When cowboy Gage Wellton visits boyhood friend, Corey Cassidy, for a fun-filled weekend in New York City, Corey's life is turned upside down. The two have the time of their lives in the big city. As memories of their childhoods unfold, dancing, drinking, and a night of heavy sex ensue.<br><br>Gage soon finds himself smitten, which he didn't expect. It's too late for romance though, since Gage has to head back to his ranch, ending the weekend of fun and good memories. Corey asks him to stay, but Gage has obligations in Kansas and decides to return home, leaving Corey and the city behind.<br><br>Once back home, Gage struggles without Corey at his side. Then a rodeo accident sends Gage to the hospital and Corey shows up to visit. Corey becomes medicine for Gage. During his visit, the two become intimate again. But it's hard for a closeted, gay cowboy to survive in a straight man's world. Will love be enough to make one man change his entire life for another?

The Weekender

A third person drops from the ceiling on another length of bull rope. This time, it is none other than the rodeo champion, Bert Puller. No longer are we crashing skulls together at a rodeo. Puller is dressed in a white tux from head to toe. He holds a Bible in his right hand. Once he waves at the seated gatherers, he turns to Corey and me, and asks, “Gentlemen, are you ready to be forever connected as man with man under the eyes of God?”


Corey approves by tipping his head forward.


I say, “Yes,” and grab Corey’s palms within my own, nervous but sure.


The rodeo star opens his Bible, clears his throat, and says, “Let this union begin. It is time to spread God’s love and bring these two men together in holy matrimony. It is about…” 21: Recovery


Chapter 18