Craig and Mitchell have been friends for years, but each of them reached a point where that camaraderie became ... more. Mitchell’s kept his feelings close to his chest. So has Craig, but now that they’ve graduated from UMKC, he knows it’s his last chance to show Mitchell they’re meant to be before their careers take them to opposite sides of the country.<br><br>He insists they can’t leave Missouri behind without one last adventure. Mitchell agrees to a road trip to visit all the touristy spots and say goodbye to their home state.<br><br>As they spend their days and nights together, buried feelings rise to the surface and hope blossoms. When their journey ends with a dance beneath the Branson stars, will they find love and a future together at the end of the road?

Gateway to Love

“According to GPS, once we’re on I-35 North, it’ll take about fifty minutes before we hit US-36 East and 110. Then only a few hours and we’re in Hannibal. We’ll have plenty of time to see everything if we leave first thing in the morning.”


Mitch took a bite of his sandwich, the smoky spices exploding on his tongue. There was nothing better than a barbecue beef sandwich from Arthur Bryant’s. His gaze swept the small space as he took another bite. One look at the compact, nondescript diner and most people were surprised to find it was the nationally famous barbecue joint, but those lucky enough to live in the Kansas City area sure knew. The place had a legendary reputation and celebrities had frequented the place over the years. Even former president Obama dined there on a stopover once. Mitch briefly wondered if he was sitting in the same chair. That would be something.


Chapter 3