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Trent Buchanan, a man fresh out of the 8th cavalry finds himself in a new town, living a new life, little did he know he would soon be talked about in town as 'the younger man'.
Can he move past the Old west's prejudices and claim the woman he loves?
Can he move past the Old west's prejudices and claim the woman he loves? Trent Buchanan could remember the first day he came to this town. Just out of the Calvary, he was summoned here by a lawyer, his uncle's lawyer, he knew his uncle was in the whiskey and gambling business, but that is all he knew. He hardly even remembered his uncle. Might have been 6 when he last saw him. The lawyer introduced him to another young man, called Ethan Miller. Together they would be the beneficiaries of his late uncles estate. Ethan was left the saloon, Trent was left the Grand Central Hotel and Restaurant, along with several thousand dollars. Trent soon settled in to town, doing some renovations at the Hotel, expanding the business. He found he had a head for business, even began seeing a young lady socially in town, Karyn Sweeney. They had dinner together a few times, nothing serious. He enjoyed her company, she was charming. But besides an innocent kiss or embrace, they had not moved much beyond that. He certainly was not thinking marriage, or any kind of serious relationship. But all that changed when SHE walked into the hotel lobby that early summer afternoon.
Rosa Garrett she said her name was.
She was a very handsome woman, he tried to guess her age, surprisingly, her flawless skin was wrinkle and line free, so it was hard to judge. She stated she needed 2 rooms, one for her, one for her two sons. She asked politely where the livery was, as she had a few horses to see to.
Trent gave her directions. They stared at each other for a few moments, but to Trent, time seemed to stand still, as cliched as that statement was.
The spell between them was broken when 2 young men ambled through the front door.
"Mr. Buchanan, these are my sons, Lance and Daniel. Boys, this is Mr. Trent Buchanan. He owns this fine establishment, and has kindly told me where the livery is. Can I rely on you both to see to the horses? I will see to our rooms."
Rosa spoke kindly but firmly to her sons.
Her SONS!?!They are full grown! Trent pictured her having towheaded 8 or 9 year old at the most, not these!
Trent looked at what must be the oldest, he wasn't much older than himself!
He looked back at Mrs. Garrett, when was she married, age 10?
Trent was shocked into silence.
"Mother, we could use a meal, we are both starving, any place we can get a bite to eat, Mr. Buchanan?" Lance asked.
Trent just stared. He still could not believe this man was her son.
"Ah...the restaurant is next door, it is still open. Beef Stew is the special tonight." Trent replied finally.
"Well come on Dan! you were the one complaining your stomach was growling! Let's feed the horses, then let's feed ourselves!" Lance said boisterously.
Daniel's deep rich laughter filled the foyer. They certainly were not quiet. "You will have to forgive my boys enthusiasm. They are most anxious to start our new life. You see, we aim to start a horse-breeding farm. Horses have been a part of our lives for years. Lance especially has a true gift with handling horses, a discerning eye for breeding." Rosa smiled.
Trent had a good look at her face, She must be still in her thirties, surely! "Will your husband be joining you later?"
"My husband has been dead the last few years, just me and the boys." She said wistfully. Trent processed that information...a widow. He decided to change the subject.
"Let me show you to your rooms. I have given you adjoining ones. Any idea how long you are staying?"
"No, we have to find a piece of property, or an existing farm or ranch for sale, do you know of any?" Rosa asked.
"No, But I will certainly ask around for you." Trent smiled.
Rosa heart did a flip in her chest, so handsome, but he did not look much older than Lance. If only he were older...
Rosa Garrett came into town a few weeks later to do some shopping. As she walked by the hotel, she stopped. She should not go in...but she did. There he was, she drew a sharp breath.
She should be whipped for admiring the form of a man young enough to be her son. But she couldn't help herself. She watched as he bent down to light the stove, the muscles in his back moving with masculine fluidity under his shirt.
He turned and looked at Rosa. God, he looks so young! She admonished herself, she should turn and walk out right now. But something kept her feet firmly planted. Was it the look in his gold flecked eyes? Surely she was mistaken, why would he look at her with any interest? Wishful thinking...
"Good afternoon, Mr. Buchanan. I was wondering if you would like to come out to the farm for Sunday Supper next week. It won't be much, a chicken dinner, but I would like to repay you for your kindness...helping us find the farm." Trent smiled warmly. "There is no need. I was happy to help. I am curious to see what you have done with the place the last couple of weeks. And I would like a home-cooked meal, so yes...I will come for dinner."
