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

My heart is fully invested—has been for a long time—and would be irrevocably damaged if he were to break it.


But then he looks at me with a glacier-melting smile and my worry bleeds away.


The question isn’t ifhe likes me back, I’m sure that he does. The question is what I’m going to do about it.


I start by reciprocating his touches. All this time, he’s been the one to initiate them; I’ve held back because of the age difference. Sure, I’ve hugged him back, but never once taken the first step to physical contact.


When I get home from work the next morning, I show my gratitude for the hot chocolate, the burning tealights, and his sleepy, wonderful smile by hugging him.


It’s a spur-of-the-moment thing. He’s too darned irresistible with his hair in complete disarray, pillow marks on his cheeks, and sluggish movements that are more uncoordinated than usual.


Chapter 20