Bill Hawkins owns a bed-and-breakfast in the small mountain town of Middleton. He loves his life, his family, and his friends. The only thing missing is someone to call his own. A man he can love who will love him in return.<br><br>Erik King takes off when he catches his boyfriend in bed with another man. He's looking for somewhere away from that city. Perhaps a small town where life is less hectic and the people are friendly. What he is not looking for is a new man in his life.<br><br>When a winter snowstorm lands Erik at Bill's B&B, he finds the younger man too interesting, and goes on the run, again. The question becomes, will he realize he can't run from his feelings and return in time to celebrate Thanksgiving—and admit to Bill that he cares for him -- giving them both a reason to be thankful?

Bill and Erik

“Oh, Bill, you shouldn’t have,” Mrs. Greene said, hugging him.


“It wasn’t me. It was the winter elves,” he replied with a grin.


“Whoever it was, thank you,” Mr. Greene said. “This adds to the celebration.”


“I presume you’re having dinner at the Dusty Rose.”


“Of course,” Mr. Greene replied. “I called to make reservations a week ago. You’re invited, if you want.”


“Thank you, but this is your special day. Candlelit dinner, a romantic walk along the river afterward…”


“Freezing our asses off,” Mr. Greene said. “Maybe there’s no snow, but it’s colder than sin out there.”


Bill chuckled. “I noticed. Anyway, happy anniversary. If you need anything, anything at all, let me, Mattie, or Roger know.”


“We will. Not that we ever do. It’s one reason we like coming up here. You anticipate everything and there’s never a problem.”


With a slight bow, Bill thanked him and left, going back to the foyer.


Chapter 5