Rosa's heart fluttered in her chest. She hadn't felt this way since...since never. She married so young, she never really was courted at all. She had married Silas because he promised a large settlement to her family if she did, and her father needed the money. What did she know of men and marriage? Silas was 38 years old at the time. Old enough to be her father, he was older than her own father! But marry him she did. It wasn't a bad marriage, he wasn't cruel, he was a good father. He just never made her heart flutter...Now here she was 40, going to be 41 in a matter of a few months. I am sorry if I seem forward Mr. Buchanan, but I was wondering since we met, how old you are. I confess to trying to guess, but you have such a youthful face, it is hard to gauge." Rosa asked shyly.
Trent smiled again. "I must confess to doing the same thing with you. I will say I was shocked when your sons walked in. I was picturing toddlers. I am 26 years old."
Rosa's heart sunk. Only 2 years older than Lance. She had secretly hoped he was at least in his thirties. Now she would have to tell her age. She cringed. "I am 40."
"Never would have guessed it, thought 30 at the most." he smiled, with a twinkle in his eye. "I will be there next Sunday, what time?"
"Why not come around 3PM? I can show you the farm before dinner."
Rosa left, her knees knocking under her skirts. What had she done? Inside the farmhouse, Rosa was preparing lunch. Tomorrow was Sunday, and Trent Buchanan would be out for supper.
She exhaled. 'young enough to be your son' she kept repeating to herself, or is that 'I'm old enough to be his mother'.
Regardless, she could not stop thinking about him. And that disturbed her. Well technically, if Trent were her son, she would have had him at a very young age...but still...it was all very...unseemly...to think about, dream about...a much younger man. Or so society dictates.
Sunday arrived, it was a beautiful early July afternoon, Trent arrived promptly at 3 PM. Her sons were puzzled why their mother invited the man, but they shrugged and went to get cleaned up for supper.
Rosa started to show Trent around.
"Very handsome horses, not that I am a real judge of horseflesh." Trent stated.
"We are quite proud of our line, it has been a dream of ours for years, to see it actually realized at last, words cannot describe. And you were wonderful to help us find this farm, it is perfect..." Rosa's voice quivered with emotion.
Trent took a few steps closer to her. "I am glad I was able to help." He replied in a low, husky tone.
Rosa laid her hand on her chest. His presence was affecting her deeply.
She stepped away. "Come, I'll show you the barns..." The combination of hay and manure assaulted Trent's nostrils. But he was impressed on how well kept and orderly the barns were.
"This is Claudius, we just sold him to the banker Mr. Jensen. We are so proud, our first sale. We raised him from a colt." Rosa smiled.
Trent had to admit he had not seen a more handsome horse, at least 16 hands high, muscled, sleek, beautiful colouring.
"Astounding." Trent murmured, truly impressed.
"Mr. Buchanan, if you are interested in buying a horse sometime soon, please, I will hope you will let us select one for you, we will give you a good, fair price." Rosa ventured. Trent turned. "Please, call me Trent." He did not know why he reached out and touched her chin gently with his thumb and forefinger, but he did. Her skin was as soft as he imagined. He cupped her chin and stared at her for some moments. Trent could smell cinnamon and cloves, she must have been baking. He found the fragrance intoxicating, as he did Rosa herself.
Rosa could not move, nor speak. His touch was...warm and inviting. Her nerves sparked under her skin. Trent slowly leaned in toward Rosa and kissed her ever so gently. It was chaste as kisses go, but a kiss nonetheless.
Rosa laid her hand on his broad shoulder to steady herself, for her knees were quivering. His long, lean fingers still cupped her chin.
Claudius nickered suddenly, and they jumped apart. Trent still held onto Rosa's hand.
He was looking at her with such intensity! Rosa felt her whole body flush from head to toe. Never, ever had she felt this way before. Not in all her years married to Silas, God rest his kind soul.
"I...I'd better see to...to supper..." Rosa stuttered. Rosa turned and hurried away toward the house. Trent frowned. What had he done? At least he waited until after supper with Karyn Sweeney before he kissed her.
Not at all proper, what possessed him?
It was an innocent enough kiss, brief, he barely touched her lips with his, but it was enough to affect him.
He sighed and followed Rosa toward the house. A number of weeks have passed and at supper one night, Rosa informed her two grown sons that she was invited out to dinner by Trent Buchanan, and she had accepted.
