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

“Or what, Dad?” Hugh said. “You’ll throw a hissy fit because you don’t like that we’re a couple, and lovers?”


“I think on that note we should leave, before he has a heart attack,” Ansel said with a brief smile as he steered Hugh out of the living room.


“Hugh, get back here this minute,” Mr. Mathews shouted.


Ignoring him, Hugh and Ansel left the house. The moment the door closed behind them, Hugh leaned against it, his whole body shaking.


Ansel gathered him into his arms. “It’s going to be all right,” he said softly. “You’re going to beall right, once you realize you’re finally free of him.”


“I know. It’s just…” Hugh shuddered. Then he smiled, albeit weakly. “I did it. I’m finally my own man, not his…his obedient, cowering son, but me, Hugh Mathews, ruler of my life.”


“King of the world,” Ansel said, kissing him.


“Well, of my world,” Hugh replied after kissing him back. Taking Ansel’s hand, he said, “Let’s go somewhere, and celebrate.”


Chapter 44