Taking Chances, by E. L. Van Hine and L.H. Nicoll

[MaineWriter]

One of the most famous lines in the story, here in Chapter 61:

“I wouldn’t go if I thought he was dangerous, sweetheart. An I sure wouldn’t let you come with. In any case a uniform’ll be there by the time we arrive to keep things cool.

“You really think Bill is gonna be cool?” Ennis gave him a doubtful look.

“Then again maybe I’m just bein a jackass an not thinkin straight. Whatever you do... in yer condition, do not let him throw another punch, because you could be back in the hospital again in no time... an that bein in the hospital plays havoc with our sex life.”

“Yes Deputy.”

Ellery sniffed, nibbled at Ennis’s lip before he stepped back. “Chief Deputy darlin ta you.”


L

[MaineWriter]

From Chapter 62:

He sank back against the headboard and held out his arms.  “Please hold me, sweetheart.  I am the biggest jackass in the world.  How could I ever of gone for a man like Bill?”

Ennis took his arms and moved closer, resting his head against Ellery’s shoulder.  “Only human, Deputy darlin.  Yer only human.”

“Yeah, too fuckin bad, huh?”  He sighed, and for the first time, Ennis felt Ellery tremble all over with emotional tension.  He held Ellery until that trembling subsided, and when he lifted his head to look in his eyes, he saw tears, slowly making their way down his face.  This was the first time he had seen Ellery cry.  He kissed his cheeks gently, moving slowly toward his mouth, then moved his lips softly over Ellery’s mouth, just barely touching.

“It’ll be all right.  I’m here,”  he whispered to him.  And they lay in one another’s arms until both finally drifted back to sleep.


L

[MaineWriter]

At the barbecue at Wes's house, Chapter 65:

This was just a normal barbecue, friendly, open people, easy banter, and delicious smelling food.  He found it impossible to believe that Carol and Wes, maybe Warren and the others… all knew.  Their smiles seemed genuine, uninhibited, truly friendly.  It couldn’t be because Carol was so grateful for Ellery rescuing her son… Wes couldn’t be this nice to him because he was a good man who did a good job… or could it?  Could it be that Ennis had been wrong all this time, and there really were good people who didn’t give a rat’s ass if he was queer or not?  Ellery sat down next to Ennis, giving him a smile.  “That beer okay? They gave us this Mexican stuff, maybe ya want somethin different?”

“No, this is fine Ellery, really,” he replied.  “Don’t fuss over me,” he added quietly.

“Okay boy, yer on yer own.”


L

[yb]

I read the 5 chapters earlier and the section Leslie quoted from chapter 62 really stands out.  It is the first time we were exposed to the fact that Ellery's emotionally vulnerable, and needed Ennis to hold him until he calmed down a bit.  When Ennis was an emotional wreck, it's always Ellery who's there to comfort him, and now it's Ennis's turn to offer the same support to Ellery.

[mariez]

I read the 5 chapters earlier and the section Leslie quoted from chapter 62 really stands out.  It is the first time we were exposed to the fact that Ellery's emotionally vulnerable, and needed Ennis to hold him until he calmed down a bit.  When Ennis was an emotional wreck, it's always Ellery who's there to comfort him, and now it's Ennis's turn to offer the same support to Ellery.

Yes, that's so true.  We begin to see the very important balance in the relationship that will sustain them in the trying times ahead. 

Thanks - Marie

[belbbmfan]

Good morning re-readers, and hello to Louise and Fabienne in Belgium!

L

hello! *waives to leslie and all others*

having a wonderful time with louise. The visit to Brussels was cut short by appaling weather! Never mind, there's lot's of typety type type going on. 
And i get to watch! 

[NavyVet]

3 days to go until my Birthday - and Jake's!  Hooo-weeeeee!

(Just wish I was his age!)

[MaineWriter]

hello! *waives to leslie and all others*

having a wonderful time with louise. The visit to Brussels was cut short by appaling weather! Never mind, there's lot's of typety type type going on. 
And i get to watch! 

Oh boy, thanks for checking in!

L

[belbbmfan]

Louise says: 'i'm making Fabienne typ this (Duh!) because i can't type in Dutch. We had a lovely lunch in rainy Brussels and got in some quality time writing the second instalment of our upcoming story about Ellery and Ennis. I'll be home tomorrow evening unless Fabienne gets me a new keyboard  '


muhahahaha

Fabienne says: you gotta love our Louise 

[Bigheart]

Louise says: 'i'm making Fabienne typ this (Duh!) because i can't type in Dutch. We had a lovely lunch in rainy Brussels and got in some quality time writing the second instalment of our upcoming story about Ellery and Ennis. I'll be home tomorrow evening unless Fabienne gets me a new keyboard  '


muhahahaha

Fabienne says: you gotta love our Louise 

Awww ~ you two! So happy you're having a good time! I should have been there!!