Daniel Greene is an artist with an exhibition coming up which he should be excited about, except he isn’t. He can’t sleep, he has no enthusiasm for social activities, and his constant tears and dark thoughts alarm him. When he’s finally diagnosed with depression, he starts the slow process of resisting the dark lure.<br><br>One day Oliver Campbell arrives at Daniel’s gate to deliver art supplies. He’s tall and muscular, and for the first time in a long while, Daniel feels there might be light at the end of the tunnel.<br><br>Yet Oliver has a secret. He has a son, five-year-old Cameron. When he reveals this to Daniel the morning after their first date, Daniel has the courage to reveal his own secret battle with depression. Will these two men be able to accept each other’s secrets and go forward together?

The Darkest Hour

I served dinner and was duly complimented.


“This is the most delicious tiramisu,” said Oliver. “I’d payyou to make some for me.”


I laughed. “You’d have to pay, all right. Not me, though. Papa Giuseppe.”


A look of playful shock materialised on Oliver’s face. “Don’t tell me you cheated. And here was I thinking what a wonderful husband you’d make.”


It was only a light comment. Humorous. I knew that. But the black dog, it seemed, was never far away. I felt a flash of inadequacy. I shouldn’t have told him I’d bought the dessert. I should have made it myself. Hell, he’s going to think I’m useless. He’s going to…


I noticed Oliver’s smile had slipped.


“Did I say something wrong?” he asked.


I shook my head and forced a laugh. “Of course, not. I was wondering.”


“Wondering whether we should have some more dessert.”


Oliver laughed so I was pretty sure I’d saved the situation.


Chapter 15