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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Sidewinder - 20. Chapter 20 Epilogue: The Promised Land

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

                                                                                                                                                         ***

Epilogue: The Promised Land

 

 

Boone was woken from an exhausted sleep by a loud yell. Momentarily disoriented, his heart hammered in his chest when he realized Coy wasn’t in his usual place next to him. That never happened. He heard another shout coming through the small, open bedroom window, an added extravagance Coy had insisted they buy and install in the very late fall, having suddenly decided the one that didn’t open wasn’t enough. Naked, he bolted from the bedroom to the front door. As worried as he was for his partner, he managed to open it cautiously.

Three days earlier, he’d stumbled upon a couple of young braves while grouse hunting—ones he didn’t know—and while they went their own way after a friendly sign of greeting, a settler could never be too sure in this untamed world. He and Coy were treated well by the peaceful local Indians, but there were still a few wandering Shawnee who’d evaded capture so far, and some of them were looking to avenge the brutal treatment their kind had suffered at the hands of the white man.

A burst of birdsong erupted as his appearance, and it startled him for a few heartbeats. It was barely dawn, but there was enough light for him to scout the yard. He searched the front of the cabin for any sign of Coy before he stepped fully out onto the front porch. He couldn’t see him anywhere, and his panic was growing. Slipping back inside, he grabbed the always-loaded rifle hanging over the big stone fireplace, imagining all kinds of godawful things.

Another yell from Coy had him back on the porch in an instant, rifle raised and ready. Boone about dropped with relief to see Coy waving his arms from the front of their small barn. “Boone! Maysie’s giving birth! Get your pretty ass down here.”

Boone, weak-kneed at the sight of him, waved back. “I’ll be right there!”

Going back inside the three room cabin, he headed back to their bedroom and pulled on his britches and boots, and then grabbed his shirt from the bedpost. He hoped Maysie and the calf were all right. Coy had a special relationship with that damn milk cow, even naming her after his dear, departed ma.

He strode past the rock-lined well that had taken them weeks to put in—fortunately they hadn’t had to go very deep—putting on his shirt as he neared the small but well-built barn, tall enough for a roomy loft. Every time he laid eyes on it, he was reminded it was only a third the size they needed, but he was mighty proud of it too. They’d do the next third this summer, god willing.

The morning chill disappeared as soon as he closed the door behind him. The warm interior was filled with shadows, but the pen they’d built for Maysie was lit by the soft glow of lantern light. Boone took but a second to see what was needed. Coy was standing behind the sweat-soaked cow with his hands gripping the two front feet poking out from her back end. He was trying to help the birth along while the Shorthorn Milker, standing up with her head over the pen wall, gave out a loud bellow. Boone reached Coy’s side just in time to help guide a slippery calf to the ground.

Coy began praising the milk cow in a soft voice, and Boone stepped back, tugging on the man to come with him. Maysie’s sharp horns barely missed him when she spun around, and she narrowly avoided stepping on the newborn.

“She almost hooked you,” Boone said. “You got to be take more care around her… I keep telling you she ain’t no dog.”

Coy’s lips curled in response. “You’re always fretting over me.”

“No more than you fret over me.”

“Not the same. Why were you naked on the porch holding your rifle?”

Boone groaned, feeling a mite sheepish. “Heard you yell, and thought Indians might have grabbed you.”

Coy turned his attention from the calf, and his face wore a maddening smirk. “No need to fear for that… Red Hawk and his bunch will warn us if there’s danger coming our way. Like I said, you fret too much.”

“Maybe so. You expecting me to stop?”

“I expect the moon to fall in the yard in the middle of the day before that happens. I love you for it, though, in case you weren’t aware.” He wiped his hands on some hay before he laid his arm over Boone’s shoulders and kissed the side of his head. “It’s the heifer we were wanting. She’s early, but she looks a fine one to me.”

“She does. Look at mama.” Maysie was licking her calf while nudging it roughly. The calf bleated, and her mother responded with a long, low moo. “They’re having their first conversation,” Boone said, feeling a sense of wonder at the connection being made.

