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

“It’s so weird to me that someone who really knows you would think that’s who you are.”


“You’re nothing but a big old softie, Ashley Buchanan.” The words could have been my ma’s; she always used to tell me the same thing. But I didn’t expect him to notice.


My grumbling brings a smile to his face, and thankfully he changes the subject. “What brought you to this fine establishment?”


“I was out for a drive. When I got back to town, I ended up here.” I groan inside. I just blurt out stuff around him. Usually, I’m a man of few words, but around him, I can’t seem to shut up.


But he doesn’t comment on my words. Instead, he asks about my plans for the weekend, and when I tell him about the pile of sandpaper and the buckets of paint waiting for me at home, he offers to help.


“You don’t hafta do that,” I say.


Chapter 9