Settling in the Bay Area after his stint in the Air Force, Doug Cross’s new titles include business owner and member of a goth-punk band. And, apparently, professional do-gooder. When his housemate needs funds for her dog rescue, he willingly whips up goth-inspired dogwear to sell at a local craft fair. He gets a rather cool reception after offering a helping hand to their booth neighbor, however…which is a shame, because the bearded artist is the first man to turn Doug’s head in a while.

Marine vet and single foster dad Luther Sorenson is struggling to keep his family afloat—and himself on his feet, literally. He’s selling his paintings at the fair when his body betrays him, and he’s forced to ask for help from the goth guy next door. Doug made a humiliating experience seem easy and innocuous, and despite their differing opinions on the military…Luther can’t stop thinking about the charming man. His killer makeup skills and the way he rocks a kilt aren’t helping.

The men embark on a tentative relationship, but as the seasons change, so do their circumstances. Navigating a new relationship is hard enough. Add in an adorable foster daughter, a new job, a business emergency, and a grumpy dog…and the two vets/artists will have to get creative if they want to carve out time for love.