centexhairysub

Another truly wonderful chapter, I do believe the Bridgemont series is the best online fiction series there is period, although CAP is a close second... LOL... The scene with Cardona in Spain was perfect and I was glad to hear that his brother was doing well and helping his family. This visit was a balm to Granger's troubled emotions. I would hope that Granger saving Lady Elgin would make her easier to deal with but I have a feeling in her mind it will all be Granger's fault in the first place. The last section was just painful to read. George feels that he is truly alone and maybe he is but part of that is self-inflicted. I am also going to take issue with his calling Caroline a whore, even though it was just in his mind. George is well into double digits on men that he has slept with a couple of women but Caroline having a three way makes her a whore? I am sorry, George needs to get over himself. Never in this series have I ever thought George was truly wrong but in this instance I do. I know that in that time Caroline's actions would have been horribly damaging if they came out and were to be believed and yes, she should have come clean and told George immediately; but she did not so get over it... Even if George can't get back to feeling about Caroline how he did, they have to come to terms with each other so they can ensure their family continues to grow in power, wealth, and position in society. Just being neutral with each other isn't going to be enough; George has made too many enemies and needs to be able to have his wife as much as his father at home protecting his interest and pushing him forward. Even if they can't find a way to heal all the wounds; they have to repair enough of the breech to move forward together... Great chapter, wonderful story, and magnificent series; please keep it coming...

Princess, seriously, I am surprised that Wade didn't just bitch slap Matt right then and there... You just know that nickname is going to stick... I am glad that Matt and Wade both enjoyed being back on the ice. I think having something like hockey to do together that is physical would be really good for both of them. I could see Matt getting really competitive again but I don't see him going off to Australia without Wade and I can't see Wade blowing that much time off during his first semester... It was great to see them being so good with each other, although I did love Wade referring to Matt as the housewife... LOL... Brad seems to be really into Cam and vice versa. I hope it works out for both of them. I can understand Cam wanting to keep working and not feel like Brad is keeping him but if he can't get time off from his current job, he could give notice and if he is any good as a waiter find another one with little problem. Nice to see that JJ was actually nice to Cam and Brad, I think he is growing up some as well, just not as fast as Will. JJ was clearly disappointed about Alex not making his short program, I have to wonder if Alex was really busy or just playing a game? Great chapter, thanks and hope the turmoil near you isn't causing you any problems, Mark.

WOW, just loved this chapter on so many levels... I am really buying into the idea of Brad and Cam making a go of it. I was a little hesitant at first more because of the power dynamic that will exist in their relationship not the age but I think they could work through that... Cam is already on a better footing this semester since Matt paid for it and that should give Cam some breathing room to spend some time with Brad and not feel like he was being kept by him. Brad has always appreciated brains and I think Cam is probably a very smart guy, very few dummies get accounting degrees... Matt has matured greatly over the last couple of stories but I do have a little bit of concern over his initial reaction to Brad and Cam. I can see him going like what the f&%k is up with my stepdad sleeping with guys I have been with, but I can see him being okay with it in the end. Matt really cares about people and I think he will want both Brad and Cam to be happy in the end... Still not really sold on Zach, but I am getting more of an appreciation for his position being able to see his point of view. It is one think to know you are good and maybe even the best on the team but sometimes Zach seems to have a little more ego than is healthy, even for someone that will make it to the pros one day. Isidore and Frank would do damn near anything for Zach, and already have in uprooting themselves to give him a home where he could attend De La Salle. They both know his secret and I think Isidore especially could help him out more than he realizes if he would let her. I do think it would be lonely to feel that you only had one other person in the world that really knew and understood the real you. Great work, Mark, keep them coming....

Really enjoyed everything about this chapter, I always do when Granger is around... I just don't understand why Elgin doesn't explain the situation to his wife? Even if she doesn't understand Granger's position, Lord Elgin should... Is Elgin so browbeaten at the moment because of the money that his wife brought into the marriage that he cannot control her at all? The scene in Gibraltar was just so well done. The way Granger handled getting to the Governor and Harleton first was perfect, although except for saving O'Hara from having to put up with the Elgin's as his houseguests. The dinner was perfect and you would have thought it would have been a lesson to both Lord and Lady Elgin but I have to doubt it took. I was happy to see the letter that Granger sent to Caroline at the beginning of the chapter. I am not sure they will ever be able to get to were they were to start with but I hope they can repair some of the damage and be actually happy with each other....