Lance cocked his head at his mother, thoroughly confused. "Dinner? Why? You already had him out here to thank him for finding this place. Why see him again?"
"Lance..." Rosa said softly. "Why would a man ask a woman out to supper?"
Lance and Daniel both were flabbergasted. Their mother...being courted?? And by a much younger man...and she was letting this happen??
Lance just assumed his mother would be bothered by such nonsense. Granted, Pop had been gone now over 2 years. Lance glanced at his mother. She was still young enough he guessed.
He felt uncomfortable about the whole thing, and a quick look at Daniel, it was obvious he felt the same way. After dinner at Trent's hotel restaurant, Rosa and Trent went for a long walk. It was a lovely late summer evening. Trent and Rosa had met more than a few times over the summer months, Rosa just never told her sons until this week.
Ever since Trent kissed her so gently in the barn, she was drawn to him, against her better judgment and logic. On the edge of town was a solidly built brick home, with a connecting guest house, a lovely pond in the middle of the property.
"I bought this, not 5 days ago..." Trent said quietly.
Rosa looked at Trent inquisitively. "It is a richly set home..." she murmured. "The hotel and restaurant are doing very well, better than I could have hoped. I also sold a small property in town at a profit." Trent smiled.
"So you intend to stay in town then, Trent?" Rosa asked.
He looked at Rosa with a deep searing gaze. "It depends..." he said softly.
The meaning of his statement was not entirely lost on Rosa. She cleared her throat. "It will be an ideal home for you to marry and raise a family Trent. Some young lady is going to be very lucky." Rosa said, a little too brightly.
Trent put his hands on his slim hips. Rosa always spoke this way. Marrying him off to some unseen young girl. It was getting annoying, could she not see how he felt toward her?
Trent chose to ignore her blanket statement and led her into the parlour. "A lot of work to be done, furnishings and decorating, perhaps Rosa, I can enlist your assistance in the chore? Women know so much more about these things."
Rosa looked around. It truly was lovely. She sighed, Could she bear to see Trent and some young woman living in this house?
Trent walked over to Rosa and began to caress her cheek with the backs of his fingers. He left a trail of red flame in it's wake. How she loved his masculine hands, the long, elegant fingers. His forefinger and thumb slowly stroked the line of her chin, up to her mouth. His thumb stroked her lower lip while he cupped her chin. He pulled her close, his golden eyes were hooded with his desire. His long fingers stroked the back of her neck, their lips inches apart.
Rosa felt very pretty tonight in her new gown made by Jane Wilson's skilled fingers, but nothing made her feel as feminine as Trent holding her, admiring her, touching her skin.
It was too much.
Rosa stepped away. "Trent...this is not a good idea. I should not be alone here in your home. I must go."
"Why? You don't trust me Rosa?" Trent questioned pointedly.
"It's not that...I...I...I am far too old for you Trent. We should remain friends...nothing more. I thank you for dinner, it was lovely, but nothing more." Rosa said firmly.
Trent motioned to the sofa. "Please, do not leave, not yet, please sit for a moment." Rosa sat. She really should leave. Trent walked over and put one leg up on the sofa. "I think I am capable of judging whether you are too old for me." he said softly.
"I will be 41 in a few weeks, Trent. You are 26. 15 years. It...it isn't proper. You should find a young woman, capable of giving you children. Someone to grow old with...not watch me grow old. My child bearing years are behind me, or soon will be." Trent sat beside Rosa. "Do you think I care about that? That having children is all that is important? Not to me, finding a woman to share my life with, to love, regardless of her age, is far more important to me. I could not care less about having any children."
"Trent...you don't mean that. Every man wants children...wants a son." Rosa stated firmly.
"Not every man Rosa. Not me. If I were to have children, fine. If not, I can live with that too. Perhaps you think me too young, too immature. Maybe I have not made my feelings for you plain enough so you would not have these doubts..." Trent reached for Rosa, pulling her into his lap. He began to kiss her, deeply, passionately.He had never felt this way before.
Rosa wanted to faint. Never had she been given such a devastating kiss. "I won't deny my feelings Rosa, I am falling in love with you. I wouldn't care if you were 16 or 60."
Rosa closed her eyes. This was happening too fast, but oh, it felt wonderful! She was falling for him, too. Completely. But what about in 10 years time, when he was still a virile 36, and she was a dried up old hag of 51? How could this ever work.
