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

A short time later, Rex stepped out of the bathroom drying his hair with a towel. Jude sat on the edge of the bed, fully dressed in tight black jeans and a black T-shirt, slipping his feet into black loafers.


Rex nodded. “Me, too. Why don’t we order a pizza?”


Jude stood and Rex wrapped his arms around him. “Feeling okay?”


“I’m fine, Rex.” Jude smiled. “Promise. Meltdown over.”


“I don’t think it was a meltdown.”


“I’m still all right. And I haven’t changed my mind about going to Texas with you.”


Rex kissed him. “I’m glad. It’ll be good. I want them to meet you. And I want you to find out they aren’t at all like Martin’s family.”


Jude didn’t say anything but it was okay. He knew he’d made a lot of progress already. He snagged Jude’s hand. “Come on, let’s order that pizza.”


Chapter 27