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

I tapped the bottom right corner. “Your turn.”


Violet was quick. She made her move right away. Then, I put another O right beside my first one. By blocking me, she lined herself up to win. No matter which of the two boxes I chose, she would put an X in the other one and have three in a row.


“You got me again. Two weeks in a row.”


“Now, go get your bookbag.” Mickey kissed her on the head. “Tell Mr. Junk thank you, first, though.”


“She can call me anything she wants,” I told Mickey. “You’re welcome, Violet.” We watched her walk to the house, and then I turned to Mickey. “How’s the tag sale collection co—?”


The moment Violet was inside, Pops was on the horn.


“Getting it all gather—” Another blast cut off Mickey’s words, too.


“Come on, boy!” Pops bellowed. “We have…”


“Fifteen hundred more stops.” We all finished it together.


Chapter 27