Can two broken men build one life? Ten years. That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there. Ten days. That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him. Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future -- and a relationship -- that both had thought impossible. Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know ...

“Thank you, Nora, you look lovely yourself. Happy Birthday.” Makai kissed her cheek, and she blushed lightly at the compliment. She did look nice in her summery dress, Emil admitted.


“Who is hitting on my wife?” Dad rumbled from the living room.


Emil rolled his eyes and called back, “Eww, Dad, you’re talking about my mother and my partner here.”


A pleasant chuckle drew them all into the living room where Dad sat in his armchair by a small end table Makai had made them just because he could. A vase sat on the table, placed carefully on top of a small table cloth, and it was filled with sunflowers, Mom’s favorites.


“I have to say, I don’t think you have anything to worry about, not after getting her those.” Makai smirked at Dad and went to sit on the couch.


Emil sighed, resigned to his fate, and held out the bag they had for Mom’s presents. “Here, before these two can say any more things that mildly disturb me, open your presents!” He sat next to Makai, and Mom took the other end.


Chapter 90