Jonathon Carver, a young Puritan school teacher, meets handsome Nathaniel Morgan, master cooper. He comes to recognize the longings he's had all his life as desire for the love of another man, and Nathaniel provides that love.<br><br>Their love must be carefully guarded, as they live in Colonial America during a time of the call to Awakening of the Puritan spirit. Knowing the penalty for their love is dire, they strive to keep their affair secret.<br><br>Desperate for a way to resolve their situation, they devise a bold plan which could free them to be together. But can their love for one another overcome the structure of the society in which they live? Or will they be destined to forego fulfillment of their desire and go their separate ways?

Awakening

“We will find a way,” he said soothingly. “We will find a way.” As if the way had been found, the men rose and kissed, not with great passion, but with tender affection. They disrobed and lay down beneath the quilt. They embraced.


Nathaniel turned Jonathan away from him and gently eased himself inside his lover’s body. He cradled Jonathan in his arms, pressing his chest against the smaller man’s back. Nathaniel reached over and caressed Jonathan’s stomach, allowing his hand to drift down to embrace his erect organ. He did not strive for culmination. He was content to be joined to his man. The next day they would face the circumstances that had unfolded this Sabbath night. But for then, their union complete, all was as he wanted it to be. Tomorrow would take care of itself. He drifted off to sleep.


Chapter 11