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

This is what love is like. This is what a relationship should be, Neil thought happily. He remembered what Rolf had said earlier about the future being what was important. With Rolf’s words in mind, Neil began to let himself give in to sleep, thinking of the future they would share. Another thought forced itself into his consciousness. I’m only here for the summer. What’ll we do when the season ends, and I have to leave?


At that moment Rolf took a deep breath, gave a soft snuffle, and turned on his side away from Neil. Gerde woke. She stretched and yawned, then jumped over Rolf’s legs and settled against his chest. Neil was left with a sense of abandonment.


The dark shadow that had fallen over Neil before he’d finally fallen asleep was swept away the next day when the early morning summer sun came through the window and woke the men.


Chapter 47