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

Mickey smiled when I glanced his way. I wanted him to be imagining the same dream, or maybe a Thanksgiving scene, with the four of us at my and Pops’ place after the parade. Gathered at our plates, we’d all tell what we were thankful for, starting with each other.


Mickey, Pops, and I would always make sure Violet found it first.


“Make a wish,” Mickey would tell her.


“I wish Daddy and The Big Junk Man would get married, and all of us would be a family together.”


“Wishes come true, Violet,” Mickey would say. “Junk…” Down on one knee, he’d look up at me, his smile hopeful, Violet’s beaming, one on even Pops’ face. “Will you marry me?”


Chapter 20