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

At their table, Mrs. Foster said, “Noah, you were absolutely wonderful this afternoon. I had no idea what to expect when we sat down in that pew, and I certainly didn’t expect perfection, but it was exactly that.”


“Thanks, Mrs. Foster,” Noah said. “Tom’s been giving me lessons several times a week since last summer.”


“I certainly hope you intend to make a career of music,” she said, “and ‘Mrs. Foster’ sounds so formal. Why don’t you call me Cynthia?”


“I’m thinking about a career in music but haven’t quite decided,” Noah said. “And, I’ll try to remember to call you by name.”


“As for you, young man,” Mrs. Foster said, “why didn’t you tell me about your doctorate?”


“Mom, didn’t you hear what I said to John? I didn’t know about it. I wasn’t expecting to know anything until next week, and I still haven’t figured out how he knew.”


“Dr. Foster,” she said. “That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?.”


“Speaking of rings,” Barbara said, “my artist’s observing eye has spotted something.”


Chapter 36