The holiday season can't be over soon enough for John Hall.

His ex-boyfriend emptied the bank accounts and ran off with his personal trainer months earlier, leaving John unable to pay his creditors. Now he's forced to close the independent movie theater he runs, a bad end to a bad year.

Gay, single, and closer to fifty than forty, John doesn't see a lot of hope in his future. In the dark of night, he wonders if staying afloat is worth the effort.

Chance Allsop made a promise to his dying mother he hopes he doesn't regret. Ten months after her death he's finally in Skagit Washington, visiting the old movie theater where his parents met and fell in love decades ago.

The whole trip seems like a lark until he lays eyes on the handsome owner.

With his mother's spirit at his back Chance fully intends to win John Hall's heart.

This novella is set in the Shielded Hearts world. It takes place between His Best Man and When it Rains—but can be read on its own.