When Hugh Mathews decides it's time to get out from under his tyrannical father's thumb and away from the life he's been living, he does it in a big way. Packing what he'll need to survive in the wilderness, and with only his dog, Orion, for companionship, he heads into the mountains. When they find a abandoned cabin, Hugh begins the arduous task of repairing it, as well as hunting for food and everything else they'll need to stay alive.<br><br>Soon after, Ansel Jeffries, a nature photographer, arrives at Hugh's cabin, seeking an abandoned mine he wants to photograph. After talking with him, Ansel sees the potential for a story in what Hugh is doing -- and why.<br><br>Ansel convinces Hugh to let him tell it, meaning he'll be living at the cabin with Hugh. When he moves in, will what becomes friendship between the two men grow into more?

Off the Beaten Path

Some of his thoughts must have shown on his face, because Ansel took his hand, saying, “I’ll be right there with you when the time comes, I promise.”


“Thank you,” Hugh replied, gripping Ansel’s hand.


Hugh quickly pulled his hand away so the waitress could put down their meals. For a second he wondered if she’d say something demeaning about two men holding hands. She didn’t. Instead, she smiled and winked, saying “Enjoy your dinner.”


They did. Hugh savored every bite as if it was the first time he’d ever had a hamburger. From the look on Ansel’s face, he was thoroughly enjoying his as well.


“Question,” Ansel said halfway through. “Are you planning on shaving before you see your father?”


Chapter 41