Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road. Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last. It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.

Saying “I love you” doesn’t guarantee peace or a happy ending. High School Principal “Larx” Larkin was pretty sure he'd hit the jackpot when Deputy Sherriff Aaron George moved in with him, merging their two families as seamlessly as the chaos around them could possibly allow. But when Larx’s pregnant daughter comes home unexpectedly and two of Larx’s students are put in danger, their tentative beginning comes crashing down around their ears. Larx thought he was okay with the dangers of Aaron’s job, and Aaron thought he was okay with Larx's daughter—who is not okay—but when their worst fears are almost realized, it puts their hearts and their lives to the test. Larx and Aaron have never wanted anything as badly as they want a life together. Will they be able to make it work when the world is working hard to keep them apart?

Life hasn’t been easy for honky-tonk guitarist Guthrie Woodson, but he’s practiced at enduring the bad times and treasuring the good. He’s been in love before, and while the guy just got married, Guthrie figures that now that he knows what love is, he’ll recognize it if it comes his way again. Which makes his attraction to Tad Hawkins, the Sacramento cop who has been showing up to Guthrie’s weekend gigs, all the more dangerous. Tad’s had troubles of his own, but he’s always felt loved. Trying to coax Guthrie, his snakebit guitarist, into his arms is an exercise in patience, but Tad has experience with that. His sister, April, is in addiction recovery. He can take it slow if it means he’ll get to keep some “Guthrie goodness” for himself. But then Tad has an accident and Guthrie's forced to take actions that leave his vulnerable heart exposed. Tad must fast-track his plans to gentle Guthrie in his life, and Guthrie needs to clear out the history holding him back. Can they forge a solid future on the shifting sands of fortune, or will Guthrie’s past and Tad’s present break them apart before they have a chance?