“Lars said I should hold the calf upside down to help clear its passages and lungs, but I don’t think I need to do that. You think I should?”

Now, Coy was the one fretting, and Boone wrapped his arm around the man’s waist. “There’s no gurgling noise—just clear breathing—so I wouldn’t worry. We’ll just leave them be. She’s talking and moving, and look, she’s already trying to get up. Besides, we don’t want to get Maysie riled up for no reason.”

“I’m just relieved it’s over with and we have a healthy calf.”

“We’ll be back to having fresh milk again. It’s been two long months since we dried her up.”

“We’ve still got plenty of butter and cheese left in the larder, though. I’ll get you your milk once the calf’s had a few days drinking—then we can get back to storing some jugs in the well.”

“I can wait a while longer, I reckon. How long you been out here?”

“Can’t hardly say… not long, but it was pitch dark when I left the cabin. Just had a feeling, and couldn’t sleep. Sure enough she was grunting and pushing when I came in. Looked to have been at it a while, so might be I heard her holler. Told you that fancy window in the bedroom would come in handy.”

“Yes, you did, and I’ve come to see your great wisdom,” Boone said with a cheeky grin. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“Cause you did all that plowing the last few days, and you were plumb tuckered out. Heck you could hardly keep your eyes open after you ate.”

“So? You’ve been digging post holes all week.”

“Seems I’m always the one doing the digging,” Coy said teasing-like. “No sense in two of us losing sleep with all the spring work still ahead of us—we’ll be planting soon—and I did call you once I saw the feet poking out.”

“I don’t like reaching over to find you gone. Not right to wake up alone.”

“Same for me when you went hunting overnight last fall. Hardly slept a wink.”

“See? You fret same as I do. Dressing and packing a big elk bull is a lot of work, but no denying I missed you that night too. Listened to the wolves and tended the fire all night long… and did my best to keep Blue out of trouble.” He stretched and groaned. His day had begun and chores were waiting. “Best let the chickens out.”

“I’ll do it.”

“No, you stay here, and I’ll do the feeding. Just keep an eye on your new baby,” he teased.

“It’s a good sign for the future, Boone. She’s our first birth on the farm.”

“Yep. Makes me happy to see her there. Next up are Buttercup and Daisy. They should drop their foals in late July, early August, so it’ll be a while yet before you need to fret.” He yelped when Coy cuffed the back of his head.

“You ain’t fooling me none. You’ll be the one pacing the yard when Daisy’s time is close.”

Boone frowned, and then smiled. “Maybe so. Duke didn’t waste any time, did he? And it’ll likely be a big colt. He had no business sneaking in on her like he did.”

“She’ll be fine, Boone. You’re just mad at him because you’ll have to ride Blue for a time.” It was a continual joke between them, but Coy did have a point. That damn mule tried his patience, and even though he’d proved handy in front of a plow and for hauling buckets of dirt from the well, Boone was convinced he enjoyed causing a ruckus whenever he could.

“As long as I don’t have to stop riding you, I reckon I can accept being without Daisy for a spell,” Boone said as he pulled Coy in for a kiss, his hands gripping the man’s ass.

Coy sighed when the kiss ended. “Go feed the horses their oats… we’re not making love in front of our newborn calf.”

Boone snorted. “I reckon I can wait till nighttime.”

“We at least got to try,” Coy said with a grin. “We need to take that load of logs to the mill. I want to get a start on the new coop before we get busy with the planting, and it’d be nice to have the lumber sitting ready when we find time to add onto the barn. Already got a nice pile of stones for the foundation… I added about ten more yesterday.”

“I’ll hitch up Duke and Molly after we have breakfast, and then we can load up. You coming to town with me?”

“Depends on how this little one is doing. I got to make sure she feeds from each teat, and if she don’t, I got to do some milking after six hours to make sure Maysie freshens right.”

“I won’t be that long, and this ain’t her first calf.”

“So? Lars has been milking cows for forty years, and he says it’s important they don’t get a tilted udder.”

Boone shook his head in wonder.

“What’s that look for?”

