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

“Can’t seem to find a good one. ‘M startin’ to think there’s somethin’ wrong with me.”


He huffs and rolls his eyes. “Please.”


“What areyou looking for in a guy?”


I shove away my plate and rest my forearms on the bar, hands clutching the cup. “I want…someone who wants the same things in life I do. Stability. Mutual respect. A quiet life with love and companionship. And I want someone who’ll let me take care of him.” My cheeks heat when I reveal my secret, but I keep going. “I’ve always had this need to take care of people. Aubrey said Ma could move in with her when she got sick, but I wanted to be there for Ma. She took such good care of us when we were kids. Besides, it makes me feel good.”


He covers my hands with his, the warmth of his palms blazing against my skin, and his touch gives me the courage to go on. “I want someone who sees the real me and likes what he sees. I don’t wanna be lonely all the time.”


Chapter 11