Tom Foster has his life planned out, and he's systematically pursuing his goals. At twenty-two, he's been organist and choirmaster at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for three years, he's working on his doctoral thesis, and he's beginning a secondary career performing in concert. There is no room in his schedule for romance ... until Noah Webster, a gorgeous green-eyed blond, walks into the church one evening to audition for the choir.<br><br>What starts as an arrangement of convenience -- Tom's usual page turner is unavailable, and Noah agrees to do the job-soon turns into a fast friendship. Then Noah, who is saddled with an obnoxious roommate, rents the spare bedroom in Tom's house, and ultimately the two men become lovers and partners in life.<br><br>But before they can ride off into the sunset together, they must face one major obstacle: Noah's violent, homophobic Southern Baptist father.

Love Turns the Page

“I have a very special announcement to make this afternoon,” John said. “I learned earlier today that our own Tom Foster has just been awarded his PhD from the University of North Florida. Tom has been our organist and choirmaster for three years now, and I’ve never known a finer young man or a finer church musician. So congratulations, Dr. Foster, but remember this—you may now outrank me in the halls of academe, but I’m still the boss around here.”


He raised his hands in Tom’s direction, waited for the expected titter to run through the crowd, and began to clap, as did everyone in the building. Finally, John again signaled for silence. When he had it, he invited everyone present to partake of refreshments in the courtyard. Then he gave the benediction.


Chapter 35