Summer Secret: Rose Falls Book 5

by Raleigh Ruebins

  “Thank you everyone for coming,” Max said, clearly a little nervous to be addressing the big crowd.

  I gave him an encouraging smile holding my hand against my heart as I looked his way. I saw him smile as he saw me, and I hoped that he gained a slight amount of confidence.

  “As you all know, we’re here to celebrate Owen’s graduation from his Psychology program,” Max said, smiling as everyone applauded for me. I blushed and watched as Patrick and Taran pulled out their silly little party horns and blew on them to make that annoying sound.

  Once everyone was quiet again, Max spoke. “I just wanted to say that the last year, I’ve watched Owen grow into an incredible person. He’s always been driven and passionate—but this year, he worked harder than I’ve seen anyone work. Owen’s been on a long journey to get here, and he couldn’t be doing better. He’ll be going on to a Master’s program before becoming a therapy guide for wilderness camps, and I’m so proud of him in every way.”

  Everyone applauded again, and I smiled at Max, blushing a little.

  “I love every minute with Owen by my side,” Max continued, and as I watched him, I swore I could see his hand trembling a little, a slight flush to his cheeks. “and I feel like I’ve been the luckiest person alive to be his friend and his boyfriend along the way. But… I think it might be time for me to not be Owen’s boyfriend anymore.”

  A hush fell over the room, and I stared intently at Max.

  “What…?” I heard Megan whisper.

  “Owen,” Max said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small box. “I love you. And I want to spend my life with you. …Not just as your boyfriend, but as something more.”

  He walked through the crowd toward me, bent down on one knee, and opened up the little box to reveal a gold ring.

  “Will you marry me, Owen Davis? And make me happy for the rest of my life?”

  A thousand emotions passed through me in what felt like one second. Total, utter shock, disbelief, and then pure elation and overwhelming joy.

  “Oh God, yes, Max,” I said, reaching to pull him up toward me, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him hard.

  Applause and cheers broke out around us again, but I could barely hear it. All I could feel was Max, my whole world was Max—and that’s all that really mattered.

  I felt as a few stray tears broke off and rolled down my cheek. “Oh my God, baby,” I whispered to him, “we’re going to get married.”

  “Yes,” he said, laughing, as if he couldn’t contain his joy.

  “And you asked in front of all these people!”

  “They’re all the people we love,” he said, holding me tight. “And the ones who love us.”

  When I pulled back and Max slipped the ring on my finger, I heard Patrick cheering from the other side of the room: “My brother’s getting married! My baby brother’s getting married!” The music got turned up again, and for the next hour, my life became a procession of never-ending congratulations.

  It was a whirlwind—but I realized then that my whole life had been a whirlwind, and I almost wouldn’t have it any other way.

  It wasn’t always easy. And God, had I had my share of ups and downs.

  But since the moment I’d been with Max, the downs didn’t feel so bad. It didn’t feel like there was any emptiness to my life, anymore—instead, it felt rife with possibility, with hope, with promise.

  Because that’s what Max was to me. He was a promise that life could be good. A promise that life already was good, and all I had to do was open up and accept it. He loved me, and I loved him in a way that was more real than any high I’d ever felt.

  Our love was enough to last a lifetime. And now, I knew deep in my heart—more than ever before—that it would.

  The End

  Thank you so much for reading!

  Have you read the other books in the Rose Falls series? See how Patrick and Taran found each other in Spring for Me, and meet the other boys of Rose Falls in the rest of the series below!

  As always, click here to sign up for my newsletter if you want to be the first to know when I release new books and free short stories.

  Spring for Me (Rose Falls, Book 4)

  He’s cocky, filthy rich, and he might put me out of business.

  …So why do I still want him so badly?