I am going to like this story... It was perfect how well Matt really understands Wade and not only what he needs to how to help him get there. I knew the minute that there was a mention of the room in the closet what it was going to turn out to be; I think Wade will enjoy it as much or more than Matt. I do hope the hockey works out; it would be great to have an activity to share plus it will give them both an outlet to work out any frustrations... The small scene with Tiffany was really well done. The fact that in just a few words she helped Wade to understand how his happiness was so important to how everyone else felt. I loved that JJ had an issue with the shower handle, LOL; the shelves I can understand because he is fairly short compared to most of his family. I think it was really smart for Will to give Zach some space to get use to the new school and try and find his footing with the team before crashing in on him. Zach is going to have a lot to deal with coming into a program like De La Salle. I know that both Zach and Will probably wonder what each other is up to at the opening of the bar and the party with Zach but as long as Zach had to be in the closet, they have to have a somewhat separate life. I still want to know if Devon is aware of Will's real age or if he still assumes he is like 18ish? Damn, a building for a 16th birthday present; I am going to have to talk to my family about how much they owe me for past birthdays... LOL. Actually can really see Brad and Cam having a connection; I wonder who will get to use the sling room first in Chicago, Brad or Will? The age difference between Brad and Cam is not really that extreme at all but there would definitely be a power imbalance. I really am not sure how Matt would react about Brad and Cam but I can't see him really having a big blow up about it.... Great chapter and I can't wait to see how this story develops, really like the multiple narrators; great job, Mark...

Well, this certainly started out with a bang. I have to admit that I had already considered the fact that JJ might be attracted to Alex. JJ is I believe 16 at the time this story is taking place, and just a couple of months shy of being 17. I think because Will has turned into this physically imposing stud muffin, we forget that JJ is actually almost a year older than Will. We have never been able to see if JJ has really dealt with the issues surrounding his physical abuse; we know the family got him help but did he really deal with it or just offer enough to get the therapist off his back? The fact that he seems to be coming into this own sexuality may give us a hint that he has dealt with the issues at least to a point. I am not sure yet how I would feel about him actually becoming involved with Alex; which I actually do believe is going to happen. I think Alex is attracted to JJ at least on a subliminal level already. JJ would fit into Alex's Madonna/whore complex as the Madonna side perfectly; even better than Wade. I have a feeling that the fourth floor in Boston is going to be very interesting during this story. I am really glad to Matt and Wade get back onto an even keel in their relationship. I think that Matt's reasoning for taking them back to Paris is really valid and well thought out. I don't see Matt just lounging around very long, just not the right personality. It is easy to see why he would like to play hockey and get Wade involved back with it again. I actually think it would be a good outlet for both of them, hopefully Wade can find the time with what he will be doing, it won't be easy. I could actually see Matt working with a group coaching or teaching hockey and helping underprivileged kids get into the sport, and Boston would be a perfect place for that. I hope we do get to Goodwell some and get Nana back in the story. I would really like to see all of Wade's family some, yes, even Elizabeth... I think God for the fertile and dirty mind of Mark Arbour on a daily basis....

So sorry to hear about this, I had a little interaction with him on this site and found him to be just a delight. He will be missed. Praying for all those whose lives he touched and hope they can remember the good times.

Well, this is an interesting start to what I am sure will be another great addition to the CAP saga. While Zach has never and probably will never be one of my favorites; I think it will be interesting to see through his eyes. The addition of JJ as one of the narrators sort of surprises me but he is someone that I have like much more than others and I can't wait to see some of the CAP world through his eyes. I am glad that Zach has Brent to confide in. It is really important to have that support in your life especially during your teen years and it sounds like Brent is the kind of guy that will give his support unconditionally. Hope to see more of Brent, and less of the parents but doubt that is going to happen... LOL... Great start, thanks for the quick turnaround on the new story Mark...

Another great chapter in this story, I so enjoy each and every one of them. They are to be savored and it is with great pleasure that I read each of them a couple of times.... I really thought the description and pictures of the palace in Lisbon was first rate. The meeting with Prince John was interesting as well. I have always felt that he was maligned by many historians. While I don't believe he was nearly as inept as he is often portrayed; I do think he was influenced by the church to the detriment of many of his subjects. The scene with the Walpole was just perfect. The man came aboard Granger's own ship and tried to bully him. The fact that he allowed himself to be led by Lady Elgin says all that there needs to be said about his competence at the time. I believe he was recalled in later months of 1800 back to London. He had been in Lisbon for more almost 30 years at that point... Granger just continues to justify all the responsibilities that are placed on him by those in power. He does what needs to be done and handles himself in a way that few would be capable of at his age. I can't wait to see how the Elgin's handle the rest of the trip.

