centexhairysub

Matt is for me at least just becoming more and more impressive. The whole conversation with Cam was just perfect. Matt came across as mature and someone that really knows what he wants but is also trying to make sure that his actions don't negatively impact those around him. I found his statements about how Wade would always be in his life very telling. I like how he was upfront with Cam, and I will bet he will be with those coming down the pike. I also thought that Matt's reflections while running were just as important. I thought that Matt handled the situation with Will and Devon really well. I have to wonder if Will told Devon how old he really is? I know that in the past he has been really upfront so I can't see that changing, but a little surprised if he did that Devon still chose to go there, not that most wouldn't have but... The fact that Matt and Wade could have that conversation with each other the next morning says a lot about how far their relationship has truly come. Glad to see that are making such great progress.

A truly great chapter; this was fun and just a perfect treat for the holiday. I read it and just kept laughing out loud. It was a nice way to lighten the day from being stuck inside with all the rain here in central Texas. The scene on the plane and then at the condo with Will, Matt, JJ, and Stef was priceless. It is so funny to watch how Stef is when someone does to him what he does to JP. JJ is just becoming more and more interesting to me. I love how he handled himself on both the plane and then at the building site. The whole scene with Cam from start to finish was just so well done but the last few lines were just perfect. Thanks for this treat today, Mark, hope that your holiday is going well...

Another great chapter, this one was just sort of fun; or at least to me it was... It is amazing how well both Will, Stef, and Matt understand how to handle JJ. I hope that Wade takes some of Matt's advice and doesn't feel the need to dispose of his body over the next few years... I thought the whole scene with Matt and Wade from the intimacy to dealing with both Laura and Brenda was just perfect. I think Matt has read Laura right and I do believe that part of her issue is that she never really got over Robbie. I was hoping that after the last couple of times Brad and Brenda interacted that maybe she had gotten to a better place but maybe not. I was glad to see both Matt and Wade came back at her and did not just give up the fight. I have to wonder what the design emergency is? I will be interested to see JJ's input on it and see how it is resolved. A trip to Chicago with this group is never a calm event. I still see some choppy waters ahead for Will and Zach. I do hope that they are able to have some time in Hawaii and Europe but summer is a prime time for football camps in the south. I did think the way that Matt let Zach know that Will had plenty of chances to get with another guy was well done; also nice to see Will assure Zach that nothing happened. Adding JJ and Wade to the Hawaii trip might mean that not just the waves are gonna be the cause of a bumpy ride... LOL...

This was just a special chapter. The writing was unbelievable. This may have been the most complete and well rounded chapter of this story so far. I thought the fact that JP was willing to step out of the head of the table in this instance was very important. The wordplay between JP and Brad, Brad and Stef, and Brad and Claire were so perfect and had such feeling even though there was a teasing tone to all of them. Brad giving his four sons the rings was a fitting conclusion to his ending of the mourning period for Robbie. Each of them reacted in a way that shows they understood how truly important this was not only to Brad but each of their memories of Robbie. Frank's speech was maybe the most impressive. Frank has been a part of this story for thirty plus years at this point and this maybe the most he has ever spoken at one time. In a way, Frank's speech gives them all license to start moving on from Robbie's death into their new lives without him. Matt and Wade have so much history and the pull that they feel for each other is so impressive. I can't say that I am as sure as I was when this story started that they will end up together; but I am now sure that they will stay friends and be in each other's lives no matter what. A truly perfect chapter, Mark, congrats....

This was just a really sweet chapter. The sale of Ander-Hayes made sense because no one in the family was really interested in working there or staying on top of it. Because of the work that Robbie did, the future of the company was bright and they got the best deal possible. I think Robbie would be very happy that he has given all of his children the security that this deal has given them all; not that part of them won't get much more from others but... It was nice to see that Matt still has some type of connection with Cam. I am not sure where this is going but I am sure Mark is going to make it interesting. Matt's statement to Will about what he wants and why he isn't sure what he is going to do about Cam was perfect. I noticed that several people commented in ways that makes me question if they really understood the relationship between Matt and Wade at all. What Matt said makes perfect sense for someone in his position and I hope he finds whatever he is really looking for. Brad's reasoning behind having the old school torn down gives a glimpse into the one thing about Brad that I truly do admire; he will do anything to protect those he loves, even in death. Mark, someone else said it but I am going to second the notion; are you turning into a true romantic???

