H.D. Nels

When Martin Provost comes out to his family, his parents accept him but, surprisingly, his twin sister does not. On his way home, Martin’s car is hit by a truck that crosses into his lane. He survives the accident, but barely -- he is unresponsive. Anthony Carsen is a widower trying to deal with his partner’s suicide. He lives near the scene of Martin’s accident and rushes to help, though he thinks he might be too late. Though Martin’s body is in a coma, his spirit is drawn to Anthony, and soon the two fall in love. But Martin’s isn’t the only presence in Anthony’s home, and soon other spirits make their presences known. Martin isn’t dead, but his life is fading fast. Can Anthony convince his spirit to return to his body? Will Anthony’s late partner leave him and Martin in peace to pursue their love? If the spirit is willing ...

If the Spirit Is Willing

Martin had a restless night, with barely any sleep. He was also as irritable as he had ever been in his whole life. He didn’t mean to be an asshole but he couldn’t wait to get back to the house, the deacon’s bench, and Anthony. He regretted it when a nurse’s aide brought him breakfast, and he implied where she should put it. He felt bad after the physiotherapist came by to wish him well and outline the exercise regimen ahead of him. He told him he’d like to see him put himself into one of those pretzel positions, and kiss his own ass for a change.


His frown melted when Anthony came in and gave him a quick kiss good morning. “We’d best get you dressed and out of here, tiger. I heard the nursing staff talking about calling someone from the wildlife department to bring a dart gun to tranquillize and relocate you to a remote place so humans would be safe. What has you so irritable?”


Chapter 19