“You don’t miss nothing, and you never tire of it. You know when a chicken is ailing, and you kept that runt piglet going when I was sure he’d die. Had him in his own bedroll for weeks, holding him in your arms like he was a baby. Now look at him out there—he’s the biggest of the three in the pen. That’s going to be a lot of good pork and good money come this fall.”

“He was a baby, and until he’s smoked and salted, he deserves proper care, just like any other animal does.”

“He’s mighty attached to you.”

“You think I’ll have trouble dressing him out? Cause I won’t— it’s part of being a farmer, and that’s what I am.”

Boone smiled and nodded. He’d long been convinced of that. “You ever think there’s a better life out there?”

“Do you?”

“Hell, no. Got all I need right here.”

“Then why would you think I do?”

“I don’t. I just sometimes got to shake my head at how lucky I am. I’ve always known what I wanted… but to be so lucky to have a partner who’s so….”

“So? So what?”

Boone sighed as he watched the new calf attempt to stand. “You’re a gift from the Lord, I swear. I don’t know what I did in my life to deserve all I got—to deserve the likes of you—but I make sure I thank him every day. This time last year, we were panning for gold and I was feeling… not a thing like I am now.”

“I found my gold strike too, Boone, right here, with you—with all these animals who need us—and this land that gives us its bounty. I get joy from digging a post hole, stacking hay, carrying rocks, or building a root cellar… or an outhouse, don’t matter which, because it’s good, honest work. And every night I get to lay at your side in our new home and talk about what we did and what we still got to do… just like you said once you wanted. That’s all I need… and it’s all I want. And just so you know, I say my prayers every day too, and they start and end with you.”

“After words like that, I think we should go back to bed for a spell.”

Coy shook his head. “No, sir. Day’s already started, and plans are set. I want those maple logs milled so I can get them seasoned enough to make furniture this winter… especially those matching rockers for the front porch.” He stared at the new calf as he pulled something from his pocket.

Boone saw it was Will’s small gold nugget. “You thanking your good luck charm?”

Coy’s gaze turned to him. “It’s not a good luck charm. It’s a reminder to be thankful I have the life I do… and to always see the truth of things.”

Their eyes stayed locked, and Boone could see Coy was considering.

“I don’t need no reminder anymore. Think it’s time I buried this up in the orchard. What do you think?”

“I’m wondering what’s going on in your head, is what I’m thinking.”

“He was my brother, even if he was a lowdown sidewinder—and I need to forgive him, Boone.”

“I expect you’re right.”

“You do?”

“Surely, I do, but why are you wanting to bury it in the orchard?”

“Can’t cash it in—wouldn’t feel right—and I can’t throw it away.” He shrugged as he broke eye contact. “It’s my only piece of him, and I at least need to know where it is… if ever I want to talk to him. Besides, apples are the first crop we sold off this farm, and I still remember the moment we saw the trees. Now that we got the brush cleared away and let more sun in, it’s just about my favorite place to sit and think… and be thankful.”

Boone nodded as those black-fringed, blue eyes shifted back to him. “Mine too. That day was the beginning for us. I’ll help, if you want?”

A big smile appeared at his offer. “You can carry the shovel, seeing as how you’ve always managed to avoid digging post holes.”

Boone laughed. “I can do that. Seriously, though… I don’t hate Will anymore, you know that, right?”

“Why not? You have every right to.”

“He’s a part of you, and I can’t hate a part of you.”

“Sweet talker. We’ll do it tonight after supper. Would you mind if I put a marker on the spot?”

“Course not. I’ll make one for you. You want his name on it?”

“Nope, and I already made one a few weeks back. Not as fancy as the sign you made for the farm, but it’ll do. It just says ‘Rest in Peace’ with a cross carved in it. Don’t need no name on it. Enough jawing, cowboy. We got a full day’s work ahead of us.”

Boone sighed once more, but it was another happy one. Coy kept them on course, and he loved that about him. He’d pushed for the little barn to be built first, to protect their tools and animals—there was just enough room to tie all the stock in if need be, even though the winter hadn’t been the harsh one they’d expected—and their log cabin had turned out better than Boone had planned. That was because Coy wouldn’t be rushed, making sure each log fit snug to the next, and they’d both gotten real good with an axe while they worked as a team.