Oh my Freaking God, I just about died. Talk about a blast from the past; Cam is just about the last possible person that I could have thought of popping up. I wonder if this will make it harder for Matt to not say anything. Have we ever heard about Cam since we heard he came out at college? I thought Matt handled the situation with Josh about as well as he could have under the circumstances. That was the one thing about Matt and Wade is that they at least were up front with each other; or at least until Wade's last fling with Brad. I always thought that Matt made a better top than bottom, even though he enjoys both. I never could stand guys like Josh that thought the fact they were the top meant they got to decide ever nuance of the night and the sex. Will was great when he helped the other guy out of the jam with his card. I know that 300.00 wasn't a big deal to Will but for the other guy it was probably a major issue. I always thought it was sad how some guys let others take advantage of them but it happens way to much... Another great chapter and one that really moved the story along, I can't wait to see the next few chapters....

Really enjoyed this chapter a lot; there seemed to be much more to it than what was on the surface. The scene on the plane with Stef, Matt, and Will talking about the buyout was really interesting. Matt is much more like Brad only looking at the money and equity side while Will is more like Stef looking at the people and big picture. It was an interesting contrast. It was also interesting that Will did not seem to view the $15,000,000.00 as that big a deal while for Matt the amount really gave him pause. I would think that money on top of the money he has from the $100,000.00 dollars in Google that Stef gave him would set him for life after the company goes public at the end of 2004. The equity in Google might very well be worth quite a bit more than the $15,000,000.00 when Google goes public. I thought Will handled himself really well in the initial meeting with the new owner of the bar. If Stef had not wanted Will to take the actions that he did, then I bet there would have been a signal or something for Will to pull back. Much like the meeting with Zach's advisor, Will understands first impressions matter in business even more than real life. I found Matt's reaction the new owner interesting as well. Not just the physical reaction to him but the understanding of what drives him and his belief that the man will succeed in the end. I actually lived above a bar on 6th Street in Austin in the early 80's when I moved back to Austin to go to UT. The apartment was actually really well sound-proofed and unless I had the windows open; the noise wasn't too bad except a couple of times a year during major celebrations. Living above the bar was not as much of a distraction as one would think, I was only 18 but at the time you only had to be 18 in Texas to drink... The scene when Matt and Will are going out and Will indicates that he only wants to sleep with Zach and Matt realizes that even though he loved Wade but never felt that was very poignant. I will be very interested to see where you take all of this Mark, can't wait for the next update...

WOW, this was just so well done. I can say that the writing and pacing of this story has been among the best of the CAP series and that is saying a whole lot. Brad going to New York to pick up Robbie's rings was just so powerful. I fully understand why Brad would have wanted to handle this on his own. I hope that this is the final body blow that Brad will have to deal with stemming from this tragedy. I sort of wonder what he will do with the rings; that action will be very telling about where Brad is in dealing with all of this. I thought the conversation between Brad and Zach was well done as well. I felt that Brad was really telling Zach and as long as he doesn't f&$k Will over, then the family will be there for him at least to some extent. Zach is going to have to decide how much he is willing to give up and keep hidden about himself in order to achieve his goal of a professional career in the NFL. I can't wait for Stef, Matt, and Will to get to Chicago. I hope they find just the perfect place for Matt and Stef gets to have a somewhat free hand in decorating it. I bet Stef could do something really special that would work out well for Matt. I am sure that Stef/JP will buy him the place and do what they can to make Matt's stay in Chicago for the next couple of years enjoyable. It says a lot about how far Matt has come that he asked Will to go to Chicago with he and Stef. I have a feeling that there might be an adventure in the making. Somehow, I see Will as the damsel in distress more than Matt but we will just have to see what Mark comes up with.... Great job....

