Born into a society tolerant of homosexuals, River Otter is confused by the white culture’s persecution of such men. As the war begins to wind down, Otter leaves the only home he has ever known to help Major James Morrow, commandant of Ft. Yanube, build a farm north of the fort. He begins a new life with the handsome major while coming to grips with growing hostility toward natives and rising danger from a local militia bent on eliminating all bloods from the territory.<br><br>As his physical attraction for the blond soldier slowly grows into a love perilous to both of them, Otter is distracted by personal challenges. As he struggles to survive the social and political upheaval sweeping the plains, can remain true to his own set of values?

River Otter

“Yes, I know. And it can’t be too soon for me.” She plopped in a chair on the porch and stuck her feet out in front of her; a public posture I suspect would have caused her acute embarrassment back on her father’s plantation.


James dropped the bag he’d brought on the porch and went inside, returning moments later with the chubby baby in his arms. He indicated the supplies. “A few things you might have run short of.” He turned to Andre and laughed as Joseph poked a stubby finger in his ear. He was a beautiful baby with pouty little bow lips and a spray of golden angel’s hair already fading to a sand color.


“If you need aid, stand outside and fire three rifle shots in the air.” James said. “If you don’t hear a like reply, do it again. If we don’t answer, ride for us. At least one of us is usually on the farm, but it’s possible we could be inside and not hear your alarm.” He bussed the baby’s belly and laughed as the child squirmed and giggled.


Chapter 96