Two years after his father's death, Brandon is still grieving, running his father's store, watching his sister grow more depressed. Until Ramon saunters into his life bringing sunshine, blue skies, and an injured hawk. But Ramon has issues of his own to deal with, an abusive lover who won't take no for an answer.<br><br>If Ramon can wriggle free of the ex, can Brandon take a chance on loving again?

Feathers

The first Saturday in May, Brandon drove over to Celeste's house for a Kentucky Derby party. He showed up with two bowls of still-warm German potato salad, his fingers smelling of the onions he’d sliced and the bacon drippings he drizzled into it. Paul had taught him to save bacon drippings in a small jar by the stove to use later as extra flavoring. Brandon still saved the drippings, but until today hadn’t bothered to use it for anything.


He kissed Celeste on the cheek, “Heya, sis!” and followed her into the kitchen to put down the bowls. The countertop was filled with bags of chips, salsa, soft drinks, and deli packs of sliced meats and cheese. “How many folks you got coming?”


“We invited about thirty, so that means about twenty will show up,” she said, her voice cheery. She gave Brandon an appraising glance. “You could have dressed up a little.”


Chapter 11