The final chapter of If It Weren't For the Two of Us had now brought Trent's story arc to an end.
When Extracurricular ended, it was a much shorter storyline, and by the time I posted it, I knew the story continued in the follow-up book. This last chapter was different. We have been through so much with Trent (as well as his now-husband Mike). Emotionally, I'm a bit proud to see this completed, but I have to admit it is sad to know that was the final chapter. Thankfully, the characters live on in further stories.
My photo of the Grand Canyon on the blog has been foreshadowing this chapter for about a year now. Someone somewhere had to be curious as to why I chose that image. I knew we would eventually get here. Unfortunately, the picture I have here on this blog is SUPPOSED to be what you see at the end of the last chapter. Alas, that doesn't appear to upload, so ... grrr.
The tagline at the top of the blog is "Love stories for the gay male." I do hope you feel this was a legitimate love story. There is no denying readers seek the Nifty platform for erotic content. When I first started writing, the first two chapters were composed years and years ago and stumbled upon in the onset of the pandemic. I cleaned them up and put them on the computer (yes, they were actually written). I decided to continue into further chapters. My stay-at-home diversion during the pandemic was born. Soon, I knew that writing love stories was infinitely more rewarding than writing sex scenes.
Along the way, more characters came into play. Following graduation — and Lance's major events — we've met Jakob, Cooper, Trent's and Mike's parents and other minor characters. All this continues in Hi, I'm Lance, as well as the fourth and fifth book. We're not really saying goodbye here.
I've said it before and will continue to do so, thank you. Thank you! After typing up those first two chapters (now my least favorite), I never could have imagined I would be outlining a sixth novel (and wondering if a seventh and eighth are worthy of telling). The support of the online community has helped spur my desire to continue. I do hope this love story has reached you in some way. My goal has been to create realistic characters. I've come to care for them. I think some of you do too.
Hugs and blessings.
Well, it has been a year since Trent walked into Mike's room and we started figuring these two out. I'm glad they made it. There was a time there when I thought Trent and Lance might get together. It made sense; they were the same age and attracted to each other. The age difference was so noticeable in the beginning. What is truly beautiful about this story is that it shows age is only a number. Thank you for writing it. I have come to really care for these guys.
ReplyDeleteSuch an incredible story. I will miss the men. Beautifully done, and the Grand Canyon is spectacular. Will we still have Lance and Jakob?
ReplyDeleteG.
Absolutely. "Hi, I'm Lance" will continue for several more chapters. You'll see Mike and Trent in those as well. Even though Trent's story is concluded, they aren't disappearing forever.
DeleteTimothy
Thanks for your incredible story telling. I love your writing style and depth of character development. You are as good as “Trent” in the Showcase!
ReplyDeleteG.
What a lovely ending to the saga of Mike and Trent! Beautifully written. You made these characters really live for us in your prose. Bravissimo!
ReplyDeleteTimothy, read the last chapter. I love how you ended this. Please keep writing. Use your talent.
ReplyDeleteJ.
Thank you for such a beautiful story; I simply loved it. I could feel your heart pulsing through the pages. I so want to find a love like that — so intense, so beautiful. Thank you so much, I appreciate all of your efforts. Hugs!
ReplyDelete- B.
"Mike and I worked at this relationship," Trent says. "We did deserve to be happy. This was work. But it was clearly work we loved, so ... we'd take it. I would be happy as long as life would let me."
ReplyDeleteMike and Trent are an inspiration, showing us that gay men can have the sense and courage and determination to figure out for themselves and create the kind of relationship they want, and deserve -- built on so much respect for each other and of course lots of love!
While reading the chapter, I tried to think if I've ever read a story of a "gay honeymoon." Not like this one, for sure. It's great to see two guys with so much to offer each other making such a healthy, passionate start to what I hope will be a long, lovely, loving journey.
"Love stories for the gay male" are something we definitely need!