Shakespeare-loving teacher Elliot Dunn has been unhappy living in the big city for a long time. He yearns for fresh air, visible stars, and stillness, but his relationship with divorce lawyer Mick Hudson keeps him from moving away. When a dramatic event occurs in Elliot’s class, he’s shaken to his core and suddenly can’t stay anymore. He leaves his partner of two years behind and returns to the tiny town in the mountains where he grew up. Living in a rented cabin in the woods, with only an owl for company, Elliot slowly regains his peace of mind. But being away from Mick is agonizing, and when a ghost from Elliot's past pays him a visit, everything comes to a head. Elliot is faced with a hard decision. Should he stay on the stress-free mountainside alone, or return to the hustle of the city and try to make a life with Mick?

Find His Way Home

As he got himself in order, he worried more about his partner. Mick was unhappy at the firm, and despite Elliot pulling out all the stops and cooking him his favorite meals, he hadn’t gained back all the weight he’d lost during the months they’d been separated.


Mick’s boss had found himself another golden boy, sticking Mick with the easy cases, so uncomplicated a paralegal could handle them. He didn’t complain, though, always tried to be optimistic, and said things would change as his boss got used to him being gay. Elliot wasn’t so sure.


As he arrived at the next bus stop, his phone rang.


“Elliot, are you busy right now?” Mick asked when he answered.


Elliot frowned and checked the time. Usually Mick was at the office for at least two more hours. “Now?”


“Yes, now. I’ll pick you up at home. I’ll be there in thirty.” Mick hung up before Elliot had the chance to ask where they were going. On cue, the bus arrived.


Chapter 23