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

She never finished high school and never worked a day in her life, and all she felt she could do was find men that would support her a while before moving on.


Her voice is devoid of all emotion through her entire speech. A little smirk plays in the corner of her mouth, and I want to rub it off her face.


“I should have listened to my parents. Pippin would have been better off without me. I know that now. But he’smy sonand I love him, no matter what anyone believes.”


I don’t know what to say. What to do. Her story explains a lot. Thrown out of the house as a teenager. No education; no support system. My heart aches for Crystal the young girl.


“But you’re an adult now. You know better,” I say, the image of little six-year-old Pippin on the stairs to their house forever burned into my memory.


Chapter 15