  Patrick:

  The last thing I needed was a hotshot opening a huge, fancy bar in my small town. On the same street as my own humble bar, Brew for You. But Taran isn’t just a problem for my business--he’s a problem for me. Ever since we met, he just wanted one thing from me: a casual hookup. But I don’t do that. I have a bar to run, a brother to take care of, and a mountain of family debt to pay back.

  But then I ended up in Taran’s bed. My bar is in trouble, and meanwhile I’m sleeping with my biggest rival. So why is it hot as fire when we’re together? And why am I starting to think there a sweeter, wounded side of Taran I can’t resist?

  Taran:

  I live, dream, and breathe success. I was already the most popular bar owner in the big city, and now I’m opening a new one in this dinky little nowhere town of Rose Falls.

  Easy peasy, right? …or so I thought. Because everything is different in Rose Falls. For the first time in years, I have a crush on a guy. After being hurt too much in the past, I vowed never to be in a serious relationship again. But I’ve never met anyone like Patrick. He sees right through my persona. And God, he’s hot as hell in bed.

  But could I really belong with him? Could I belong with anyone, in this tiny town that I can’t help but fall in love with?

  Spring for Me is a 68,000-word gay romance about two rivals realizing the scariest thing of all: that they might be perfect for each other. It features plenty of small-town gossip, spring rain & flowers, and steamy scenes in a gazebo. It’s the fourth book set in the small, artsy town of Rose Falls, but can absolutely be read as a standalone novel on its own.

  Finally Falling (Rose Falls, Book 1)

  I swear, he isn’t my boyfriend. He’s just my best friend.

  At least, he used to be….

  Devin:

  From day one, our friendship never made sense. I was happy in the studio with a canvas and a paintbrush, and Russ was the gorgeous star quarterback that everyone loved… including me. But I could never tell him. He was straight. I should have been happy that I got to see a side of him that nobody else did: Russ was sensitive, thoughtful, and affectionate when it was just the two of us. Our friendship didn’t make sense, but it was ours. That’s all that mattered.

  But after college, Russ left Rose Falls without even saying goodbye. I was ripped apart, and everyone could see it.

  But that was eight years ago. Ancient history. It was all in the past… Until suddenly, it wasn’t.

  Russ:

  I’m done running.

  Eight years ago, I was terrified of losing everything because of feelings toward Devin I couldn’t shake. It shouldn’t have been possible—I was straight! So why couldn’t I keep my eyes off my best friend’s lips, his smooth skin, his body after a shower? I thought that leaving would make the confusion go away. But it never did.

  Now that I’m back home, I feel like myself for the first time in my life. I need to make things right with Devin.

  But I hadn’t anticipated falling into bed with him. And even after one scorching night, can Devin ever forgive me for leaving without a trace? Or have I missed my chance?

  Finally Falling is a 68,000-word gay romance about two best friends falling in love. It features a kitten named Pepper, plenty of crunchy fall leaves, and hot 'n' steamy scenes next to a waterfall. It’s the first book set in the small, quirky town of Rose Falls, but can absolutely be read as a standalone novel.

  My Winter Family (Rose Falls, Book 2)

  He’s a family man. I’m a 32-year-old player.

  Why the hell does he want me?

  Emmett:

  At my friend’s wedding, I had one rule: I would not hoo
k up with any of the wedding guests.

  But then I met Ryan, and I broke that rule in minutes.

  It’s not my fault he was hot, flirty, and practically begged me to ravish him. Our connection was instant. I don’t do relationships, though—and when I found out Ryan was keeping a huge secret from me, I vowed to never see him again.

  But this town is small. Before long, Ryan was visiting the coffee shop I work in every day. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him, stop remembering how his lips felt on me? And in the chill of winter, being with him and his 6-month-old daughter feels like home. It’s scary. And it’s so not me. But I can’t help but feel like I’ve found a family.

  Ryan:

  I moved to the small town of Rose Falls to give my baby girl the life I never had. I had no plans to start dating right away, but during my first few weeks in town, Emmett fell into my lap—in every sense of the phrase.

