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

“Mind a bit of company or would you prefer to reflect on your own? I can always go bond with Joey two…or is it Joey three now? We’re going to have to introduce the kids to the reality of life before they find him floating lifeless one day and wonder what went wrong.”


Every time Joey shed his mortal coil the kids were distracted by one father while the other hurried to the pet shop to buy his replacement. Each Joey was buried in the garden.


“Let’s watch the sun come up for now. We’ll explain the rules of life to the kids later.” Russell glanced up at Peter and smiled. “I remember the first few times I looked at you after waking up and nearly swooned. Now when I see you my heart still flutters. Face it stud, you got me—hook, line, and sinker.”


Chapter 71