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

At first, Cody had been unable to pronounce ‘Rory’ but soon picked up on his dad’s use of Ror, so that’s what Rory became to him, too. To Cody’s young mind, he also thought Rory should roar like a lion; Rory amused everyone by trying—and mostly failing—to sound like the big cat. The costume rental place had had a tiger outfit that had fit Rory better, but Cody had wanted a lion, so a lion Rory would be. He, along with everyone else on the ranch, spoiled the kid rotten


“And what are you going as tonight?” Rory asked, although the boots, Wrangler jeans, leather belt with huge buckle, black flannel western shirt, and black Stetson, made it pretty obvious. Rory was sure there’d be a superhero T-shirt under the flannel, too.


“Uncle Ror, I’m a cowboy! Just like my dad and my crew.”


“Ah, yes, of course.” Rory nodded sagely.


Chapter 96