I'll take you home now..." Trent whispered seductively in her ear.
She did not want to go home, she wanted to stay in his arms...forever.
A few days after having dinner with Trent Buchanan, and Rosa could not stop thinking about the kiss they shared. All through her chores, she played it over and over again in her mind. Her cheeks began to flush from the memory. This could not continue. She had to break it off, it was for the best.
She had better write a letter...to do it in person, she would lose all her resolve. One look into that handsome, youthful face, one look into those gold-flecked soulful eyes, all her resolve would crumble. They could not continue. They would be the talk of the town, the scandal. It just is not done in polite society. An old woman...a young man.
And never did she feel as old as she did today. Daniel came into the kitchen and placed an affectionate kiss on her cheek. Her boys. They would have to be her life now. Looking after her boys. Until they found wives of their own, then she would be placed in a rocking chair on the front porch to sit in the sun as a lizard does on a rock in the desert. Watching the world pass her by. Watching her sons live their lives...watching Trent marry another.
She would sit and write the letter after supper.
Rosa felt as if her heart had cracked permanently down the middle...a crack that would never heal. After supper Rosa sat at the desk, the quill and paper in front of her. The words would not come. She cared for Trent, far more than she though possible. She was falling in love with a man young enough to be her son.
It was because she loved him, she would write this letter. It was for the best.
She wiped the few tears trickling down her cheeks and picked up the pen.
"My dearest Trent...Forgive my cowardice for not telling you this face to face, for I know in my heart I could not have looked into your beautiful face and said these words..." A couple of days later, Trent came home from the hotel, he had been busy the last few days. He longed to see Rosa, but he had not had a chance. He would make it up to her.
He looked in his mailbox, mail delivery was sporadic, the postmaster only went out maybe once a week in his wagon. He reached in and took out a letter. Strange, it had no postage on it...
Trent broke the seal with his thumb...why it was from Rosa! His heart jumped with excitement in his chest.
"My dearest Trent..." the letter began. Trent was touched. He found it endearing and romantic that a woman would take the time to write him a letter.
He continued. "I must end what is between us Trent...before it goes any further. It is not proper. You are far too young, and I too old. It would not be fair to you. You would not have a family, instead you would spend the rest of your life watching me age. You may think that is not important now, but what of when you are 45, still a vibrant man, and I am 60? I will be grey haired...old. A grandmother. I cannot do that to you, to condemn you to such a life..."
Trent felt the hot tears spilling down his cheeks. I thank you for your regard, you have made me happier than I have ever been these few short months. I implore you to move on with your life, forget me..."
Trent could not read the rest. He folded the letter carefully. A dull, stabbing ache clawed at his heart. Well.
That was that.
But Trent knew deep down he could not let this go, he was in love with Rosa Garrett. He knew deep in his soul he did not care about her age. But how to make her see? Trent knew she cared, the kiss, even this letter...she cared. Very much.
He would have to think on this...you will not get rid of me that easily Rosa... It had been a few weeks since she sent the letter to Trent Buchanan. He had not responded. Perhaps she had got through to him.
Rosa laid her knitting on the table next to her. The sun was setting, she could hear a far off robin singing mournfully in a tree.
She rocked in her chair, the chair she would no doubt grow old in, she thought sardonically.
Rosa closed her eyes, she could hear a horse nickering in the distance, perhaps one of the Fredericks, their farm was not far from the newly arrived family.
Trent had seen Rosa's sons in town, taking in a game of poker at the saloon, so he decided this would be as good as chance as any to talk to Rosa alone.
He saw her, sitting alone on the front porch...a somewhat wistful expression on her lovely face.
Trent tethered his horse to a fence then sprinted up her steps.
Rosa opened her eyes at the sound of boots on the wooden planks. Her heart rolled with expectation. Then, it plummeted.
Why didn't he stay away? This was torturous just to look at him, it was fairly breaking her heart all over again. Trent crouched down next to her. "Did you really think that letter would keep me away? Did you mean to scare me off with visions of you old and wizened? What do you think, that I will not age? That my hair will not turn grey? That I will not wrinkle? How shallow do you think I am Rosa? Do you honestly think I care you may go grey before me??"
Rosa stood. "I will care!! I can't do that to you Trent! I...I love you too much! I...I don't want to lose your love, and I will, the older I get. I do not think I could bear it!"
Trent stood and faced her. "How many different ways can I try to convince you that I will love you no matter what? You would deny us happiness for the reason you may age a little quicker than I will? We all wind up in the same place Rosa, its how we live and love on the way to the grave that matters!"