I just cried. In some ways, this seems like Brad's last sweet sorrowful goodbye to Robbie. He isn't forgetting him but forgiving him and letting all the negativity start to slid out of his life and memories. The scene with Matt and Casey was just so well written and was letter perfect. I have been on both sides of that type of conversations and the feeling was just perfectly conveyed. Matt has begun to move into the next stage of his life. I hope that Matt and Will along with Zach have a great trip and get to spend some quality time together. I believe that Matt and Brad will be in a better place and can be there for each other. I have to say that I still would like Matt and Wade to eventually end up together. I realize that they both probably need some time apart to grow into themselves and figure out who they are and how that relates to all those around them but that special spark they have is so rare. Just a really great chapter, Mark, well done....

A truly amazing chapter filled with loss and love and hope and forgiveness. People don't always understand how powerful specific places can be and how they can trigger deeper emotions and memories. The flashback was written so eloquently and with such love. Brad needs to forgive Robbie and he needs to understand that the core of what made Robbie who he was left him no choice but to go back after Jeanine and Hank. I hope this was a start to Brad coming to terms with what happened and working toward recovery. I hope that Brad and Matt can find a way to have each other in their lives because they both really do need each other. What a truly wonderful way to end a lovely Sunday afternoon...

Another truly wonderful chapter in this saga; there just does not ever seem to be a misstep in the writing or storyline, it is just as close to perfection as possible. An extremely rare honor for a sitting King of that time to actually visit a warship, even when anchored up to the Tower. I am sure that Granger and Caroline along with the officers and others will pull this off magnificently and it will be a night to remember for all involved... Thomas Bruce, Lord Elgin, was able to complete a very difficult task not only in Turkey but in saving many historical pieces from destruction. There is a great deal of argument now whether is was out right theft or someone that truly cared about the pieces but the rate they were being destroyed by the Turks mean that his actions saved a treasure trove for future generations to study and admire no matter where they ended up... I don't know much about the wife other than she had an affair later in the marriage and they publically aired a great deal of dirty laundry and divorced but I can't see her adding much to the voyage. The man of God might just need to meet the right person to have a truly heavenly experience to open his mind and heart... I do think the intervention with Admiral Nelson will be the most difficult part of the voyage personally for Granger. He cares for and admires Nelson and will want to do what he can to help without coming across as putting himself in a position that he has no right to be in. Turkey is a place of mystery and wonder and great sensuality in that time. I for one will be very interested to see Granger in that setting... Bravo...

Problems, problems, problems; boy I sure do see them down the road for Will and Zach but I think we should just all enjoy the moment and bask in the sun... I did think the scene with Will and Zach was hot and so enjoyable especially the words they finally spoke. I think that Will may have understood Brad and Robbie better than most. I really enjoy when Will is able to look at others in his life and is able to learn or draw a lesson from them without going through all the drama they did. Will handled the Tony situation much better than I ever anticipated. I think it will be very healthy for all involved to forgive the others but that doesn't mean you ever really forget it. I think the first couple of in person meeting between Will and Tony will be interesting especially if Will has spent any time being celibate. I still don't buy Brad being as involved with Wade as this is coming off. I understand it better if he was doing this to punish Robbie by hurting Matt but I just don't see that creating a bond that Brad saw between himself and Wade; plus since it was between stories we don't have all the nuances that were at play. Brad's biggest issue with everyone has always been loyalty. The times that there have been the biggest family fights with him involved the central question was always one of loyalty to family above all. I can see his anger at Robbie for going back up making him want to hurt Matt; but to engage in an action that could seriously rupture the family and damage his position in it forever just doesn't seem like something he would do even when consumed with grief. His actions mirror Sam's so much from the past that I just have a problem that he engaged in this at all even with all the trauma and tragedy involved. I was suprised that at least Frank was not at the meeting with the "advisor"... I can sort of see Isidore not being there but Frank has really been in Zach's corner and has uprooted his life to make sure that Zach can play where he needs to and has really been there for him. The fact that Barry even started the meeting with anyone else there makes me really question his ethics. That said, I can't see him ever really crossing Zach because of the potential money invovled plus; being in California, he would have to be aware of the power and influence of the Crampton and Schulter families and their interest in this matter. The picture of Barry's face in my mind when he realized that Brad had been there for most of the conversation was just priceless. The maturity of the writing and the seamless from of the story is on display so much in this story. Mark, you truly have the heart and soul of a bard....