When time was short, with the unknown of winter getting ever closer, Coy was the one who wouldn’t compromise, insisting the roof be made of milled lumber and shingled boards instead of logs and sod. He’d said it had to be straight and true to be a proper house, and it was… and it hadn’t leaked a drop.

They’d had some damn cold nights in the tent, being greeted most mornings with frozen dew on the grass, but it’d been worth it. They even had a real, honest to goodness bed, built up off the oiled wood floor, complete with a soft, grass-filled mattress… because Coy wouldn’t move in until it was done. Their first night in the cabin, it was the first time Boone had made love in a bed, and it had been an experience worth waiting for.

Coy was the reason “Red Apple Farm” was more than just a place to live. It was a real home, one Boone never thought he’d be lucky enough to find. Coy made sure he had that, and he intended to never take it or his partner in life for granted. It made him happy the man had made his peace with Will, and it was easy for him to do the same. There was no sense to looking back when so much lay in front of them.

“Well, look at that… she’s standing already.”

“If you can call that standing,” Boone said with amusement. They both watched the wobbly, gangly calf topple back to the ground with a soft grunt, but she weren’t long in trying again. “She ain’t going to quit. You need to be thinking of a name for her.”

“Already have one in mind. Going to call her Lulu if that’s all right with you?”

Boone’s mouth opened but no words came out.

Coy’s next words were spoken softly as he drew Boone’s front to his and peered into his eyes. “I reckon since I named Maysie after my ma, we should name her after yourn. We’re keeping this one no matter what. We’ll sell her butter and milk and cheese to Bright’s and the hotel when the time comes, and we’ll sell some of her calves, but she’ll always be here as part of the family. That all right with you?”

Boone swallowed down a mouthful of saliva in an attempt not to get emotional. “Lulu,” he called over to the little heifer. “Yep… it’s a right perfect name.” Wrapping his arms around Coy, he squeezed him tight. “I hope my ma can see us wherever she be… and know just how happy her boy is. How happy you’ve made me.”

“I believe she can. I believe both our mas can see us and love us. Look around, Boone, at what we have—I’m pretty sure the Lord loves us too.”

“Yep, got no doubts he does, Coy, not a one.”

 

 

*

Boone and Coy's journey has come to an end, and it's a bittersweet day for me. I hope you found this story worthwhile enough that you leave it a review and a recommendation. As always, I appreciate the support, and enjoy hearing your thoughts whether good or bad. Thanks to my editor, Timothy, for his assistance. Cheers! Remember to follow me on my author's page.
Copyright © 2020 Headstall; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

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On 5/9/2021 at 12:19 AM, Wiyot said:

Beautiful story. Only one complaint, need more!!

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Hey, Wiyot! These comments are making me want to bring you the new little peek into Coy and Boone's lives I've been working on. :D  This too, would make a great story review. Keep 'em coming, my friend. Cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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I guess every story is sort of a trail story. We start out, experience all the ups and downs of the journey, and then arrive at the ending, hopefully a happy one. This was a great trek through time, Gary. It stands well as both a western and as a love story. Boone and Coy are memorable people. You really can't do better than that! :)

Thanks for the ride along this particularly satisfying trail!

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51 minutes ago, Geron Kees said:

I guess every story is sort of a trail story. We start out, experience all the ups and downs of the journey, and then arrive at the ending, hopefully a happy one. This was a great trek through time, Gary. It stands well as both a western and as a love story. Boone and Coy are memorable people. You really can't do better than that! :)

Thanks for the ride along this particularly satisfying trail!

