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

He grins from ear to ear and waves at me. He looks over at his mom and nudges her. His excitement is worth this awful tie squeezing my neck. Mrs. Genet looks over at me and her mouth jars open. Sitting proudly, I wink at her. She crosses herself and looks back at the makeshift altar.


For the rest of the service, Alistair squirms in his seat like he’s got ants in his pants. He keeps looking over at me and smiling. His smile makes me hot and I try to play it cool, but I can barely sit still anymore. Then everybody is on their feet and I have no idea why. They form two lines in the middle of the aisle. Father Bilodeau stands, holding a silver cup. Two boys, both red-faced and sweating, stand at his side.


This is Communion. I’ve never done it and I know I’m not allowed to because I was never baptized.


I look around and realize I’m the only one sitting in the pews. Alistair frowns at me and motions for me to get up. “I can’t,” I whisper. “I’ve never been baptized.”


Chapter 19