Stephen’s lover Emmett accuses him of being boring and way too predictable. To prove him wrong, Stephen plans a surprise romantic getaway to a cabin on the river. But Emmett has plans of his own for romance -- ones that don’t include Stephen anymore. Depressed at yet another break-up, Stephen wonders if it isn’t time to give up hope. But finding that elusive man he longs for -- the one willing to risk everything to be with him -- would take a miracle. So Stephen travels alone to the cabin in search of a new perspective. Resolving to be more adventurous, he tries kayaking for the first time in his life. It’s great until he dozes off and wakes in the middle of a raging flood. Terrified, he fights for his life, nearly losing his battle with the river. On the edge of surrender, he’s rescued by an unusual stranger who might not really exist. Nothing makes any sense after that. Mystical explanations seem no less likely than rational ones. But does it matter? Because if Stephen wants an adventure, taking one last chance on love might turn out to be the best one of all.

A Pebble in the Water

His shoulders slumped as he locked the door behind him and headed out, a single, unattached man once more. 2


Four hours later, his eyes scratchy and strained from searching the darkness for deer on the back roads, he arrived at the cabin. He hauled his duffel and the groceries inside. Thank God for the neighbor who’d gotten the well running. That wonderful person had also left a supply of wood for the Fisher wood stove, with logs and kindling already loaded. All he had to do was light a match. By the time he’d taken a shower and changed into sweats, the cabin was already getting very cozy.


Chapter 3