Trent pulled Rosa close. "I love you Rosa, I want us to be married, to share everything together. All that life can throw at us, we can share it together. And if that means I have to wipe the drool off your face when you are 80 and I am 65, then I will do it, gladly!"
Rosa looked into his handsome face. He meant it. Oh, could she let down her guard, put aside her reservations.
"
You love me Rosa...say it again, I want to hear it again." Trent's voice was low and husky.
"Oh Trent...I do. I do love you." Rosa whispered with great emotion.
"Tell me you want me Rosa, tell me you want and desire me as much as I do you..." Trent whispered. He pulled her close.
Rosa cried. "Oh yes, I do!" Trent pulled her against him and kissed her with a fierce hunger and deep love.
God, his heart was roaring in his chest.
Rosa ran her hands up and down Trent's muscled back. She tried not to think of what may lay ahead. All that mattered was now.
"Say you will marry me Rosa, as soon as possible. I don't want to wait." Trent said firmly.
He was holding her hands tightly, she did not have the strength to fight him anymore, nor did she want to.
She knew deep down as soon as she faced him, she would crumble like day-old corn bread.
She still had niggling doubts, the age gap would widen the older they got, of that there was no doubt. But for now, there was only her and Trent. "Yes Trent...I will marry you, whenever you say..." Rosa whispered breathlessly.
Trent lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "Then my love, let us not waste another moment, let us make plans."
Rosa had baked a blueberry cream pie, one of the boys favourites, she hoped it would soften the blow for what she had to tell them.
Trent had stayed a couple of hours the previous night, and they spoke of their future together, making plans. And those plans did not include her staying here on the farm.
She called them in, told them the coffee was brewing on the stove.
"Listen, sons. I have some news. I have accepted Trent Buchanan's offer of marriage." Rosa said softly.
You could have heard a pin drop. Daniel's hand was frozen, he was gripping his fork tightly.
"What does that mean Ma? He is moving in here?" Daniel questioned. Then he said, "So a man only a few years older than me is going to be my step-father?"
Rosa sighed. "I love him Daniel, I cannot help how young he is. We both discussed it in length. I tried to break it off with him. I tried to push him away..."
Lance watched his mother. It was written clearly on her face, she did love this man. He did not know how he felt about this...
Rosa continued. "I will be moving into town with Trent after I marry, he bought a new house. I will be sharing his life, assisting him in the running of his business. I will...will be leaving you boys on your own."
Daniel lowered his head. His mother...leaving. He felt as if he was kicked in the gut.
"It is high time you both starting living your own lives, find some decent women to settle down with. You are both fine men, I am so proud of you." Rosa's voice quivered with emotion. "I shall be having the wedding in a month's time."
Lance looked over at Daniel, he was taking it hard, he always was close to Ma, more so than him.
"Guess we will have to get ourselves a housekeeper Dan, neither one of us can cook worth a damn." Lance said jokingly, trying to get a smile out of his brother.
Daniel nodded, and slowly began to eat his pie. He did not like this, not one little bit. Rosa told Trent of her sons less than enthusiastic reaction to her announcement of getting married, so Trent took it upon himself to talk to them. He waited until he knew Rosa was in town at the mercantile, and he made his way to the ranch. The youngest, Daniel was there. Rosa said he was objecting the loudest. Daniel listened to Trent's explanation, his declaration of love for Rosa. Daniel did not like it. "You will break my mother's heart." He stated roughly.
"You don't know that, why would I? I love her, I want to marry her..." Trent declared.
"You are only a few years older than me! It isn't right!" Daniel huffed.
"So...If the roles were reversed, and I was an older man wanting to marry your mother, that would be alright in your book?" Trent said patiently.
Daniel was struck speechless. He had not thought of it that way. "Well...yeah. I guess it would."
"Hardly seems fair, does it?" Trent said. "Look Buchanan, fair or not, that is they way things are, an older woman does not marry a younger man, it just isn't...seemly!" Daniel cried roughly. "And I will do everything in my power to talk my mother out of this folly! You will grow tired of her and leave her, and break her heart, I know it!"
Trent fought to contain his anger. "Sorry you feel that way, but I am going to marry your mother. Accept it, or don't." Trent said firmly. A few weeks have passed, and Rosa was torn, her youngest son Daniel was adamant she not marry, doubt began to creep back into her thoughts. She put Trent off as to setting a wedding date.
