Bryson Merritt may have started life as a broken baby in a basket, but he got lucky with an extraordinary set of circumstances that brought him his adoptive parents. Rich, supportive, and kind, they've given Bryson everything he's ever needed in order to deal with his ongoing recovery issues. If only they could give him some luck when it comes to picking out the right kind of guy.<br><br>When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.<br><br>However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.

Still Standing

He was greeted with a sniff and a blow, then a light nicker of acceptance when he pulled out an apple. It was already cut in two, as he still hadn’t quite gathered the nerve to let Beau chomp through something while he was holding it. Those teeth were enormous.


There was no need for a saddle, and though Bryson considered a blanket in case things took a turn for the worse, he decided against it. It would be one of the two of them carrying it otherwise, and while it was cooler outside, it was still too warm for carrying blankets.


Chapter 28