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

“Maybe her house is on fire?” I joke, knowing it isn’t because I’d see the flames from the window.


“If it was, I hope she’d be smart enough to callfor help instead of texting.”


Just as I close my eyes—as though she heard us—the phone rings.


“Oh, my God,” he hisses as he feels around for the phone. When he finds it, he stabs the screen. “Yes?”


I can hear his mom’s voice—she sounds excited—but I can’t make out the words.


“Now? But I’m asleep,” he says, voice full of annoyance.


Carefully, I free my arm, kiss his cheek, and point to the bathroom when he raises an eyebrow at me. I want to give him some privacy.


After peeing and brushing my teeth, I rejoin him, ready to head to the kitchen if he’s still on the phone. But he isn’t. He’s gotten out of bed, peeling off the clothes he slept in and putting on fresh garments, scowling.


Chapter 26