Five years ago, British transplant, Jude, left San Francisco after the tragic murder of his lover, Martin. Heartbroken, he settled in Sutter's Bay and opened a small flower shop, hoping that surrounding himself with bright colors and pretty things -- living things -- would somehow lessen the anguish he felt over his loss.<br><br>Jude never expects to find a love like he shared with Martin ever again. Certainly a love like theirs won't come along twice in a lifetime. But then Jude meets sexy Rex Warner, the new veterinarian in Sutter's Bay, and he can't help but wonder if his luck has changed.<br><br>Will Rex be able to stop Jude from dwelling on the painful past and look toward a promising future instead?

Twice in a Lifetime

Jude, who sat in a plastic chair, very close to Rex’s plastic chair, holding his lover’s hand, nodded. “Yes.”


The man offered his hand. “Detective Heinrich.”


“This-this is my boyfriend, Rex Warner. Can he come in with me?” Jude scooted even closer to Rex.


“Mr. Warner.” Heinrich shook Rex’s hand. “Yes, that should be all right. Let me just clear it with the suspect’s attorney. I’ll be back in a moment.”


The door closed on them once again and Rex held his hand tighter. “You’re shaking.”


“Hey,” Rex said, cupping Jude’s chin and turning his face to meet Rex’s gaze. “That’s the first time you called me your boyfriend.”


“Mind? No.” Rex kissed him, soft and brief.


Detective Heinrich re-entered. “All right, gentlemen, this way.”


They followed Heinrich down another long hallway. They stopped in front of a door.


Chapter 23