Rory Brown grew up in care but found a home, friendship, and a much-needed sense of security working on the Double J ranch. As far as Rory is concerned, fellow cowboy, Zane Fox, is perfect. Zane is strong but gentle, kind, big, ruggedly handsome ... and straight. Rory works alongside Zane, eats alongside Zane, and when an ice storm causes a power outage, he sleeps alongside Zane ... for warmth. Inhibitions lowered after getting drunk on his twenty-first birthday, Rory Kisses Zane and confesses his feelings for the man. The next day, when Rory learns his father is dying, although estranged from the man, Rory feels obligated to see him one last time. Zane follows Rory to Kansas and confesses he has feelings for Rory, too. After learning his father has died, Rory and Zane set off for home in Zane's old truck. However, bad weather and a mechanical breakdown mean they have to hole up in a guesthouse. Rory doesn't mind, it gives him a chance to explore things with his hunky new boyfriend. And there's a lot of Zane to explore. Life on the ranch is little short of idyllic, Zane is everything and more Rory could want in a lover, protector, and friend. A tiny part of Rory knows he should brace himself for if/when the other shoe -- or cowboy boot -- drops. Rory is thrown when evidence of Zane's heterosexual past reveals itself, leaving him totally devastated. Are Zane's feet made of clay, or can he redeem himself and once again become Rory's rock?

Rory's Rock

Barry tried a couple of times to change the subject, but it soon returned to what Rory should do. Everyone was agreed Rory should go see his father.


“It’s not that simple,” Rory said. This was met with looks of confusion and curiosity. Rory had to tell them everything. After all, weren’t they his family? And didn’t families share their problems? “My father is in prison in Kansas…for murdering my mom.”


“Shit!” Liam said after a short but profound silence.


“Fuck! Talk about a conversation stopper,” Wayne observed, earning disapproving looks from Jake and Barry. Jimmy just looked…confused.


The debate raged around Rory as to whether or not he should go.


Barry tried to put a stop to the discussion, telling them lunch was over and they must have work to get back to. “And it’s Rory’s decision what he wants to do, and I for one will support him, whatever he decides.”


Chapter 32