When Byron Randall -- in his mid-fifties, single and alone -- moves into a new condo complex, he meets another resident, fifty-five year old realtor Jonah Hyland -- also single since his breakup with his much younger lover. The two middle-aged men become friends, sharing common interests in gardening and hiking.<br><br>As their friendship deepens, each man wonders if he has found someone he could learn to care for. Then Jonah's ex reappears in his life, much to Byron's dismay. Will this end Byron and Jonah's budding romance? Or will they discover that, together, they can let go of loneliness?

Let Go of Loneliness

“I could keep doing this for hours,” Byron murmured. “Kissing you in such a beautiful setting. Warm breezes, the sound of the stream rushing down to the lake. The birds singing.”


Jonah smiled, wrapping one arm around Byron’s waist. “You have a touch of the poet in you. Living up to your name?”


“I could say he was a distant relative. But I’d be lying. The poetry comes from being with you.”


“I like the idea I’m inspiring you.”


“You are. I’m inspired to do things to you, with you…” Byron gazed at Jonah. “If we weren’t teetering on the edge of a cliff…”


“In the middle of the wilderness. And if we were youngsters, who don’t mind a few stones poking them in sensitive spots.”


Byron laughed. “There is that. So let’s eat the lunch I slaved over, finish our hike, and go home.”


Taking Byron’s hand, Jonah led the way up the path a few yards to a wide, grassy spot. “Did you pack a tablecloth?”


Chapter 14