I think I'm falling a little bit in love with this AU of yours ^^ Cuz Nate as a schoolmaster, and Brad and the boys as farmers? I can totally picture that in my head (and those are some delightful images indeed ^-^)

Also love the way you develop and describe Nate's confused/conflicted feelings towards Brad.

And Walt! Poor Walt suffering from illness and still insisting to work just makes me wanna give him a big hug. Plus, his child-like nature when he's talking to Nate just gets to me.

Also, this: Ray ruffles Walt's hair on his way out behind Brad, and Walt looks after him fondly. - Aww... ^-^

Anyway, off to part two!