Neil Logan, recently graduated equine veterinarian, always felt he’d know when he found the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Unfortunately, though Neil cares deeply for him, his college roommate Jordan is not that man. Neil takes a summer position far from home, foolishly thinking time and distance will cool Jordan’s feelings for him, and they can both move on.<br><br>Neil’s job is on an island attractive to tourists. There, horses are the sole mode of transportation, and Rolf Gundersen is the head farrier. Neil is immediately attracted to the handsome, mature man, and starts to believe Rolf might be the one for him. Frustratingly, despite Neil’s best efforts, Rolf seems determined to avoid him.<br><br>When Neil discovers the reason for Rolf’s aloofness, he’s able to forge a relationship with the farrier. Can Rolf and Neil find happiness in their newfound love, or will Jordan continue to be a factor in Neil’s life, possibly undermining Neil’s efforts to win Rolf over?

Once Upon an Island

“They’ve been offering carriage tours on the Island for a hundred and fifty years or more. Island Tours started about seventy-five years ago. Our family has been involved for four generations,” Mr. Douglas said, smiling proudly as he, too, gazed at the pictures.


“Currently we have around four huindred head of drafts and about a huindred light breed riding horses. Everything on the island except fire and ambulance is done with horses—the tours, a taxi service, shuttle to the hotels, luggage delivery, garbage pick-up, deliveries, everything.”


“Kip told me. That’s really impressive. What are the light horses used for?” Neil asked.


“We have a trail ride service so tourists can explore the island on horseback and…”


Just then the door opened and Margie came in carrying the coffee. She was closely followed by a mountain of a man who was carrying a coat, knit hat, and gloves. Neil felt his stomach lurch and his heart skip a beat.


Chapter 6