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

Russell took his man in his arms when silence reigned over their home. He thought about this since Peter told him that Cody was part of the family. “We got a fish, a dog, and now, a boy. I’m not sure which feels like the most human of the three, but we need more space. I want to buy a house. If you’re happy here, I understand, and we’ll be regular visitors as long as it is convenient. Just don’t get Cody hooked on you and drop him like yesterday’s trash. You will have to deal with me.”


A broken boy, a spastic fish, a newly trained pup, and an extraordinarily loving man in the same condo could only lead to an emotional breakdown. And who, for the love of God, would ever have figured it to be Bernice? She barrelled in like a hurricane. Cody was scared, Moe was surprised, and Joey, who got moved to the living room, ignored that hand without flakes. She swept the lad into a sumo wrestler type hug while tears flowed from her eyes.


Chapter 31