Successful lawyer Russell Bennett struggles with three issues -- he’s alone, having lost his immediate family to cancer; he’s also susceptible to the disease; and he’s infatuated with his doctor, who represents everything he could ever dream of in a partner. Dr. Peter Wilson has realised his dream of providing a safe and caring medical space for the LGBTQ population. But he’s conflicted between his personal interest in Russell Bennet and the need for professional conduct. But when Russell’s test results come back, the results are sobering. The two decide to confront Russell’s cancer treatments together. But it isn’t happy ever after yet. A well-meaning friend arranges a reunion between Russell and his estranged father. Soon after, they meet two young orphans who’ve had their own tragedies. With the adoption process ongoing, they all have to adapt to their new family dynamics. Then they adopt another child whose paternal grandparents take legal action to gain custody. Will Russell and Peter be able to weather the storms as they struggle to build a real family?

A Real Family

Bernice laughed, did a few things on her keyboard, and sat back. “I love marzipan. You’re obviously a man of breeding and good taste. You have my permission to do what you will with Dr. Whatshisname. You’ve got to promise to bring him back in one piece Tuesday morning.”


The door opened and Trevor, Helen, and Peter came in. All three stopped and smiled. Russell walked over, wrapped Peter in a hug, and kissed him. The blush that went over Peter’s face was priceless. “That’s payback for what I’ve heard about my rantings during the colonoscopy. You could have warned me how bad I was. Apparently, a judge was having his done after mine. He heard the staff talking and laughing about some of my comments. Fortunately, the man holds me in high regard—well, at least he used to.”


Chapter 11