them work, but I've seen others fail miserably. I'm personally skeptical about them, but hey, that's just me.

Thanks! Two things: 1. Hang in there. We'll hear Wade's mind on this. 2. I'm so glad you drew that parallel between how Robbie apologized to Brad first, but how Matt addressed the big issue with Will. That was intentional (SMILE).

Thanks for the great, and spot-on review. I really liked this line: Will can be very mature for his age in some areas but his he can be immature in others, especially when dealing with things that are shades of grey. In reality, aren't most of us like that? Matt and Wade have been having issues for a while now. I think Will's line to Wade about a relationship rollercoaster may have stirred something in Wade's brain, and made him really think about things.

Thanks Edward! I always thought it would be interesting to dive into JP's thoughts for a bit during that flight with Sam, and this gave me an ideal opportunity. I'm glad you liked the line about Siberia. Brad doesn't want to go there. No one who's gay wants to go there. ;-)

That is too funny. Good sound effects!

I think that it is a given that Wade is considered part of the family, but any speculation on that was ended back in Bloodlines, when JP told Wade he would adopt him in a minute. I think it was further solidified when JP and Stef gave Wade the ring in Paternity. This family has adopted many people without direct bloodlines, so that really isn't a factor. Brad and Will, for example, are not biologically related to anyone at Escorial.

Andy, I think you're actually spot on with your analysis of the action easing up, but then again, this is the denouement of the story, so it's supposed to be that way. It's a winding down of a very long book, and a very long trip. But I'll try to toss in some excitement here at the end!

Thanks so much. I'm glad that, despite the whiny characters, you still like the other story, but that's fine if you don't. Everyone has their preferences. This one is harder and more complicated, but very rewarding in its own way.

Hiss!!! We find out about the Guild in the next chapter. I think Caroline gets credit for making sure this homecoming is much nicer than the last.

Thanks for the review. I've thought about the book 7 scenario in my mind, but right now I'm trying to tie up loose ends.

Thanks Andy! Sadly, I rarely channel JP when I'm in a conflict situation, so hopefully you'll do better with that. And I'm not sure I'd do much better at coaching. I'm a little too exuberant with my opinions. ;-)

Getting a slap and actually changing are two different things, and that's what remains to be seen.

One word back at you: thanks!

I'm so glad you liked it. This really was a team effort!

I think we can credit Caroline for that. She's evidently adamant that he receive a nice reception this time around. :-)

Thank you so much! Sometimes I write a chapter, I'll evaluate it, and decide that I'm proud of how it turned out. This one was one of those.

December 20, 1798 Portland Place, London Granger stood in front of the mirror as Winkler helped him dress for his sojourn to Carlton House. The uniforms that he’d had made in Paris were of excellent quality, and superbly tailored, but they were slightly different than those he’d had crafted here in England. Even though they were in good shape, he resolved to get new ones, so as to look similar to his fellow naval officers. Caroline breezed into the room and s

I'm so glad you liked the chapter. Optimism in this story is dangerous though. ;-) JP does have that gravitas with his family, but Brad can be pretty imposing too, and he also commands respect because he's usually willing to go to bat for what's right. Usually.

I think that Frank really hit the nail on the head with Matt and being captain of the team. It seems like every since he took over that role, he's been the big man on campus, and cocky as hell. He needs to drop down a notch or two, but with his grief clouding his brain, it makes me wonder if that will happen anytime soon.

Brad usually prefers a missile right up the ass. (SMIRK) As for the cliffhanger thing, in a serial story, you have to look for reasonable ending spots. I think this was a good one, but when I leave you hanging, I try to post an update relatively quickly. This one was benign.