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

What would have happened to me if Ma had reacted differently? If she had disowned me and thrown me out? I was a couple years older than Crystal was—seventeen instead of fifteen—had a part-time job, and helped take care of my baby sister and the house. I had my crap amazingly together for a guy at that tender age, and I like to believe I would have managed better than Crystal. But there’s no way of knowing. The trauma of being abandoned by the one I trusted the most could have badly screwed with my head.


So who am I to judge Crystal? I should blame her parents and all the men who have used her over the years. But on the other hand, it’s impossible to ignore fifteen years of being angry on Pippin’s behalf.


My ma didn’t have an education either, but she found a way. She worked off her behind to keep us clothed and fed, which is probably why I’m still angry at Crystal. Has she even triedgetting a job? Ever?


Chapter 16