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

Liam nodded. “Exactly. For some of us this is the only family we have.”


Rory could agree with that. But before he could get too emotional, he felt the strange sensation of his hat being lifted off his head.


Liam laughed. Turning around, Rory saw his hat in Shadow’s mouth.


Despite laughing at Shadow’s antics himself, Rory did his best to glare at the horse. “Give it back!” He held out a hand but Shadow took a step backwards. “Shadow!” Rory warned softly


The horse eyed Rory for a moment then stepped forward and, ignoring Rory’s outstretched hand, put the hat back on Rory’s head, backwards.


Rory turned the hat around. “Who’s a clever boy!” he praised, amazed Shadow had performed such a trick.


Shadow evidently was proud of himself because he tipped his head back and curled his upper lip to show his teeth in an equine equivalent of a smile. His nickering sounded a lot like a laugh, too.


Kissing Shadow’s head, Rory whispered, “Love you, you crazy horse.”


Chapter 85