As Josh Tully returns home from running errands, he stumbles across a handsome man leaving his apartment complex. Distracted by the charming new stranger, Josh spills his groceries across the front stoop. As the new neighbor helps Josh pick up his belongings, a sudden surge of electricity sparks between the two young men. When Eddie returns to Josh’s apartment with a fresh gallon of milk, a chance meeting turns into mutual attraction. But a severe case of pneumonia lands Josh in the hospital and Eddie stays at his side, and their budding friendship deepens. Eddie is not the nesting type, and he does not stay in one place for long. But as days turn to weeks, something in Josh’s laid-back persona draws Eddie to the small Minnesota town of Gordonville and through the door of Josh’s heart. Will Eddie decide to stay this time ... and for how long?

A Door to the Heart

“Get lots of rest!” Lynn yells out the window.


Josh sees his mom wiping her moist eyes with a manicured finger.


Josh waves. Eddie leans into Josh, wrapping his arms around him. “You’re really lucky to have parents like them.”


Josh nods, linking his fingers through Eddie’s. “I’m also lucky to have you.”


When the holiday rush is over Josh resumes his ordinary life. He goes back to work at Cinema Palace, telling Eddie, “I’m going to adhere to my mother’s advice and work fewer hours.”


He and Eddie spend more quality time together: bowling, strolling through the park, and finding new things to share together. They muster enough courage to hold hands in public, sitting side by side on the swings, going to the movies, and sharing a quick peck on the cheek in the dark theater.


Evenings become an intimate time of handholding and philosophical discussions about their present and future lives.


Chapter 13