There are no words to express how much I truly loved this chapter.....

WOW, a truly great chapter; I loved the interplay between Granger and St Vincent and then between George and Caroline. The writing was crisp and clean and just flowed. I have to say that Granger just handled the situation with St Vincent just perfectly. He was able to host the Admiral to help him regain some of his strength and then was able to take him back to London so he had a much shorter trip home in the end anyway. You can feel the affection that St Vincent has for Granger. Really enjoyed the time that George had with Caroline and the children; especially nice to see a bit more of William and how he relates to his father even though he is gone for such long periods. I was really impressed that even in a calm sea he was able to climb up at only six but I guess people were a little more advanced earlier back then, at least in some ways... What is the situation between the Major and Caroline? I can't see them ever sleeping together but Caroline was so upfront about Prince William but there is definitely something there. While I would not be suprised about a trip to the Baltic region, I wonder if something else might be up? An urgent request from the Admiralty would suggest more than just joining a fleet or a planed event. Maybe a diplomatic mission or a trip back to the Americas? Can't wait for the next update, great job as always Mark....

A truly wonderful chapter. The writing and pacing was just perfect. The undercurrents in this story are just so well done and subtle but telling. The scene in Boston was sad in some regards. Matt is realizing that Wade just isn't as much of his life as he wanted, the relationship with Brad rendered that more than I think anyone realizes yet. I still hope they end up together but am beginning to see that they would both survive without each other, but how sad... The two of them getting together with Tiffany was funny, what if there were consequences from that encounter on top of Matt being with Mary Ellen? JJ is close to Matt and will really miss him when he is in Boston with Wade and Tiffany. I am not sure that Wade has realized what he risked losing by getting involved with Brad. JP and Will both handled themselves correctly. I was glad that Will has begun to understand how he fits into Zach's relationship with his parents. Just a look or word from JP is enough to steer the conversation into safer waters, or at least bring others into line a bit better. JP is offiering Zach more than just a job. Being able to travel and experience the world, especially at that age has so many benefits; it is a gift beyond measure. Glad to see that Will really wants Matt around, the phone call was just sad. I think Will and Zach will have a great time on their trip with Matt around and JP giving some guidance from near and far...

Well, I think we all knew that Wally and Clara were at least partly behind the push to seperate Will and Zach. I am glad that Zach came over and at least explained in person. Can't say that I see much wiggle room on how they can be together often if the "agent" and others are that paranoid, well I guess having a lot of money might help but... Like Tim, I have to wonder what kind of project Brent is working on that might interest Will that much, especially an automotive project; maybe it's a person not a thing??? So glad that JP showed up, Will really needed someone there to help balance himself out. While I do believe that 9/11 can be taken into the equation about how Brad and Wade ended up so involved; it doesn't excuse or really even explain it. It is just WRONG. Really, you don't have to send the agent that far, the North Pole is closer and it would help feed the polar bears...

A great chapter. You could really feel the wind, waves, and tension as they faced not only a superior Spanish fleet but a coming gale. I would think the gale worried Granger more than the Spanish fleet but.... This would have to be considered a victory. Even though Granger did not capture a ship, he was able to demast one and faced a Spanish fleet of two frigates and two battleships and came out without injury or damage and heading home. The fact the ship has proven how good she handled in both rough weather and heavy waves would seem to indicate a posting to the Channel or North Sea fleets. Granger handled St Vincent with such a deft touch. He is able to placate him and yet keep him involved and engaged. This is one of the reason that he was sent to get him. Can't wait to see what the next adventure is going to be, keep up the great work Mark...