I really do believe that Matt and Wade are their generations version of JP and Stef with a few twist thrown into the mix. I was always pretty sure that you would have them end up together after a little drama but was never sure because of how twisted your mind is sometimes... LOL... I actually thought the conversation that Matt had with Will, Brad, Stef, and JP on the plane was as important as the one that he had with Wade at the end. Matt seems to have truly grown up not to say that there won't be a few slips in the future but he seems to have come into his manhood after a long difficult journey. The death of a parent is often something that can push this ahead in some people and in other men they can't really be a grown up no matter their age until their father is gone. I think that Matt was right and that Robbie would be perfectly happy to have him take some time off and work on his family life. I can't see Matt turning into a househusband so I give him six months before he is either working at something or being back in school. Boston would afford him several opportunities to further his education or even find him moving on with a career. I actually hope we see Alex or at least find out a little more about his in the future. I could actually see him and Wade staying friends without the sex in their lives to screw it up. Can't wait for the next story in this remarkable saga to begin but at least we have HMS Valiant to carry us over until you get it up and running.... Bravo.....

Well, damn, I have to say this was exceptionally well done but not sure how it is going to end up with Matt and Wade. I do think that Matt has matured greatly over the time since Robbie's death but I actually feel that Wade has backtracked some in that time as well. Really pissed me off that Wade made the comment about Matt playing hockey and being like he was back in college; it was really totally uncalled for and hockey really had very little to do with why Matt was acting like he did while attending Stanford. I honestly like Matt's revelation to himself about how he should have treated Riley's arrival and how he made a mistake by acting the way he did. I know that Matt and Wade have been separated to some extent for a while but they really haven't spent much time alone and I really thought that might benefit both of them. Matt can afford to move anywhere he wants and can put himself in Tiffany and the kids life, plus JJ will love having him in Boston, but there is nothing to say that Wade is going to be willing to welcome him with open arms... I sort of feel sorry for Cam but more from the prospect of not having Matt around on a friendship level plus he vouched for Matt with the hockey club and then Matt makes the team but bails? I don't think that Cam say Matt as his HEA person so don't see him being heartbroken or anything but I do think he will miss having a close friend around. Plus, Matt paid for his school for the semester and this will give Cam a break to help him get his life back on an even keel. Great chapter, I just hope the story ending is as hopeful as Matt is at this moment....

A wonderful chapter that shows Granger's ability to navigate not only the ebbs and flows of the sea but of society at that time. Granger was perfect in explaining the situation both on the ship and in London to the Elgin's. History has judged Lady Elgin very harshly, and I am starting to agree with it... LOL... I thought Granger handled the situation just perfectly when Lady Elgin brought up the rumors. Granger was smart to have been out and about with Cavendish before he left; because for Lady Elgin to have known about it, there must have already been whispers in London. I can't wait to see what issues come up with Granger in Lisbon and how he will handle them. You know he already has at least one ally but I suspect he will have a few more than anyone realizes. Can't wait for the next chapter... Great work, Mark...

Zach actually sounds like this may be a well thought out plan, but I can see a few problems with it down the road. I was really impressed with how Will handled himself during this situation. Loved the scenes with Matt and Alex and Matt and Wade but no so much when they are all together, I am glad that Matt understands his limits and has decided to remove himself before his patience is gone. I do worry that with where Matt left the letter that Wade will not be the one that gets it... Can't wait for the next one.

Yikes, not sure that Zach is going to be able to explain this one. Will would be willing to put up with a lot by I am not sure that Zach being this much of a hypocrite is something that Will is going to tolerate. So disappointed in Zach, even if you can't be out; don't be a bigot... Loved the scenes with Matt and Wade, Mark may not be sure but I am that they will end up together down the line. They may spend some time apart but in the end they truly are this generations JP and Stef... Glad to see that they seem to be figuring out Alex's behavior. I do think the way Alex is treating Wade means that he really does care about him, but his treatment of Matt is something Wade is not going to tolerate in the end I am afraid. Alex is the type of guy that JJ would be willing to take a lot from, if he handles it right. I can still see some issues there but Boston may not be as disruptive as some of us thought it would be. God, I just love this story...

Except for the fact that it would alter to much history, I am starting to wonder if Granger won't dump Lady Elgin off a gangplank. I am amazed that she would not realize that Granger has much better connections and considerably more influence than either she or her husband possess. I would have thought that Lord Elgin would have been more tuned into how annoyed Granger is getting with his wife. The battle was great and the description was truly first rate. I will have to go back and read up on the actual battle but your writing cannot be improved on... Glad to see that Granger at least touched base with Caroline even if it was a perfunctory note, they are tied together whether either of them like it or not. So glad to see this chapter and can't wait for the next, although I would not be upset if we skipped a large amount of time and got closer to depositing the passengers... LOL...