Trent was patient, kind. Understanding.
But Rosa came by his house today for another reason. There was a smallpox outbreak in town, and her son Daniel, had contracted it. "What if he dies, Trent...I could not bear it, not my baby..." She whispered in his ear worriedly."It will be my fault...I suggested this area for our horse farm. If I hadn't suggested it, he wouldn't have got sick!"
"My love...we never would have met either. You can't think that way." Trent whispered back, his warm breath caressing her cheek. Trent stepped back. "Whatever comes our way Rosa, we will face it together. I love you, and as far as Daniel is concerned? He is young, strong. I believe he will recover. It isn't 100% fatal, Rosa. People do recover from smallpox. And Daniel is at the right age, he is hearty, determined. He is your son. He will come through this...and so will we." Rosa's shoulders heaved, her sobbing quite out of control, she could not help it, her nerves were like frayed rope.
Trent consoled her the best he could, then he had an idea. "My love, I was inoculated in the army for smallpox. Why don't I go and assist The Doctor? I can care for Daniel myself...I had a little medical training, I can help them, help your son. Only thing, I can't come back until the crisis has past, I cannot risk infecting you or anyone else. Tell me what you want me to do..." Rosa raised her head slightly from her trembling hands. Trent would be with Daniel, caring for him. Trent would not get sick...he was one of the rare people who had the vaccination. Could she ask that of him? Could she bear to be apart from him? Could be a couple of weeks.
She had to think of her son, not herself. "Oh Trent, I would be so grateful."
Trent smiled slightly. "I will pack a valise and head right over...it will be alright Rosa...you'll see. As Trent promised, he kept a sharp vigil on Daniel. He assisted with the other patients, but he focused the bulk of his attention on Rosa's youngest son. He was breathing in a deep, ragged way. Trent worried a chill on the lungs would settle on the young man, a complication of Smallpox. But he truly believed his words to Rosa, Daniel was young and strong. But then Smallpox did not always take that into consideration.
"Trent...is that you?" Daniel's voice rasped. Trent wiped the sweat from his brow. Daniel could not believe it, Trent Buchanan had stayed by his bedside, nursing him. Guess he was wrong about the man... After almost 10 days, Trent was able to leave the quarantined building. Rosa had stayed at his house in town, to be near her son.
Trent stood and walked over to her slowly. Rosa could hold back no longer, she ran to his strong, warm embrace and held on for her life. How she loved him, how grateful she was to have him at this time, to help her through this.
"Aw, Rosa love..." Trent said quietly, holding her close to his heart. "He is going to be alright, Daniel will recover." He smiled.
"Oh Trent, thank you, you are the most wonderful man..." Rosa cried. As she looked into those golden eyes of his, all final doubt left her heart. So she was older. What did it matter, as long as she was with him, until the end of her days. Trent pulled her in close and kissed her deeply. They would be married right away, and her sons would be there to offer their blessing and support. Younger or older, he found the woman of his dreams...
~THE END~
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49 Comment(s) posted so far
On May 5, 2009 drewsoltesz wrote:
Marrying a younger man can still cause an eyebrow to raise even today at times (by a few anyway) But it certainly was frowned upon back in the 1800's.
And I want to give a nod to the generousity of the TSR community. A couple of great people here sent me some of their objects to try out before they are available to everyone. Skystar5, thank you for letting me try out the duster coats (Trent wears in first shot) And xtinbobina for the horses recolours (like in shot 63) Thanks buddies!
On May 5, 2009 drewsoltesz wrote:
Oh I forgot, Lance Garrett, the oldest son, is featured in a story of his own I did in December called 'The Horsemaster', here at TSR, check it out! And I am sure I will get to the youngest son Daniel sometime soon! Cheers~
On May 5, 2009 BBKZ wrote:
I was sure I've seen Lance somewhere before
Oh.. I shouldn't read your stories when I'm at work. Now I'm thrilled and touched 
On May 5, 2009 OCIKITTEN wrote:
Excellent. I really get a kick out of the older woman story cause I am older than my hottie (hubby). He asked me out for his 21st B-day and almost 11 years later I am so glad he did.
