Lisa Gray

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

And who would even know? Who would miss him? Or mourn him? Emmett? Not likely. His co-workers? Hardly. He rolled his eyes at his foolishness. Not the best time to indulge in a bout of self-pity. Yet how had his life become so small? The answer popped into his head: by following the rules, by not taking chances. By being safe.


Well, wasn’t that funny? He’d been right all along, because the one time he’d tried for a little spontaneity, he’d ended up here. Not safe at all.


He shook his head to get the icy, dripping hair out of his face as well as to dispel his morbid thoughts. Holding the paddle like a jousting lance, his bloodless fingers gripped the wet wood. There it was. The pig was almost on him. If he could shove the thing just enough to shift it even a few inches, he’d be okay. It came into range, just a rosy blur through the rain. He thrust out with the paddle and connected.


Chapter 6