Tristan used to be top salesman at his firm, but when his friends suffered a tragedy, he stepped in to support them. Their ordeal over, Tristan turned to partying to ease his new solitude. Now his job is at risk and he stands to lose his home. Rain spent years putting up with his husband Milo's bad behavior before moving out. Single again and insecure, Rain dreams of creating a marionette show to celebrate kids on the autism spectrum in honor of his son. When Rain meets his neighbor Tristan, he's drawn to Tristan's sex-appeal and protective nature. But Milo keeps pulling on Rain's strings and messing with his head. Tristan loves everything about Rain, including the strange sandwiches, mismatched socks, crazy marionettes, glitter makeup, and messy apartment. And Rain wants to give Tristan everything, but can he cut lose from Milo's hold?

A Touch of Rain

“Attaboy,” Bernie said. “I should leave you two alone now I think.” She looked at Rain. “You all right? I mean—it’s a lot to take in. I hope you know that you’re part of our family now. You and Pip.”


“It feels great.” Rain sighed with relief. Something inside him could breathe again. Hope again. “Really amazing.”


Bernie hugged Tristan hard. “It’s time we all had a talk and made a few changes,” she said into his ear. She leaned back, and with the tenderest of expressions, ruffled Tristan’s dark hair. “Man, the girls sure have your hair.” She laughed and bent to Rain to hug him, too. “Thanks, sweetie,” she said. “You’ve brought us all closer. You’re a gift, Rain. Hope you know that.”


After she’d left, Tristan let out a long breath, looking around and seemingly reconnecting with reality. “Wow…what a night.”


Rain stood. “Come on, let’s go to bed. I don’t want to leave Pip alone any longer than I have to. And you must be exhausted.”


Chapter 60