David Bennett is a widower. He had a wonderful relationship with his wife, but now she's gone. He decides he's done with relationships -- he has no sex drive and no interest in life in general. Andy Barnes is a homeless man who often stands at the end of an exit ramp begging for help. For some unfathomable reason, David is always tempted to pick him up on his way home. One wretched night in December, fate intervenes and David finds himself bringing the man home and into his life. Much to his surprise, he begins to fall in love with this down and out young man. As love returns, David realizes he does have a reason to go on with life after all. Over the next few years, the two face life as a partnered gay couple with humor and courage. Each year brings with it happiness, tragedy, joy, and sorrow; the stuff life is made of. Along the way, the love the two share for each other helps them to overcome all obstacles and face all challenges.

David and Andrew Book 1: One Night in December

“Excuse me,” Nelson said, “your name is Barnes? Andrew Barnes?”


“And you’re a vet?” Nelson asked.


“Well, why didn’t I notice sooner?” Ed said with a laugh. “You both have the same last name.”


“Nelson Barnes?” Andy said almost in a whisper.


I looked from Andy to Nelson. I saw two sets of eyes, steel blue, piercing, familiar. In an instant I knew where this was going, and yet I couldn’t believe it.


Nelson closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking at Andy again. He stood and reached in his jacket pocket, taking a photograph out of his wallet. It was a high school graduation picture. It was Andy.


Everything stopped, then went into slow motion. Andy’s mouth fell open, then closed. He mouthed, “Dad.” He stood up and grasped the older man by the arms. “Dad?”


Mike stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth. Ed looked at me with a strange expression on his face. I felt dizzy.


“Dad?” Andy staggered backward. I stood and steadied him.


Chapter 35