On May 5, 2009 xtinabobina wrote:
WOAH! so it's two o'clock in the morning and i was just getting on here to see if my story got any more comments & i see that your latest story is on the front page with my two paints (their butts anyway lol) are on the cover. than i came here and i realize you brought back my favorite character! lance garrett
that scene where he's in the shower in the horsemaster was hot! anyway, im such a nerd. ill be back to read this tomorrow. look out for another comment! goodnight. PS..thanks for putting my paints in here
it made my day!!!
On May 5, 2009 Daishi wrote:
as always awesome job
On May 5, 2009 maxi king wrote:
On May 5, 2009 clairepitts1994 wrote:
Aww I love your simmies and your stories! You are such a talented writer, I'm always so excited when I see another of your stories published!! I have a new perspective for the whole older woman younger man, now too.
I can't wait to read more from you.
On May 5, 2009 QG wrote:
lol awesome story. everytime trent pulled out his big smile it made me grin like crazy. he was very bad in hiding his feelings, but then again, she didn't notice at all, the few times she did, she thought she was imagining it. lol, quite funny how that worked out *chuckles*
I like the way you pointed out their "huge" age diffrent by showing us her full grown sons, but when you think of it, she was married very young. seeing lance is 24 she must have had him when she was what?17? that means she was married at wat?15, 16? to a man of 38, more then twice her age, older then her father, now THAT sounds weird. but not for that time I guess
i'm not quite used to the short end you have to put up here, i like it when you drag things out. you have to admit that: "Daniel got better and they got married right away, with both sons approval" is quite short. did you ran out of place for screenshots? *chuckles again*
lovely story!
On May 5, 2009 omik79 wrote:
All I have to say..Awesome awesome awesome
On May 5, 2009 PenelopeT wrote:
As always, this too was a FANTASTIC story!
I look forward to reading whatever you come up with next. 5.0! 
On May 5, 2009 lisa9999 wrote:
Fantastic as always! I jsut loved it! Lisa
5.0
On May 5, 2009 Little Cloud wrote:
Very good
! Wonderful, super, fantasic, great, and perfcetly good!
On May 5, 2009 ProwlerTylo wrote:
Wonderful story.
On May 5, 2009 Jillebeth wrote:
I love your stories and always look forward to the next one. Great job on this story and I did recognize Lance from your previous story. Can't wait for the next one.
On May 5, 2009 candy820 wrote:
Awesome as always.
On May 5, 2009 j_girl87 wrote:
Another amazingly written and moving story Drew! I am such a fan, thanks so much for sharing! 5.0!
P.s. all of you male sims are GORGEOUS!
On May 5, 2009 whitmartinez wrote:
5.0 *Sigh* Another great story! I love reading all of them both here and on the blog spot site. I am glad you let them be together because really what does age matter if you love one another. I can't wait to see your next story and I have more chapters on mine you know where to find them
.
On May 5, 2009 qvisn wrote:
Oh Karen ! you got blown out then, lol I loved this story in both versions. i remember the words from before and get hot under the collar just thinking about it. you are such an awesome writer and you are wonderful for sharing your talent. Moon is still my top man though. Cheers mate.
On May 5, 2009 Hordriss wrote:
Well done indeed.
You tackle another social standard (or double-standard) very well indeed, and weave an excellent and moving story out of it. I am just a little disturbed that someone has made a smallpox skintone / make-up for sims. 
On May 5, 2009 mpatton wrote:
Great as always.
On May 6, 2009 jayb04 wrote:
Awesome job as soon as i saw that you put out a new story i thought YEAH! I knew it would be great and i was right. To come out with a story on such a tough issue in that time period must have a bit difficult but you over came that with the help of others. Great job and thanks so much for sharing!
On May 6, 2009 xtinabobina wrote:
aww i love it! & lance is sucha hottie. i want to go back and read the horsemaster again lol. next you'll have to write about his brother
have you seen my saddled horses? they are 2-D (cause idk how to mesh yet) but they look pretty decent. you can find an example in my latest story--thanks for reading it by the way
*sighs* i love your stories.
On May 6, 2009 Yukosan wrote:
Flat out awesome - the words and pictures flow together amazingly; the whole story itself is great.
On May 6, 2009 Shylaria wrote:
Another excellent story!! So well written, you are a natural story teller.
