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

“Hello, Mr. Bennett, I’m Lorna. If you’ll follow me we can get you started. Dr. Mills will be in shortly but I need to take your vitals while we wait.” She was the model of professionalism but Russell noticed Bernice roll her eyes.


“Lorna, this is Russell, not Mr. Bennett. He’s our very own Dr. Peter’s significant other, which you should know by now.” She chuckled. “You’ll make him feel old if you call him by his surname.”


Russell followed Lorna to a case room. She quickly and efficiently took his blood pressure reading and temperature, recorded both on the chart, and smiled. “I hope I don’t come across too formal. I’m new here and still feeling my way around the culture of the place.”


Chapter 40