  Emmett was exciting, adventurous, and hot —he made me feel alive again. But he hates commitment. He hates marriage. And he certainly isn’t going to settle down.

  But my heart soars when I see him get along so well with my baby, cook dinner, and curl up on my couch on snowy December nights. I shouldn’t get my hopes up with Emmett. But I love how he feels wrapped in my arms, and I can’t help but want him to be a part of my family.

  -----

  My Winter Family is a 76,000-word gay romance about opening your heart up to love, even when you thought it had frozen over It features a baby named Anna who loves her spaceship-print onesie, plenty of wintertime snow flurries, and guys who get hot and steamy by the fire… and also in a supply closet. It’s the second book set in the small, quirky town of Rose Falls, but can absolutely be read as a standalone novel.

  Champagne Kiss (Rose Falls, Book 3)

  He was sweet and hot, but totally straight.

  ...Until he kissed me on New Year’s Eve.

  Andy:

  Working at the convenience store isn’t exciting. I’m just here to help out my grandmother, take care of the store, and try to stay out of fights with shoplifters. But when Chase, the hot flower delivery guy, walked through our door, my world turned upside down. He was shy, but deeper than anyone I’d ever known.

  So I took a chance. I invited him to a New Year’s Party. It wasn’t a date—he was straight, after all. But then I ended up with his arms wrapped around me, kissing as the clock struck midnight. But I know I can’t get my hopes up for anything real. It’s hot as fire when we’re together, but life keeps pulling us apart.

  Chase:

  My New Year’s Resolutions were simple. Stop being so shy, go out with people, and finally come out of the closet.

  If only it were that easy.

  When I walked into the convenience store and saw Andy, I nearly passed out. He’d been my crush for over a year, but with his tattoos and bad-boy popularity, I never thought he’d give me a second look. So when he invited me to a New Year’s party, I had to say yes. And a few drinks later, when my lips were on his, all I wanted was more.

  But being with Andy means facing something I’d been hiding my whole life: I wasn’t straight. If I wanted any chance of being with him, I knew I had to get over my fears.

  Champagne Kiss is a 55,000-word gay romance novel. It features a local convenience store and its crazy cast of customers, forbidden love, and two guys who are opposites in every way… but can’t get enough of each other. It’s the third book set in the small, quirky town of Rose Falls, but can always be read as a standalone novel on its own.

  More from Raleigh Ruebins:

  Your Fallen Star (Under the Stars, Book 1)

  A decade and a half ago, Leo Stone was famous. Fans galore, and money pouring in like a waterfall. Music industry royalty.

  …And then the band broke up.

  Leo went from a prince to pauper, and now he’s trying to make a comeback. To clean up his image and grab a little publicity, his manager hires Jamie Sheffield to write his biography.

  Straight out of college, Jamie can’t believe his luck. He’d never quite gotten over his teen-aged crush on Leo, and now here he is, talking with Leo, thinking about Leo. Sleeping with Leo. And the heat between them is enough to set paper on fire.

  But Leo’s afraid to commit to Jamie, no matter how much Jamie wants it. Not with the tabloids standing by, waiting for their next serving of scandal. And all the while, the book is getting closer to being finished. Will their story be cut short, or can they make it last forever?

  Your Fallen Star is a 75,000-word gay romance novel, complete with a cranky, lovable, washed-up musician, a young and starry-eyed hopeful writer, and a cat named Mr. Ginger Boots. A little slow-burn, a lot of steam, and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the first book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but can be read alone or as part of the series.

  The Sweetest Star (Under the Stars, Book 2)

  Eric Ronson used to be a superstar… now he’s only cooking up trouble. He needs a fake boyfriend, and fast.

  As a former member of the boy band 5*Star, Eric never imagined he’d be starting a new gig as a host on a live cooking show—much less that he’d need a co-host to really help his star shine.

