When Michael Knapp brings his lover Dan Biggs home to meet his parents, he doesn't expect things to go smoothly. His mother's been trying to marry him off for years, and sometimes he isn't even sure his father knows he exists. He has always felt like the shadow son, competing with his terminally stupid older brother and smart-mouthed little sister for his parents' attention. Coming out to them over dinner seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally get noticed.<br><br>But an unexpected phone call interrupts his announcement -- Aunt Evie, the family matriarch, is dead. With Dan in tow, Michael follows his family to Sugar Creek, where he spent his summers growing up, to prepare for the funeral.<br><br>Amid an overabundance of memories and relatives, Michael's world begins to slip. His dysfunctional family, Evie's death, and an old friend's confession all threaten to smother him. Worse, in his grief and confusion he seems determined to inadvertently push everyone away, including his lover. Can he and Dan move beyond his family and his past to a new life together, before Michael's insecurities tear them apart?

It's All Relative

“We made great time,” I tell my aunt. “Dan drove the whole way.” I turn and hold out a hand for my lover.


Penny nods because she isn’t quite sure who I’m talking about, but her smile doesn’t fade. “Dan?” she echoes. “I didn’t know you were bringing a friend.”


When Caitlin hugs Aunt Sarah, Dan tries to ease behind her to reach me, but my sister steps back before he’s clear. Dan places a hand on the small of her back so she won’t run into him. Unfortunately, my aunts see the gesture. “Caitlin?” Aunt Sarah asks, raising her eyebrows as she studies Dan appreciatively. She takes his hand that’s reaching out for me and pumps it up and down in a quick handshake. “Laura didn’t mention him. Your boyfriend?”


With a glance over her shoulder, Caitlin smirks at Dan, and when her gaze shifts to me, I know what she’s going to say before the word escapes her mouth. “Michael’s,” is her flippant reply.


Chapter 43