A broken-hearted Ward Cartwright left town to join the army when his boyfriend Tyler Hughes turned his back on their love and married a woman. Ten years later, Tyler is a widower with two young boys, and Ward has returned home. He is hopeful he can re-establish his relationship with Tyler. Even though a decade has passed, Tyler still feels tied to the family-owned feed mill. He has folks depending on the mill for employment, there are his children to consider, they live in a small town, and ... But despite this, Tyler finds there are plenty of benefits to giving Ward a job in the mill -- lots of out-of-the-way places to explore Ward’s army-honed, muscular body. Just when Tyler resolves to live more openly with Ward, rumors begin to surface, not just at the mill, but at his sons’ school. Ward knows the upcoming battle is just as serious as anything he’s faced in Afghanistan. Instead of fighting for his country, the soldier is fighting for his lover’s heart. Will Ward finally emerge victorious, or will Tyler’s self-doubt and fear of prejudice win out again?

Welcome Home, Soldier

Ward gave him a ‘What’s she saying?’ expression.


“Maybe not church cuz we’re gonna be up late watching a movie.”


“A movie is more important than hearing God’s word?” Emily Pierce asked stiffly.


“Well, this is kind of a special occasion.”


“But,” Tyler suddenly felt determined. “We willbe there for dinner and there will be four of us.”


“Four?” Mother Pierce asked, sounding as if this was the last thing she’d expected to hear


“That’s a surprise,” Tyler said with a wink at Ward.


“Well…well all right. We’ll…we’ll see you after church then.” Mrs. Pierce sounded flustered.


Tyler hung up. He felt like he couldn’t believe what he’d just done.


Ward just stared at Tyler with his mouth open. “Have you gone crazy?” he asked.


Chapter 69