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

“Sure,” I say, getting to my feet. “And now you’ve said it. Bye.” Without giving him another look, I walk out. Calm, not rushing. Even though it’s more of an escape than an unflappable retreat, I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing. He yells my name, but I don’t stop or turn around. Instead, I jump into my car and drive home where I throw off my clothes, step into the shower, and scrub this freaking day off my skin.


When Pippin gets home, I’m balancing on a ladder up by the ceiling, furiously sanding the walls in tempo with Slayer growling about blood raining from the sky.


Pippin looks at me with a raised eyebrow and the hint of an amused smile when I wave at him but make no effort to climb down or lower the volume. The music is so loud, the neighbors three blocks over can probably figure out my state of mind.


Chapter 17