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

Kip’s such a great guy. One of these days he’s going to find someone special. He’ll make whoever it is a wonderful partner, Neil thought.


Neil turned toward the farrier barn. Rolf’s asked to see me. He smiled.


The barn was busy. Every one of the shoers was working on a horse, and there was a line of horses with handlers waiting outside for their turn to get new shoes. Since the number of horses on the island was now approaching its peak, Neil knew this would be the pattern for most of the summer. With half a thousand horses on the island, they would all be busy, and he would have opportunities to be with Rolf here at the barn.


Neil looked around and found Rolf working on a Shire horse in the end shoeing stall. He walked over him. The horse’s handler was leaning on the huge black horse’s flank, talking as Rolf was bent over removing the worn shoe.


“Mornin’,” Neil said, acknowledging the handler, who nodded.


Chapter 33