I really love this chapter. Having said that, I am going to be contrary and actually go another way from most of the reviewers on my view of Alex. I haven't really cared for him since the first chapter we met him; when I was just so excited to see the CAP and Bridgemont series meld. His reasons for being with Wade has always seemed suspect to me but that is changing a little bit. I actually know a few men from a certain class that have instinctually acted like Alex. You treat your wife/partner as a precious object that must never be sullied but you have the piece on the side that you can do the nasty with as hard as you want... It is just how they are raised. The fact that Alex is treating Wade like he is means that he probably does care for him a great deal; now, I still want Matt and Wade to end up together but have we considered a permanent polyamorous relationship with Alex as the third? LOL. I really am looking forward to Tiffany having the other baby, I actually do hope that it is Matt's and a boy or girl either one... Wade handled JJ just perfectly. I could actually see them ending up getting along better than anyone expected but not sure that will be the case.... I still want to see how far JJ will push Alex and how that is going to work...

Loved the scene with Will and Brad and Scott/Lark but I can't wait for the one when Will is explaining Scott's comment about Will liking to look at him... Scott might actually be good for Brad but I can't see it being a long term monogamous type relationship; I could see one where when Brad is in Hawaii they hook up until Brad is in a relationship that would not allow them to see each other sexually... So happy for Matt, but I sort of suspected this all along; glad that Wade was with him when he found out... Happy that Matt and Wade seem to be back on a more even keel, although that sure took a hit at the end of the chapter. Sort of hope that Matt is the father but would be happy with either one really... Brad really stood up to JJ but I have to sort of agree with JJ on part of this. Brad seems to just disappear from his life and then wants to show up and be in charge, not much of a responsible parental figure... I do think that JJ was planning on making Wade's life miserable and that got rightfully cut short but still Brad needs to be around more if he wants to play the parent...

Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter, it was so much fun to read... I really loved how Granger was fighting his better nature and trying to keep it together in dealing with Lady Elgin and some of the others in Lord Elgin's entourage. I can see Granger taking every opportunity to make sure that Lady Elgin realize that she is not the one in charge. I am not sure that I am that happy that Granger seems to be so involved with Treadway but I can't tell you exactly why. Not sure if it is loyalty to his past involvements or that I just haven't warmed to him yet. A prize in sight and a rich one at that. Even if it ends up being split four ways a gold/silver ship would make everyone involved a great deal richer... Great work and can't wait for the next chapter of this wonderful story...

Truly enjoyed this chapter, the writing was excellent. Hope Wade is right about the test being like the one that Matt took when he was sick before and come back as a false positive. I am going to hang my hat on that one. Still not fully happy with Wade, although he explained himself a little better here. I can see and understand his attraction to Alex but it is still coming across to much like wanting to have your cake and eat it too... I still would like to see Matt and Wade end up together in the end. Glad to see Brad and Will are back on a more even keel. I do find their fights strangely familiar in some ways to what Brad and JP went through just not quite as much petulance from Will as there was from Brad. I could see Brad and Scott/Lark having more than just an occasional encounter. Scott has been in Brad's life long enough not to be intimidated by him and knows almost as many ways as Will to deflate his ego bubble...

I did enjoy this chapter but it did not make me feel any better about Wade, if anything it made me feel worse. I think that if Wade ends up staying with Alex that there is a chance he will end up much more like his mother than he ever thought possible. I believe that Elizabeth's sexual issues are a big reason that she ended up doing a lot of what she did. She sublimated sex for power, when her sex life proved unfulfilling; she used power to fill that void. I could easily see Wade falling into the same pattern. I personally always thought Wade was much more sexual than Matt, they just expressed it in such different ways. I know that working in a field that encompasses therapy that I should say that sex is only a small part of the whole that makes a relationship work; but I can say that rarely does a couple find true lasting happiness if they are that disappointed in the their sex life, either one or both of them. Sex is such a primal need that few can truly be happy if something so important is truly bad and always disappointing. Now, I am not saying it can't happen, but it is rare... I am still going to hold out hope that Matt's test was a false positive until there is no other hope, like Wade said, Matt was always so careful; I think so much of that was trying to make sure that Wade was protected. I realize after everything that went on after 9/11 that there might have been a slip but my experience is that when the practice of safe sex is that engrained, it is really automatic and the slips are really rare... Will is really turning into one of the most impressive people in this saga. I would rate him right up with JP and Tonto....

