It’s fourteen years to the day since Zack Pierce and Sam Patterson declared their love for each other.<br><br>The two men’s lives have settled into cozy domesticity. Zack is now the town’s doctor and Sam works as a police officer. However, news that their best friends Billy and Pete’s surrogate baby is due to be born sooner than expected causes the men to put their anniversary celebrations on hold.<br><br>Events during the next twelve hours will strengthen the bonds of family, love and loyalty.

Twelve Hours II

Zack turned to Sam. “Sorry, angel, that our anniversary dinner has had to be postponed.”


“Couldn’t be helped.” Sam really meant it. He hoped his smile showed his sincerity. 


“Yeah, Fourteen years ago tonight, this beautiful man gave me something worthwhile to live for.” Tears glistened in Zack’s eyes.


Sam leaned over and kissed his lover. “You complete me.”


The two men stared into each other’s eyes.


“You never really said how you two got together,” Billy said, breaking the spell. “One minute Zack was trying to get into every cheerleader’s panties, and the next thing, he’s all moon-eyed over you.”


Billy failed to spot the sudden stab of pain that showed momentarily in Zack’s eyes. But Sam saw it, and he realized immediately what had caused it.


“Billy, shut the fuck up!” Sam growled.


Sam tightened his one armed hug around his man. “Does helping to deliver babies remind you of Janet?” Sam’s voice went very quiet, “and the baby?” 


Chapter 5