Thanks for moseying along with me, Geron. :cowboy: It's the best to hear Boone and Coy are memorable. I like characters who surprise me. Coy is one of those, and has quickly become a favorite of mine. I particularly enjoyed writing how faith played a part in both of their journeys. I read an article during research about how even outlaws were often devout... and another about the fact medicine was not very advanced at the time, especially on the frontier, and how important prayer was considered in the process of coping with devastating sickness and the high death rates. Children especially were susceptible to the poor conditions of the times. It made the decision easy to bring that faith into the story, and have the characters examine that what it truly meant to them. :)  I'm doing it again... appreciate the kind words and the support from an author I hold in high regard. Cheers, buddy. :hug: 

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Thank you very much for the great read.  I have been around a long time and I have not found your stories before now.  Your characters are very real and so much fun to read about.  I was like every one else, I was ready to see how Boone and Coy were going to get the cabin built, but I can just make up my own story.  Your story line was very good and I did not get bogged down at all in long essays on morality or what ever.  I shall be reading your other stories.   Thanks much for the beautiful stories.

Ricky

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4 minutes ago, richs203 said:

Thank you very much for the great read.  I have been around a long time and I have not found your stories before now.  Your characters are very real and so much fun to read about.  I was like every one else, I was ready to see how Boone and Coy were going to get the cabin built, but I can just make up my own story.  Your story line was very good and I did not get bogged down at all in long essays on morality or what ever.  I shall be reading your other stories.   Thanks much for the beautiful stories.

Ricky

Hey, Ricky! Thanks so much checking out Sidewinder. Happy to hear you enjoyed it, and that you find my characters very real. You say some very nice things about Sidewinder, and I appreciate that the side theme of faith and religion didn't bother you. :) As far as making up your own story, there is no need. I have a new story posting now called Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale. It is a continuation of sorts and here is the link...

 

 

Thanks again, Ricky. It would be truly appreciated if you could leave a story like, a recommendation, and a review on the front story page of Sidewinder... these things help me get new readers, so you would be helping me out a lot... whatever you are comfortable with. A review could just be one of the lines you wrote in this comment, or just a few words to say you enjoyed the story. :)  Here is the link for the Sidewinder story page...

 

 

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46 minutes ago, shivato said:

I loved this story.  Maybe it's a corrective for Brokeback Mtn....richer, more real, and with a HAPPY ending -- let's celebrate that the gay characters no longer have to die tragic deaths at the end of the story...

Thanks, shivato! I like the way you think, and I appreciate your kind words. Brokeback Mountain(the movie) devastated me. It does seem most gay characters have to die in the movies, whether through drugs, suicide, or murder. Doesn't give us much to look forward to when we're younger. :no:  I prefer happy endings too. :)  In case you weren't aware, there is a sequel to Sidewinder posting now, with new chapters every Monday. Here is the link... 

 

Also, this comment you left would make a great review if you would please consider copying and pasting it in the review section on the front story page of Sidewinder, beneath the chapter list... that would make me very happy because reviews and recommendations tend to bring me new readers. Cheers and thanks... Gary... :hug: 

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What a story from fear to happyness and regret to love and fulfillment! Passion is to be found on Red Apple farm two very happy men and what more could they ask for they have each other and that is a wonderful thing. It's been one hell of journey and I loved each and every moment of it:kiss:

Thanks for this story and for sharing!:thankyou::thankyou::thankyou::read::worship::worship::worship::music:

 

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3 hours ago, Albert1434 said:

What a story from fear to happyness and regret to love and fulfillment! Passion is to be found on Red Apple farm two very happy men and what more could they ask for they have each other and that is a wonderful thing. It's been one hell of journey and I loved each and every moment of it:kiss:

Thanks for this story and for sharing!:thankyou::thankyou::thankyou::read::worship::worship::worship::music:

 

Yee haw! Thank you, Albert! I agree it has been one hell of a journey for these men, and for us. It is very satisfying to have comments given like this. It's the reason I took the chance and wrote the sequel. :)  Cheers, my friend... Gary.... :hug: 

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Leaving things short, considering I have a review to write after this... This was a Lovely and thrilling tale. I'll be coming back to this when I need to read a good ol' western. 

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10 hours ago, astone2292 said:

Leaving things short, considering I have a review to write after this... This was a Lovely and thrilling tale. I'll be coming back to this when I need to read a good ol' western. 

