Done!

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The weeks after Colin left were a strange mixture of normal and new. Guests came and went at the Blue Shirt more frequently as we moved into the holiday and ski season, and my days became busier. Sam got it in his head he wanted to paint the apartment in ( Read more... )

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Mama Stella has never really liked company, and for the past decade or so she's become even more of a recluse. Mr. Samantha drives her down to town ever Saturday to do her grocery shopping and make a token appearance at the market, but even then she barely says a dozen words. ( Read more... )

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Sam's Subaru was waiting outside my house at exactly six the next morning. I climbed into the back seat because Mickey had already claimed the front for himself. It's another side effect of his parents' deaths; he refuses to ride anywhere but the front seat.

"Ready?" Sam asked, looking ( Read more... )

This is it for tonight, kids. I've written over 10K words today, and I'm tired. I don't think I've written so much in months. The good news is, I've got the last 2 (maybe 3?) parts planned in my head and should finish it up in the morning. Night!

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By Wednesday, Sam's sly remarks had dwindled and ( Read more... )

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Saturdays in September and October are as good as it gets. Pinenest holds a little market every Saturday of the year unless there's a blizzard or torrential downpour. In the spring, there are wildflowers from the fields. In the summer, there's fresh produce from gardens. In the fall, there are apples ( Read more... )

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It was after dinner and just turning dark by the time Steven and I parted at the driveway. I climbed the stairs to Sam's apartment and let myself in, only to find Sam, Colin, and Mickey spread across the den amidst pizza boxes and Mountain Dew cans. Mickey and Colin were sitting on the edge of the couch ( Read more... )

Determined to finish this tonight...

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I didn't bother to stop home, but went straight to Sam's apartment. Two of his dresser drawers are reserved for my extra clothes, and every toiletry I could ever need is stashed in his bathroom. Sometimes it seems a little redundant to have my own place, but I love my house. It was ( Read more... )

This one has a picture! We were up in the mountains this weekend, and the aspens are just starting to change colors. (These pics are from a few years back...it'll be a few more weeks until the leaves will change this much). There's nothing in the world as beautiful as aspens in fall...

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( Read more... )

And we're moving right along...

"He's absolutely gorgeous."

If there is anybody that knows how to appreciate a beautiful man, it's my Sam. At least he waited until Steven and Colin retreated to the back house before his pronouncement. There have been times when he didn't have the tact to wait.

Those were embarrassing times.

We were curled up on his ( Read more... )

...And it continues...

By the time I reached the Blue Shirt, Mickey was already settled in front of the television with a juice box. All the rooms in the main house were empty, and he likes to hang out in the family room when he can. I think it reminds him of what it was like when his parents were still alive and they all still lived together.

Not ( Read more... )