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

“No, not like that. Just for a little while. I’ll be back.”


Silence falls over the room, and for the first time ever, it’s uncomfortable. Then his fingers comb away my hair from my forehead and he brushes a kiss on my cheek.


My eyes start to prickle, and I swallow.


“I’ll be back,” he repeats and gives me another kiss. “I promise.”


I lay there, unmoving, listening to him getting dressed and walking out the door. Listening to the loneliness spreading through my house like wildfire.


I trust him. I know he’ll keep his promise and not run away, but I can’t help feeling like I lost something today just because I didn’t think before I spoke.


He’s not back when I go to bed. I lay on my side, facing away from the door, squeezing my eyes shut and breathing deep, trying to relax. But I can’t.


Chapter 29