Roane Wellman only intends to work one summer on railroad maintenance to pay for his next semester of college after his party-guy ways made his grandfather to stop supporting his schooling. In a summer of hard work, adventure, and danger, he matures and finds a new course for his life. Before the season ends, he knows he’s meant to be workin’ on the railroad as he fights to build a career and a partnership that just might last for the rest of his life.<br><br>Alden Prescott is a loner, content to operate his big crane and shrug off the added responsibilities of being a gang foreman. His current foreman, however, is a drunkard and so close to worthless that Alden ends up doing a lot of the functions he has tried to avoid. Although Alden’s strongly drawn to the handsome new summer hire, memories of a past tragedy make him afraid to pursue the relationship.<br><br>What will it take to convince Alden that Roane is not going to let him repeat past mistakes? Is their budding relationship heading for a train wreck, or is it the perfect connection to take them down life’s track together?

Workin' on the Railroad

Jack followed up the ladder and swung into the car. He shot a sharp look at Roane. “What’cha think you’re doing, pale face? Just need two of us to hook up the panels. That’s my job and Willie’s here. Go see what Prescott wants you to do, but stay out of our way.”


Just then, Prescott noticed Roane. “Hey, I need you to spot for me, Wellman. Come here and let me show you.” He climbed down off the crane and led the way to where the newly laid rail ended. “I’ll lift a panel out and swing it down here. You need to help me line it up so the ends match where we can bolt them in place.” He nodded toward two other men who had massive wrenches and big metal buckets of bolts and the steel bars used to connect one length of rail to the next.


Chapter 6