“Because.”

“Because is not a viable answer,” Wyl laughed. “How would you like it if I said we put horseshoes on the horses because…”

“I don’t need to understand why we put horseshoes on the horses. I have you for rancher stuff.”

“You have this all figured out, don’t you?”

“No, but I figured out my life became more interesting when a certain rancher strolled into my classroom.”

“And you worked your magic charms.”

“Charms? I wheedled my way into your heart and persuaded you to be gay.”

“What if I let you persuade me to be gay?” Wyl laughed.

Rod attacked Wyl’s ribs with his wiggling fingers.

Wyl laughed out loud and squirmed away, showering Rod with soapy water as he flicked his fingers at his husband.

Rod grabbed a kitchen towel from the counter, dried his face, and pulled his husband in for a kiss. “I love you, Wyl Sterling.”

“I love you too.” Wyl squeezed Rod’s shoulders before he finished loading the dishwasher.

“How about we go to the racecourse today?”

“Racecourse?” Wyl asked. “What’s a racecourse?”

“In Ireland, a racecourse is the same as a horserace track in the States. The one here in Galway is one of the best in the country, and I bet they have races today. Saturday is a popular racing day.”

“Sounds like a fine idea. I have never been to a horse race, although I’ve been around horses all my life. I always wondered about horseracing.”

“Around this course, the horses run counterclockwise, opposite the States. The races here are interesting. We’ll go, have lunch, and can catch the afternoon races.”

“Can we bet?” Wyl asked.

“Sure.” Rod folded the kitchen towel and laid it on the counter. “Here, they have bookies in the parking lot, or you can bet at the counter inside.”

* * *

Declan and Ailbe arrived at the track and went upstairs to the cafe. They went through the buffet line, picking from an assortment of hot foods and a separate section including cold foods and salads.

“These buffets will make a guy fat.” Declan scooped potato salad onto his plate.

“And they don’t have much in the way of lighter fare.” Ailbe ignored his own words and scooped a heaping portion of pea salad, one of his favorites, onto his plate.

“I think I spotted beef tips on the hot food island,” Declan nodded toward the hot food section, “and buttered noodles. My favorite.”

“I think I’ll have roast chicken and stuffing.” Ailbe followed Declan to the hot food section.

They took their plates and found an unoccupied counter in the center of the room. They sat on the stools and began enjoying their lunch.

A handsome couple entered the dining area.

“Those two guys are familiar,” Ailbe motioned toward the couple. “I’ve seen them somewhere but don’t remember where.”

“Yeah," Declan nodded. "A lot like those two guys on the cover of The Advocate, the rancher lads from Texas.”

“You’re right. Might we be lucky enough to meet them here on neutral territory?”

“I didn’t say they are those two,” Declan mumbled as he speared a beef tip and put it into his mouth.

“Declan, I do think they are those two. Put on your happy face and appear warm and inviting for once.”

Declan swallowed. “Oy…I can be warm and inviting if I want to.”

“Right…seconds before you shoot someone.”

Declan laughed. “Aye…catches them off guard.”

* * *

Rod and Wyl stepped off the elevator into an expansive room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the track. The room included a buffet area with various hot and cold foods. The room included tall tables with barstools scattered about, and standard dining tables near the buffet.

“Wow…this is an interesting place,” Wyl said. “Not at all like what I expected.”

“And what did you expect, babe?” Rod grabbed Wyl’s hand and pulled him toward the serving line.

“I’m not sure. I guess something outdoors. I never went to horse races in the States. My only impression comes from movies.”

“This is it. Betting counter,” Rod motioned to a counter at one end of the room. “Horses run down on the track,” he gestured toward the track. “People view the races from up here,” his arm swept the room.

“Okay, smart-ass,” Wyl chuckled. “I’m not three.”

Rod laughed and picked up a tray. They loaded their plates, paid, and scanned the room for seats.

“Those two appear friendly,” Rod nodded to where two men sat. “let’s join them.”

“They've been watching us,” Wyl whispered as they strode toward the two.

* * *

“Ailbe, they’re coming over here,” Declan whispered as Rod and Wyl approached.

“Be friendly.” Ailbe reminded Declan.

Wyl and Rod reached the tall table. “Are these seats taken?” Wyl asked.

“Not at all,” Ailbe said. “Please join us.”