Austin dropped his head and studied the board. “You know that I feel the same way, Forrest. At least, I’ve got strong feelings for you.” He looked up. “More than for the girl I was going to marry, so I guess it’s love.”
“More than for Salim?” he could not resist asking.
The rancher carefully considered his reply. “Salim was the first, and it seemed like a magical time. I’m sure it wasn’t as good as I remember it, but he’ll always have a special place. But,” he continued, looking up at de la Roche again, “it’s nothing like what I feel for you. Yeah, Forrest. I love you. There! I said it.” A strange look came over his features. “And I mean it. I really do…”
“But?” de la Roche prompted when his voice died away.
“But we can’t come out of the closet. I can’t anyway. What would my family thi