I appreciate that, and I loved your review. This is a special story to me, being my first multi chapter western. It allowed me to revisit some of my childhood entertainment, and write the kind of story I wish I could have seen or read back then. If you need a god ol' western, maybe give the sequel a try. :)  Or revisit... I often revisit stories. Thanks for taking the time to support this, my friend. It means a lot, since I know writing keeps you very busy. Cheers... Gary.... :hug: 

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Wait. 😮 It's over? 

---

Well, this chapter was just full of sweetness. A fitting end for two people that went through the ringer to where they are now. I know putting Will to rest was important to Coy, to finally do that, Boone too. The story came full circle and I highly doubt Will would be enjoying himself, wherever he was - seeing the two of them the way they are. As for the Mommas and the Lord, I can see where they felt blessed by them, looking around at the bit of a full life they were able to build together. Loving the work you do makes it easier, I felt that.

Quote

“I found my gold strike too, Boone, right here, with you—with all these animals who need us—and this land that gives us its bounty. I get joy from digging a post hole, stacking hay, carrying rocks, or building a root cellar… or an outhouse, don’t matter which, because it’s good, honest work. And every night I get to lay at your side in our new home and talk about what we did and what we still got to do… just like you said once you wanted. That’s all I need… and it’s all I want. And just so you know, I say my prayers every day too, and they start and end with you.”

And this... this right here, the simpleness of doing that nightly, is how you know your love is still readily given and received. If you can lay down beside yours and talk about your day. Nestled in and safe. Making plans for the next day, the distant future, or whatever. That's when you know. It is such a small thing, but it is so huge. So I love this part of the chapter. I'm also glad that it was Coy that said the words, it solidified his growth even more, as we already knew Boone was there. He was there in the dusty campground, if he were allowed the be honest. His life now is just... extra blessings.

Thank you, I really enjoyed this story. I'm glad I took it on, despite it being out of my usual depth. 

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32 minutes ago, Krista said:

Wait. 😮 It's over? 

---

Well, this chapter was just full of sweetness. A fitting end for two people that went through the ringer to where they are now. I know putting Will to rest was important to Coy, to finally do that, Boone too. The story came full circle and I highly doubt Will would be enjoying himself, wherever he was - seeing the two of them the way they are. As for the Mommas and the Lord, I can see where they felt blessed by them, looking around at the bit of a full life they were able to build together. Loving the work you do makes it easier, I felt that.

And this... this right here, the simpleness of doing that nightly, is how you know your love is still readily given and received. If you can lay down beside yours and talk about your day. Nestled in and safe. Making plans for the next day, the distant future, or whatever. That's when you know. It is such a small thing, but it is so huge. So I love this part of the chapter. I'm also glad that it was Coy that said the words, it solidified his growth even more, as we already knew Boone was there. He was there in the dusty campground, if he were allowed the be honest. His life now is just... extra blessings.

Thank you, I really enjoyed this story. I'm glad I took it on, despite it being out of my usual depth. 

Lol. Yeah, this book is over, but there is a sequel called "Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale". Happy to hear you liked this first multi chapter western of mine. It was a wonderful experience in every way, and while I don't usually write sequels, I just didn't want to say goodbye to these guys completely.

Will, the Sidewinder, had a negative effect on almost everyone who knew him, and maybe on Coy worst of all, but holding onto hate does no one any good. Coy and Boone are happy in spite of him, so in the end they won. Faith was a theme throughout the story, and they have become comfortable with theirs as gay men. I enjoyed including that in this story.

Love what you quoted. You're right that it is the little things that give life its most profound joy. That sharing at the end of the day... talking about what you've done, and how you feel and what you want for the next day... it deepens your connection each time, strengthening your love for each other as a matter of course. And yes, it is important it was Coy who said the words. He took those words of Boone's to heart way back when, and now he understands and feels the same. I love that man to death for what he gives Boone. :) 

And you are welcome. Thanks for taking the ride, Krista. I know you are busy, so this means a lot to me. I hope someday you find the time to read the sequel, but if not, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me. You give good comments. :D  Cheers, and be well. Gary. :hug:  

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This story (and that of Mitch and Will) didn’t disappoint. I’ve been meaning to read a cowboy’s story and was ready if it’ll end like it did in Brokeback Mountain. 
Was curious with the title though, why ‘Sidewinder’?