  Dash Thompson loved his quiet life as a food writer… until a horrible breakup really stirred things up.

  The offer to be on a TV show with Eric might give his life the spice it so desperately needs to get him out of his funk, but there’s only one problem (ok, maybe two)…. He has to pretend to be Eric’s boyfriend and he kind of hates Eric.

  The idea of being Eric’s fake boyfriend really puts a hair in Dash’s biscuit, because Eric is everything that Dash isn’t: loud and unpredictable, wild and fun loving… so why does he want sleep with him so bad?

  As the cameras roll, the line between what’s fake and what’s real quickly blurs when Eric and Dash realize they have better chemistry than sugar and spice. Can Eric give up his playboy ways and rise to the occasion? Will Dash’s heart crumble like a cookie?

  The Sweetest Star is a 65,000-word gay romance novel where enemies become lovers, with plenty of cheesy food jokes along the way. It’s sweet and steamy, with a happily-ever-after ending. It is the second book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but each book can be read alone or as part of the series.

  Wild Star (Under the Stars, Book 3)

  The only place that feels like home is in his arms.

  Adam traveled the globe for years. Now he’s settling down in the small town of Fox Hollow, right in the middle of the mountains and forests. His new next door neighbor is sexy, intense, and painfully overworked, and all Adam wants to do is reach out and help.

  Because Adam would do anything to get closer to Grey.

  Grey is desperate to get out of Fox Hollow. He’s sick of it, and has been working a dead-end job for too long. So of course, right when he’s about to leave, the ridiculously hot Adam Fara moves in next door. But why would a former pop superstar really want anything to do with Grey—a small-town guy with no money?

  Grey has two jobs, no time, and a crazy dog to take care of, and shockingly, Adam offers to help. When Grey shows up one night with a bottle of liquor, he stays at Adam’s house way later than he’d planned… ending up in bed.

  It’s incredible. Fiery hot and passionate, like a wild dream. Grey’s never even been in love, let alone had another guy treat him so well, giving him exactly what he needs. It’s irresistible. But…

  Grey’s leaving town in just a few months. And Adam’s just settled down.

  Can Grey leave Fox Hollow, now that he’s finally found a reason to stay? Or has his wild heart finally found a home?

  Wild Star is a 70,000-word gay romance novel about finding home and love in unexpected places. It has plenty of steam and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the third book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star, but each book can be read alone or as part of
the series.

  Your Superstar (Under the Stars, Book 4)

  “I always thought I was straight. But now I’m not so sure….”

  Chandler Price is a superstar. He made it big in a boy band, then as an actor, and even has his own champagne brand. But he’s not so lucky in love. After a divorce, he finds himself lonely and adrift for the first time in years. And what’s worse? To keep his career afloat, he has to work with producer Ash Vance, who has a reputation for being exacting and abrasive.

  Chandler was ready to hate Ash. But after filming starts, he’s more intrigued by the hotshot young producer than he’d ever admit.

  Ash wants nothing more than to produce a huge hit song. After giving up on love, the last thing he’s looking for is a new flame. He’s happy to put his career first instead. Of course, he has a crush on Chandler—who doesn’t? But he knows he has to push the feelings down.

  Because Chandler Price is straight.…Right?

  But Chandler secretly can’t stop thinking about touching Ash, kissing him, falling into bed with him. When they come together, it’s scorching hot, but with a boy band reunion coming up, Chandler and Ash would have to risk their careers to ever go public about their budding relationship.

  Can Chandler and Ash ever be together with the constant swarm of paparazzi? And will they realize they’re each other’s brightest star?

  Your Superstar is a 70,000-word gay romance novel about what happens when you realize you aren’t as straight as you thought… and you’re one of the most famous people in the world. Emotional, steamy, and complete with a happily-ever-after ending, this is the fourth book in the Under the Stars series, featuring the former members of the boy band 5*Star. Each book can be read alone or as part of the series.