I just felt heavy the whole time I was reading this chapter. I can't explain it but the weight just seem to get more and more as it went on. The pain that Matt was and is feeling was just so tangible during their whole conversation. JP really seemed to understand how Matt felt and where he was coming from. I did love JP's comment about how he had never really been physical because it would not have made much impact. The image that sprang to mind was a small mongoose facing down a cobra... Matt needs time and needs to be away from the situation. Maybe the trip will end up just being him and Will, that could be interesting. For the first time in this story, I came close to caring about Brad. For him to realize that maybe the major reason he slept with Wade was to hurt Matt and by proxy Robbie was a major breakthrough. I don't actually think he and Wade care about each other as much as either of them think they do nor in the way they think. It is so easy after a tragedy like this to form inappropriate relationships that are not really what they seem to be once everyone is back on a more even keel. The fact they had slept together in the past and had a great physical relationship would have made it all that much easier to form a bond that wasn't what it truly seemed. It is so easy to be made at someone like Robbie and the decision that he made; but Brad will have to work through that if he is ever going to really recover and be able to go on with this life, which is what Robbie would have wanted. Sucks to be Will, even though we all knew this was coming; this was just really out of the blue. I am having trouble buying this latest development. If that many people were saying it, then Zach would have already been aware of it. I deal with way to many teenagers to ever believe something like that would not have been used already by someone; thus giving Zach and idea that it was out there. This screams Wally and Clara. Will handled the situation on the plane with just the deftest touch. He helped Brad without giving him absolution but gave him a way to get some of his feelings out in a safe enviroment. Not sure what Will is going to do but if Zach doesn't go on the trip, I hope that he and Matt take it anyway. It will give them an opportunity to f87k, I mean bond... Great work Mark.....

Another great chapter, I have to say that you, Mark Arbour, are truly on your A game with both this story and the new one in the Bridgemont series... I did enjoy the scene with JP, Stef, Matt, and Brad. It is very annoying for a parent to have their own arguments and beliefs turned around on them by their children or other family members. I am not sure that JP was really going to berate them as much as try to find out what happened and how to help but Brad is such a hot-head that he could not just shut up and find out. I did think Stef's reaction was truly priceless. I am on the verge of losing any respect for Brad at all. I have never been a huge fan of his but find his behaviour and how he is handling it to be really beyond the pale. I think if the rest of the family were to find out what occured, their reaction would mirror that of both Will and Matt's. I am having a harder time with Wade. I always sort of viewed Wade as this generations JP and because JP has always been the heart and soul of the story for me it is harder to give up on him or his surrogates. I do think less of Wade, especially for the initial conversation with Matt in this chapter. Wade wanted absolution and permission to carry on and thankfully Matt refused. I am realy not sure who Wade was really lying to, Matt or himself, in regards to his true feelings about Brad. Okay, I am going to really break from some of the others in regards to Will. I think he has shown a great deal of maturity and responsiblity for how he has handled this situation and the aftermath. I also think it shows a growing sense of maturity to have listened to others; yes, Brad was right about Wally and Clara, and decided to face that head on. I personally doubt it will do much good more because they blame him for how they see Zach growing into his own person rather than anything he has done or not done....

A good voyage out and the sailing nice enough for a good shakedown but without as much pressure as normal. I would suspect that with his illness, St Vincent will not be in a good mood on the way back; hope that he isn't too much trouble. The fact that he is fond of Granger and Granger of him should help matters though. Sorry, to lose Mr Hornblower, but we all knew it was coming. I have to wonder if we will see him again. He added a interesting twist to the story in his small way. Admiral Keith was for the most part a very well respected leader. His command of the fleet and the landing of the British troops that retook Egypt was considered truly first rate. I believe he had the displeasure of dealing with the French Emperor after his first surrender and did not find it to his liking. Will have to read up a little more on him since I would suspect we will be dealing with him more and more... Another first class chapter in this wonderful story...

WOW, this was just as good or better than the last chapter... The writing is just first rate and the flow is just perfect. I am feeling this story on so many levels. I honestly think the situation with Brad/Wade is worse than the one with Matt/Tony. I know Will told/asked Matt not to sleep with Tony and he did but the family connection between Brad/Wade/Matt and everyone just makes this one much worse to me. I thought Matt did just what Brad would have done if the situation was reversed and he had been Matt's age. I don't really approve of the violence but find it very understandable. Matt is more upset at Brad than Wade and honestly should be. What Brad did is really inexcusable to me; no matter what kind of turmoil he was going through with the aftermath of 9/11 and losing Robbie and the others. I thought the scene with Matt and Will at the house, when Will came to tell him JP wanted to talk to him was so well done and just felt so real. Matt knows he screwed up which is more than I can really say for some of the others. Not sure how I feel about Matt and Mary Ellen; although I don't think the sex was the right choice for either of them but it was sort of hot... Of course, this gives us the chance to connect Matt and Wade in ways we never even thought of before. I think Matt should go to Boston with Wade and the others. I know he is angry but he would not be this upset if he did not care so much. Keeping a line open no matter how tenuous is important. I can't wait for the conversation with JP; have a feeling that Brad may be glad he is under a physician's care at the moment...

