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

“Hold on, hold on. One at a time. Vic, can you write down what they need?” He nodded and grabbed a notepad and pen. “If you want something, tell Vic. We’ll try to get everything done as fast as we can. Be sure to give him your name, room number, and your cell number if you want something picked up and delivered.”


The hoard shifted, lining up to talk to Vic. Now I only had a couple of people in front of me.


As Vic took down the requests and contact information, I cleared up the questions of the few people left over—mostly having to do with where boutonnieres were being kept—and when those guys were gone, I stepped into the breakfast room.


Chapter 22