You really handled the subject of the younger man and older woman very tastfully and sensitively. This is a story that I can closely relate to on a personal basis. Iv been married twice. The first time to a man much older than me. I have a stepdaughter only five years younger than me. People who didnt know us would sometimes mistake my ex for being my dad. We divorced after 25 years,but not because of our age difference. After being alone for two years, I met the man I am now married to. My daughters, who are in their 30's thought I had lost my mind because I am in my mid-50's and my present husband is in the same age group as they are. He and I actually met on the Internet and started out as friends and after 2 years decided to finally meet in person. After spending a week together we realized that we wanted to be together. Six months later he relocated here and we moved in together and after a year we were married. That was 7 years ago. In that time my daughters and our friends have seen how happy we are and have accepted us completely. Im happy to say that people have seem to become more openminded and accepting of diverse relationships. I just thought I would share this with you because love really does know no bounds, including age. Keep writing Drewsoltesz, I cant wait to read your next story! Thank you! 
On May 6, 2009 milk_icecreama wrote:
Awesome, and brilliant, who knows that younger man can do things that we wouldn't know
I love this story's idea, really
Thank you for writing this, amazing story.
On May 6, 2009 leifofdel wrote:
Another Awesome story from a Master Storyteller. Love it!
On May 6, 2009 smiley00girl wrote:
Amazing story as always! I really loved it! Keep creating!
5.0
On May 7, 2009 sims2sweetie wrote:
On May 7, 2009 jaundyce61 wrote:
Wonderful! Touching and emotional treatment of a younger man/older woman! Trent is adorable! Sigh! Lovely shots as well, great job!
On May 7, 2009 Saoz wrote:
Shocking!
Another wonderful story, Karen. And you're right, the older woman/younger man is something that society still frowns upon today. It would have taken a lot of courage - and love, of course - to risk it back then. Trent seems like a very special, and generous, guy.
On May 7, 2009 SuperStar94 wrote:
Awww, amazing story as always! Great job!
On May 7, 2009 YrS92 wrote:
Wonderful story! I just loved it... Trent is truly adorable
Fantastic work
On May 8, 2009 skystars5 wrote:
Ooo! *fans self*
that was a very good story Drewsoltesz! I especially enjoyed the way you extracted their micro thoughts and emotions involving the age difference. Trent is quite young and it's impossible for him to realize what the future could hold...but Rosa understands and decides to go with her heart. Good for her! Nicely done! I'm looking forward to your next story. 
Thank you also for the credit on the duster outfit. You're so sweet, but without your request it would have never been done, so really you should also credit yourself. 
On May 9, 2009 iron mum wrote:
Great story, nice to see age reversal, can't wait for the next one.
On May 9, 2009 Nadakio wrote:
That was beautiful, as always.
On May 9, 2009 fabrizioammollo wrote:
This is an exciting story, able to touch heart...
On May 10, 2009 mrssittin1 wrote:
Another fantastic story
On May 11, 2009 wrote:
5.0! this was pretty much fantastic! I loved the original story idea, and the beautiful way it was written!
On May 13, 2009 princess_iona wrote:
On May 13, 2009 Earcat wrote:
Wonderful. I loved it!
On May 17, 2009 kecr101 wrote:
Yay! A beautiful story with a wonderful ending. Great job
On May 21, 2009 ckwoods5963 wrote:
Great Story!
On May 27, 2009 rebekah eliz24021994 wrote:
Loved it!
Sorry for the late comment. Been really busy. Forgot to check TSR.
On May 27, 2009 Laurenmc143 wrote:
So romantic, your characters are beautiful and you have a great imagination!
On Jun 4, 2009 charray wrote:
Awesome job on this story
5.0 
On Jul 5, 2009 Liv de Ville wrote:
Already I found some time and readed the story
When I was reading it I laughed much 
This story made me smile 
I`ve great admiration for you! 
And your Sims are.. ohh 
(handsome can be rather a man)
"She had better write a letter..."- what a rhyme! 
It`s great and sooo romantic
Your photos are fantastic! They contain the moments in text very well
But I`ve got a little cavil:
"She was a very handsome woman..." (it`s on sixth page)
Imo "she was a very beautiful womant" sounds better
And faves I`ve noted:
"Old enough to be her father, he was older than her own father!"- this sentence is so nice
I`m a writer too, but I haven`t published any of my works on TSR, just on Polish Sims forum where I`m registred. I wish I could write longer comment as I do in my own language, but my english is... ehh :/
On Oct 18, 2009 Peachybitz1 wrote:
another brilliant story...
On Oct 23, 2009 Deanna73070 wrote:
As always, Karen, a wonderful story! I've not read any of them in a while because of RL, but I never tired of engulfing myself in one of your literary wonders! Have a wonderful day, my friend!