City planner Remy McIntosh is looking forward to spending the holidays with his lover, architect Lane Anders. For the past six months, he’s been planning the perfect getaway -- two weeks in a forest cabin at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. Remy also has a special gift he can't wait to give Lane on Christmas Day: a wedding ring. But Remy's ex-wife changes her Christmas plans at the last minute, and asks him to take care of their eight-year-old son, Braeden. Remy loves spending time with his son, but balks at the idea of taking a child along on vacation. The main problem is that Braden has never met Lane, and doesn't know his father is gay. Lane is ready to take his relationship with Remy to the next level, and has a secret Christmas gift of his own. Having a young boy along will put a crimp in their plans, to be sure, but Lane wants to be a part of every aspect of Remy's life, and that includes Braden. How will Braden deal with meeting the "other man" in his father's life? What happens when Remy’s romantic holiday for two must also include his son?

Just the Three of Us

Wrapping his arms through Lane’s, Remy hugged his lover close and rested his head on Lane’s shoulder. “I’ll get the bags,” Lane told him, “and you get Braden.”


“Let me give you the tour first,” Remy said. He released his hold on Lane and slipped his hand into Lane’s pocket, as well.


Lane took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Lead the way.”


Their shoes clomped on the steps, then on the porch. Lane had to let go of Remy’s hand long enough for Remy to unlock the door, but took it again before they went inside. Remy reached for a light switch just inside the door, turning on a pair of lamps framing a large, dark sofa seated directly in front of the fireplace.


Chapter 22