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

When he was sure it wasn’t going to go out on its own, he pulled the mesh iron curtain across the fireplace, then set the metal grate into place. He sat on the coffee table and sipped his wine as he watched the flames dance. They gave off a heady warmth, and were mesmerizing to see.


From the kitchen, Braden called out, “Almost ready, Dad.”


Remy moved from the coffee table to the edge of the couch. Lane was still asleep—his eyes were shut, his brow unwrinkled, his hair disheveled where it had been pushed up against the arm of the couch. The blanket covered his body from foot to chin. He looked so peaceful, Remy almost hated to wake him.


But the clatter of silverware in the kitchen set him into motion. “Lane,” he murmured, brushing a hand across his lover’s forehead. “Dinnertime.”


Lane stirred and rolled against the back of the couch, but didn’t wake.


Chapter 42