Book excerpt: Handyman Ed Stephens, whose romantic fantasies came true in The Handyman's Dream, and who learned about building a successful relationship in The Handyman's Reality, is back for another adventure in life and romance in The Handyman's Promise. By the autumn of 1983, Ed's life partner, Rick Benton, has been working in Indianapolis for more than a year as he pursues a new career in real estate. Ed eagerly anticipates the day Rick will return home to Porterfield full-time. Their time apart has allowed Ed to contemplate the maintenance of a long-term gay relationship, and to reevaluate his definition of a successful marriage. With the aid of both hindsight and foresight, Ed and Rick are able to move optimistically toward their mutual goals. Although their journey has its share of joyful surprises, several unfortunate events and a sudden tragedy force Ed to once again question their future in a small Indiana town amid the stark realities of gay life in the early 1980s. Once again Ed and Rick's friends and families are along for the ride to provide love, support, humor, and occasional aggravation. As always, Mrs. Hilda Penfield, Ed's bountiful mentor, is close by with words of wisdom as Ed continues to learn how to blend his dreams into day-to-day living. With yet another soundtrack of timeless pop classics, author Nick Poff extends a third invitation to enjoy the heartwarming journey of Ed Stephens and Rick Benton as they continue to explore the mysteries of love and life.