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

Seconds later, Alistair appears. He’s wearing a white cassock. Father Masson is right behind him.


“Ryde, what are you doing here?” Alistair happily waves at me from the altar. “How did you get in?”


He’s gone. My lover is gone again. All there is now is this child.


“I just…I wanted to say hello.” I stuff my hands into my pockets. “Do you have Mass?”


Father Masson says something into Alistair’s ear and comes down to me. “Father Genet showed up this morning,” he says when he’s reached me. He’s careful not to speak too loudly. “He was, uh, wanting my help with a sermon.”


I check over Masson’s shoulder. Alistair is busy at the altar. “Help me.” I look into Masson’s eyes. “Help me. Please.”


Father Masson sighs. “Get a hold of yourself.”


“No! Help me!” I implore him. “Now, please, help me.”


With a grave expression, Masson looks back at Alistair. “What can I do?”


Chapter 69