Fourteen years ago, on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend Alistair he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared. But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident. Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him ... until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet. Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair has never died. It’s stronger than ever. But can it win over the repressed memories slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart?

Craving's Creek

“Ryde, do you know how much I love you? I love you so much that if you told me you were a serial killer and needed me to hide the bodies, I’d help you.” She gives me a look that makes me feel small and humble. “You understand?”


Her love is so big, it’s like standing in front of the ocean with a straw. No matter how much I try, I’ll never be able to take all my mother’s love in.


“So, you got something to tell me?”


“Yeah,” I breathe out. “I do. But maybe you know it already.” I toss the words out in a hurry. “I’m gay.”


She reaches out for my hand. “Come here.” I sit by her and she pulls my head to her shoulder. “It’s okay, Ryde, baby. I love you.” She laughs and I laugh too. “Okay?” She kisses my hair and stands. “Don’t tell your father just yet. I’ll ease him into it in time.”


It’s so easy with her. It’s not going to be like that for Alistair. “Alistair thinks it’s a sin. You know what I mean?”


Chapter 8