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

“Well, that’s up to you, I suppose. It, uh, wouldn’t hurt to offer an apology.”


Mickey’s smiles had always come easily, at least for me. Maybe just for me. Was hoping or believing that just wishful thinking? “Not you, dork. Me.” His smile faded. “If I had my life to live over…Well, I’m not sure what I would change.” Mickey hung his towel on a length of rope as we talked, and then started pulling at chipping paint on the back of the barn. “In my head, I have a different vision of how things might have gone, but a little from column A and a little from column Bmight not end up where I want it to. So, I’m sorry I was a snob and a jerk. I’m sorry I didn’t treat you the way you deserved to be treated, and I’m sorry my parents took yours to court. I’m especially sorry that your mom died.”


“My mom didn’t die because your parents took her and Pops to court, Mickey.”


“I know. Intellectually, I get it. It happened so fast, afterwards, though.”


Chapter 17