Ashley “Buck” Buchanan moved back home to take care of his sick mother when he was 22. That was the first time he met Pippin, the neglected 6-year-old boy next door. Fifteen years later, Buck, a caretaker by nature, offers up his couch for Pippin, who needs a break from his mom and a quiet place to sleep.<br><br>Pippin Olander is a ray of sunshine despite his emotionally lacking upbringing and works hard to make a better life for himself. Even though he’s fiercely self-sufficient, he learns to accept help from Buck, his rock and the only steady presence in his life.<br><br>Their friendship deepens and grows into something more as they spend time together. But when other people try to throw a wrench in the works, when Pippin’s independence is triggered, can Buck and Pippin trust in the love they’ve found?

His Steady Heart

Despite his bravado and independence, there’s still an air of innocence about him. There’s something vulnerable about his full mouth, with the pouty lower lip and pronounced Cupid’s bow when he’s not smiling. The way his brown hair—almost black, like dark-roasted coffee—always falls over his left eye and how he tries to push it out of the way with an impatient brush of the back of his hand, which shows his uncoordinated movements. His huge brown eyes twinkle with happiness most of the time and drink in everything happening around him with enthusiasm, but fill with loneliness when he doesn’t think anyone’s looking,


But Ilook. Probably more than I should, considering he’s sixteen years my junior. The spine of steel, the bubbly joy, and the vulnerability he does everything to hide, make my belly all warm. Make it impossible for me to look away.


With a shake to my head, I slam my palm on the book and push it away. I need to stop being ridiculous, right this second.


Chapter 4