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11 hours ago, Reed1101 said:

This story (and that of Mitch and Will) didn’t disappoint. I’ve been meaning to read a cowboy’s story and was ready if it’ll end like it did in Brokeback Mountain. 
Was curious with the title though, why ‘Sidewinder’?

Yeah, Brokeback Mountain was just too sad for me. I find that a lot of Gay literature and movies are that way, but I got to decide how this and it's sequel ended. :) 

I chose Sidewinder as the title because of the impact Will Diamond had on the characters and their choices. He was a real snake, and he did an incredible amount of damage in his short life. Even though we don't ever meet him, his presence is felt throughout the story. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me Reed, and I would be very thankful if you would leave a story like, recommendation, and story review... all can be left on the front story page if you choose to do so. It's a lot of hard work to write a story, and these things help bring in new readers. Cheers, and I hope I hear from you again. Gary.... :hug:   

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On 4/20/2023 at 8:07 AM, Headstall said:

Lol. Yeah, this book is over, but there is a sequel called "Larkspur: A Sidewinder Tale". Happy to hear you liked this first multi chapter western of mine. It was a wonderful experience in every way, and while I don't usually write sequels, I just didn't want to say goodbye to these guys completely

 

Nor do I. Can't wait for this sequel. 🙌 

Season 4 Episode 13 GIF by The Office

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3 minutes ago, Doha said:

Nor do I. Can't wait for this sequel. 🙌 

Season 4 Episode 13 GIF by The Office

Hey, Doha! Just so you know, the sequel's been out for a while. I'll leave the link...

I thought you knew that and had read it already, but anyway, it is there waiting, and it is complete for a read or a reread. :)  Please leave a review if you can. :hug: 

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8 hours ago, Headstall said:

Hey, Doha! Just so you know, the sequel's been out for a while. I'll leave the link...

I thought you knew that and had read it already, but anyway, it is there waiting, and it is complete for a read or a reread. :)  Please leave a review if you can. :hug: 

Ah. No!!! I have read it. I thought there was a 3rd on the way. 

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1 minute ago, Doha said:

Ah. No!!! I have read it. I thought there was a 3rd on the way. 

I figured that might be it. :)  No third yet, but there is Boundaries: An Old West Tale" I wrote for the spring anthology. I have considered a third Sidewinder/Larkspur story, but there is nothing concrete to report. Cheers!

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12 hours ago, Headstall said:

I figured that might be it. :)  No third yet, but there is Boundaries: An Old West Tale" I wrote for the spring anthology. I have considered a third Sidewinder/Larkspur story, but there is nothing concrete to report. Cheers!

Lol. Thanks. I read it last year and loved it. I never thought I would enjoy a western theme story but I really love the way you write. Thanks for writing. 👍 

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1 hour ago, Doha said:

Lol. Thanks. I read it last year and loved it. I never thought I would enjoy a western theme story but I really love the way you write. Thanks for writing. 👍 

It's not a popular genre, and I knew that going in, but sometimes we have to write for ourselves. That's what I did, and it has given me great pleasure. I'm pleased I have converted you, buddy. So many of us older folks have grown up on the Old West, and I feel comfortable there. Thanks for the kind words about my writing. These are words I need to hear once in a while.  :hug: 

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I tend to ruminate when I finish a book. I’ve spent some hours thinking on this one trying to capture and keep how I feel about it. What I might say about it. Who I met. Where we journeyed.

I’m at an advantage because I know there’s a sequel. I can see Boone & Coy again. That won’t make saying goodbye any easier just because there’s a next time available right now. Good guys.

Great characters. Vivid imagery. Compelling pacing. Not a single dull moment.

Thank you!

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A wonderful ending with the farm growing as fast as Coy and Boone' love for each other.  I am glad that both could put their anger at Will to rest.  He will no longer haunt their thoughts.  

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