Regardless By Sharon Poppen Photographer/Artist Michael Parker from the planet Maurac is gay. Star Command Captain Tom McConnell is straight and married with a five-year-old daughter. While enjoying an Aspen ski vacation, Tom's wife sleeps late, leaving Tom alone on the early morning slopes where he meets Michael. In addition to the skiing, the men enjoy conversation and espresso after their runs. Tom finds himself unnerved by an attraction to Michael. Back in San Francisco, Tom and Michael cross paths now and then. Eventually, Tom decides he misses their camaraderie of Aspen and they begin having coffee and conversation on an old pier from time to time. Again, Tom finds himself struggling with his attraction to Michael and finally confronts him. Michael declares his love for Tom with a kiss. Tom panics and vows that whatever it was, it's over. After Tom's wife accuses him of infidelity, he confesses his feelings for Michael. Once the men accept their destiny, reactions range from acceptance to denial from both the straight and the gay communities. 'Regardless' brings readers into the challenging world awaiting these two people who have fallen in love against all odds, as they jointly cope with conflicted family members, career impediments, guilt and unspeakable loss while sharing unshakable love, deep unwavering trust and total commitment. The main characters are so strongly developed that the reader experiences the consequences and trials experienced along with these two people who shouldn't, but do, find their a soul mate who satisfies them mentally, emotionally and physically.