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,” he says at last, “Father Genet is like a son to me.” He looks into my eyes and I can see he’s being honest. He cares about Alistair. “And believe me, although he suffers greatly at times, and though perhaps it might appear as if he’s torn between flesh and faith, he’s still so young, still so very, very young. We need, no, we must give him time. We must allow God to find His way through him so that He may accomplish His work through our dear Alistair. Do you understand? Even Christ had His demons to fight.”


Father Masson holds his breath, nodding gravely.


“You’re asking me to walk away from the man I love more than life itself?”


“Oh, child.” Father Masson looks away at the fire. “My dear child. If only you knew how much he needs the church. And the church needs him.”


Chapter 47