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

I need to get him out of this house. Soon. Now


“I think I should go check up on him—”


“Sit down. I wanna say something else.”


“Now, I’ve been thinking about you and about what Alistair says about you. He thinks you’re like Thomas, doubting everything, but that with time and guidance, just like Thomas the apostle, you’ll come around and help Alistair in his journey.”


“What journey? Where’s he going?” I’m humoring her.


“He’s going to become a priest, Rydell. And maybe one day, he’ll become our supreme leader. He’ll be our dear Roman pontiff.”


“Yes!” she shouts, and I stop breathing. “He’s been chosen, do you understand? Chosen! He’s seen Him. He’s seen Him in his room and I’ve felt Him here too!”


“Okay. Okay.” I look around the kitchen, needing to see real things. We’re still on earth. Good. “I won’t stand in his way or anything. I mean, you know, if he wants to move into the Vatican and all.”


Chapter 17