Julian Junk was often teased about his last name and his father's occupation as a garbageman. Mackensie Keller grew up privileged and spoiled. As teens, Junk and Mickey make plans for their future, but when Mickey is sent off to boarding school, he tells Junk their parents are probably right -- they just don't belong together.<br><br>Back in town ten years later, Mickey is all grown up. He and Junk reconnect as adults, but so much was said, and so much has changed. Though he asks for forgiveness, which Junk grants, though old romantic feelings are quickly rekindled, Mickey is reluctant to bring a new man into his young daughter's life after his last relationship's failure. He's also harboring a secret, one that threatens to spoil upcoming Thanksgiving plans.<br><br>Once Junk discovers the source of Mickey's dilemma, he devises a crafty plan to make everything right. Will it work out? Will Mickey accept his help, and can the two of them make a go of it with so much stacked against them?

One Man's Junk

“It’s all yours now, like the sign says?”


“Technically, it’s the bank’s. I have a mortgage.”


I assumed people in the Keller’s income bracket just handed over property like passing out gum.


“It seemed like it was time to come home,” Mickey said.


“Yeah. I was a little worried about uprooting Violet, but she loves it here. You’re her Tic Tac Toe buddy. She and I are really into pretend cooking and baseball, when not out riding. Girl can crack a ball.”


“Ah. What’s wrong with the truck?” Of all the questions in my head, that was the one I figured I was most prepared to have answered.


“I don’t know how to fix it, that’s what’s most wrong.”


“I’ll get it to a mechanic sooner or later.”


“I don’t mind. I’m good at fixing things. You…you told me that once.”


“Think you’ll fit?” Mickey poked my belly.


Chapter 12