Another triumph of writing and style, this story is just grand. I love all the getting ready to sail and what goes into being ready. I admire that Granger is trying to assist Hornblower with a little influence to help him for all that he has done for him; of course if he really wanted to help, he would get Caroline involved. Bringing Earl St Vincent home would not be an easy task, it is a mark of honor that Granger was choosen to do so. That will be an interesting voyage. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, I just can't say enough about how much I am enjoying this story...

Okay, first of all well just WOW; what a great chapter.... I completely disagree with just about every person that has left a review so far. I honestly think Will did the responsible thing by getting the skeleton key and opening the door. He knew his father was in there, could hear the clock alarm going off, would have assumed that Brad turned his phone off to take a nap, and had an emergency situation to deal with: anyone with half a brain would have gotten the key and let themselves into the roon under those circumstances. I also think he acted very maturely. If he had not, he would have walked out and alerted JP and Stef as to what was going on and he did not; he held his temper and waited to speak to Brad and Wade before he did anything else. And anyone that compares what Will said to Ben with what he walked into isn't just trying to compare oranges to apples but kiwis to turnips; the situations are just that different. Will admited making a joking comment to Ben because he was concerned about his father and wanted to protect him; Brad is involved in a situation that is exactly like what happened with Sam and Jake all those years ago, that he still drags up on occassion to whine about... For all of those that are going all oh, Brad and Wade make such a cute couple, they would be so good together, well snap the hell out of it... They are twenty years apart in age, a lifetime of experience apart in maturity, and for all intent and purposes Brad is sleeping with his son in law... It would be as if while Brad and Robbie were split up; JP and Robbie had slept together. It is just like Sam sleeping with Jake; which Brad thought was the most heinous thing that had ever happened when it occured. I can honestly say that Brad has never been one of my favorite people but this is a new low for even him; and I have always really like Wade but have to wonder now if Matt isn't better off without him... This is a betrayal by both of them on just so many levels. What Matt did with Tony is nothing compared to this. This truly could rupture the family forever. This could truly drive Matt, Frank, and Isidore completely out of the family. JJ would certainly side with Matt and I am not sure that several other family memebers would not as well. Would even JP stand behind Brad or Wade if this actually tears the family apart to that extent??? There is no theraputic reason behind their behaviour and no actual therapist would ever be able to condone these actions or disregard how destructive the have been not only to the two people involved but all those around them. This could seriously unravel the work that several people have made at recovery. This was a selfish decision made by two people that obviously did not truly care about how those around them would be affected when this came out.... This was a truly great chapter and the writing was just first rate but I don't know if I can ever look at Wade the same way again.

Good Matt Good Wade Bad Will Confused Brad Well, Damn.....

Well, to say that this chapter had a suprise would be understating it significantly; the appearance of another Travers sent shock waves through me in every direction. I don't know why this took me by such suprise; Mark is a wily writer but this just came out of the blue for me. Travers was always one of my favorite people in George's life and to have someone with a connection to him back just really took me off guard. I love how Granger takes time to explain himself even when most in his position would not do so; he is an educator in many ways. He is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. By giving Hornblower an understanding of the water tanks and I am sure the boat davits are next; he make him a more valuable officer down the line. Thrilled that Clifton and Kingsdale are both back; although I can say there is something about Kingsale that draws me to him. Glad to hear that he put his estate to right and got rid of some of the freeloaders that were dragging it and him down. Don't even know where Granger is going but really don't care; this is already shaping up to be a great story, thanks Mark and keep them coming....