Hotel owner and part-time musician Zeke Bandy is too busy for love. His plate is full running the historic Bandy Hotel and upholding his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways. For fun two nights a week, Zeke also plays and sings traditional folk music with his rewritten gay lyrics at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then at a gay wedding, Zeke meets Victor Longbow, who just might be the man of his dreams. However, Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He also hopes to track down a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor. After their paths cross, they become friends. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic wonder if their future could possibly hold love and family or if they are destined only to be lifelong friends.

Relative Best

“I demand to see my son. I have a God-given right to see him and take him out of this house of ill-repute. Who’s in charge here? Why won’t anyone help me find my son?”


“It’s my foster uncle,” he whispered to me. “I’ll handle him.”


My short laugh came out more like a snort.


“It’s my hotel. It’s my mess to mop up.” I stopped and turned to him. “Call the sheriff. I’m pretty sure none of them have yet.”


At his nod, I walked into the reception area.


“I’m Zeke Bandy, and I’m in charge here.” The huge disheveled man holding the rifle stopped me for a moment, but I stood my ground in front of him. “Someone is calling the sheriff, so if you have anything to say before he gets here, I’d say it if I were you.”


He gave me an assessing glare and an evil grin.


“I want to talk to the owner about getting my son out of this dump so I can bring him home.” One eyebrow cocked up like he expected me to hop at his command.


Chapter 18