Heartbroken that the situation with George and Caroline have reached this level and the way back seems almost impossible. I sort of hope after George sails with Lord and Lady Elgin that he will realize that what he has with Caroline is so much better than what he could have ended up with. Caroline needs to figure out why she acted the way she did and be able to explain it to George and then explain why it will never happen again. I loved how George was with the Duke of Clarence. It will be strange one day for George to look back and realize that he was the lover of the man that will be his King one day... Worried about Jardines coming back as well, Arthur was never the same after his affair with him, although one would hope he was at least happy with Holmquist. I could actually see him settling in Ireland more than staying in the area of England he would be consigned to but we will see... Great chapter and can't wait to see how the voyage goes, glad to see Granger stood his ground with Lord Elgin. He has to set the right tempo now or there will be issues later...

Have no idea why the box keeps popping up in my review, don't know if it will show up when I add the review or not.... Loved this chapter, but was devastated by the news from Matt. It was not impossible to get a false positive, still isn't but by the time of this story it was rare. I am going to hope this is one of those times; especially since Brad was negative and he would have been the link between the Alex/Cody/Kevin troika and Matt. If Wade comes back negative then not sure how Matt could be positive since except with Wade he always practices safe sex. A little disappointed in Cam but it can be really frightening to find out someone you have slept with is positive, even if you used protection. Will was amazing in how he handled the situation though... I loved Will in this chapter. He handled Wade perfectly. Wade needed to hear what Will had to say but no one else was going to say anything. Matt cares to much and just wants Wade happy and Brad seems to have a blind spot for Wade now. I doubt that JP or Stef would have said anything unless Wade directly asked them their opinion. Will was also spot on with how he handled Brad. Brad is going back into the dating pool and needs to understand how that is going to effect everyone else. Plus, if someone doesn't deflate Brad periodically then he gets way to full of himself... Keep up the great work, Mark...

Just loved this chapter, Mark a fine treat on this our nations birthday... Brad just can't go to long without pissing Will off about something. Brad needs to control everything even when people find out certain information and while that might work for some, it will never work for Will. Plus, Brad tried to put Matt in a really bad place as well; Matt and Will are just getting back to being good and Brad wants Matt to hide something from Will when Will knows there is something going on? So not cool, on Brad's part; I really expected more from him. Everything about Matt and Will was just perfect, from there time together to each of their hook-ups. I do wonder if Devon knows how young Will is or if he figures he is over 18 but just not really 21?.?.?. Will was right about Matt and Cam. They were able to talk and reach an accord that at least for the moment works for each of them. I love the idea of JJ calling Wade the Countess. That was just a great line..... Have to say that I am equally impressed that Matt wants to Will to try and pull JJ in some to give Wade and Alex time to find themselves...

Well, I can say that the conversation with Cavendish left me more troubled then I was before. I really cannot tell what Caroline is up to. Is she trying to get a certain power outside of her relationship with George or is she trying to get enough information that she can force George to give her a certain amount of freedom? I loved how Granger handed the situation with the children's governor and governess. He is going to have to do this more than once I am afraid though. In the end either he and Caroline are going to have to reconcile at least to some extent or they will have to keep separate households because they are both too strong willed to stay at war with each other and both survive, at least metaphorically. Great chapter and a great story, keep up the wonderful creation Mark...

Well, this came out of left field for me. Of everything that I had considered; the fact that Cody or Kevin was HIV positive never entered my mind. Really disappointed in how some of the other reviewers are acting like Cody somehow deserved this or it was unavoidable. I can't remember any sex with Cody that we have witnessed that was not protected except back when he thought Brian and he were only doing each other. The fact that Cody sleeps with a lot of men doesn't particularly raise his chances of infection as long as he had taken precautions. I am going to blame Alex because I can see him being positive and having unprotected sex and not telling his partner. Cody might have trusted him and then found out later that he should not have. Cody is going to need to get a will if he doesn't have one. He really only used his threat of taking Maddie to keep Jeanine's parents in line and make sure that they honored Jeanine's wishes about who should take care of Maddie if she was gone. It would be good if Cody did the same thing and honored Jeanine's wishes as well. The fact that Jeanine purposely did not name her parents to take care of her child would tell a court a lot so I don't think the grandparents could do much except stir up some problems. So disappointed in Kevin for not at least telling Brad that he was positive; I think that Brad would have just taken a few extra precautions and slept with Kevin anyway. Plus to Kevin for not bad mouthing Cody to Brad or Stef or anyone else about being positive and giving him HIV. Kevin was always careful about using a condom with everyone as far as I can remember as well. My bet is that Alex gave it to Cody and Cody gave it to Kevin. The fact that Brad and Wade did not use protection means that Matt and Tiffany may have been exposed and need to be tested. It can take only one mistake to change many lives. Can't wait to see where you are taking us, Mark...